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.Amended by 2018 Md. Laws, Ch. 766,Sec. 1, eff. 6/1/2018.Added by 2016 Md. Laws, Ch. 29,Sec. 1, eff. 7/1/2016.