reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 3 - Neighborhood Business Development Program › Section 6-301 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Development costs” means the costs incurred to develop, redevelop, or expand a neighborhood business development project.
(2)    “Development costs” includes the costs of:
(i)    necessary studies, surveys, plans, and specifications;
(ii)    architectural, engineering, or other special services, including flood plain studies, environmental audits, and critical area or wetland assessments;
(iii)    land and improvements;
(iv)    site preparation;
(v)    construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation;
(vi)    machinery, equipment, and furnishings;
(vii)    essential operating costs, including working capital and occupancy expenses;
(viii)    indemnity and surety bonds and premiums on insurance;
(ix)    temporary relocation expenses; and
(x)    other costs determined to be acceptable by the Department.
(c)    “Eligible opportunity zone” means an area designated as a qualified opportunity zone under § 1400Z–1 of the Internal Revenue Code that is located in Allegany County, Garrett County, Somerset County, or Wicomico County.
(d)    “Food desert” means the part of a priority funding area or an eligible opportunity zone designated by the Secretary under § 6–308(c) of this subtitle.
(e)    “Fund” means the Neighborhood Business Development Fund.
(f)    “Microenterprise” means a business that qualifies as a microenterprise under § 6–302 of this subtitle.
(g)    “Priority funding area” means an area designated as a priority funding area under § 5–7B–02 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(h)    “Program” means the Neighborhood Business Development Program.
(i)    (1)    “Project” means a neighborhood business development project that receives financial assistance from the Fund.
(2)    “Project” includes:
(i)    a microenterprise project that receives financial assistance from the Fund; and
(ii)    a food desert project that receives financial assistance from the Fund.
(j)    “Small business” means a business that qualifies as a small business under § 6–302 of this subtitle.
(k)    “Sustainable community” means the part of a priority funding area that:
(1)    as determined by the Smart Growth Subcabinet, satisfies the requirements of § 6–205 of this title;
(2)    has been designated as a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone under Title 5, Subtitle 13 of the Economic Development Article; or
(3)    has been designated a transit–oriented development under § 7–101 of the Transportation Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 3 - Neighborhood Business Development Program › Section 6-302 - Qualifying as a Small Business or Microenterprise

A business qualifies as a small business or a microenterprise if the number of its employees and the amount of its annual receipts do not exceed limits that the Department sets by regulation for a small business or a microenterprise.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 3 - Neighborhood Business Development Program › Section 6-303 - Neighborhood Business Development Program

(a)    There is a Neighborhood Business Development Program.
(b)    The purposes of the Program are:
(1)    in priority funding areas or eligible opportunity zones, to:
(i)    help develop, redevelop, or expand small businesses and microenterprises;
(ii)    stimulate investment by the private sector;
(iii)    invest in revitalization projects for small businesses and microenterprises; and
(iv)    stimulate political subdivisions to participate in developing and expanding small businesses and microenterprises; and
(2)    in food deserts or parts of priority funding areas or eligible opportunity zones that serve food deserts, to help create and retain small businesses and other food–related enterprises that provide fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods to residents in the food desert.
(c)    The Program includes:
(1)    the Business Development Program; and
(2)    the Capital Access Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 3 - Neighborhood Business Development Program › Section 6-304 - Business Development Program -- Established; Purpose

(a)    There is a Business Development Program in the Neighborhood Business Development Program.
(b)    The Business Development Program shall provide financial assistance to projects in priority funding areas or eligible opportunity zones.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 3 - Neighborhood Business Development Program › Section 6-305 - Business Development Program -- Financial Assistance for Small Businesses

