The Atlanta Regional Commission in 2000 awarded Sandy Springs Revitalization, Inc. a Livable Centers Initiative [LCI] planning grant totaling $85,820. The funding was used to develop the Livabale Sandy Springs Initiative Report, an urban design and transportation plan for Sandy Springs that calls for a community focus and identity for the downtown commercial district. Since Sandy Springs is at the crossroads of growth in the Atlanta region, the plan recommends a range of mixed-use shopping, residential, civic and recreation amenities along with convenient travel options to get there.

The LCI studies are intended to promote livability, mobility and residential development alternatives in existing employment and town centers throughout the ten-county ARC planning area. In the highly competitive application process, 55 cities and organizations applied for a total of $800,000 in LCI funds available in 2002. Among the 12 winners, SSRI was the only private organization to be selected in this first round of funding. 

With the adoption of the plan in 2001 by the ARC, Sandy Springs became an LCI community making the community eligible for LCI transportation and projects funding though the ARC. The report is on file for viewing at the SSRI office. Copies are available upon request for a fee.