1. (a) A sponsor may file one or more applications in accordance with the schedules that the Department establishes.

2. (b) An application shall set forth:

   1. (1) a description of one or more sustainable communities where the sponsor proposes to develop a sustainable community plan or to carry out a community legacy project using the standards listed in § 6-205 of this subtitle;
   2. (2) a detailed description of the proposed sustainable community plan or proposed community legacy project;
   3. (3) the amount and type of financial assistance sought;
   4. (4) the ability of the sponsor to carry out the proposed sustainable community plan or community legacy project;

   5. (5) the strength and quality of partnerships created among the federal government, the State government, political subdivisions, community development organizations, and other private organizations to develop the sustainable community plan or carry out the community legacy project, including:

      1. (i) financial support;
      2. (ii) dedication of staff and resources; and
      3. (iii) commitment to and development of local smart growth policies;

   6. (6) proposed benchmarks for evaluating whether the proposed sustainable community plan or community legacy project results in a desired outcome for a proposed sustainable community, such as:

      1. (i) stabilizing it;
      2. (ii) reversing its social, economic, or physical decline; or
      3. (iii) encouraging growth in it; and
   7. (7) the process used to seek and receive public input on the proposed sustainable community plan or community legacy project, including the nature and extent of public support or opposition.

3. (c)

   1. (1) The Sustainable Growth Subcabinet, on the recommendation of the Secretary, may designate an area as a sustainable community.
   2. (2) If the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet has not acted within 90 days of a recommendation from the Secretary, the Secretary may designate an area as a sustainable community without the approval of the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet.

Added as Housing and Community Development § 6-205 by Acts 2005, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2005. Amended by Acts 2009, c. 726, § 1, eff. July 1, 2009. Renumbered as Housing and Community Development § 6-204 and amended by Acts 2010, c. 487, § 1, eff. June 1, 2010. Amended by Acts 2012, c. 719, § 1, eff. June 1, 2012; Acts 2025, c. 142, § 5.