(a)    (1)    A small business, nonprofit organization, or microenterprise may apply for financial assistance under the Business Development Program.
(2)    The Department shall review each application.
(b)    An applicant may qualify for financial assistance for a project in a priority funding area or an eligible opportunity zone if the application demonstrates that:
(1)    the financial assistance from the Fund is the minimum amount necessary to make the project financially feasible;
(2)    the project is ready to proceed when it receives financial assistance from the Business Development Program; and
(3)    any food desert project includes a plan to seek out sources of Maryland–grown produce and Maryland produced foods.
(c)    (1)    The Department shall provide written notice to the political subdivision in which the proposed project is located.
(2)    Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Department may not approve an application unless the political subdivision in which the proposed project is located approves the application by:
(i)    resolution; or
(ii)    letter, delivered to the Department by the political subdivision’s authorized designee, expressing support of the plan or project.
(3)    If the Department does not receive notice of approval or denial of an application from the affected jurisdictions within 45 days after notice of the proposed project is given in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department may approve the application.
(d)    Financial assistance under the Business Development Program may be provided to a small business, nonprofit organization, or microenterprise as:
(1)    a grant;
(2)    a loan;
(3)    a reduction in the principal obligation of or interest rate on a loan or portion of a loan;
(4)    a prepayment of interest on a subordinate or superior loan or portion of a loan;
(5)    an assurance;
(6)    a guarantee;
(7)    any other form of credit enhancement; or
(8)    a promissory note that may be converted to an equity ownership interest and liquidated at the earliest opportunity to realize the highest market value for the Department.
(e)    (1)    The Department shall reserve at least the lesser of $5,000,000 or the annual capital appropriation for the Fund to make financial assistance available to projects located in sustainable communities.
(2)    The Department may meet the funding obligations for sustainable communities and food deserts by using any financial assistance available to the Department that is authorized to be used for these projects.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 3 - Neighborhood Business Development Program › Section 6-307 - Business Development Program -- Financial Assistance for Project Development Costs

(a)    Financial assistance under the Business Development Program shall be on the terms that the Department considers necessary to make the project financially feasible.
(b)    Financial assistance under the Business Development Program may be used for:
(1)    a part of the development costs of a project;
(2)    the development costs, working capital, or business expenses of a microenterprise project; or
(3)    in accordance with § 6–308.3 of this subtitle, small loans for food desert projects.
(c)    The Department may require that financial assistance under the Business Development Program be secured by a mortgage or other security instrument, which may be subordinate to other security interests.
(d)    The Department may modify the interest rate, the time or amount of payment, or any other term of a grant or loan to facilitate the successful completion or operation of a project.
(e)    The Department may contract for services related to the Business Development Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 3 - Neighborhood Business Development Program › Section 6-308 - Business Development Program -- Administration

(a)    The Department shall:
(1)    administer the Business Development Program;
(2)    adopt regulations to carry out the Business Development Program, including a process to designate an area as a food desert under subsection (c) of this section; and
(3)    make a reasonable, good faith effort to make 25% of the Business Development Program loans and grants to microenterprises.
(b)    The Department may:
(1)    sell, assign, or otherwise dispose of a Program loan or revenue from a loan on terms and conditions acceptable to the Department, including selling loans at a discount, if the maximum sale proceeds in any fiscal year do not exceed limits that the Department sets by regulation;
(2)    apply the proceeds received from a sale, assignment, or other disposition under item (1) of this subsection to the Fund;
(3)    pledge a Program loan as security for any:
(i)    business project loan, bond, or security that is issued, made, or purchased by the Community Development Administration under Title 4 of this article; or
(ii)    insurance, guaranty, or credit enhancement on a Program loan or business project under § 4–223 of this article; and
(4)    without approval or execution by the Board of Public Works, sell or assign any equity interest acquired under § 6–305(d) of this subtitle.
(c)    The Secretary, on the recommendation of the Interagency Food Desert Advisory Committee established under § 6–308.2 of this subtitle, may designate an area as a food desert after considering the following factors:
(1)    availability of fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthy foods in the area;
(2)    income levels of local residents;
(3)    transportation needs of local residents and the availability of public transportation;
(4)    comments from local governments; and
(5)    any other factors that the Department considers relevant.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 3 - Neighborhood Business Development Program › Section 6-308.1 - Administration of Financial Assistance

