Sustainable Communities

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's Sustainable Communities Program is a place-based designation offering a comprehensive package of resources that support holistic strategies for community development, revitalization and sustainability. Led by the Department, Sustainable Communities has provided local governments with a framework for promoting environmentally, economically and socially responsible growth and development in existing older communities. dhcd.maryland.gov/Communities/Pages/dn/default.aspx SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES ACT OF 2010 The Sustainable Communities Act of 2010 established a shared geographic designation to promote efficient use of scarce State resources based on local sustainability and revitalization strategies.

The Sustainable Communities program consolidated geographically targeted resources for historic preservation, housing and economic development under a single designation. The designation places special emphasis on infrastructure improvements, multimodal transportation and development that strengthens existing communities. The legislation designated the Governor’s Smart Growth Subcabinet as the body charged with final approval of Sustainable Communities designations.