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ARC Seeks Applications for Livable Centers Initiative and Community Development Assistance Programs

Eastside Trail

Atlanta — Jan 24, 2022

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is accepting applications for two local planning programs: the Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) and the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP). The application period for both grants closes on Feb. 28.

The LCI grant program helps communities throughout the Atlanta region re-envision their downtowns and transit nodes as vibrant, walkable places with increased mobility options. CDAP provides technical assistance to local governments to improve quality-of-life in their communities by improving access to resources such as healthy food, affordable housing, and employment opportunities.

The LCI program is seeking applications for projects with a focus on one or more of the following areas: creative placemaking, affordable housing, green infrastructure, and smart city technology. ARC this year is piloting a program to fund applicants that focus on preparing the community to incorporate vehicle charging.

CDAP is seeking applications for projects that focus on one or more of the following priority areas: lifelong communities, historic preservation, impacts of climate change, access to healthy food, affordable housing, workforce development, smart technology and creative placemaking. This year, ARC will prioritize assistance to applicants that demonstrate an active partnership between the local government and a Community Based Organization (CBO).

“Building vibrant communities is an ongoing challenge that requires intentional designs and an equitable framework,” said Sam Shenbaga, Managing Director of ARC’s Community Development Group. “These grants help propel the region forward through innovative planning, keeping the entire community’s needs in mind.”

ARC will host an Open House on Thursday, Jan. 27 that includes a panel of past LCI and CDAP participants who will offer insights about the application process and answer questions.

More information:

About the Grants

Livable Centers Initiative

For nearly two decades, the Livable Centers Initiative has helped transform communities across the region, including City Springs in the City of Sandy Springs, downtown Marietta and the City of Decatur. In 2021, the ARC awarded $1.2 million to fund projects in 11 metro Atlanta communities including Sugarloaf Community Improvement District, the City of South Fulton and Midtown Alliance to increase mobility options, encourage healthy lifestyles, and provide improved access to jobs and services.

This year, ARC is able to award up to $1.8 million in LCI grants. ARC pays up to 80% of each study amount, with a 20% local match. Applicants must be a local government, transit agency or CID, and contain a multi-model transportation nexus.

Once communities complete their LCI plans, they are eligible for federal funding to support projects such as sidewalks, multi-use trails and intersection improvements.

Community Development Assistance Program

The CDAP program provides direct technical assistance to local governments and nonprofits. The program prioritizes projects that improve access to healthy food, historic preservation, lifelong communities and workforce development. ARC and partner assistance is the cornerstone of CDAP, although a limited number of grants may be awarded through the program. Examples of CDAP projects include:

  • Planning – Community-driven and long-range planning assistance to guide neighborhood-wide, sub-regional and county level decision-making.
  • Implementation – Strategic assistance to implement high-priority action items identified in adopted plans.
  • Training – Structured education and awareness programs to help a diversity of decision-makers.
  • Facilitation – Consensus-building activities to help stakeholders achieve desired outcomes for a given program or project.

Past CDAP studies include the Union City Community Garden Manual, the Kennesaw City Cemetery Strategic Plan, the Buford Highway Food Security Assessment, and the Fairburn Creative Placemaking Strategy.

 

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the official planning agency for the 11-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties as well as the City of Atlanta and 74 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission serves as a catalyst for regional progress by focusing leadership, attention and planning resources on key regional issues.

Contact Name: Olivia Haas
Contact Phone: 470-378-1516
Contact Email: ohaas@atlantaregional.org

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CDAP
Community Planning Academy
ConnectA
Empowerline
Georgia Commute Options
Green Communities
LCI
LINK
MARC
Metro Atlanta Speaks
MNG Water Planning District
RLI
State of the Region
UASI
WorkSource GA