(a) The General Assembly finds that the State must have sustainable communities in order to:
(1) Preserve and protect the State’s natural resources; and
(2) Achieve the State’s economic growth, resource protection, and planning policy in § 5-7A-01 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(b) The General Assembly finds that sustainable communities are places where public and private investments and partnerships achieve:
(1) Development of a healthy local economy;
(2) Protection and appreciation of historic and cultural resources;
(3) A mix of land uses;
(4) Affordable and sustainable housing and job options; and
(5) Growth and development practices that protect the environment and conserve air, water, and energy resources, encourage walkability and recreational opportunities, and, where available, create access to transit.