Calendar No. 716 111th CONGRESS 2d Session

S. 1619

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

August 6, 2009

Mr. Dodd (for himself, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Schumer, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. Harkin, Mr. Franken, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Wyden, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Reed, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Specter, Mr. Levin, Mr. Brown of Ohio, Mr. Warner, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Sanders, Mrs. Shaheen, and Mr. Casey) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

December 19, 2010

Reported by Mr. Dodd, with an amendment

Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic

A BILL

To establish the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, to establish the Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities, to establish a comprehensive planning grant program, to establish a sustainability challenge grant program, and for other purposes.

Short title; table of contents

(a)

Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Livable Communities Act of 2009

. (b)

Table of contents

The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

Sec. 2. Findings.

Sec. 3. Purposes.

Sec. 4. Definitions.

Sec. 5. Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities.

Sec. 6. Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities.

Sec. 7. Comprehensive planning grant program.

Sec. 8. Sustainability challenge grant program.

Findings

Congress finds the following: (1)Demographic trends support the need for cooperation in land use planning and the development of housing and transportation. The population of the United States will grow from approximately 307,000,000 people to approximately 439,000,000 people during the period between 2009 and 2050, an increase of more than 40 percent. (2)The demographic groups that are most likely to use public transportation are the groups that are projected to increase in size the most during the period between 2009 and 2025. (3)By 2025, nearly 1 in every 5 people in the United States will be 65 years of age or older. (4)During the period between 1980 and 2000, the growth of the largest 99 metropolitan areas in the continental United States consumed 16,000,000 acres of rural land, or about 1 acre for every new household. (5)In 2007, traffic congestion caused people in large and small metropolitan areas of the United States to waste 4,200,000,000 hours in traffic and to purchase an extra 2,800,000,000 gallons of fuel, for a congestion cost of $87,200,000,000. This represents a 5-fold increase in wasted time and cost since 1982. (6)The Energy Information Administration of the Department of Energy forecasts that driving will increase 59 percent between 2005 and 2030, far outpacing the projected 23 percent increase in population. (7)According to the United States Census Bureau, only 54 percent of households in the United States have access to public transportation. (8)In 2008, voters throughout the United States approved State and local ballot initiatives that supported public transportation 79 percent of the time, even when it meant local taxes would be raised or continued. (9)Demographers estimate that as much as 30 percent of current demand for housing is for housing in dense, walkable, mixed-use communities, and that less than 2 percent of new housing is in this category. (10)The average household spends 19 percent of its household budget on transportation, and some very low-income households spend as much as 55 percent of the household budget on transportation. Households with good access to public transportation spend only 9 percent of the household budget on transportation, which increases the portion of the household budget available for other critical household needs. (11)The need for safe and affordable housing is great. Fifty-four percent of renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs, and 29 percent of renters pay more than 50 percent of their income for housing. In 2007, there was a shortage of 2,800,000 units of affordable housing for extremely low-income renter households. (12)People who live in areas of compact development (where housing, shopping, jobs, and public transportation are in close proximity) drive 20 to 40 percent less than people who live in average development patterns in the United States. (13)When the effects of emissions savings from passengers taking transit instead of driving and the reduction in vehicle miles traveled due to the impact of transit on land use are taken into account, public transportation in the United States reduces carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 37,000,000 metric tons each year. (14)Transportation accounts for 70 percent of the oil consumed in the United States and nearly 1/3 of carbon emissions in the United States come from the transportation sector. Reducing the growth of the number of miles driven and providing transportation alternatives through good planning and sustainable development is a necessary part of the energy independence and climate change strategies of the United States. (15)A number of studies, reports, and articles by organizations including the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Association of Realtors, and the Transit Cooperative Research Project have found that one of the keys to revitalizing and maintaining the character of town centers and preserving surrounding agricultural land in small and rural communities is to prevent commercial and residential development on the outskirts of town, by promoting integrated housing, economic, and transportation development in town centers. (16)More than 1,600,000 rural households do not have access to cars. (17)The burden of transportation costs is especially heavy for low-income rural residents, because residents of rural areas drive approximately 17 percent more than residents of urban areas. (18)Demand for public transportation in rural and small town communities is growing. Between 2002 and 2005, ridership on small urban and rural public transportation systems increased 20 percent. (19)Poorly planned development in rural areas can fragment agricultural and forest lands, pollute waterways with surface water runoff, cause unnecessary environmental impacts, strain the capacity of rural roads, and sap economic vitality from existing main street commercial areas. (20)Funding for integrated housing, transportation, energy, environmental, and economic development and other land use planning efforts at the local and regional levels is necessary to provide for sustainable development and smart growth.

Purposes

The purposes of this Act are— (1)to facilitate and improve the coordination of housing, community development, transportation, energy, and environmental policy in the United States; (2)to coordinate Federal policies and investments to promote sustainable development; (3)to encourage regional planning for livable communities and the adoption of sustainable development techniques, including transit-oriented development; (4)to provide a variety of safe, reliable transportation choices, with special emphasis on public transportation and complete streets, in order to reduce traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and dependence on foreign oil; (5)to provide affordable, energy-efficient, and location-efficient housing choices for people of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities, and to make the combined costs of housing and transportation more affordable to families; (6)to support, revitalize, and encourage growth in existing communities, in order to maximize the cost effectiveness of existing infrastructure and preserve undeveloped lands; (7)to promote economic development and competitiveness by connecting the housing and employment locations of workers, reducing traffic congestion, and providing families with access to essential services; (8)to preserve the environment and natural resources, including agricultural and rural land and green spaces; and (9)to support public health and improve quality of life for the residents of and workers in communities by promoting healthy, walkable neighborhoods, access to green space, and the mobility to pursue greater opportunities.

Definitions

In this Act, the following definitions shall apply: (1)

Affordable housing

The term affordable housing means housing, the cost of which does not exceed 30 percent of the income of a family. (2)

Census tract

The term census tract means a small, relatively permanent statistical subdivision of a county, delineated by a local committee of census data users for the purpose of presenting data. (3)

Chairperson

The term Chairperson means the Chairperson of the Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities. (4)

Complete street

The term complete street means a street that enables all travelers, particularly public transit users, bicyclists, pedestrians (including individuals of all ages and individuals with disabilities), and motorists, to use the street safely and efficiently. (5)

Comprehensive regional plan

The term comprehensive regional plan means a plan that— (A)identifies land use, transportation, community development, housing, economic development, environmental, energy, and infrastructure needs and goals in a region; (B)provides strategies for meeting the needs and goals described in subparagraph (A), including strategies for— (i)providing affordable, energy-efficient, and location-efficient housing choices for people of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities; (ii)reducing growth in vehicle miles traveled, in order to reduce traffic congestion and regional greenhouse gas emissions from transportation; (iii)encouraging economic competitiveness and economic development; and (iv)increasing the connectivity of the region by increasing public transportation ridership and improving access to transportation alternatives; and (C)prioritizes projects for funding and implementation. (6)

Consortium of units of general local governments

The term consortium of units of general local governments means a consortium of geographically contiguous units of general local government that the Secretary determines— (A)represents all or part of a metropolitan statistical area or a micropolitan statistical area; (B)has the authority under State or local law to carry out planning activities, including surveys, land use studies, environmental or public health analyses, and development of urban revitalization plans; and (C)has provided documentation to the Secretary sufficient to demonstrate that the purpose of the consortium is to carry out a project using a grant awarded under this Act. (7)

Council

The term Council means the Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities established under section 6. (8)

Department

The term Department means the Department of Housing and Urban Development. (9)

Director

The term Director means the Director of the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities established under section 5. (10)

Extremely low-income family

The term extremely low-income family— (A)means a family that has an income that does not exceed— (i)30 percent of the median income in the area where the family lives, as determined by the Secretary, with appropriate adjustments for the size of the family; or (ii)a percentage of the median income in the area where the family lives, as determined by the Secretary upon a finding by the Secretary that such percentage is necessary due to unusually high or low family incomes in the area where the family lives; and (B)includes a family that includes a person with special needs, including an elderly person or a person with disabilities, as those terms are defined in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)). (11)

High-poverty area

The term high-poverty area means a census tract, or a group of contiguous census tracts, that has a poverty rate of 20 percent or more. (12)

Livable community

The term livable community means a metropolitan, urban, suburban, rural, or neighborhood community that— (A)provides safe and reliable transportation choices; (B)provides affordable, energy-efficient, and location-efficient housing choices for people of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities; (C)supports, revitalizes, and encourages the growth of existing communities and maximizes the cost effectiveness of existing infrastructure; (D)promotes economic development and economic competitiveness; (E)preserves the environment and natural resources; (F)protects agricultural land, rural land, and green spaces; and (G)supports public health and improves the quality of life for residents of and workers in the community. (13)

Location-efficient

The term location-efficient characterizes development, housing, or neighborhoods that integrate land use, mixed-use housing and commercial development, employment, and transportation— (A)to enhance mobility; (B)to encourage transit-oriented development; (C)to encourage infill development and the use of existing infrastructure; and (D)to reduce growth in vehicle miles traveled and the transportation costs and energy requirements associated with ownership or rental of a home. (14)

Low-income family

The term low-income family— (A)has the same meaning as in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)); and (B)includes a low-income family with a person with special needs, including an elderly person or a person with disabilities, as those terms are defined section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)). (15)

Metropolitan planning organization

The term metropolitan planning organization has the meaning given that term in section 134(b) of title 23, United States Code, and section 5303(b) of title 49, United States Code. (16)

Metropolitan statistical area

The term metropolitan statistical area means a county or group of counties that— (A)is designated by the Office of Management and Budget as a metropolitan statistical area; and (B)has 1 or more large population centers with a population of not less than 50,000 and adjacent territory with a high level of integration with the core. (17)

Micropolitan statistical area

The term micropolitan statistical area means a county or group of counties that— (A)is designated by the Office of Management and Budget as a micropolitan statistical area; and (B)has 1 or more large urban clusters with a population of not less than 10,000 and not more than 50,000. (18)

Office

The term Office means the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities established under section 5. (19)

Regional council

The term regional council means a multi-service regional organization with State and locally defined boundaries that is— (A)accountable to units of general local government; (B)delivers a variety of Federal, State, and local programs; and (C)performs planning functions and provides professional and technical assistance. (20)

Rural planning organization

The term rural planning organization means a voluntary organization of local elected officials and representatives of local transportation systems that— (A)works in cooperation with the department of transportation (or equivalent entity) of a State to plan transportation networks and advise officials of the State on transportation planning; and (B)is located in a rural area— (i)with a population of not less than 5,000; and (ii)that is not located in an area represented by a metropolitan planning organization. (21)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. (22)

State

The term State means the several States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. (23)

Sustainable development

The term sustainable development means a pattern of resource use designed to create livable communities by— (A)providing a variety of safe and reliable transportation choices; (B)providing affordable, energy-efficient, and location-efficient housing choices for people of all income levels, ages, races, and ethnicities; (C)supporting, revitalizing, and encouraging the growth of communities and maximizing the cost effectiveness of existing infrastructure; (D)promoting economic development and economic competitiveness; (E)preserving the environment and natural resources; (F)protecting agricultural land, rural land, and green spaces; and (G)supporting public health and improving the quality of life for residents of and workers in a community. (24)

Transit-oriented development

The term transit-oriented development means high-density, walkable, mixed-use development (including commercial development, affordable housing, and market-rate housing) that is within walking distance of and accessible to 1 or more public transportation facilities. (25)

Unit of general local government

The term unit of general local government means— (A)a city, county, town, township, parish, village, or other general purpose political subdivision of a State; or (B)a combination of general purpose political subdivisions, as determined by the Secretary. (26)

Unit of special purpose local government

The term unit of special purpose local government— (A)means a division of a unit of general purpose government that serves a special purpose and does not provide a broad array of services; and (B)includes an entity such as a school district, a housing agency, a transit agency, and a parks and recreation district. (27)

Very low-income family

The term very low-income family— (A)has the same meaning as in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)); and (B)includes a very low-income family with a person with special needs, including an elderly person or a person with disabilities, as those terms are defined section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)). (28)

Workforce housing

The term workforce housing means housing, the cost of which does not exceed 30 percent of— (A)120 percent of the median income in the area where the family lives, as determined by the Secretary, with appropriate adjustments for the size of family; or (B)a percentage, as determined by the Secretary, of the median income in the area where the family lives, upon a finding by the Secretary that such percentage is necessary due to unusually high or low family incomes in the area where the family lives.

Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities

(a)

Office established

There is established in the Department an Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, which shall— (1)coordinate Federal policies and initiatives that foster livable communities, including— (A)encouraging sustainable development at the State, regional, and local levels; (B)encouraging the development of comprehensive regional plans; (C)fostering energy-efficient communities and housing; (D)providing affordable, location-efficient housing choices for people of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities, particularly for low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families; and (E)working with the Federal Transit Administration of the Department of Transportation to— (i)encourage transit-oriented development; and (ii)coordinate Federal housing, community development, and transportation policies; (2)conduct research and advise the Secretary on the research agenda of the Department relating to sustainable development; (3)provide administrative support for participation by the Secretary in the activities of the Council; (4)implement and oversee the grant programs established under this Act by— (A)developing grant applications for each grant program; (B)promulgating regulations relating to each grant program; (C)selecting recipients of grants under each grant program; (D)creating performance measures for recipients of grants under each grant program; (E)developing technical assistance and other guidance to assist recipients of grants and potential applicants for grants under each grant program; (F)monitoring and evaluating the performance of recipients of grants under each grant program; and (G)carrying out such other activities relating to the administration of the grant programs under this Act as the Secretary determines are necessary; (5)provide guidance, information on best practices, and technical assistance to communities seeking to adopt sustainable development policies and practices; (6)provide guidance and technical assistance to communities seeking to prepare applications for the comprehensive planning grant program under section 7; (7)administer initiatives of the Department relating to the policies described in paragraph (1), as determined by the Secretary; and (8)coordinate with and conduct outreach to other Federal agencies, including the Federal Transit Administration of the Department of Transportation and the Office of Smart Growth of the Environmental Protection Agency, on sustainability issues. (b)

Director

The head of the Office shall be the Director of the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities. (c)

Duties relating to grant programs

(1)

In general

The Director, in coordination with the Council or a working group established by the Council under section 6(b)(6), shall carry out the grant programs established under this Act. (2)

Interim working group

During the period between the date of enactment of this Act and the date on which a memorandum of understanding is signed under section 6(a)(7), in carrying out the grant programs under this Act, the Secretary shall consult with an interim working group that includes the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (or the designee of such Secretary or Administrator), and representatives from such other Federal agencies, departments, or offices, as the President may determine. (3)

Technical assistance for grant recipients and applicants

The Director may— (A)coordinate with the members of the Council to establish interagency and multidisciplinary teams to provide technical assistance to recipients of and prospective applicants for grants under this Act; (B)make contracts with third parties to provide technical assistance to grant recipients and prospective applicants for grants; and (C)establish a technical assistance program for prospective applicants, particularly prospective applicants from smaller communities, preparing to apply for grants under section 7. (d)

Report on housing location affordability index

(1)

Study

The Director shall conduct a study on— (A)the development of a housing location affordability index that includes housing and transportation costs; and (B)ways in which the affordability index described in subparagraph (A) could be made available to the public to inform consumers of the combined costs of housing and transportation. (2)

Report

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report on the study under paragraph (1). (e)

Report on Incentives for Energy-Efficient Mortgages and Location-Efficient Mortgages

(1)

Definitions

In this subsection— (A)the term energy-efficient mortgage means a mortgage loan under which the income of the borrower, for purposes of qualification for such loan, is considered to be increased by not less than $1 for each $1 of savings projected to be realized by the borrower as a result of cost-effective energy-saving design, construction, or improvements (including use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, geothermal, biomass, and wind, super-insulation, energy-saving windows, insulating glass and film, and radiant barrier) for the home for which the loan is made; and (B)the term location-efficient mortgage means a mortgage loan under which— (i)the income of the borrower, for purposes of qualification for such loan, is considered to be increased by not less than $1 for each $1 of savings projected to be realized by the borrower because the location of the home for which the loan is made will result in decreased transportation costs for the household of the borrower; or (ii)the sum of the principal, interest, taxes, and insurance due under the mortgage loan is decreased by not less than $1 for each $1 of savings projected to be realized by the borrower because the location of the home for which the loan is made will result in decreased transportation costs for the household of the borrower. (2)

Study

(A)

In general

The Director shall conduct a study on incentives for encouraging lenders to make, and homebuyers and homeowners to participate in, energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages, including— (i)fee reductions; (ii)fee waivers; (iii)interest rate reductions; and (iv)adjustment of mortgage qualifications. (B)

Considerations

In studying the incentives under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider the potential for lower risk of default on energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages in comparison to mortgages that are not energy-efficient or location-efficient. (3)

Report

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities

(a)

Establishment of Council

(1)

Establishment

There is established in the executive branch an independent entity to be known as the Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities. (2)

Members

(A)

In general

The members of the Council are— (i)the Secretary, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; and (ii)such representatives from other Federal agencies, departments, or offices in the executive branch as the President may prescribe. (B)

Designees

(i)

In general

The head of a Federal agency described in subparagraph (A) may select a designee to serve in the place of the head of the Federal agency on the Council. (ii)

Qualifications

The head of a Federal agency that selects a designee under clause (i) shall ensure that the designee has the appropriate experience and authority to serve on the Council. (C)

Pay

The members of the Council shall serve with no additional pay. (3)

Chairperson

(A)

Chairperson

The Chairperson of the Council shall be, in successive terms— (i)the Secretary; (ii)the Secretary of Transportation; and (iii)the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (B)

Duties

The Chairperson shall— (i)set the time, date, and location of each meeting of the Council; and (ii)in consultation with the members of the Council, set the agenda for each meeting of the Council. (C)

Term

The Chairperson shall serve for a term of 1 year. (D)

First Chairperson

The Secretary shall be the first individual to serve as Chairperson after the date of enactment of this Act. (4)

Executive director and staff

(A)

Executive director

(i)

Appointment and compensation

The Council shall appoint an Executive Director, who shall be compensated at a rate not to exceed the rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code. (ii)

Sense of Congress

It is the sense of Congress that the Council should appoint an Executive Director not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (B)

Additional personnel

With the approval of the Council, the Executive Director of the Council may appoint and fix the compensation of such additional personnel as the Executive Director determines are necessary to carry out the duties of the Council. (C)

Detailees from other agencies

Upon request of the Council, the head of any Federal agency may detail any of the personnel of such agency to the Council to assist the Council in carrying out its duties under this section. (D)

Experts and consultants

With the approval of the Council, the Executive Director of the Council may procure temporary and intermittent services pursuant to section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code. (5)

Consultation with additional secretaries and administrators

(A)

Consultation

In carrying out its duties under this section, the Council may consult with the heads of departments, agencies, and offices in the executive branch, including the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Commerce, the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs. (B)

Participation in meetings of Council

The head of a department, agency, or office with whom the Council consults under subparagraph (A) may participate in a meeting of the Council. (C)

Information sharing

The head of each Federal agency shall make available to the Council such information as may be necessary for the Council to carry out its duties under this section. (6)

Meetings

The Council shall meet— (A)not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act; and (B)not less frequently than 3 times each year. (7)

Governance

Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the members of the Council shall develop and sign a memorandum of understanding that establishes rules relating to the governance of the Council, including rules relating to the process by which decisions of the Council are made. (8)

Incorporation of work of interim working group

Any activities carried out by an interim working group pursuant to section 5(c)(2) shall be incorporated into the activities of the Council, effective on the date the memorandum of understanding under paragraph (7) is signed. (b)

Duties of the council

Reports

(1)

Annual report

Recommendations

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Council shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that contains— (A)an analysis of impediments to sustainable development; and (B)recommendations for action by the Federal Government on issues relating to sustainable development. (d)

Study of Federal actions

Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that contains— (1)an updated analysis of impediments to sustainable development, as described in subsection (c)(2)(A); and (2)a description of actions taken by the Federal Government to implement the recommendations made by the Council in the report under subsection (c)(2)(B). (e)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

Comprehensive planning grant program

(a)

Definitions

In this section— (1)the term eligible entity means a partnership between a consortium of units of general local government and an eligible partner; (2)the term eligible partner means— (A)a metropolitan planning organization, a rural planning organization, or a regional council; or (B)a metropolitan planning organization, a rural planning organization, or a regional council, and a State; and (3)the term grant program means the comprehensive planning grant program established under subsection (b). (b)

Comprehensive planning grant program established

The Director shall establish a comprehensive planning grant program to make grants to eligible entities to carry out a project to— (1)coordinate land use, housing, transportation, and infrastructure planning processes across jurisdictions and agencies; (2)identify potential regional partnerships for developing and implementing a comprehensive regional plan; (3)conduct or update housing, infrastructure, transportation, energy, and environmental assessments to determine regional needs and promote sustainable development; (4)develop or update— (A)a comprehensive regional plan; or (B)goals and strategies to implement an existing comprehensive regional plan; and (5)implement local zoning and other code changes necessary to implement a comprehensive regional plan and promote sustainable development. (c)

Grants

(1)

Amount of grants

(A)

Micropolitan statistical areas and small metropolitan statistical areas

The amount awarded under the grant program to an eligible entity that represents all or part of a micropolitan area, or a metropolitan statistical area with a population of not more than 200,000, may not exceed $750,000. (B)

Mid-sized metropolitan statistical areas

The amount awarded under the grant program to an eligible entity that represents all or part of a metropolitan statistical area with a population of more than 200,000 and less than 500,000 may not exceed $1,500,000. (C)

Large metropolitan statistical areas

The amount awarded under the grant program to an eligible entity that represents all or part of a metropolitan statistical area with a population of 500,000 or more may not exceed $5,000,000. (2)

Federal share

The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using a grant under the grant program may not exceed 80 percent. (3)

Availability of funds

(A)

In general

An eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program shall— (i)obligate any funds received under the grant program not later than 3 years after the date on which the grant agreement under subsection (g) is made; and (ii)expend any funds received under the grant program not later than 4 years after the date on which the grant agreement under subsection (g) is made. (B)

Unobligated amounts

After the date described in subparagraph (A)(i), the Secretary may award to another eligible entity, to carry out activities under this section, any amounts that an eligible entity has not obligated under subparagraph (A)(i). (d)

Application

(1)

In general

An eligible entity that desires a grant under the grant program shall submit to the Director an application at such time and in such manner as the Director shall prescribe. (2)

Contents

Each application shall contain— (A)a description of the project proposed to be carried out by the eligible entity; (B)a budget for the project that includes the anticipated Federal share of the cost of the project and a description of the source of the non-Federal share; (C)a signed copy of a memorandum of understanding among local jurisdictions, including, as appropriate, a State, units of general purpose local government, units of special purpose local government, metropolitan planning organizations, rural planning organizations, and regional councils that demonstrates— (i)the creation of a consortium of units of general local government; (ii)a commitment to develop a comprehensive regional plan; and (iii)a commitment to implement the plan after it is developed; (D)a certification that the eligible entity has created, or will create not later than 1 year after the date of the grant award, a regional advisory board to provide input and feedback on the development of the comprehensive regional plan that includes, as appropriate, representatives of a State, the metropolitan planning organization, the rural planning organization, the regional council, public transportation agencies, public housing agencies, economic development authorities, other local governments, environmental agencies, public health agencies, the nonprofit community, the private sector, community-based organizations, citizen groups, neighborhood groups, and members of the public; (E)a certification that the eligible entity has solicited public comment on the contents of the project description under subparagraph (A) that includes— (i)a certification that the eligible entity has held 1 or more public hearings; (ii)a description of the process for receiving public comment; (iii)a summary of the comments received; and (iv)such other information as the Director may require; (F)a description of how the eligible entity will carry out the activities under subsection (f); and (G)such additional information as the Director may require. (e)

Selection

In evaluating an application for a grant under the grant program, the Director shall consider the extent to which the application— (1)furthers the creation of livable communities; (2)demonstrates the technical capacity of the eligible entity to carry out the project; (3)demonstrates the extent to which the consortium has developed partnerships throughout an entire micropolitan or metropolitan statistical area, including, as appropriate, partnerships with the entities described in subsection (d)(2)(D); (4)demonstrates a commitment to— (A)sustainable development; (B)location-efficient and transit-oriented development; (C)developing new capacity for public transportation and increasing ridership on public transportation; (D)providing affordable, energy-efficient, and location-efficient housing choices for families of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities; (E)creating and preserving long-term affordable, energy-efficient, and location-efficient housing for low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families; (F)revitalizing communities, neighborhoods and commercial centers supported by existing infrastructure; (G)monitoring and improving environmental quality, including air and water quality, energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and the redevelopment of brownfields; and (H)coordinating the provision of transportation services to elderly, disabled, and low-income populations; (5)demonstrates a plan for implementing a comprehensive regional plan through regional infrastructure investment plans and local land use plans; (6)promotes diversity among the geographic regions and the sizes of the population of the communities served by recipients of grants under this section; (7)promotes economic benefits; (8)demonstrates that a Federal grant is necessary to accomplish the project proposed to be carried out; (9)has a high quality overall; and (10)demonstrates such other qualities as the Director may determine. (f)

