In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Board” means the Community Development Board. “Fund” means the Community Development Fund. “Program” means the Community Development Program.

There is a Community Development Program in the Department. The purpose of the Program is to provide financial assistance for community development projects and community development organizations around the State.

The Department shall: administer the Program; and adopt regulations to carry out the Program.

There is a Community Development Board in the Program. The Board consists of the following members: the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee; and the following members, appointed by the Governor, in consultation with the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House: one representative of the Community Development Network of Maryland; one representative of the small business community; one representative of the nonprofit development community; one representative of the for–profit development community; one representative involved with rural community development; one representative involved with suburban community development; and one representative involved with urban community development. The Secretary shall designate the chair of the Board. The term of a member may not exceed 3 years. A member may be reappointed. Service as a member is not a State office or State employment for purposes of any prohibition against holding two public positions.

The Board shall: make recommendations on how the Fund is to be used; provide a period of at least 30 days for public comment on the recommendations; and report on or before December 31 each year on the activities of the Fund and make any recommendations regarding the Fund to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.

There is a Community Development Fund. The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial assistance for community development projects and community development organizations around the State. The Department shall administer the Fund with the assistance of the Board. The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund. The Fund consists of: money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund. The Fund may be used only for: administrative expenses of the Department in administering the Program; and financial assistance for community development projects and community development organizations as provided under § 6–607 of this subtitle. The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested. Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the General Fund of the State. Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget. Money expended from the Fund for the Program is supplemental to and is not intended to take the place of funding that otherwise would be appropriated for the Program.

In consultation with the Board, the Department shall administer the Fund to provide financial assistance, including capital and operating grants, to community development projects and community development organizations to provide and support: affordable housing; neighborhood revitalization for residential and commercial areas; housing counseling, financial counseling, and foreclosure prevention; community organizing; small business development; community services; and any other community development purpose.

The Department shall provide financial assistance from the Fund in the form and manner the Department determines appropriate, including providing capital and operating grants.

This subtitle is the Community Development Program Act.