Earlier this month, the Cumberland Community Improvement District was awarded a Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) Grant by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). The $100,000 grant will fund a creative placemaking plan that identifies opportunities for placemaking initiatives while promoting pedestrian safety and local art.
This announcement by ARC is exciting news,” said Kim Menefee, executive director for the Cumberland CID. “The award is a crucial next step for our thriving District. This study will add a cohesive community plan to further build upon the vibrancy and energy in Cumberland. Whether it is exploring opportunities for public art, activating our many trails, or working together to enhance pedestrian safety, this plan will enrich the Cumberland identity.
Upon completion of the creative placemaking plan, the Cumberland CID will be eligible to apply for federal transportation funding projects, such as corridor improvements and bike-ped infrastructure, to bring the vision to life.
The LCI program was created in 1999 by ARC to help the region’s communities envision and build healthy, mixed-use, mixed-income developments that help reduce vehicle miles traveled and improve air quality. The program is recognized as a national best practice for how metropolitan planning organizations can lead efforts to alleviate transportation concerns while improving overall quality of life.
About Cumberland CID
The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), Georgia’s first CID, is one of the nation’s premier models of public-private collaboration. More than 190 Commercial property owners pay additional property taxes, and the CID leverages these funds to advance key projects for increased access, better connectivity, and a more vibrant character throughout the Cumberland area. Each year, the CID creates more value for the community by initiating and leading enhancements to make Cumberland a more attractive place to operate a business, to work, and to live. Today, Cumberland has a $23.6 billion annual impact on Georgia’s economy. Cumberland is home to leading companies including The Home Depot, Papa Johns, TKE, Comcast, Genuine Parts Company, and more.
About the Atlanta Regional Commission
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’s mission is to foster thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-informed planning, and investments.