(a)    If the Department determines that an entity is capable of administering financial assistance under the Program, the entity may originate and administer financial assistance in accordance with standards the Department adopts by regulation.
(b)    (1)    The Department shall adopt regulations to establish standards for determining the eligibility of an entity to administer financial assistance under the Program.
(2)    The standards shall include provisions on:
(i)    the size, training, and experience of the professional staff that would administer the financial assistance; and
(ii)    the capability of the professional staff to:
1.    determine financial capacity of a borrower;
2.    originate financial assistance; and
3.    evaluate applications for financial assistance.
(c)    The Department may:
(1)    help train employees of an approved entity to administer financial assistance in accordance with standards that the Department adopts;
(2)    charge and collect from a borrower:
(i)    reasonable origination, application, and processing fees; and
(ii)    other charges, fees, or reimbursements incidental to the financial assistance;
(3)    include the fees and charges listed in item (2) of this subsection in the amount of financial assistance;
(4)    pay an approved entity a reasonable origination, application, and processing fee for the financial assistance that is originated by the approved entity;
(5)    directly fund the financial assistance that is originated by an approved entity;
(6)    provide financial assistance to an approved entity for the purpose of the approved entity making the financial assistance in accordance with this subtitle;
(7)    purchase or commit to purchase from approved entities any form of financial assistance that meets the requirements of this subtitle and any regulations adopted under this subtitle; and
(8)    enter into agreements with approved entities to collectively lend money on a project that meets the requirements of this subtitle and any regulations adopted under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 3 - Neighborhood Business Development Program › Section 6-308.2 - Interagency Food Desert Advisory Committee

(a)    There is an Interagency Food Desert Advisory Committee.
(b)    The Committee consists of the following seven members:
(1)    the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;
(2)    the Secretary of Agriculture, or the Secretary’s designee;
(3)    the Secretary of Planning, or the Secretary’s designee;
(4)    the Secretary of Health, or the Secretary’s designee;
(5)    the Secretary of Human Services, or the Secretary’s designee;
(6)    the Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary’s designee; and
(7)    the Secretary of Education, or the Secretary’s designee.
(c)    The Secretary or the Secretary’s designee is the chair of the Committee.
(d)    The Department shall provide staff for the Committee.
(e)    The Committee shall:
(1)    advise and make recommendations to the Department on the development and adoption of regulations related to food desert projects;
(2)    make recommendations to the Secretary on applications for designating an area as a food desert; and
(3)    make recommendations for interagency coordination to reduce the number of food deserts and promote healthy food access for Maryland neighborhoods.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 3 - Neighborhood Business Development Program › Section 6-308.3 - Food Desert Projects

(a)    If the Department determines that an entity is capable of administering a food desert project, the entity may originate and administer financial assistance to a food desert project in accordance with standards the Department adopts by regulation.
(b)    The Department may:
(1)    pay an approved entity a reasonable origination, application, and processing fee for each food desert project that is originated by the approved entity;
(2)    directly fund the financial assistance for a food desert project that is originated by an approved entity;
(3)    provide financial assistance to an approved entity for the purpose of the approved entity providing financial assistance for a food desert project in accordance with this subtitle; and
(4)    (i)    provide small loans in amounts that are not more than $100,000 per loan to an approved entity for assistance in providing or maintaining access to healthy food in urban or rural food deserts, including by providing loans for:
1.    refrigerators, freezers, and other equipment; and
2.    subject to subsection (c) of this section, operating costs incurred in providing access to healthy food in urban or rural food deserts; and
(ii)    work with intermediaries to administer the small loans authorized under item (i) of this paragraph.
(c)    The Department shall forgive a loan for operating costs made under subsection (b)(4)(i)2 of this section after 5 years, if the loan recipient maintains continuous operations at the same location during that time.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 3 - Neighborhood Business Development Program › Section 6-308.4 - Reports

(a)    On or before December 1 of each year, the Department shall submit a report on the Program, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and the House Environment and Transportation Committee.
(b)    The report under subsection (a) of this section shall include:
(1)    the names of approved entities awarded financial assistance for food desert projects;
(2)    the type of activities in which the approved entities are engaged;
(3)    the location of the approved entity’s operation;
(4)    the amount of each grant award;
(5)    the number of employees employed by the approved entity;
(6)    the basis for approving the grant;
(7)    an explanation of how the approved entity’s operation advances the policy goal of reducing food deserts; and
(8)    if available, how long the grantee’s operation stayed in business following the awarding of the grant.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 3 - Neighborhood Business Development Program › Section 6-310 - Neighborhood Business Development Fund

