(a) (1) A government agency, including a housing authority, with jurisdiction in the national capital region, an entity controlled directly or indirectly by a housing authority that operates in the national capital region, and 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.
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