Eligible activities

An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall carry out a project that includes 1 or more of the following activities: (1)Planning and coordinating across jurisdictions in the region to develop a comprehensive regional plan. (2)Developing achievable goals and strategies for carrying out the comprehensive regional plan, including— (A)land use, zoning, and other code reform, including reform of conservation zoning in agricultural and other natural resource areas; (B)promoting efficient land use, mixed-use development, and the preservation of agricultural, green, and open space; (C)increasing access to and ridership on public transportation; (D)the creation and preservation of workforce housing and affordable housing for low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families, including housing with access to jobs and public transportation; (E)promoting economic development and transit-oriented development; (F)revitalizing communities; and (G)promoting environmental protection and public health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (3)Developing a plan that outlines feasible steps for implementing the comprehensive regional plan, including making interjurisdictional agreements that provide for cooperative and coordinated approaches to achieving the goals of the plan. (4)Assessing projected regional population growth or loss and demographic changes. (5)Assessing how the regional population growth or loss and demographic changes will impact the need for housing, community development, and transportation, including public transportation in the region. (6)Assessing the accessibility of job centers within the region to public transportation facilities and housing. (7)Assessing transportation options in the region, including— (A)public transportation options; (B)options for people with low incomes, people living in high-poverty areas, elderly people, and people with disabilities; and (C)any obstacles to providing access to locations that offer employment opportunities. (8)Developing techniques to inform decision makers on how growth of population and employment, development patterns, and investments in transportation infrastructure are likely to affect travel, congestion, air quality, and quality of life. (9)Assessing the daily vehicle miles traveled in the region and opportunities for reducing the growth in daily vehicle miles traveled and traffic congestion. (10)Assessing housing needs, including the need for workforce housing and affordable housing for low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families, and the availability of housing in the region to meet such needs. (11)Assessing the need to create, preserve, and improve long-term affordable housing for low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families and families that utilize workforce housing in areas that— (A)are undergoing redevelopment or carrying out transit-oriented development; and (B)have access to services including transportation (particularly public transportation), neighborhood commercial centers, and medical services. (12)Assessing methods for lowering the combined cost of housing and transportation for families in the region, particularly for families that utilize workforce housing and for low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families. (13)Assessing existing infrastructure and infrastructure needs in the region, including projected water needs and sources, the need for sewer infrastructure, and the existence of flood plains. (14)Assessing local land use and zoning policies and opportunities for revising or expanding such policies to implement a comprehensive regional plan. (15)Assessing the opportunity to revitalize existing communities, including infill development. (16)Assessing environmental and public health needs in the region and potential strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air and water quality, and remediating brownfield sites. (17)Assessing projected loss of agricultural and rural land and other green space in the region to development, and methods to minimize such loss. (18)Evaluating any tools or resources that are available to address regional needs identified in an assessment under any of paragraphs (4) through (7) and (9) through (17) and to monitor progress in meeting such needs, including any existing sources of funding and any sources of funding that are lacking. (19)Implementing land use, zoning, and other code reforms to promote location efficiency and sustainable development. (20)Other activities consistent with the purposes of this Act, as determined by the Director. (g)

Grant agreement

Each eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall agree to establish, in coordination with the Director, performance measures that must be met at the end of each year in which the eligible entity receives funds under the grant program. (h)

Violation of grant agreement

If the Director determines that an eligible entity has not met the performance measures established under subsection (g), is not making reasonable progress toward meeting such measures, or is otherwise in violation of the grant agreement, the Director may— (1)withhold financial assistance until the performance measures are met; or (2)terminate the grant agreement. (i)

Sustainability challenge grants

An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section and has created a comprehensive regional plan may apply for a sustainability challenge grant under section 8. (j)

Reports required

(1)

Annual report

Not later than 60 days after the end of the first year after the grant agreement is made under subsection (g), and each year thereafter, an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall submit to the Director a progress report that contains— (A)a description of any progress made toward meeting the performance measures established under subsection (g), including— (i)a description of any partnership created across policy and governmental jurisdictions and a description of any task force or multiagency group established by the eligible entity at the regional level; and (ii)a description of— (I)housing, land use, transportation, public transportation, energy, infrastructure, and environmental needs in the region; or (II)the obstacles encountered that prevented the eligible entity from completing a comprehensive evaluation of housing, land use, transportation, public transportation, energy, infrastructure, and environmental needs, and a date by which the eligible entity expects to complete the evaluation; (B)a description of any planning goals for the region that address housing, transportation, public transportation, energy, infrastructure, and environmental needs; (C)a description of— (i)a strategy for meeting the goals described in subparagraph (B), including a discussion of potential transportation, housing, transit-oriented development, energy, infrastructure, or environmental activities; or (ii)the obstacles encountered that prevented the eligible entity from completing a strategy for meeting the goals identified under clause (i) and a date by which the eligible entity expects to complete the strategy; and (D)any other information the Director may require. (2)

Final report

Not later than 90 days after the date on which the grant agreement under subsection (g) expires, an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall submit to the Director a final report that contains— (A)a description of a comprehensive regional plan that includes specific projects that will help meet housing, transportation, energy, infrastructure, and environmental goals for the region; (B)a detailed description of how the plan under subparagraph (A) meets the performance measures established under subsection (g); (C)a plan for next steps to be taken by the eligible entity, including whether the eligible entity intends to apply for a sustainability challenge grant under section 8; and (D)any other information the Director may require. (k)

Authorization of appropriations

(1)

Authorization

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for the award of grants under this section, $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2013, to remain available until expended. (2)

Technical assistance

The Director may use 2 percent of the amounts made available under this subsection for a fiscal year for technical assistance under section 5(c)(3).

Sustainability challenge grant program

(a)

Definitions

In this section— (1)the term eligible entity means a partnership between a consortium of units of general local government and an eligible partner; (2)the term eligible partner means— (A)a metropolitan planning organization, a rural planning organization, or a regional council; or (B)a metropolitan planning organization, a rural planning organization, or a regional council, and a State; and (3)the term grant program means the sustainability challenge grant program established under subsection (b). (b)

Sustainability challenge grant program established

The Director shall establish a sustainability challenge grant program to make grants to eligible entities to— (1)promote integrated transportation, housing, energy, and economic development activities carried out across policy and governmental jurisdictions; (2)promote sustainable and location-efficient development; and (3)implement projects identified in a comprehensive regional plan. (c)

Grants

(1)

Micropolitan statistical area or small metropolitan statistical area

The total amount awarded under this section to an eligible entity that represents all or part of a micropolitan area, or a metropolitan area with a population of not more than 200,000, may not exceed $15,000,000. (2)

Metropolitan statistical areas between 200,000 and 500,000

The total amount awarded under this section to an eligible entity that represents all or part of a metropolitan statistical area with a population of more than 200,000 and less than 500,000 may not exceed $35,000,000. (3)

Large metropolitan areas

The total amount awarded under this section to an eligible entity that represents all or part of a metropolitan area with a population of 500,000 may not exceed $100,000,000. (4)

Federal share

The Federal share of the cost of a project under this section may not exceed 80 percent. (5)

Availability of funds

(A)

In general

An eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program shall— (i)obligate any funds received under the grant program not later than 3 years after the date on which the grant agreement under subsection (g) is made; and (ii)expend any funds received under the grant program not later than 5 years after the date on which the grant agreement under subsection (g) is made. (B)

Unobligated amounts

Application

An eligible entity that desires a grant under this section shall submit to the Director an application that contains— (1)a copy of the comprehensive regional plan, whether developed as part of the comprehensive planning grant program under section 7 or developed independently; (2)a description of the project or projects proposed to be carried out using a grant under the grant program; (3)a description of any preliminary actions that have been or must be taken at the local or regional level to implement the project or projects under paragraph (2), including the revision of land use or zoning policies; (4)a signed copy of a memorandum of understanding among local jurisdictions, including, as appropriate, a State, units of general purpose local government, units of special purpose local government, metropolitan planning organizations, rural planning organizations, and regional councils that demonstrates— (A)the creation of a consortium of units of general local government; and (B)a commitment to implement the activities described in the comprehensive regional plan; (5)a certification that the eligible entity has solicited public comment on the contents of the project description under paragraph (2) that includes— (A)a certification that the eligible entity has held 1 or more public hearings; (B)a description of the process for receiving public comment; (C)a summary of the comments received; and (D)such other information as the Director may require; (6)a budget for the project that includes the Federal share of the cost of the project or projects requested and a description of the source of the non-Federal share; and (7)such additional information as the Director may require. (e)

Selection

In evaluating an application for a grant under the grant program, the Director shall consider the extent to which the application— (1)furthers the creation of livable communities; (2)demonstrates the technical capacity of the eligible entity to carry out the project; (3)demonstrates the extent to which the eligible entity has developed partnerships throughout an entire micropolitan or metropolitan statistical area, including partnerships with units of special purpose local government and public transportation agencies; (4)demonstrates clear and meaningful interjurisdictional cooperation and coordination of housing, transportation, and environmental policies and plans; (5)demonstrates a commitment to implementing a comprehensive regional plan and documents action taken or planned to implement the plan, including— (A)rezoning or other changes to land use controls to enable mixed-use, mixed-income development; (B)planned or proposed public transportation investments, including— (i)financial contributions for capital and operating costs of public transportation; (ii)improvements for bicycle riders and pedestrians; (iii)action taken to increase the number of trips made using public transportation and bicycles and by walking; and (iv)special efforts to address the needs of elderly, disabled, and low-income populations, including populations in rural areas; (C)investment in and actions relating to plans or proposals for incentives, subsidies, or requirements for developers to create and preserve affordable housing, including— (i)workforce housing and affordable housing for low-income families, particularly housing in mixed-income, location-efficient neighborhoods with transit-oriented development and access to public transportation, employment, and commercial and other services; and (ii)affordable housing for very low- and extremely low-income families, particularly housing in mixed-income, location-efficient neighborhoods with transit-oriented development; (D)actions taken to promote transit-oriented development, including plans or proposals for zoning, or for incentives, subsidies, or requirements for developers; and (E)planned or proposed incentives, subsidies, or requirements designed to preserve agricultural and rural land and other green space, including planned or proposed programs for the purchase of development rights; (6)minimizes the Federal share necessary to carry out the project; (7)identifies original and innovative ideas to overcoming regional problems, including local land use and zoning (or other code) obstacles to carrying out the comprehensive regional plan; (8)promotes location-efficient development through— (A)mixed-income, mixed-use residential and commercial development that is accessible to jobs and public transportation; or (B)development that is pedestrian-friendly and includes complete street projects; (9)promotes diversity among the geographic regions and the sizes of the population of the communities served by recipients of grants under this section; (10)demonstrates that a Federal grant is necessary to accomplish the project or projects proposed to be carried out; (11)has a high quality overall; and (12)demonstrates such other qualities as the Director may determine. (f)

Grant activities

(1)

Planning activities

An eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program may use not more than 10 percent of the grant for planning activities. (2)

Projects and investments

An eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program shall carry out 1 or more projects that— (A)are designed to achieve goals identified in a comprehensive regional plan; and (B)promote livable communities through investment in— (i)transit-oriented development; (ii)transportation infrastructure and facilities, including public transportation, projects that improve access to public transportation, structured parking near public transportation, and complete street projects; (iii)short-term operating funds to initiate a demonstration of new public transportation services; (iv)promotion of employer-based commuter benefit programs to increase public transportation ridership; (v)promotion of trip reduction programs and the use of transportation alternatives; (vi)creating or preserving affordable housing for low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families in mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhoods with access to public transportation; (vii)brownfield redevelopment, or other redevelopment of communities and commercial areas, including the main streets of small towns; (viii)infrastructure maintenance and improvement initiatives that support regionally integrated planning and smart growth; (ix)energy efficiency retrofit projects; (x)land banking for transit-oriented development; (xi)implementing land use, zoning, and other code reforms to promote location-efficient development and sustainable development; (xii)other economic development that is part of the comprehensive regional plan; and (xiii)other activities consistent with the purposes of this Act, as determined by the Director. (g)

Grant agreement

Each eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall agree to establish, in coordination with the Director, performance measures and reporting requirements that must be met at the end of each year in which the eligible entity receives funds under the grant program. (h)

Violation of grant agreement

Report on the sustainability challenge grant

(1)

In general

Not later than 90 days after the date on which the grant agreement under subsection (g) expires, an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall submit a final report on the project to the Council. (2)

