​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Program Overview

​​​​Sustainable Communities: Enhancing Maryland Communities by Prioritizing Investment

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's Sustainable Communities Program provides a specific designation for local areas.

The program supports community development, revitalization, and sustainability through coordinated strategies. It gives local governments resources to improve older communities and promote growth that is environmentally, economically and socially responsible.

Sustainable Communities Act of 2010

The Sustainable Communities Act of 2010 created a shared geographic designation to promote the efficient use of State resources. This designation uses local sustainability and revitalization strategies.

The Sustainable Communities program combines resources for:

• Historic preservation
• Housing and economic development under a single designation

The program focuses on:

• Infrastructure improvements
• Multimodal transportation
• Development that strengthens existing communities

The legislation gives the Governor’s Smart Growth Subcabinet final approval over Sustainable Communities designations.

What are Sustainable Communities?

The 2010 Sustainable Communities Act defines Sustainable Community areas as places where public and private investments work together to achieve:

• Development of a healthy local economy
• Protection and appreciation of historical and cultural resources
• A mix of land uses
• Affordable and sustainable housing, and employment options
• Growth and development practices that:
  • Protect the environment
  • Conserve air, water and energy resources
  • Encourage walkability and recreational opportunities
  • Create access to transit where available

Approved Sustainable Communities

For the most accurate and up-to-date boundaries, refer to the Neighborhood Revitalization Mapper.

If you need an accessible version of any of the listed applications, contact Tynan Stevenson:

• Email: [email protected]​
• Subject line: "Reasonable Accommodation Request – [Sustainable Community Name (as listed on this below)]".

List of Applications and Action Plans by county:

State Designated Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Areas

Under Maryland law, State Designated Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Areas constitute Sustainable Community Areas (SCAs) by default. All TOD Designation Applications for Station Areas from 2023 onward contain planning elements that satisfy the plan requirements of State Revitalization Programs (SRPs). As a result, eligible applicants can apply for State SRP funding for eligible projects occurring within all TOD Areas approved after 2023. For TOD designations approved prior to 2023, those areas must either have an approved Sustainable Community Action Plan, or update their TOD Designation Applications with MDOT and the Maryland Sustainable Growth Subcabinet such that they reflect the current TOD Designation Application content and requirements, to be eligible to receive SRP funding.

For more information on State Designated TOD Areas in Maryland, please consult the Maryland Department of Transportation's State TOD Designation Program webpage​.

Eligible Applicants

​Local Governments (municipal or county)​

Eligible Locations

All Sustainable Communities Area applications must meet the following requirements:

• The entire area must be within a Priority Funding Area and show a targeted approach. To check if the address is within a Priority Funding Area, or existing Sustainable Community use the Neighborhood Revitalization Mapper​.
• ​The proposed community should be within or near a town center or transportation center. It must also show a financial need for local revitalization, including support for:
  • Nonprofit organizations,
  • Strengthening older commercial districts and residential communities
  • Improving public amenities

Resources

Various state agencies helped create a revitalization toolbox to support development and revitalization. This toolbox shows how agencies are prioritizing investment in Maryland’s Sustainable Communities.

To apply for certain state programs, you need the Sustainable Community designation. Examples of these programs include:

• Community Legacy
• Strategic Demolition Fund​

Application Process

1. Request an Application Template:

   Send an email to Tynan Stevenson at [email protected]:

   • In the subject line, include: Sustainable Communities [New Designation or Renewal] Application – [Community Name] - [Sponsoring Jurisdiction]
   • In the email body, provide an explanation of the inquiry.
   • Note: For new designation, you will need to have a meeting (in person or virtual) with Sustainable Communities Program staff before applying.
2. Application Submission:

   Municipal and county governments must submit an application that includes:

   • A defined geographic area with an existing built environment. The area needs revitalization or additional state investment to strengthen the local market.
   • A Sustainable Community Action Plan, summarizing key initiatives and projects for the area. The proposed Plan must be consistent with other existing community or comprehensive plans.​
   • A local government resolution supporting both the boundary designation and Action Plan.
3. Application Review:

   An interagency panel will review the application. The panel is led by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

4. Final Approval:

   The panel will present the application to the Governor’s Smart Growth Subcabinet for final approval.

5. Designation Period:

   Once approved, the Sustainable Communities designation is valid for five years.

Contact Information

Program Contact: Tynan Stevenson
Project Manager, State Revitalization Programs
Division of Neighborhood Revitalization
Email: [email protected]​
Phone: 410-209-5811
Cell: 443-257-2059

Address: Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Division of Neighborhood Revitalization
2 North Charles Street, Suite 450
Baltimore, MD 21201