subpart 2—local provisions

§3121. Workforce development areas

(a) Regions

(1) Identification

Before the second full program year after July 22, 2014, in order for a State to receive an allotment under section 3162(b) or 3172(b) of this title and as part of the process for developing the State plan, a State shall identify regions in the State after consultation with the local boards and chief elected officials in the local areas and consistent with the considerations described in subsection (b)(1)(B).

(2) Types of regions

For purposes of this Act, the State shall identify—

(A) which regions are comprised of 1 local area that is aligned with the region;

(B) which regions are comprised of 2 or more local areas that are (collectively) aligned with the region (referred to as planning regions, consistent with section 3102 of this title); and

(C) which, of the regions described in subparagraph (B), are interstate areas contained within 2 or more States, and consist of labor market areas, economic development areas, or other appropriate contiguous subareas of those States.

(b) Local areas

(1) In general

(A) Process

Except as provided in subsection (d), and consistent with paragraphs (2) and (3), in order for a State to receive an allotment under section 3162(b) or 3172(b) of this title, the Governor of the State shall designate local workforce development areas within the State—

(i) through consultation with the State board; and

(ii) after consultation with chief elected officials and local boards, and after consideration of comments received through the public comment process as described in section 3112(b)(2)(E)(iii)(II) of this title.

(B) Considerations

The Governor shall designate local areas (except for those local areas described in paragraphs (2) and (3)) based on considerations consisting of the extent to which the areas—

(i) are consistent with labor market areas in the State;

(ii) are consistent with regional economic development areas in the State; and

(iii) have available the Federal and non-Federal resources necessary to effectively administer activities under part B and other applicable provisions of this Act, including whether the areas have the appropriate education and training providers, such as institutions of higher education and area career and technical education schools.

(2) Initial designation

During the first 2 full program years following July 22, 2014, the Governor shall approve a request for initial designation as a local area from any area that was designated as a local area for purposes of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 for the 2-year period preceding July 22, 2014, performed successfully, and sustained fiscal integrity.

(3) Subsequent designation

After the period for which a local area is initially designated under paragraph (2), the Governor shall approve a request for subsequent designation as a local area from such local area, if such area—

(A) performed successfully;

(B) sustained fiscal integrity; and

(C) in the case of a local area in a planning region, met the requirements described in subsection (c)(1).

(4) Designation on recommendation of State board

The Governor may approve a request from any unit of general local government (including a combination of such units) for designation of an area as a local area if the State board determines, based on the considerations described in paragraph (1)(B), and recommends to the Governor, that such area should be so designated.

(5) Areas served by rural concentrated employment programs

The Governor may approve, under paragraph (2) or (3), a request for designation as a local area from an area described in section 3122(c)(1)(C) of this title.

(6) Appeals

A unit of general local government (including a combination of such units) or grant recipient that requests but is not granted designation of an area as a local area under paragraph (2) or (3) may submit an appeal to the State board under an appeal process established in the State plan. If the appeal does not result in such a designation, the Secretary of Labor, after receiving a request for review from the unit or grant recipient and on determining that the unit or grant recipient was not accorded procedural rights under the appeals process described in the State plan, as specified in section 3112(b)(2)(D)(i)(III) of this title, or that the area meets the requirements of paragraph (2) or (3), may require that the area be designated as a local area under such paragraph.

(7) Redesignation assistance

On the request of all of the local areas in a planning region, the State shall provide funding from funds made available under sections 3163(a) and 3173(a)(1) of this title to assist the local areas in carrying out activities to facilitate the redesignation of the local areas to a single local area.

(c) Regional coordination

(1) Regional planning

The local boards and chief elected officials in each planning region described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of subsection (a)(2) shall engage in a regional planning process that results in—

(A) the preparation of a regional plan, as described in paragraph (2);

(B) the establishment of regional service strategies, including use of cooperative service delivery agreements;

(C) the development and implementation of sector initiatives for in-demand industry sectors or occupations for the region;

(D) the collection and analysis of regional labor market data (in conjunction with the State);

(E) the establishment of administrative cost arrangements, including the pooling of funds for administrative costs, as appropriate, for the region;

(F) the coordination of transportation and other supportive services, as appropriate, for the region;

(G) the coordination of services with regional economic development services and providers; and

(H) the establishment of an agreement concerning how the planning region will collectively negotiate and reach agreement with Governor ¹ on local levels of performance for, and report on, the performance accountability measures described in section 3141(c) of this title, for local areas or the planning region.