Contents of report

The report shall include— (A)a detailed explanation of the activities undertaken using the grant, including an explanation of the completed project and how it achieves specific transit-oriented, transportation, housing, or sustainable community goals within the region; (B)a discussion of any obstacles encountered in the planning and implementation process and how the eligible entity overcame the obstacles; (C)an evaluation of the success of the project using the performance standards and measures established under subsection (g), including an evaluation of the planning and implementation process and how the project contributes to carrying out the comprehensive regional plan; and (D)any other information the Director may require. (3)

Interim report

The Director may require an eligible entity to submit an interim report, before the date on which the project for which the grant is awarded is completed. (j)

Authorization of Appropriations

(1)

Authorization

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for the award of grants under this section, to remain available until expended— (A)$750,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; (B)$1,250,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and (C)$1,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2013. (2)

Technical assistance

Of amounts made available under this subsection, the Director may use for technical assistance under section 5(c)(3) an amount that does not exceed the lesser of— (A)0.5 percent of the amounts made available under this subsection for a fiscal year; and (B)$2,000,000.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Livable Communities Act of 2010

Findings

Congress finds the following: (1)Demographic trends support the need for cooperation in land use planning and the development of housing and transportation. The population of the United States will grow from approximately 307,000,000 people to approximately 439,000,000 people during the period between 2010 and 2050, an increase of more than 40 percent. (2)By 2025, nearly 1 in every 5 people in the United States will be 65 years of age or older. (3)During the period between 1980 and 2000, the growth of the 99 largest metropolitan areas in the continental United States consumed 16,000,000 acres of rural land, or about 1 acre for every new household. (4)In 2007, traffic congestion caused people in large and small metropolitan areas of the United States to waste 4,200,000,000 hours in traffic and to purchase an extra 2,800,000,000 gallons of fuel, for a congestion cost of $87,200,000,000. This represents a 5-fold increase in wasted time and cost since 1982. (5)The Energy Information Administration of the Department of Energy forecasts that driving will increase 59 percent between 2005 and 2030, far outpacing the projected 23-percent increase in population. (6)According to the United States Census Bureau, only 54 percent of households in the United States have access to public transportation, limiting their transportation options. (7)In 2008, voters throughout the United States approved State and local ballot initiatives that supported public transportation 79 percent of the time, even when it meant local taxes would be raised or continued. (8)Demographers estimate that as much as 30 percent of current demand for housing is for housing in dense, walkable, mixed-use communities, and that less than 2 percent of new housing is in this category. (9)The average household spends 19 percent of its household budget on transportation, and some very low-income households spend as much as 55 percent of the household budget on transportation. Households with good access to public transportation spend only 9 percent of the household budget on transportation, which increases the portion of the household budget available for other critical household needs. (10)The need for safe and affordable housing is great. Fifty-four percent of renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs, and 29 percent of renters pay more than 50 percent of their income for housing. In 2007, there was a shortage of 2,800,000 units of affordable housing for extremely low-income renter households. An estimated 6,000,000 households live with moderate or severe housing conditions, including heating, plumbing, and electrical problems, and 24,000,000 households face significant lead-based paint hazards. (11)People who live in areas of compact development (where housing, shopping, jobs, and public transportation are in close proximity) drive 20 to 40 percent less than people who live in average development patterns in the United States. (12)When the effects of emissions savings from passengers taking transit instead of driving and the reduction in vehicle miles traveled due to the impact of transit on land use are taken into account, public transportation in the United States reduces carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 37,000,000 metric tons each year. (13)Transportation accounts for 70 percent of the oil consumed in the United States and nearly 1/3 of carbon emissions in the United States come from the transportation sector. Reducing the growth of the number of miles driven and providing transportation alternatives through good planning and sustainable development is a necessary part of the energy independence and climate change strategies of the United States. (14)A number of studies, reports, and articles by organizations including the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Association of Realtors, and the Transit Cooperative Research Project have found that one of the keys to revitalizing and maintaining the character of town centers and preserving surrounding agricultural land in small and rural communities is to prevent commercial and residential development on the outskirts of town, by promoting integrated housing, economic, and transportation development in town centers. (15)More than 1,600,000 rural households do not have access to cars. (16)The burden of transportation costs is especially heavy for low-income rural residents, because residents of rural areas drive approximately 17 percent more than residents of urban areas. (17)Demand for public transportation in rural and small town communities is growing. Between 2002 and 2005, ridership on small urban and rural public transportation systems increased 20 percent. (18)Poorly planned development in rural areas can fragment agricultural and forest lands, pollute waterways with surface water runoff, cause unnecessary environmental impacts, strain the capacity of rural roads, and sap economic vitality from existing main street commercial areas. (19)Funding for integrated housing, transportation, energy, environmental, and economic development and other land use planning efforts at the local and regional levels is necessary to provide for sustainable development and smart growth. (20)Responsibilities related to health hazards in housing are not clearly delineated among Federal agencies. Categorical housing, health, energy assistance, and environmental programs are narrowly defined and often miss opportunities to address multiple hazards in the same dwelling simultaneously. Enabling Federal programs to embrace a comprehensive healthy housing approach will require removing unnecessary Federal statutory and regulatory barriers, and creating incentives to advance the complementary goals of environmental health, energy conservation, and housing availability in relevant programs.

Purposes

The purposes of this Act are— (1)to facilitate and improve the coordination of housing, community development, transportation, energy, and environmental policy in the United States; (2)to coordinate Federal policies and investments to promote sustainable development; (3)to encourage regional planning for livable communities and the adoption of sustainable development techniques, including transit-oriented development; (4)to provide a variety of safe, reliable transportation choices, with special emphasis on public transportation and complete streets, in order to reduce traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and dependence on foreign oil; (5)to provide long-term affordable, accessible, energy-efficient, and location-efficient housing choices for people of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities, and to make the combined costs of housing and transportation more affordable to families; (6)to support, revitalize, and encourage growth in existing communities, in order to maximize the cost-effectiveness of existing infrastructure and preserve undeveloped lands; (7)to promote economic development and competitiveness by connecting the housing and employment locations of workers, reducing traffic congestion, and providing families with access to essential services; (8)to preserve the environment and natural resources, including agricultural and rural land and green spaces; and (9)to support public health and improve the quality of life for the residents of, and workers in, communities by promoting healthy, walkable neighborhoods, access to green space, and the mobility to pursue greater opportunities.

Definitions

In this Act, the following definitions shall apply: (1)

Active transportation

The term active transportation means modes of transportation powered solely by human energy, including bicycling and walking. (2)

Affordable housing

The term affordable housing means housing, the cost of which does not exceed 30 percent of the income of a family. (3)

Census tract

The term census tract means a small, relatively permanent statistical subdivision of a county, delineated by a local committee of census data users for the purpose of presenting data. (4)

Chairperson

The term Chairperson means the Chairperson of the Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities. (5)

Complete street

Comprehensive regional plan

The term comprehensive regional plan means a plan that— (A)identifies land use, transportation, community development, housing, economic development, environmental, energy, public health, and infrastructure needs and goals in a region; (B)provides strategies for meeting the needs and goals described in subparagraph (A), including strategies for— (i)providing long-term affordable, accessible, energy-efficient, and location-efficient housing choices for people of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities; (ii)reducing growth in vehicle miles traveled, in order to reduce traffic congestion, oil consumption, and regional greenhouse gas emissions from transportation; (iii)encouraging economic competitiveness and economic development; (iv)increasing the connectivity of the region by increasing public transportation ridership, improving access to transportation alternatives, and effectively implementing a coordinated human services transportation plan; and (v)preserving the environment and natural resources; and (C)prioritizes projects for funding and implementation. (7)

Consortium of units of general local governments

The term consortium of units of general local governments means a consortium of geographically contiguous units of general local government that the Secretary determines— (A)represents all or part of a metropolitan statistical area, a micropolitan statistical area, or a noncore area; (B)has the authority under State, tribal, or local law to carry out planning activities, including surveys, land use studies, environmental or public health analyses, and development of urban revitalization plans; and (C)has provided documentation to the Secretary sufficient to demonstrate that the purpose of the consortium is to carry out a project using a grant awarded under this Act. (8)

Coordinated human services transportation

The term coordinated human services transportation means transportation services consistent with the coordinated public transportation-human services transportation plans required under chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code. (9)

Council

The term Council means the Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities established under section 6. (10)

Department

The term Department means the Department of Housing and Urban Development. (11)

Director

The term Director means the Director of the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities established under section 5. (12)

Extremely low-income family

The term extremely low-income family means a family that has an income that does not exceed— (A)30 percent of the median income in the area where the family lives, as determined by the Secretary, with appropriate adjustments for the size of the family; or (B)a percentage of the median income in the area where the family lives, as determined by the Secretary upon a finding by the Secretary that such percentage is necessary due to unusually high or low family incomes in the area where the family lives. (13)

Healthy housing

The term healthy housing means housing that is designed, constructed, rehabilitated, and maintained in a manner that supports the health of the occupants of the housing. (14)

High-poverty area

The term high-poverty area means a census tract, or a group of contiguous census tracts, that has a poverty rate of 20 percent or more. (15)

Housing-related health hazard

The term housing-related health hazard means any biological, physical, or chemical source of exposure or condition in, or immediately adjacent to, housing that could adversely affect human health. (16)

Indian tribe

The term Indian tribe has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103). (17)

Integrated active transportation network

The term integrated active transportation network means a network of facilities for active transportation, including bicycle lanes, bikeways, bicycle boulevards, pedestrian and bicycle trails, and sidewalks that are coordinated to provide safe and convenient connections to public transportation, workplaces, schools, residences, businesses, recreation areas, and other community activity centers. (18)

Livable community

The term livable community means a metropolitan, urban, suburban, or rural community that— (A)provides safe, reliable, and accessible transportation choices; (B)provides long-term affordable, accessible, energy-efficient, and location-efficient housing choices for people of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities; (C)supports, revitalizes, and encourages the growth of existing communities and maximizes the cost-effectiveness of existing infrastructure; (D)promotes economic development and economic competitiveness; (E)preserves the environment and natural resources; (F)protects agricultural land, rural land, and green spaces; and (G)supports public health and improves the quality of life for residents of, and workers in, the community. (19)

Location-efficient

The term location-efficient characterizes mixed-use development or neighborhoods that integrate housing, commercial development, and facilities and amenities including employment, healthcare and human services, educational facilities, and transportation— (A)to enhance mobility; (B)to encourage transit-oriented development; (C)to encourage infill development and maximize the use of existing infrastructure; and (D)to reduce growth in vehicle miles traveled and the transportation costs and energy requirements associated with ownership or rental of a home. (20)

Low-income family

The term low-income family has the meaning given that term in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)). (21)

Metropolitan planning organization

The term metropolitan planning organization means— (A)a metropolitan planning organization described in section 134(b) of title 23, United States Code; or (B)a metropolitan planning organization described in section 5303(b) of title 49, United States Code. (22)

Metropolitan statistical area

Micropolitan statistical area

Noncore area

The term noncore area means a county or group of counties that are not designated by the Office of Management and Budget as a micropolitan statistical area or metropolitan statistical area. (25)

Older adult

The term older adult means an elderly person, as defined in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)). (26)

Office

The term Office means the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities established under section 5. (27)

Regional council

Rural planning organization

The term rural planning organization means a voluntary regional organization of local elected officials and representatives of local transportation systems that— (A)works in cooperation with the department of transportation (or equivalent entity) of a State to plan transportation networks and advise officials of the State on transportation planning; and (B)is located in a rural area— (i)with a population of not less than 5,000; and (ii)that is not located in an area represented by a metropolitan planning organization. (29)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. (30)

State

The term State has the meaning given that term by the Secretary, by rule. (31)

Sustainable development

The term sustainable development means a pattern of resource use designed to create livable communities by— (A)providing a variety of safe, reliable, and accessible transportation choices, with special emphasis on public transportation and complete streets, in order to reduce traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and oil consumption; (B)providing long-term affordable, accessible, energy-efficient, and location-efficient housing choices for people of all income levels, ages, races, and ethnicities; (C)supporting, revitalizing, and encouraging the growth of communities and maximizing the cost-effectiveness of existing infrastructure; (D)promoting economic development and economic competitiveness; (E)preserving the environment and natural resources; (F)protecting agricultural land, rural land, and green spaces; and (G)supporting public health and improving the quality of life for residents of, and workers in, a community. (32)

Transit-oriented development

The term transit-oriented development means high-density, walkable, location-efficient, mixed-use development, including commercial development, affordable housing, and market-rate housing, that is within walking distance of and accessible to 1 or more public transportation facilities. (33)

Unit of general local government

Unit of special purpose local government

Very low-income family

The term very low-income family has the same meaning as in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)). (36)

Workforce housing

The term workforce housing means housing, the cost of which does not exceed 30 percent of— (A)120 percent of the median income in the area where the family lives, as determined by the Secretary, with appropriate adjustments for the size of the family; or (B)a percentage, as determined by the Secretary, of the median income in the area where the family lives, upon a finding by the Secretary that such percentage is necessary due to unusually high or low family incomes in the area where the family lives.

Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities

(a)

Office established

There is established in the Department an Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, which shall— (1)coordinate Federal policies and initiatives that foster livable communities— (A)to encourage sustainable development at the State, regional, and local levels; (B)to encourage the development of comprehensive regional plans; (C)to foster energy-efficient communities and housing; (D)to provide long-term affordable, accessible, energy-efficient, healthy, location-efficient housing choices for people of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities, particularly for low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families; and (E)to achieve other goals consistent with the purposes of this Act; (2)review Federal programs and policies to determine barriers to sustainable communities and make recommendations to promote sustainability in the Department and throughout the Federal Government; (3)conduct research and advise the Secretary on the research agenda of the Department relating to sustainable development, in coordination with the Office of Policy Development and Research of the Department; (4)provide support for participation by the Secretary in the activities of the Council; (5)implement and oversee the grant programs established under this Act by— (A)developing grant applications for each grant program; (B)promulgating regulations relating to each grant program; (C)selecting recipients of grants under each grant program; (D)creating performance measures for recipients of grants under each grant program; (E)developing technical assistance and other guidance to assist recipients of grants and potential applicants for grants under each grant program; (F)monitoring and evaluating the performance of recipients of grants under each grant program; and (G)carrying out such other activities relating to the administration of the grant programs under this Act as the Secretary determines are necessary; (6)provide guidance, information on best practices, and technical assistance to communities seeking to adopt sustainable development policies and practices; (7)administer initiatives of the Department relating to the policies described in paragraph (1), as determined by the Secretary; (8)work with the Federal Transit Administration of the Department of Transportation— (A)to encourage transit-oriented development; and (B)to coordinate Federal housing, community development, and transportation policies, including the policies described in paragraph (1); and (9)coordinate with and conduct outreach to Federal agencies, including the Federal Transit Administration of the Department of Transportation and the Office of Smart Growth of the Environmental Protection Agency, on sustainability issues, including methods to reduce duplicative programs and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of programs within the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. (b)

Director

The head of the Office shall be the Director of the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities. (c)

Duties relating to grant programs

(1)

In general

The Director, in coordination with the Council or a working group established by the Council under section 6(b)(6), shall carry out the grant programs established under this Act. (2)

Small and rural communities grants program

The Director shall coordinate with the Council, or a working group established by the Council under section 6(b)(6), and the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to small and rural communities under section 7(c)(1)(A) and section 8(c)(1)(A). (3)

Interim working group

Technical assistance for grant recipients and applicants

(A)

In general

The Director may— (i)coordinate with the members of the Council to establish interagency and multidisciplinary teams to provide technical assistance to recipients of, and prospective applicants for, grants under this Act; (ii)by Federal interagency agreement, transfer funds to another Federal agency to facilitate and support technical assistance; and (iii)make contracts with third parties to provide technical assistance to grant recipients and prospective applicants for grants. (B)

Rural and small communities technical assistance

In consultation with the Council, the Director shall develop cooperative arrangements with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Secretary of Transportation to provide technical assistance to small and rural communities applying for grants under section 7(c)(1)(A) or section 8(c)(1)(A). (d)

Report on housing location affordability index

(1)

Study

The Director shall conduct a study on— (A)the development of a housing location affordability index that includes both housing and transportation costs; and (B)ways in which the affordability index described in subparagraph (A) could be made available to the public to inform consumers of the combined costs of housing and transportation. (2)

Report

Report on Incentives for Energy-Efficient Mortgages and Location-Efficient Mortgages

(1)

Definitions

Study

(A)

In general

Considerations

In studying the incentives under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider— (i)the potential for lower risk of default on energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages in comparison to mortgages that are not energy-efficient or location-efficient; and (ii)any other factors affecting the feasibility, affordability, and sustainability of energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages. (3)

Report

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities

(a)

Establishment of Council

(1)

Establishment

There is established in the executive branch an independent entity to be known as the Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities. (2)

Members

(A)

In general

The members of the Council shall be— (i)the Secretary, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; and (ii)such representatives from other Federal agencies, departments, or offices in the executive branch as the President may prescribe. (B)

Designees

(i)

In general

The head of a Federal agency described in subparagraph (A) may select a designee to serve in the place of the head of the Federal agency on the Council. (ii)

Qualifications

The head of a Federal agency that selects a designee under clause (i) shall ensure that the designee has the appropriate experience and authority to serve on the Council. (C)

Pay

The members of the Council shall serve with no additional pay. (3)

Chairperson

(A)

Chairperson

The Chairperson of the Council shall be, in successive terms— (i)the Secretary; (ii)the Secretary of Transportation; and (iii)the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (B)

Duties

Term

The Chairperson shall serve for a term of 1 year. (D)

First Chairperson

The Secretary shall be the first individual to serve as Chairperson after the date of enactment of this Act. (4)

Executive director and staff

(A)

Executive director

(i)

Appointment and compensation

Sense of Congress

It is the sense of Congress that the Council should appoint an Executive Director not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (B)

Additional personnel

Detailees from other agencies

Upon request of the Council, the head of any Federal agency may detail any of the personnel of such agency to the Council to assist the Council in carrying out its duties under this section. (D)

Experts and consultants

With the approval of the Council, the Executive Director of the Council may procure temporary and intermittent services pursuant to section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code. (5)

Consultation with additional secretaries and administrators

(A)

Consultation

In carrying out its duties under this section, the Council may consult with the heads of departments, agencies, and offices in the executive branch, including the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs. (B)

Participation in meetings of Council

The head of a department, agency, or office with whom the Council consults under subparagraph (A) may participate in a meeting of the Council. (C)

Information sharing

The head of each Federal agency shall make available to the Council such information as may be necessary for the Council to carry out its duties under this section. (6)

Meetings

The Council shall meet— (A)not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act; and (B)not less frequently than 3 times each year. (7)

Governance

Incorporation of work of interim working group

Any activities carried out by an interim working group pursuant to section 5(c)(2) shall be incorporated into the activities of the Council, effective on the date on which the memorandum of understanding under paragraph (7) is signed. (b)

Duties of the council

The Council shall— (1)ensure interagency coordination of Federal policy on sustainable development; (2)conduct outreach to nonprofit and for-profit organizations and State and local governments to build partnerships and knowledge relating to sustainable development; (3)with respect to sustainable development efforts by departments and agencies of the Federal Government— (A)coordinate the research agendas of the departments and agencies, to consolidate or eliminate overlapping or duplicative efforts; and (B)review Federal sustainable housing programs at each department and agency, report the results of the review on the website of the Council not less than frequently than annually, and make recommendations to Congress with respect to the review; (4)establish a clearinghouse for guidance, best practices, and other information for communities undertaking activities relating to sustainable development; (5)coordinate an assessment by departments and agencies of the Federal Government of impediments to sustainable development, including impediments created by Federal programs, and the development of recommendations for methods for overcoming such impediments; (6)coordinate with the Director on activities relating to the grant programs established under this Act, as described in section 5(a)(5), or establish a working group to coordinate with the Director on such activities; (7)lead the Federal initiative to support healthy housing and eradicate housing-related health hazards by— (A)reviewing, monitoring, and evaluating Federal housing, health, energy, and environmental programs and identifying areas of overlap and duplication that could be improved; (B)identifying best practices and model programs, including practices and programs that link services for low-income families and services for health hazards; (C)identifying best practices for finance products, building codes, and regulatory practices; (D)researching training programs and work practices that can accurately assess housing-related health hazards; (E)promoting collaboration among Federal, State, local, and tribal agencies and non-governmental organizations; and (F)coordinating with all relevant Federal agencies; and (8)coordinate with the Director to develop common performance measures to assess the progress and effectiveness of projects carried out using grants made under this Act, including efforts to provide detailed and in-depth analysis, data collection, and application of rigorous methods of measuring and addressing the impacts and outcomes of the projects, particularly with respect to the extent to which the projects have— (A)provided improved and efficient access to jobs and other activities throughout metropolitan areas and micropolitan areas and regions; (B)reduced carbon emissions and petroleum consumption associated with transportation on per capita and vehicle-miles-traveled bases, and made other environmental improvements, as determined by the Council; (C)increased energy efficiency in communities and housing; (D)improved the availability and quality of long-term affordable and location-efficient housing for people of all income levels, particularly in mixed-income neighborhoods with access to public transportation; (E)encouraged density and mixed-use development within ½ mile of transit stations in regions with fixed guideway transit; (F)increased the number of trips taken by walking, biking, and transit in a region; (G)encouraged location-efficient development and the use of existing infrastructure in a region; and (H)prompted an increase in comprehensive regional land use planning efforts, including the preservation of agricultural and rural land and green spaces. (c)

Reports

(1)

Annual report

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Council shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that contains— (A)a description of the activities and accomplishments of the Council; (B)an evaluation of the development and implementation of performance measures to guide progress on cost-effective and outcome-oriented investment and a description of possible impediments to developing effective performance measures; and (C)recommendations, if any, for legislation or other action necessary to eradicate housing-related health hazards. (2)

Recommendations

Studies and reports

(1)

GAO study of Federal actions and report

Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that contains— (A)an updated analysis of impediments to sustainable development, as described in subsection (c)(2)(A); and (B)a description of actions taken by the Federal Government to implement the recommendations made by the Council in the report under subsection (c)(2)(B). (2)

Council study on sustainable building features and indoor environmental quality in housing

(A)

In general

The Council, in consultation with Secretary of Energy, the Directors of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and any other Federal agency the Director determines is appropriate, shall conduct a detailed study of how sustainable building features, such as energy efficiency, in housing affect the quality of the indoor environment, the prevalence of housing-related health hazards, and the health of occupants. (B)

Contents of study

The study under subparagraph (A) shall— (i)investigate the effect of sustainable building features on the quality of the indoor environment and the prevalence of housing-related health hazards; (ii)investigate how sustainable building features, such as energy efficiency, influence the health of occupants; and (iii)comprehensively evaluate the effects on indoor environmental quality. (C)

Report

Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Council shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the study under subparagraph (A). (e)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

Comprehensive planning grant program

(a)

Definitions

In this section— (1)the term eligible entity means— (A)a partnership between a consortium of units of general local government and an eligible partner; or (B)an Indian tribe, if— (i)the Indian tribe has— (I)a tribal entity that performs housing and land use planning functions; and (II)a tribal entity that performs transportation and transportation planning functions; and (ii)the Secretary determines that the isolated location and land expanse of the Indian tribe require the Secretary to treat the tribe as an eligible entity for purposes of carrying out activities using a grant under this section; (2)the term eligible partner means— (A)a metropolitan planning organization, a rural planning organization, or a regional council; or (B)a metropolitan planning organization, a rural planning organization, or a regional council, and— (i)a State; (ii)an Indian tribe; or (iii)a State and an Indian tribe; and (3)the term grant program means the comprehensive planning grant program established under subsection (b). (b)

Comprehensive planning grant program established

The Director shall establish a comprehensive planning grant program to make grants to eligible entities to carry out a project— (1)to coordinate land use, housing, transportation, including coordinated human services transportation, infrastructure, and environmental planning processes, across jurisdictions and agencies; (2)to identify potential regional partnerships for developing and implementing a comprehensive regional plan; (3)to conduct or update housing, infrastructure, transportation, energy, and environmental assessments to determine regional needs and promote sustainable development; (4)to develop or update— (A)a comprehensive regional plan; or (B)goals and strategies to implement an existing comprehensive regional plan; and (5)to implement local zoning and other code changes necessary to implement a comprehensive regional plan and promote sustainable development. (c)

Grants

(1)

Diversity of grantees

The Director shall ensure geographic diversity among and adequate representation from each of the following categories: (A)

Small and rural communities

Eligible entities that represent all or part of a noncore area, a micropolitan area, or a small metropolitan statistical area with a population of not more than 200,000. (B)

Mid-sized metropolitan communities

Eligible entities that represent all or part of a metropolitan statistical area with a population of more than 200,000 and not more than 500,000. (C)

Large metropolitan communities

Eligible entities that represent all or part of a metropolitan statistical area with a population of more than 500,000. (2)

Award of funds to small and rural communities

(A)

In general

The Director shall award not less than 15 percent of the funds under the grant program to eligible entities described in paragraph (1)(A). (B)

