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.