(a)    There is a Neighborhood Business Development Fund.
(b)    The Department shall use the Fund to:
(1)    operate and pay expenses of the Program; and
(2)    provide financial assistance to small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and microenterprises.
(c)    (1)    The Department shall administer the Fund.
(2)    The State Treasurer shall hold and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(d)    The Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing special fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(e)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    money appropriated in the State budget for the Program;
(2)    any repayment or prepayment of financial assistance under this subtitle or under the State Action Loans for Targeted Areas Program under former Article 83B, Title 4, Subtitle 6, of the Code;
(3)    money transferred to the Fund from any other fund as provided in this article;
(4)    money received from the sale, assignment, or other disposition of Program loans and equity interests;
(5)    other money received by the Program under this subtitle or from the Community Development Administration under Subtitle 2 of this title; and
(6)    investment earnings of the Fund.
(f)    The Fund shall be invested in the same way as other State money.
(g)    With the approval of the Legislative Policy Committee and, subject to § 7–209 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, after the first 8 months of a fiscal year, the Department may transfer unencumbered money in the Fund to:
(1)    any other fund established under this title;
(2)    the Community Development Administration to provide financial assistance to business projects; and
(3)    the Maryland Housing Fund under Title 3 of this article to provide insurance, credit enhancement, or a guaranty on:
(i)    a Program loan; or
(ii)    a business project loan, bond, or security that is issued, made, or purchased by the Community Development Administration under Title 4 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 3 - Neighborhood Business Development Program › Section 6-311 - False Statements or Reports

(a)    (1)    A person may not knowingly make or cause to be made a false statement or report in a document required to be submitted to the Department by an agreement relating to financial assistance under the Program.
(2)    An applicant for financial assistance under the Program may not knowingly make or cause to be made any false statement or report to influence the action of the Department on an application or to influence any action of the Department affecting financial assistance already provided.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $50,000 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 4 - Neighborhood and Community Assistance Program › Section 6-401 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Approved project” means a project that the Department approves under § 6–405 of this subtitle.
(c)    “Business entity” means a person that conducts a trade or business in the State and is subject to:
(1)    the State income tax on individuals or corporations;
(2)    the public service company franchise tax; or
(3)    the insurance premiums tax.
(d)    “Individual” means an individual as defined under § 10–101 of the Tax – General Article.
(e)    “Nonprofit organization” means a nonprofit corporation, foundation, or other legal entity that is exempt from federal income tax under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(f)    “Priority funding area” means a priority funding area under § 5–7B–02 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(g)    “Redevelopment assistance” means the money that nonprofit organizations spend for labor and materials used directly in the physical improvement of part or all of a priority funding area.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 4 - Neighborhood and Community Assistance Program › Section 6-403 - Purposes of Program

The purposes of the Neighborhood and Community Assistance Program are to:
(1)    help nonprofit organizations to carry out approved projects in priority funding areas;
(2)    encourage business entities and individuals to invest in priority funding areas; and
(3)    strengthen partnerships between public and private entities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 4 - Neighborhood and Community Assistance Program › Section 6-404 - Tax Credits

(a)    (1)    For a contribution worth $500 or more in goods, money, or real property to an approved project, a business entity or an individual is entitled to a tax credit in the amount determined under subsection (b) of this section.
(2)    No part of a tax credit under this section may be taken more than once.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the credit allowed to a business entity or an individual under this section equals 50% of the amount of contributions:
(i)    that the Department approves under subsection (c) of this section; and
(ii)    that were made during the taxable year for which the credit is claimed.
(2)    The credit allowed under this section for any taxable year may not exceed the lesser of:
(i)    $250,000; and
(ii)    the total amount of tax otherwise payable by the business entity or individual for the taxable year.
(3)    Any excess credit that would be allowed but for the limits of paragraph (2) of this subsection may be carried over and applied as a credit for up to 5 taxable years after the taxable year in which the contribution was made, until the full amount of the excess is used.
(c)    (1)    To qualify for a credit for a contribution under this section, before making a contribution, a business entity or an individual shall apply for and receive approval of the contribution from the Department.
(2)    Each application for approval of a contribution shall contain:
(i)    the name of the approved project to which the contribution will be made;
(ii)    the amount of the contribution; and
(iii)    a certification by an independent and unrelated third party as to the value of any nonmonetary contribution included or, for new goods, an invoice or receipt certifying the contribution’s net cost to the business entity or individual.
(3)    The Department may not approve an application if it determines that:
(i)    the maximum amount of contributions eligible for a tax credit for the project for the fiscal year will be exceeded by the sum of:
1.    the amount of the proposed contribution; and
2.    the total amount of contributions previously approved for that project for the fiscal year; or
(ii)    the applicant has overstated the value of a nonmonetary contribution.
(4)    On or before January 31 of each year, the Department shall report to the Department of Assessments and Taxation, the Comptroller, and the Maryland Insurance Administration the contributions that the Department has approved under this section in the preceding calendar year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 5 - Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative Program › Section 6-501 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Community development financial institution” has the meaning stated in 12 U.S.C. § 4702.
(c)    “Community development organization” means an entity that meets the requirements set forth under § 6–504(a) of this subtitle.
(d)    (1)    “Financial assistance” means a grant, a loan, or an investment provided under this subtitle.
(2)    “Financial assistance” includes:
(i)    an assurance;
(ii)    a guarantee;
(iii)    a prepayment of interest on a subordinate or superior loan or portion of a loan;
(iv)    a reduction in the principal obligation of or rate of interest payable on a loan or a portion of a loan; and
(v)    any other form of credit enhancement.
(e)    “Program” means the Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative Program.
(f)    “Sustainable community” means an area designated as a sustainable community under § 6–205 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 5 - Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative Program › Section 6-502 - Program Established

