Section 2-701 - Legislative findings(a) The General Assembly finds that the State must have sustainable communities in order to: (1) Preserve and protect the State's natural resources; and(2) Achieve the State's economic growth, resource protection, and planning policy in § 5-7A-01 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.(b) The General Assembly finds that sustainable communities are places where public and private investments and partnerships achieve:(1) Development of a healthy local economy;(2) Protection and appreciation of historic and cultural resources;(4) Affordable and sustainable housing and job options; and(5) 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.