The Atlanta Regional Commission's Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) utilizes federal transportation funds to support local planning that links transportation and land use in town and activity centers in an effort to promote connectivity and walkable communities.

LCI Program Goals:

  • Promote a diverse mix of land uses and housing options
  • Access to a full range of transportation modes
  • Utilize an inclusive planning process

In 2005, Covington and Newton County received funds from ARC for an LCI study. Results convey an image of the Highway 278 Corridor and Covington/Newton County:

FEEL

Safe and Lively

  • Improve sidewalks - lights, tree cover, and handicap access
  • Add signage that makes amenities easy to find
  • Build new developments up to sidewalks
  • Develop parks and greenspaces at key locations

FUNCTION

Efficient and Convenient

  • Concentrate retail to create a critical mass
  • Promote unique types of retail in different nodes
  • Seek shared parking to eliminate surface parking
  • Increase bike and pedestrian access to retail

LOOK

Attractive and Inviting

  • Graduate height and density of housing
  • Include retail at ground level of parking decks
  • Create a gateway to the Central Business District
  • Create gathering spaces for small and large groups

To find out more about project status or ways to get involved in the LCI process, browse the Project Activities.

For more project details and documents, browse the Archive.