(a)    There is a Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative Program.
(b)    The Department shall administer the Program.
(c)    The purpose of the Program is to:
(1)    provide strategic investment in local housing and businesses to encourage healthy, sustainable communities with a growing tax base and enhanced quality of life; and
(2)    focus on areas where modest investment and coordinated strategies will have an appreciable neighborhood revitalization impact.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 5 - Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative Program › Section 6-503 - Use of Program Funds

(a)    The community enhancement projects eligible to receive Program funds include:
(1)    down payment assistance for homebuyers to purchase and rehabilitate homes;
(2)    programs to acquire or rehabilitate vacant or blighted properties;
(3)    programs to improve existing residential and business properties;
(4)    programs to achieve energy efficiency through weatherization and energy retrofits;
(5)    development of mixed–use projects that combine housing, retail, and office space;
(6)    development or enhancement of community open space or public infrastructure;
(7)    workforce and employment development programs; and
(8)    strategic demolition.
(b)    Program funds may be used for operating costs necessary to implement a community enhancement project.
(c)    The Secretary may establish additional community enhancement projects eligible to receive Program funds.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 5 - Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative Program › Section 6-504 - Eligible Organizatons

(a)    A corporation, a foundation, or any other legal entity is a community development organization eligible to apply for Program funds if:
(1)    the purpose of the organization is to implement a clear revitalization strategy in a neighborhood or set of neighborhoods within Baltimore City or the inner–beltway communities of Baltimore County or Anne Arundel County; and
(2)    no part of the organization’s net earnings inures to the benefit of a private shareholder or an individual holding an interest in the entity.
(b)    The community development organization’s application must contain a neighborhood revitalization plan that includes community enhancement projects located within a sustainable community.
(c)    A community development organization may apply with another community development organization or with a community development financial institution that has the capacity and experience to assist in the financing of real estate projects within the community.
(d)    The community enhancement projects for which a community development organization applies for Program funds may be located in more than one political subdivision.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 5 - Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative Program › Section 6-505 - Application Process

(a)    (1)    A community development organization may apply to the Department to receive Program funds for community enhancement projects.
(2)    The Department shall establish the application process.
(3)    The application shall contain:
(i)    the neighborhood revitalization plan;
(ii)    a description of each community enhancement project;
(iii)    organizational documents for the community development organization; and
(iv)    any other information the Department requires.
(b)    (1)    The Department, by regulation, shall establish a quantitative system to evaluate each application.
(2)    The quantitative evaluation system shall evaluate each application based on:
(i)    the neighborhood revitalization plan and how the plan relates to the goals outlined in the community’s larger sustainable communities plan;
(ii)    the description of the community conditions and the appropriateness of outlined strategies to address those conditions;
(iii)    the ability of each proposed community enhancement project to address identified challenges within the community; and
(iv)    the capacity and experience of the applicant and the applicant’s partners to complete the proposals and leverage additional financing.
(c)    The Department may give additional consideration to applications that include:
(1)    opportunities that promote compact redevelopment and connect housing and job opportunities with transportation options;
(2)    activities in specially designated districts that encourage residential reinvestment that reinforces the success of the businesses in the districts;
(3)    community enhancement projects that encourage or incorporate elements that address environmental responsibility and stewardship into the site and project development, design, and construction;
(4)    community enhancement projects that incorporate additional State and local revitalization and smart growth programs and financing tools;
(5)    capital investments and business practices that incorporate inclusionary hiring practices that increase local workforce opportunities; and
(6)    projects whose purpose is to identify for acquisition, acquire, develop, or promote the development of vacant or blighted properties.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 5 - Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative Program › Section 6-506 - Application Review Process; Financial Assistance to Applicants

