(a)    In addition to any other powers and duties imposed by law, the Office has the powers and duties set forth in this section.

(b)    The Office shall:

(1)    review State assistance programs related to smart growth to determine their applicability, if any, to projects that are consistent with the State’s smart growth policy;

(2)    promote interagency consensus and cooperation on projects that are consistent with the State’s smart growth policy and resolve conflicting agency positions on projects in an expedited manner;

(3)    provide advisory and technical assistance to local jurisdictions and to the public in preparing, financing, and developing smart growth and neighborhood conservation projects;

(4)    gather and disseminate information to the public, including local jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, and developers on how to develop projects that are consistent with the State’s smart growth policy;

(5)    provide a single point of access for members of the public, including local jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, developers, and community and homeowners’ associations who need assistance or guidance in navigating the processes and regulations of State agencies on projects that are consistent with the State’s smart growth policy;

(6)    work with local governments in expediting review of projects that both the local government and the State agree are consistent with the State’s smart growth policy;

(7)    provide effective public information on smart growth programs and educational activities, including relationships with the National Center for Smart Growth Education and Research at the University of Maryland, College Park Campus, and coordination of smart growth outreach efforts to local governments, the general public, and other interest groups;

(8)    coordinate the efforts of the Executive Branch to provide input to the General Assembly on legislation that concerns smart growth and neighborhood conservation; and

(9)    in coordination with the Subcabinet, recommend to the Governor changes to State law and regulations necessary to advance the policy of smart growth.