(a) To support the planning and development of sustainable communities, the council shall manage and award financial assistance to a city or county for preparing, adopting, and implementing a general plan or general plan element that is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote water conservation, reduce automobile use and fuel consumption, encourage greater infill and compact development, protect natural resources and agricultural lands, and revitalize urban and community centers.

(b) For the purposes of this section, the preparation and adoption of a general plan may include a comprehensive update of a general plan, amendment or adoption of an individual element of a general plan, or any other revision consistent with the intent of Section 75065.

(c) For the purposes of this section, the implementation of a general plan may include amendment or adoption of a specific plan, community plan, zoning ordinance, or any other plan, ordinance, or policy that is consistent with the intent of Section 75065.

(d) The funding provided pursuant to this section for the preparation, adoption, and implementation of a general plan may also include funding any activity necessary to conform a general plan to a regional plan.

(Added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 729, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2008. Note: Pursuant to Stats. 2008, Ch. 729, Sec. 5, the provisions of Division 43 added on Nov. 7, 2006, by initiative Prop. 84 (Sections 75001 to 75090) prevail over any conflicting provision of Ch. 729.)