Insufficient applications

If the Director determines that insufficient approvable applications have been submitted by eligible entities described in paragraph (1)(A), the Director may award less than 15 percent of the funds under the grant program to eligible entities described in paragraph (1)(A). (3)

Federal share

(A)

In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using a grant under the grant program may not exceed 80 percent. (B)

Indian tribes

In the case of an eligible entity that is an Indian tribe, the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using a grant under the grant program may be 100 percent. (C)

In-kind contributions

For the purposes of this section, in-kind contributions may be used for all or part of the non-Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using a grant under the grant program. (4)

Availability of funds

(A)

In general

An eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program shall— (i)obligate any funds received under the grant program not later than 2 years after the date on which the grant agreement under subsection (g) is made; and (ii)expend any funds received under the grant program not later than 4 years after the date on which the grant agreement under subsection (g) is made. (B)

Unobligated amounts

Application

(1)

In general

An eligible entity that desires a grant under this section shall submit to the Director an application, at such time and in such manner as the Director shall prescribe, that contains— (A)a description of the project proposed to be carried out by the eligible entity; (B)a budget for the project that includes the anticipated Federal share of the cost of the project and a description of the source of the non-Federal share; (C)the designation of a lead agency or organization, which may be the eligible entity, to receive and manage any funds received by the eligible entity under the grant program; (D)a signed copy of a memorandum of understanding among local jurisdictions, including, as appropriate, a State, a tribe, units of general purpose local government, units of special purpose local government, metropolitan planning organizations, rural planning organizations, and regional councils that demonstrates— (i)the creation of an eligible entity; (ii)a description of the nature and extent of planned collaboration between the eligible entity and any partners of the eligible entity; (iii)a commitment to develop a comprehensive regional plan; and (iv)a commitment to implement the plan after the plan is developed; (E)a certification that the eligible entity has— (i)secured the participation, or made a good-faith effort to secure the participation, of the public transportation agencies and public housing agencies within the area affected by the comprehensive regional plan and the entities described in clause (ii); and (ii)created, or will create not later than 1 year after the date of the grant award, a regional advisory board to provide input and feedback on the development of the comprehensive regional plan that includes, as appropriate, representatives of a State, the metropolitan planning organization, the rural planning organization, the regional council, public transportation agencies, public housing agencies, economic development authorities, Indian tribes, other local governments, environmental agencies, public health agencies, human services agencies, area agencies on aging, the nonprofit community, the private sector, community-based organizations, citizen groups, neighborhood groups, and members of the public, including representatives of older adults, persons with disabilities, and low-income families; (F)a certification that the eligible entity has solicited public comment on the contents of the project description under subparagraph (A) that includes— (i)a description of the process for receiving public comment relating to the proposal; and (ii)such other information as the Director may require; (G)a description of how the eligible entity will carry out the activities under subsection (f); and (H)such additional information as the Director may require. (2)

Indian tribes

An eligible entity that is an Indian tribe is not required to submit the certification under paragraph (1)(E). (e)

Selection

In evaluating an application for a grant under the grant program, the Director shall consider the extent to which the application— (1)furthers the creation of livable communities; (2)demonstrates the technical capacity of the eligible entity to carry out the project; (3)demonstrates the extent to which the consortium has developed partnerships throughout an entire region, including, as appropriate, partnerships with the entities described in subsection (d)(1)(D); (4)demonstrates a commitment to— (A)sustainable development and location-efficient development; (B)transit-oriented development, where appropriate; (C)developing new capacity for public transportation and increasing ridership on public transportation; (D)providing long-term affordable, accessible, energy-efficient, healthy, and location-efficient housing choices for families of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities; (E)creating and preserving long-term affordable, energy-efficient, healthy, and location-efficient housing for low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families, particularly in mixed-income neighborhoods; (F)revitalizing communities, neighborhoods and commercial centers supported by existing infrastructure; (G)monitoring and improving environmental quality, including air and water quality, energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and the redevelopment of brownfields; (H)coordinating the provision of transportation services and information about such services to older adults, persons with disabilities, and low-income families; and (I)increasing trips made by bicycle and walking through strategies including developing integrated active transportation networks and enacting and implementing complete street policies; (5)demonstrates a plan for implementing a comprehensive regional plan through regional infrastructure investment plans and local land use plans; (6)promotes diversity among the geographic regions and the size of the population of the communities served by recipients of grants under this section; (7)promotes economic benefits; (8)demonstrates a commitment to seeking substantial public input during the planning process and public participation in the development of the comprehensive regional plan; (9)demonstrates that a Federal grant is necessary to accomplish the project proposed to be carried out; (10)minimizes the Federal share necessary to carry out the project and leverages State, local, or private resources; (11)has a high quality overall; and (12)demonstrates such other qualities as the Director may determine. (f)

Eligible activities

An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall carry out a project that includes 1 or more of the following activities: (1)Planning and coordinating across jurisdictions in the region to develop a comprehensive regional plan. (2)Developing achievable goals and strategies for carrying out the comprehensive regional plan, including— (A)land use, zoning, and other code reform, including reform of conservation zoning in agricultural and other natural resource areas; (B)promoting efficient land use, mixed-use development, and the preservation of agricultural, green, and open space; (C)increasing access to and ridership on public transportation, including safe, accessible routes to public transportation; (D)the creation and preservation of workforce housing and affordable housing for low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families, including housing with access to jobs, public transportation, and community services and amenities and housing in mixed-income neighborhoods; (E)promoting economic development and transit-oriented development, including co-location of healthcare and human services; (F)revitalizing communities; (G)promoting environmental protection, public health, and healthy housing, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions; (H)increasing connectivity to healthcare centers for people of all ages and abilities, with particular focus on older adults, persons with disabilities, and veterans; and (I)increasing trips made by bicycle and walking through strategies including developing integrated active transportation networks. (3)Developing a plan that outlines feasible steps for implementing the comprehensive regional plan, including making interjurisdictional agreements that provide for cooperative and coordinated approaches to achieving the goals of the plan. (4)Developing a plan that adapts to changes in population and demographics, including the adoption of location-efficient land use plans and the adaptive re-use of vacant and abandoned properties and underutilized properties. (5)Assessing projected regional population growth or loss and demographic changes. (6)Assessing how the regional population growth or loss and demographic changes will impact the need for housing, community development, and transportation, including public transportation in the region. (7)Assessing the accessibility of job centers within the region to public transportation facilities and housing. (8)Assessing transportation options in the region, including— (A)public transportation options; (B)options for creating integrated active transportation networks to increase trips made by bicycle and walking, including complete street policies and procedures; (C)options for people with low incomes, people living in high-poverty areas, older adults, and persons with disabilities; (D)the effectiveness of coordinated human services transportation in the region; and (E)any obstacles to providing access to locations that offer employment opportunities. (9)Assessing the daily vehicle miles traveled in the region and opportunities for reducing the growth in daily vehicle miles traveled and traffic congestion. (10)Assessing housing needs, including the need for workforce housing and long-term affordable housing for low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families, and the availability of housing in the region to meet such needs. (11)Assessing the need to create, preserve, and improve long-term affordable housing for low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families and families that utilize workforce housing in areas that— (A)are undergoing redevelopment or carrying out transit-oriented development; (B)have access to transportation (particularly public transportation), jobs, educational facilities, neighborhood commercial centers, and medical services; and (C)are in mixed-income neighborhoods. (12)Assessing methods for lowering the combined cost of housing and transportation for families in the region, particularly for families that utilize workforce housing and for low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families. (13)Assessing existing water and sewer infrastructure in the region, including projected water and sewer needs and sources, the need for sewer infrastructure, and the existence of flood plains. (14)Assessing local land use and zoning policies and opportunities for revising or expanding such policies to implement a comprehensive regional plan. (15)Assessing the opportunity to revitalize existing communities, including infill development. (16)Assessing environmental and public health needs in the region and potential strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air and water quality, and remediating brownfield sites. (17)Assessing the impact of infrastructure on quality of life and wellness, including access to recreational facilities and active transportation opportunities, such as trails, and the availability of nutritious food. (18)Assessing projected loss of agricultural and rural land and other green space in the region to development, and methods to minimize such loss. (19)Developing techniques to inform decisionmakers on how changes in population and demographics and employment, development patterns, and investments in transportation infrastructure are likely to affect travel, congestion, air quality, and quality of life. (20)Implementing land use, zoning, and other code reforms to promote location efficiency and sustainable development. (21)Assessing school siting policies and school locations for opportunities to increase the proximity of students to schools and increase the rate of walking and bicycling to school. (22)Other activities consistent with the purposes of this Act, as determined by the Director. (g)

Grant agreement

Each eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall agree to establish, in coordination with the Director, performance measures, reporting requirements, and any other requirements that the Director determines are necessary, that must be met at the end of each year in which the eligible entity receives funds under the grant program. (h)

Public outreach

(1)

Outreach required

Each eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program shall perform substantial outreach activities— (A)to engage a broad cross-section of community stakeholders in the process of developing a comprehensive regional plan, including low-income families, minorities, older adults, and economically disadvantaged community members; and (B)to create an effective means for stakeholders to participate in the development and implementation of a comprehensive regional plan. (2)

Finalization of comprehensive regional plan

(A)

In general

An eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program may not finalize a comprehensive regional plan before the eligible entity holds a public hearing to obtain the views of citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties. (B)

Availability of information

Not later than 30 days before a hearing described in subparagraph (A), an eligible entity shall make the proposed comprehensive regional plan and all information relevant to the hearing available to the public for inspection during normal business hours. (C)

Notice

Not later than 30 days before a hearing described in subparagraph (A), an eligible entity shall publish notice— (i)of the hearing; and (ii)that the information described in subparagraph (B) is available. (i)

Violation of grant agreement or failure to comply with public outreach requirements

If the Director determines that an eligible entity has not met the performance measures established under subsection (g), is not making reasonable progress toward meeting such measures, is otherwise in violation of the grant agreement, or has not complied with the public outreach requirements under subsection (h), the Director may— (1)withhold financial assistance until the requirements under the grant agreement or under subsection (h), as applicable, are met; or (2)terminate the grant agreement. (j)

Reports required

(1)

First annual report

Not later than 60 days after the end of the first year after the grant agreement is made under subsection (g), and each year thereafter, an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall submit to the Director a progress report that contains— (A)a description of any progress made toward meeting the performance measures established under subsection (g), including— (i)a description of any partnership created across policy and governmental jurisdictions and a description of any task force or multiagency group established by the eligible entity at the regional level; and (ii)a description of— (I)housing, land use, transportation, public transportation, energy, infrastructure, and environmental needs in the region; or (II)the obstacles encountered that prevented the eligible entity from completing a comprehensive evaluation of housing, land use, transportation, public transportation, energy, infrastructure, and environmental needs, and a date by which the eligible entity expects to complete the evaluation; (B)a description of any planning goals for the region that address housing, transportation, public transportation, energy, infrastructure, and environmental needs; (C)a description of— (i)a strategy for meeting the goals described in subparagraph (B), including a discussion of potential transportation, housing, transit-oriented development, energy, infrastructure, or environmental activities; or (ii)the obstacles encountered that prevented the eligible entity from completing a strategy for meeting the goals identified under clause (i) and a date by which the eligible entity expects to complete the strategy; (D)a description of the process for soliciting public participation, and a description of the efforts to reach affected populations and stakeholders; and (E)any other information the Director may require. (2)

Subsequent annual reports

Except for the first report required under paragraph (1), a report submitted under paragraph (1) may be submitted in the form of an update, at the discretion of the Director. (3)

Final report

Not later than 90 days after the date on which the grant agreement under subsection (g) expires, an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall submit to the Director a final report that contains— (A)a description of a comprehensive regional plan that includes specific projects that will help meet housing, transportation, energy, infrastructure, and environmental goals for the region; (B)a detailed description of how the plan under subparagraph (A) meets the performance measures established under subsection (g); (C)a plan for the next steps to be taken by the eligible entity, including whether the eligible entity intends to apply for a sustainability challenge grant under section 8; and (D)any other information the Director may require. (k)

Authorization of appropriations

(1)

Authorization

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for the award of grants under this section, to remain available until expended— (A)$100,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and (B)$125,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2014. (2)

Technical assistance

The Director may use not more than 2 percent of the amounts made available under this subsection for a fiscal year for technical assistance under section 5(c)(4).

