NC H1701

Establishes the North Carolina Sustainable Communities Task Force within the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to lead sustainable development initiatives focused on transportation, housing, economic competitiveness, and community revitalization.

Task Force shall apply for and distribute federal, public, and private funding for sustainable development; provide technical assistance to local governments and nonprofits; develop a scoring system for sustainable practices; and recommend annual policy and legislative changes to state leadership.

Task Force consists of 11 members including designees from Commerce, Transportation, Environment and Natural Resources, Administration, and Health and Human Services departments; the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency; and appointees representing nonprofits, county government, city government, regional organizations, and professional planners.

Establishes the North Carolina Sustainable Communities Grant Fund to provide funding to regional bodies, cities, and counties that participate in regional sustainable development partnerships and meet specified planning and coordination requirements.

Appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2010-2011 to support Task Force operations and grants program; requires annual reporting to the Governor and General Assembly; and sets an expiration date of June 30, 2021.