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Grant awarded for an orientation study before the World Cup in Atlanta

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Grant awarded for an orientation study before the World Cup in Atlanta

The grant is part of nearly $1 million in funding announced for several local government entities around metro Atlanta as part of ARC’s Livable Centers Initiative. The grants fund planning efforts in the Atlanta region “to help communities transform into more walkable, bikeable and workable, playable and living environments.”

Grant recipients, after completing their studies, can apply for federal transportation funds to help them realize the projects’ visions, the ARC said.

“We are excited to partner with our new round of grant recipients who share ARC’s commitment to creating thriving communities for all,” said Samyukth Shenbaga, ARC general manager of community development, in the communicated. “As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the transformative LCI program, we are proud to work with these visionary communities to ensure inclusive, innovative and resilient outcomes.

Business and community leaders are joining forces to prepare downtown for the eight games Atlanta will host during this blockbuster global event.

Several large-scale development projects are underway downtown, including the $5 billion Centennial Yards development. The Centennial Yards development team plans to begin construction this year on six buildings, including an entertainment district across from State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, elements of which will open in time for the tournament.

A renovation of the downtown Five Points MARTA station will also be underway during the World Cup.

Other communities that have received LCI grants from ARC are:

  • The city of Fayetteville, which received $160,000 for a “creative placemaking strategy” for the downtown mixed-use district. Fayetteville is exploring an arts district including an incubator space for local artists.
  • Gwinnett County, which received $280,000 for a Jimmy Carter Boulevard area master plan. The plan will help define a multi-modal transportation system in the region, land use planning recommendations for pedestrian redevelopment, workforce and affordable housing development and preservation, and future focused development. on public transportation.
  • The city of Powder Springs, which received $160,000 to update an earlier LCI plan to improve connections to new city projects including Thurman Springs Park, Powder Springs Dog Park, Auto Amphitheater of the Hardy family and the town hall.
  • The Downtown Community Improvement District in Cobb County, which received $200,000 to update its nearly 10-year-old LCI plan to incorporate recent development and growth in the area, including at Kennesaw State University. The plan will also examine proposed bus rapid transit routes and housing initiatives.

The future of downtown

This story is part of an occasional AJC series examining the future of downtown Atlanta. Several high-profile developments are poised to bring billions of dollars to the city’s heart as it continues to grapple with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and a tough real estate financing market. Downtown will also soon attract international attention when the World Cup comes to Atlanta in 2026, providing a deadline for the city and downtown stakeholders to make promised improvements.

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