Sustainability challenge grant program

(a)

Definitions

In this section— (1)the term eligible entity means— (A)a partnership between a consortium of units of general local government and an eligible partner; or (B)an Indian tribe, if— (i)the Indian tribe has— (I)a tribal entity that performs housing and land use planning functions; and (II)a tribal entity that performs transportation and transportation planning functions; and (ii)the Secretary determines that the isolated location and land expanse of the Indian tribe require the Secretary to treat the tribe as an eligible entity for purposes of carrying out activities using a grant under the grant program; (2)the term eligible partner means— (A)a metropolitan planning organization, a rural planning organization, or a regional council; or (B)a metropolitan planning organization, a rural planning organization, or a regional council, and— (i)a State; (ii)an Indian tribe; or (iii)a State and an Indian tribe; and (3)the term grant program means the sustainability challenge grant program established under subsection (b). (b)

Sustainability challenge grant program established

The Director shall establish a sustainability challenge grant program to make grants to eligible entities to— (1)promote integrated transportation, housing, energy, infrastructure, environmental, and economic development activities carried out across policy and governmental jurisdictions; (2)promote sustainable development and location-efficient development; and (3)implement projects identified in a comprehensive regional plan. (c)

Grants

(1)

Diversity of grantees

The Director shall ensure geographic diversity among and adequate representation from each of the following categories: (A)

Small and rural communities

Eligible entities that represent all or part of a noncore area, a micropolitan area, or a small metropolitan statistical area with a population of not more than 200,000. (B)

Mid-sized metropolitan communities

Eligible entities that represent all or part of a metropolitan statistical area with a population of more than 200,000 and not more than 500,000. (C)

Large metropolitan communities

Eligible entities that represent all or part of a metropolitan statistical area with a population of more than 500,000. (2)

Award of funds to small and rural communities

(A)

In general

The Director shall award not less than 15 percent of the funds under the grant program to eligible entities described in paragraph (1)(A). (B)

Insufficient applications

Federal share

(A)

In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using a grant under the grant program may not exceed 80 percent. (B)

Indian tribes

In the case of an eligible entity that is an Indian tribe, the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using a grant under the grant program may be 100 percent. (4)

Availability of funds

(A)

In general

An eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program shall— (i)obligate any funds received under the grant program not later than 2 years after the date on which the grant agreement under subsection (g) is made; and (ii)expend any funds received under the grant program not later than 5 years after the date on which the grant agreement under subsection (g) is made. (B)

Unobligated amounts

After the date described in subparagraph (A)(i), the Secretary may award to another eligible entity, to carry out activities under the grant program, any amounts that an eligible entity has not obligated under subparagraph (A)(i). (d)

Application

(1)

Contents

An eligible entity that desires a grant under the grant program shall submit to the Director an application, at such time and in such manner as the Director shall prescribe, that contains— (A)a copy of the comprehensive regional plan, whether developed as part of the comprehensive planning grant program under section 7 or developed independently; (B)a description of the project or projects proposed to be carried out using a grant under the grant program; (C)a description of any preliminary actions that have been or must be taken at the local or regional level to implement the project or projects under subparagraph (B), including the revision of land use or zoning policies; (D)a signed copy of a memorandum of understanding among local jurisdictions, including, as appropriate, a State, units of general purpose local government, units of special purpose local government, metropolitan planning organizations, rural planning organizations, and regional councils that demonstrates— (i)the creation of a consortium of units of general local government; and (ii)a commitment to implement the activities described in the comprehensive regional plan; (E)a certification that the eligible entity has solicited public comment on the contents of the project or projects described in subparagraph (B) that includes— (i)a certification that the eligible entity made information about the project or projects available and afforded citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties a reasonable opportunity to examine the content of the project or projects and to submit comments; (ii)a description of the process for receiving public comment, and a description of the outreach efforts to affected populations and stakeholders; (iii)a certification that the eligible entity— (I)held a public hearing to obtain the views of citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties; (II)made the proposed project and all information relevant to the hearing available for inspection by the public during normal business hours not less than 30 days before the hearing under subclause (I); and (III)published a notice informing the public of the hearing under subclause (I) and the availability of the information described in subclause (II); and (iv)a summary of any comments received, including an explanation of why any such comments were or were not included in the final application; (F)a budget for the project that includes the Federal share of the cost of the project or projects requested and a description of the source of the non-Federal share; and (G)such additional information as the Director may require. (2)

Indian tribes

An eligible entity that is an Indian tribe is not required to submit a memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1)(D). (e)

Selection

In evaluating an application for a grant under the grant program, the Director shall consider the extent to which the application— (1)furthers the creation of livable communities; (2)promotes sustainable development and location-efficient development; (3)demonstrates the technical capacity of the eligible entity to carry out the project; (4)demonstrates the extent to which the eligible entity has developed partnerships throughout an entire region, including partnerships with units of special purpose local government and public transportation agencies; (5)demonstrates clear and meaningful interjurisdictional cooperation and coordination of housing, transportation, and environmental policies and plans; (6)demonstrates a commitment to implementing a comprehensive regional plan and documents action taken or planned to implement the plan, including— (A)rezoning or other changes to land use controls to enable mixed-use, mixed-income development; (B)planned or proposed public transportation investments, including— (i)financial contributions for capital and operating costs of public transportation; (ii)improvements for bicycle riders and pedestrians, including complete street policies and procedures and integrated active transportation networks; (iii)action taken to increase the number of trips made using public transportation and bicycles and by walking; (iv)special efforts to address and plan for the needs of older adults, persons with disabilities, and low-income families, and to address issues of rural isolation and accessibility to community support and services among such populations; and (v)efforts to fully engage in a locally developed, coordinated public transit and human services transportation planning process under chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code; (C)actions taken to promote the sustainability and viability of smaller cities, small towns and rural areas, focusing on the historic and unique downtown or main street areas of such cities, towns, and areas, as applicable; (D)investment in and actions relating to plans or proposals for incentives, subsidies, or requirements for developers to create and preserve affordable housing, including— (i)workforce housing and affordable housing for low-income families, particularly housing in mixed-income, location-efficient neighborhoods with transit-oriented development and access to public transportation, employment, and commercial and other services; and (ii)affordable housing for very low- and extremely low-income families, particularly housing in mixed-income, location-efficient neighborhoods with transit-oriented development; (E)actions taken to promote transit-oriented development, including plans or proposals for zoning, or for incentives, subsidies, or requirements for developers; and (F)planned or proposed incentives, subsidies, or requirements designed to preserve agricultural and rural land and other green space, including planned or proposed programs for the purchase of development rights; (7)minimizes the Federal share necessary to carry out the project and leverages a significant amount of State, local, or private resources; (8)identifies original and innovative ideas to overcoming regional problems, including local land use and zoning (or other code) obstacles to carrying out the comprehensive regional plan; (9)promotes diversity among the geographic regions and the size of the population of the communities served by recipients of grants under the grant program; (10)demonstrates a commitment to substantial public input throughout the implementation process; (11)demonstrates that a Federal grant is necessary to accomplish the project or projects proposed to be carried out; (12)has a high quality overall; and (13)demonstrates such other qualities as the Director may determine. (f)

Grant activities

(1)

Planning activities

An eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program may use not more than 10 percent of the grant for planning activities. (2)

Projects and investments

An eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program shall carry out 1 or more projects that— (A)are designed to achieve the goals identified in a comprehensive regional plan; and (B)promote livable communities through investment in— (i)transit-oriented development; (ii)transportation infrastructure and facilities projects (including public transportation projects) that improve access to public transportation, intermodal transit facilities that enhance regional mobility by bringing together as many modes of transport as possible, structured parking near public transportation, integrated active transportation networks, and complete street projects; (iii)short-term operating funds to initiate a demonstration of new public transportation services; (iv)promotion of employer-based commuter benefit programs to increase public transportation ridership; (v)promotion of trip reduction programs and the use of transportation alternatives; (vi)creating or preserving affordable, energy-efficient, and healthy housing for low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families in mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhoods with access to public transportation; (vii)adapting to changes in population and demographics, including by adopting location-efficient land use plans and re-using vacant and abandoned properties and underutilized properties; (viii)brownfield redevelopment, or other redevelopment of communities and commercial areas, including the main streets of small towns; (ix)infrastructure maintenance and improvement initiatives that support regionally integrated planning and smart growth; (x)energy efficiency retrofit projects; (xi)land banking for transit-oriented development; (xii)infrastructure maintenance, improvement and development that improve— (I)quality of life and wellness, including access to recreational facilities and active transportation opportunities, such as trails; and (II)the availability of nutritious food; (xiii)implementing land use, zoning, and other code reforms to promote location-efficient development and sustainable development; (xiv)other economic development that is part of the comprehensive regional plan; or (xv)other activities consistent with the purposes of this Act, as determined by the Director. (g)

Grant agreement

Each eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program shall agree to establish, in coordination with the Director, performance measures, reporting requirements, and any other requirements that the Director determines are necessary, that must be met at the end of each year in which the eligible entity receives funds under the grant program. (h)

Violation of grant agreement

If the Director determines that an eligible entity has not met the performance measures established under subsection (g), is not making reasonable progress toward meeting such measures, or is otherwise in violation of the grant agreement, the Director may— (1)withhold financial assistance until the requirements under the grant agreement are met; or (2)terminate the grant agreement. (i)

Report on the sustainability challenge grant

(1)

In general

Not later than 90 days after the date on which the grant agreement under subsection (g) expires, an eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program shall submit a final report on the project to the Council. (2)

Contents of report

Interim report

The Director may require an eligible entity to submit an interim report, before the date on which the project for which the grant is awarded is completed. (j)

Community zoning and land use planning grant and building code enforcement grant program

(1)

Definition of the term building code enforcement

In this subsection, the term building code enforcement— (A)means the enforcement of any code adopted by a State or local government that regulates the construction or maintenance of buildings and related facilities; and (B)includes the enforcement of building codes, electrical codes, energy codes, fire codes, fuel gas codes, mechanical codes, plumbing codes, zoning codes, property maintenance codes, and wildland-urban interface codes. (2)

Grant program established

The Director may award competitive grants under this subsection— (A)to States, units of general local government, and tribal authorities to fund local land use, zoning, and building code updates to promote livable communities and sustainable development; and (B)to units of general local government and tribal authorities, to fund building code enforcement. (3)

Use of funds

(A)

In general

A State, unit of general local government, or tribal authority may use a grant under paragraph (2)(A) for updating zoning and building codes to support sustainable communities and energy efficiency, including through— (i)the adoption of location-efficient land use plans, development of master plans or comprehensive plans that promote affordable housing co-located or well-connected with retail and business development; (ii)the development and implementation of local, corridor, or district plans and strategies that promote livability; (iii)revisions to zoning codes, ordinances, building standards, or other laws to remove barriers to sustainable development and promote sustainable development and mixed-use, mixed-income development; (iv)revisions to building codes to promote energy-efficient rehabilitation and new construction to create affordable housing and healthy housing; (v)strategies for creating or preserving affordable housing along existing or planned transit corridors; and (vi)strategies to bring affordable housing to areas that have few affordable housing opportunities and are close to suburban employment centers. (B)

Use of funds for building code enforcement

(i)

In general

A unit of general local government or tribal authority may use a grant under paragraph (2)(B) for the enforcement of residential, energy, fire, and other building-related codes. (ii)

Use as supplemental funding

A grant under paragraph (2)(B) may be used to supplement State or local funding for the administration of building code enforcement. A grant described in this subparagraph may be used to increase staffing, provide staff training, increase staff competence and professional qualifications, or support individual certification or departmental accreditation, or for capital expenditures specifically dedicated to the administration of building-related codes. (4)

Selection criteria for building code enforcement grants

(A)

In general

In selecting applicants for grants under paragraph (2)(B), the Director shall consider— (i)the plan of the applicant to continue any services provided using a grant under this subsection with fees or other revenue, after grant funds are expended, as appropriate; (ii)the financial need of the building code enforcement jurisdiction in which the applicant is located; and (iii)the ability of the building code enforcement department of the applicant to work cooperatively with planning officials, health departments, and other agencies to improve community safety. (B)

Building code enforcement authority

The Director may award a grant to an applicant under paragraph (2)(B) only if the Director determines that the applicant has the authority to enforce building codes and regulations and to collect fees for permits and inspections with respect to such codes and regulations. (5)

Maximum amount of grants

The amount of a grant awarded under this subsection may not exceed— (A)$3,000,000 for a grant under paragraph (2)(A); or (B)$1,000,000 for a grant under paragraph (2)(B). (6)

Federal share

(A)

In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using a grant under this subsection may not exceed 80 percent. (B)

In-kind contributions

In-kind contributions may be used for the non-Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using a grant under this subsection. (C)

Waiver

The Director may award a grant under this subsection for which the Federal share of the cost of the project carried out using the grant exceeds 80 percent, based upon the level of economic distress of the jurisdiction seeking the grant. (k)

Authorization of Appropriations

(1)

Authorization

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for the award of grants under this section, to remain available until expended— (A)$100,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; (B)$500,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; (C)$700,000,000 for fiscal year 2013; and (D)$900,000,000 for fiscal year 2014. (2)

Technical assistance

Of amounts made available under this subsection for a fiscal year, the Director may use for technical assistance under section 5(c)(3) an amount that does not exceed the lesser of— (A)0.5 percent of the amounts made available under this subsection for the fiscal year; or (B)$2,000,000. (3)

Community zoning and land use planning grant and building code enforcement grant program

Of amounts made available under this subsection for a fiscal year, the Director may use not more than $50,000,000 for grants under subsection (j).

