There is a Division of Neighborhood Revitalization. The Division of Neighborhood Revitalization includes the Neighborhood Business Development Program.

The Division of Neighborhood Revitalization shall administer commercial and mixed–use revitalization programs to encourage physical and organizational improvements to business areas. To carry out commercial and mixed–use revitalization programs, the Division of Neighborhood Revitalization shall administer State and federal grants and loans and other financial assistance to: political subdivisions, local public agencies, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood or community organizations, or private parties; or corporations or foundations whose net earnings are invested to foster, encourage, help, or carry out community assistance activities, projects, or programs. The Department may: charge and collect from a project applicant or recipient of financial assistance under this title: origination, application, and processing fees; and any other charges, fees, or reimbursements incidental to a project application or providing financial assistance; and include the fees and charges listed in this section in the amount of financial assistance.

A commercial or mixed-use revitalization program provides assistance for downtown or business area commercial management, promotion, and revitalization. Assistance may be in an area such as: market surveying, grantsmanship, organization, economic development, design, or similar services; or facilitating establishment of a commercial district management authority.

The General Assembly finds that the State must have sustainable communities in order to: preserve and protect the State’s natural resources; and achieve the State’s economic growth, resource protection, and planning policy in § 5–7A–01 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. The General Assembly finds that sustainable communities are places where public and private investments and partnerships achieve: development of a healthy local economy; protection and appreciation of historic and cultural resources; a mix of land uses; affordable and sustainable housing and job options; and 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. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the community legacy and neighborhood business development programs: be used to create, enhance, support, and revitalize sustainable communities across the State; and be coordinated with other State programs, such as the Sustainable Communities Tax Credit Program established under Title 5A, Subtitle 3 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, in order to maximize the State’s investment in sustainable communities.