(a)    The Department shall:
(1)    review each application submitted under § 6–505 of this subtitle and may request additional information from the applicant;
(2)    accept public input on each application; and
(3)    consider the recommendation of any State unit.
(b)    (1)    The Department may not approve an application until the Department has provided written notice and a reasonable opportunity to comment to the political subdivision where the proposed community enhancement project is located.
(2)    If the application affects a neighborhood entirely within a municipal corporation, the Department must provide notice and a reasonable opportunity to comment to the municipal corporation and not the surrounding county.
(3)    If an application affects a neighborhood within more than one political subdivision, the Department must provide notice and a reasonable opportunity to comment to each political subdivision.
(c)    The Secretary shall award financial assistance to an applicant:
(1)    in the amount and of the type that the Secretary determines; and
(2)    under the terms of a Program agreement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 5 - Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative Program › Section 6-507 - Financial Assistance Program Agreement

(a)    The Department and a recipient of financial assistance from the Program shall execute a Program agreement.
(b)    The recipient of financial assistance from the Program shall comply with the terms of the Program agreement.
(c)    The Program agreement may not allow for more than 40% of the total financial assistance that the Program provides to be used for operating expenditures.
(d)    The Department may exercise any remedy provided under the Program agreement or by law if the recipient of financial assistance from the Program:
(1)    violates any provision of the agreement; or
(2)    ceases to meet any requirement of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 5 - Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative Program › Section 6-508 - Implementation of Program

(a)    The Department has the powers necessary to implement the Program.
(b)    (1)    The Department may determine the terms and conditions or establish time limits for the use of financial assistance awarded under this subtitle.
(2)    The financial assistance awarded under this subtitle may be secured by a mortgage, a lien, or any other security interest that is superior to or subordinate to other mortgages, liens, or other security interests.
(c)    (1)    The Department may enforce the terms and conditions of the financial assistance awarded under this subtitle.
(2)    If any financial assistance awarded under this subtitle is secured by a first or subordinate mortgage or other lien, the Department may:
(i)    begin an action to protect or enforce any right given by law, contract, or other agreement;
(ii)    foreclose on property;
(iii)    purchase property at any foreclosure or other sale, or acquire or take possession of the property through conveyance in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise, and convey property after acquiring it;
(iv)    settle or compromise any debt or obligation owed to the Department;
(v)    pay the principal of and interest on any obligation incurred in connection with the property and dispose of or otherwise deal with the property to protect the interests of the Program; or
(vi)    release or sell any mortgage, obligation, or property that the Department holds at public or private sale, with or without public bidding.
(d)    (1)    The Department may contract with any person or governmental unit for property or services necessary to operate the Program.
(2)    The Department may contract for and accept any grant, contribution, or loan of money, property, or other aid from the federal government and may do all things consistent with this subtitle to qualify for the aid.
(e)    In connection with any loans that the Department makes, the Department may:
(1)    require and obtain appraisals, credit information, and other pertinent information; and
(2)    charge interest.
(f)    The Department may consent to the modification of any provision of a Program agreement if the modification is in the best interest of the Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 5 - Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative Program › Section 6-509 - Reports

(a)    The recipient of financial assistance from the Program shall submit to the Department quarterly progress reports on the development of a community enhancement project.
(b)    (1)    On or before October 31 each year, the Department shall submit a report to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.
(2)    The report shall include, for the previous fiscal year:
(i)    the number of applications received;
(ii)    the number and location of community enhancement projects;
(iii)    the financial status of the Program, including the amount and types of financial assistance encumbered and disbursed; and
(iv)    a summary of the quarterly reports submitted under subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 5 - Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative Program › Section 6-510 - Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative Program Fund