Regeneration planning grant demonstration program

(a)

Definitions

In this section, the following definitions shall apply: (1)

Eligible entity

The term eligible entity means— (A)a unit of general local government or an Indian tribe that has experienced— (i)a loss in population of at least 15 percent since 1970, as measured by data from the most recent decennial census or American Community Survey; or (ii)prolonged population, income, and employment loss resulting in substantial levels of housing vacancy and abandonment that are concentrated in more than one neighborhood or geographic area within the unit of general local government; (B)a consortium of units of general local governments in which the most populous unit of general local government has experienced— (i)a loss in population of at least 15 percent since 1970, as measured by data from the most recent decennial census or American Community Survey; or (ii)prolonged population, income, and employment loss resulting in substantial levels of housing vacancy and abandonment that are concentrated in more than one neighborhood or geographic area within the unit of general local government; or (C)an entity described in subparagraph (A) or (B) and an eligible partner. (2)

Eligible partner

The term eligible partner means— (A)a State; (B)an Indian tribe; (C)a community revitalization nonprofit agency with a city or regionwide area of focus; (D)a consortium of community revitalization nonprofit agencies; or (E)a consortium of local universities and colleges. (3)

Grant program

The term grant program means the regeneration planning grant program established under subsection (b). (4)

Regeneration plan

The term regeneration plan means a plan that— (A)integrates land use, economic development, housing, environmental, energy, food production, recreation, job and workforce development, infrastructure, and transportation programs, policies, and projects to address the special needs of an eligible entity; (B)creates a community-driven vision and action plan for reclaiming the most distressed and abandoned areas of an eligible entity, stabilizing transitional neighborhoods within an eligible entity, and building on the strengths and assets of the stable areas within an eligible entity; (C)develops holistic strategies for meeting the needs and goals of an eligible entity, including strategies that— (i)provide for the efficient and sustainable use of land, structures, neighborhoods, and resources within the community or region; (ii)increase the safety, value, stability, and connectivity of neighborhoods; (iii)develop green infrastructure strategies to address environmental, energy, recreation, and food systems needs; or (iv)encourage workforce development and economic competitiveness through implementation of regeneration activities. (b)

Regeneration planning grant program established

The Secretary shall establish a regeneration planning grant program to make grants to eligible entities to develop a regeneration plan, in accordance with the grant agreement under subsection (e). (c)

Grants

(1)

Diversity of grantees

The Secretary shall ensure geographic diversity among and adequate representation from smaller units of general local government, with populations of not more than 150,000, and larger units of general local government, with populations of more than 150,000, with population measured by the most recent decennial census data or American Community Survey, or in the case of consortia of units of general local governments, consortia in which the largest unit of general local government has such a population. The Secretary shall prioritize the distribution of regeneration planning grants to eligible applicants that have experienced significant population loss due to large-scale employment losses that have caused substantial levels of housing vacancy and abandonment. (2)

Federal share

(A)

In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Federal share of the cost of developing a regeneration plan under the grant program may not exceed 80 percent. (B)

Indian tribes

In the case of an eligible entity that is an Indian tribe, the Federal share of the cost of developing a regeneration plan under the grant program may be 100 percent. (C)

In-kind contributions

In-kind contributions may be used for the non-Federal share of the cost of developing a regeneration plan under the grant program. (3)

Technical assistance for grant recipients and applicants

The Secretary may— (A)establish a technical assistance program for prospective applicants, particularly to applicants from smaller communities (including distressed older industrial cities, rural communities, and first tier suburbs), preparing to apply for grants under this section; (B)make contracts with third parties to provide technical assistance to grant recipients and prospective applicants for grants under this section; and (C)coordinate to establish interagency and multidisciplinary teams to provide technical assistance to recipients of and prospective applicants for grants under this section. (4)

Availability of funds

(A)

In general

An eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program shall— (i)obligate any funds received under the grant program not later than 2 years after the date on which the grant agreement under subsection (e) is made; and (ii)expend any funds received under the grant program not later than 4 years after the date on which the grant agreement under subsection (e) is made. (B)

Unobligated amounts

Application

(1)

In general

An eligible entity that desires a grant under the grant program shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time and in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe. (2)

Contents

(A)

In general

Each application submitted under this subsection shall contain a regeneration plan. (B)

Plan elements

The regeneration plan required under subparagraph (A) shall include— (i)a comprehensive land use plan that reflects the population loss the community or region has experienced, reflects future population trends, including any anticipated further losses, using the most current data available, and provides for the efficient and sustainable use of land, structures, neighborhoods, and resources within the community or region; (ii)a plan for creation of green infrastructure to be set aside in the community or region for recreation, open space, agriculture, park use, educational use, or purposes related to future economic or residential development; (iii)a detailed implementation strategy for the plan, including modifications to a comprehensive or master land use plan, neighborhood plans, strategic demolition plans, and zoning and building codes; (iv)a plan for integrating related programs and strategies funded through other sources, including Federal, State, local, and private sources, into the implementation strategy described in clause (iii); (v)a plan to create new employment opportunities, especially in areas directly related to the implementation of the regeneration plan, including building deconstruction, removal of buildings and infrastructure, creation of green infrastructure, environmental remediation, and long-term employment in environmentally sustainable activities, including urban agriculture, open space maintenance, and renewable energy production; or (vi)any other element, as determined appropriate or feasible by the Secretary. (e)

Grant agreement

Each eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program shall agree to establish, in coordination with the Secretary, annual reporting requirements, and other requirements that the Secretary determines are necessary that shall be met each year in which the eligible entity receives funds under the grant program. (f)

Public outreach

(1)

Outreach required

Each eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program shall perform outreach activities— (A)to engage a broad cross-section of community stakeholders in the process of developing a regeneration plan, including low-income families, minorities, older adults, economically disadvantaged community members, affected citizens, community groups and any others who would be impacted by the adoption of a regeneration plan; and (B)to create an effective means for stakeholders to participate in the development and implementation of a regeneration plan. (2)

Finalization of regeneration plan

(A)

In general

An eligible entity that receives a grant under the grant program may not finalize a regeneration plan before the eligible entity holds a public hearing to obtain the views of citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties. (B)

Availability of information

Not later than 30 days before a hearing described in subparagraph (A), an eligible entity shall make the proposed regeneration plan and all information relevant to the hearing available to the public for inspection during normal business hours. (C)

Notice

Violation of grant agreement or failure to comply with public outreach requirements

If the Secretary determines that an eligible entity has not met the requirements established under subsection (e), is not making reasonable progress toward meeting such measures, is otherwise in violation of the grant agreement, or has not complied with the public outreach requirements under subsection (f), the Secretary may— (1)withhold financial assistance until the performance measures are met; or (2)terminate the grant agreement. (h)

Authorization of appropriations

(1)

Authorization

There are authorized to be appropriated for regeneration planning grants under this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2014. (2)

Technical assistance

The Secretary may use not more than 5 percent of the amounts made available under this subsection for a fiscal year for technical assistance under subsection (c)(3). (i)

Implementation of regeneration plans

To the extent practicable, for a reasonable amount of time following the full expenditure of a grant under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that each recipient of a grant under this section— (1)establishes and maintains processes providing for the continued implementation and periodic revision of regeneration plans; and (2)submits to the Secretary such reports as the Secretary determines are necessary.

10.

Infrastructure credit facility to support transit-oriented development

(a)

Definitions

In this section— (1)the term eligible applicant means a State or local government; (2)the term eligible borrower means— (A)a governmental entity, authority, agency, or instrumentality; (B)a corporation, partnership, joint venture, or trust on behalf of which an eligible applicant has submitted an application under subsection (c); or (C)any other legal entity undertaking an infrastructure development project on behalf of which an eligible applicant has submitted an application under subsection (c); and (3)the term project means an infrastructure development project that is used to support transit-oriented development, including— (A)property enhancement, including conducting environmental remediation, park development, and open space acquisition; (B)improvement of mobility and parking, including rehabilitating, or providing for additional, streets, transit stations, structured parking, walkways, and bikeways; or (C)utility development, including rehabilitating existing, or providing for new drinking water, wastewater, electric, and gas utilities. (b)

Infrastructure credit facility established

The Secretary may make or guarantee loans under this section to eligible borrowers for projects. (c)

Application

(1)

In general

An eligible applicant may submit to the Secretary an application for a loan or loan guarantee under this section— (A)to fund a project carried out by the eligible applicant; or (B)on behalf of an eligible borrower, to fund a project carried out by the eligible borrower. (d)

Selection criteria

(1)

In general

The Secretary may make a loan or loan guarantee under this section for a project that supports a transit-oriented development that— (A)is part of a community-wide development plan; (B)promotes sustainable development; and (C)ensures that not less than 15 percent of any housing units made available through the transit-oriented development are for lower-income households. (2)

Considerations

The Secretary shall select the recipients of loans and loan guarantees under this section based on the extent to which— (A)the transit-oriented development supported by the project will encourage increased use of transit; (B)the transit-oriented development supported by the project will create or preserve long-term affordable housing units in addition to the housing units required to be made available under paragraph (1)(C); (C)the project will facilitate and encourage additional development or redevelopment in the overall transit station area; (D)the local government has adopted policies that— (i)promote long-term affordable housing; and (ii)allow high-density, mixed-use development near transit stations; (E)the transit-oriented development supported by the project is part of a comprehensive regional plan; (F)the eligible borrower has established a reliable, dedicated revenue source to repay the loan; (G)the project is not financially viable for the eligible borrower without a loan or loan guarantee under this section; and (H)a loan or loan guarantee under this section would be used in conjunction with non-Federal loans to fund the project. (e)

Eligible sources of repayment

A loan made or guaranteed under this section shall be repayable, in whole or in part, from dedicated revenue sources, which may include— (1)user fees; (2)property tax revenues; (3)sales tax revenues; or (4)other revenue sources dedicated to the project by property owners and businesses. (f)

Interest rate

The Secretary shall establish an interest rate for loans made or guaranteed under this section with reference to a benchmark interest rate (yield) on marketable Treasury securities with a maturity that is similar to the loans made or guaranteed under this section. (g)

Maximum maturity

The maturity of a loan made or guaranteed under this section may not exceed the lesser of— (1)35 years; or (2)90 percent of the useful life of any project to be financed by the loan, as determined by the Secretary. (h)

Maximum loan guarantee rate

(1)

In general

The guarantee rate on a loan guaranteed under this section may not exceed 75 percent of the amount of the loan. (2)

Lower guarantee rate for low-risk borrowers

The Secretary shall establish a guarantee rate for loans to eligible borrowers that the Secretary determines pose a lower risk of default that is lower than the guarantee rate for loans to other eligible borrowers. (i)

Fees

The Secretary shall establish fees for loans made or guaranteed under this section at a level that is sufficient to cover all or part of the costs to the Federal Government of making or guaranteeing a loan under this section. (j)

Nonsubordination

A loan made or guaranteed under this section may not be subordinated to the claims of any holder of an obligation relating to the project in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or liquidation. (k)

Commencement of repayment

The scheduled repayment of principal or interest on a loan made or guaranteed under this section shall commence not later than 5 years after the date of substantial completion of the project. (l)

Repayment deferral for loans

(1)

In general

If, at any time after the date of substantial completion of a project, the Secretary determines that dedicated revenue sources of an eligible borrower are insufficient to make the scheduled loan repayments of principal and interest on a loan made or guaranteed under this section, the Secretary may, subject to criteria established by the Secretary, allow the eligible borrower to add unpaid principal and interest to the outstanding balance of the loan. (2)

Treatment of deferred payments

Any payment deferred under this section shall— (A)continue to accrue interest until fully repaid; and (B)be scheduled to be amortized over the remaining term of the loan. (m)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated for the cost of loans and loan guarantees under this section— (1)$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 and 2012; and (2)$30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.

11.

Ineligibility of individuals who are not lawfully present

No housing assisted using a grant under this Act may be made available to an individual who is not lawfully present in the United States. Nothing in this Act may be construed to alter the restrictions or definitions under section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 1436a).

December 19, 2010

Reported with an amendment