By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | May 15, 2025

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded over $1 million in grants to help six metro Atlanta areas become more walkable and connected. The $1,040,000 in Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) funding will go toward planning studies that encourage better ways to live, work, and move around without always using a car.

These planning projects will focus on walkability, public transit, bike access, and more vibrant public spaces. After the studies, the cities and groups involved can apply for more federal funds to build what they planned.

The LCI program began 26 years ago. It helps reduce traffic and improve air quality. ARC leaders say the program continues to grow and adapt.

“ARC is wrapping up a full review of the LCI program,” said Samyukth Shenbaga, ARC’s Managing Director of Community Development. “The changes we find will shape this year’s and future projects. Bigger improvements will be ready for 2026 and beyond.”

Here’s a look at the six 2025 grant recipients:

1. Ashby MARTA Station Connectivity Study – City of Atlanta – $200,000

This project will help make the area around the Ashby MARTA Station safer and easier to use. It will build on a 2009 plan and look at better street designs, new bike and pedestrian paths, and more apparent signs. The goal is to connect neighborhoods and public spaces to the station and help more people access transit safely.

2. Avondale Estates Downtown Master Plan Update – City of Avondale Estates – $160,000

Avondale Estates will update its 2014 plan to reflect current growth and ideas. The new version will suggest better transportation options, more housing, and greener public spaces. It will be created with input from city leaders, developers, and residents.

3. Kensington Area Master Plan Update – DeKalb County – $200,000

This update will focus on the area around the Kensington MARTA station. It follows up on a MARTA plan from 2023. The new study will look at how the neighborhood has changed and how to redevelop county-owned land. The goal is to create a fresh, community-driven vision.

4. Cobb Parkway Gateway & Connectivity Study – City of Kennesaw – $160,000

Kennesaw will study its most important road, Cobb Parkway, and how to connect it to downtown better. The project will also look at ways to clean up the area, add green spaces, and encourage new development in empty or poorly kept areas.

5. Olde Town Conyers Master Plan Update – City of Conyers – $160,000

With a new county justice center being built downtown, Conyers plans to update its Olde Town plan. The city wants to make it easier for people to get around and turn the area into a place where workers, residents, and tourists feel welcome and safe.

6. One Northlake – Tucker-Northlake Community Improvement District – $160,000

This plan will improve how people move around the Tucker-Northlake area. It will link bus express lanes, trails, bikeshare stations, sidewalks, and public transit. The goal is to build a network that connects people with jobs, homes, and services.

Each project is designed to improve life for those who live and work in these areas. ARC leaders hope these ideas will lead to new investments, healthier communities, and easier ways to get around.

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