(a)    In this section, “Fund” means the Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative Program Fund.
(b)    There is a Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative Program Fund.
(c)    The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial assistance under the Program.
(d)    The Secretary shall administer the Fund.
(e)    (1)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(f)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;
(2)    earnings from the investment of money in the Fund;
(3)    repayments of financial assistance provided by the Program;
(4)    interest earnings of the Fund; and
(5)    any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.
(g)    The Fund may be used only for providing financial assistance under the Program.
(h)    (1)    The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.
(2)    Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.
(i)    Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.
(j)    (1)    For fiscal year 2019, the Governor shall include in the budget bill or the capital budget bill an appropriation to the Fund in the amount of $8,000,000.
(2)    For fiscal year 2020 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill or the capital budget bill an appropriation for the Fund in the amount of $12,000,000.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 6 - Community Development Program Act › Section 6-601 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Board” means the Community Development Board.
(c)    “Fund” means the Community Development Fund.
(d)    “Program” means the Community Development Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 6 - Community Development Program Act › Section 6-604 - Community Development Board

(a)    There is a Community Development Board in the Program.
(b)    The Board consists of the following members:
(1)    the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee; and
(2)    the following members, appointed by the Governor, in consultation with the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House:
(i)    one representative of the Community Development Network of Maryland;
(ii)    one representative of the small business community;
(iii)    one representative of the nonprofit development community;
(iv)    one representative of the for–profit development community;
(v)    one representative involved with rural community development;
(vi)    one representative involved with suburban community development; and
(vii)    one representative involved with urban community development.
(c)    The Secretary shall designate the chair of the Board.
(d)    (1)    The term of a member may not exceed 3 years.
(2)    A member may be reappointed.
(e)    Service as a member is not a State office or State employment for purposes of any prohibition against holding two public positions.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 6 - Community Development Program Act › Section 6-605 - Duties

The Board shall:
(1)    make recommendations on how the Fund is to be used;
(2)    provide a period of at least 30 days for public comment on the recommendations; and
(3)    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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 6 - Community Development Program Act › Section 6-606 - Community Development Fund

(a)    There is a Community Development Fund.
(b)    The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial assistance for community development projects and community development organizations around the State.
(c)    The Department shall administer the Fund with the assistance of the Board.
(d)    (1)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(e)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and
(2)    any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.
(f)    The Fund may be used only for:
(1)    administrative expenses of the Department in administering the Program; and
(2)    financial assistance for community development projects and community development organizations as provided under § 6–607 of this subtitle.
(g)    (1)    The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.
(2)    Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the General Fund of the State.
(h)    Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.
(i)    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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 6 - Community Development Program Act › Section 6-607 - Administration of Fund by Department and Board

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:
(1)    affordable housing;
(2)    neighborhood revitalization for residential and commercial areas;
(3)    housing counseling, financial counseling, and foreclosure prevention;
(4)    community organizing;
(5)    small business development;
(6)    community services; and
(7)    any other community development purpose.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 7 - National Capital Strategic Economic Development Program › Section 6-701 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Community development financial institution” has the meaning stated in 12 U.S.C. § 4702.
(c)    “Community development organization” means an entity that meets the requirements under § 6–704 of this subtitle.
(d)    (1)    “Financial assistance” means a grant, a loan, or an investment provided under this subtitle.
(2)    “Financial assistance” includes:
(i)    an assurance;
(ii)    a guarantee;
(iii)    a prepayment of interest on a subordinate or superior loan or portion of a loan;
(iv)    a reduction in the principal obligation of or rate of interest payable on a loan or a portion of a loan; and
(v)    any other form of credit enhancement.
(e)    “National capital region” means the areas of the State located within a sustainable community in Montgomery County or Prince George’s County.
(f)    “Program” means the National Capital Strategic Economic Development Program.
(g)    “Sustainable community” means an area designated as a sustainable community under § 6–205 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 6 - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization › Subtitle 7 - National Capital Strategic Economic Development Program › Section 6-702 - Program Established

(a)    There is a National Capital Strategic Economic Development Program.
(b)    The Department shall administer the Program.
(c)    The purpose of the Program is to:
(1)    provide strategic investment in local housing and businesses to encourage healthy, sustainable communities with a growing tax base and enhanced quality of life; and
(2)    focus on areas where modest investment and coordinated strategies will have an appreciable neighborhood revitalization impact.