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.