(2) Regional plans

The State, after consultation with local boards and chief elected officials for the planning regions, shall require the local boards and chief elected officials within a planning region to prepare, submit, and obtain approval of a single regional plan that includes a description of the activities described in paragraph (1) and that incorporates local plans for each of the local areas in the planning region. The State shall provide technical assistance and labor market data, as requested by local areas, to assist with such regional planning and subsequent service delivery efforts.

(3) References

In this Act, and the core program provisions that are not in this Act:

(A) Local area

Except as provided in section 3111(d)(9) of this title, this section, paragraph (1)(B) or (4) of section 3122(c) of this title, or section 3122(d)(12)(B) of this title, or in any text that provides an accompanying provision specifically for a planning region, the term "local area" in a provision includes a reference to a planning region for purposes of implementation of that provision by the corresponding local areas in the region.

(B) Local plan

Except as provided in this subsection, the term "local plan" includes a reference to the portion of a regional plan developed with respect to the corresponding local area within the region, and any regionwide provision of that plan that impacts or relates to the local area.

(d) Single State local areas

(1) Continuation of previous designation

The Governor of any State that was a single State local area for purposes of title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, as in effect on July 1, 2013, may designate the State as a single State local area for purposes of this subchapter. In the case of such designation, the Governor shall identify the State as a local area in the State plan.

(2) Effect on local plan and local functions

In any case in which a State is designated as a local area pursuant to this subsection, the local plan prepared under section 3123 of this title for the area shall be submitted for approval as part of the State plan. In such a State, the State board shall carry out the functions of a local board, as specified in this Act or the provisions authorizing a core program, but the State shall not be required to meet and report on a set of local performance accountability measures.

(e) Definitions

For purposes of this section:

(1) Performed successfully

The term "performed successfully", used with respect to a local area, means the local area met or exceeded the adjusted levels of performance for primary indicators of performance described in section 3141(b)(2)(A) of this title (or, if applicable, core indicators of performance described in section 136(b)(2)(A) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 [29 U.S.C. 2871(b)(2)(A)], as in effect the day before July 22, 2014) for each of the last 2 consecutive years for which data are available preceding the determination of performance under this paragraph.

(2) Sustained fiscal integrity

The term "sustained fiscal integrity", used with respect to a local area, means that the Secretary has not made a formal determination, during either of the last 2 consecutive years preceding the determination regarding such integrity, that either the grant recipient or the administrative entity of the area misexpended funds provided under part B (or, if applicable, title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 as in effect prior to the effective date of such part B) due to willful disregard of the requirements of the provision involved, gross negligence, or failure to comply with accepted standards of administration.

(Pub. L. 113–128, title I, §106, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1452; Pub. L. 114–18, §2(a)(1), May 22, 2015, 129 Stat. 213.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2), (b)(1)(B)(iii), (c)(3), and (d)(2), is Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425, known as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which enacted this chapter, repealed chapter 30 (§2801 et seq.) of this title and chapter 73 (§9201 et seq.) of Title 20, Education, and made amendments to numerous other sections and notes in the Code. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, referred to in subsecs. (b)(2), (d)(1), and (e)(2), is Pub. L. 105–220, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 936, and was repealed by Pub. L. 113–128, title V, §§506, 511(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1703, 1705, effective July 1, 2015. Title I of the Act was classified principally to chapter 30 (§2801 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The effective date of such part B, referred to in subsec. (e)(2), is the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 [probably July 1, 2015], see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3101 of this title.

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (b)(5) to (7). Pub. L. 114–18 added par. (5) and redesignated former pars. (5) and (6) as (6) and (7), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–18 effective as if included in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [Pub. L. 113–128], see §2(f) of Pub. L. 114–18, set out as a note under section 3112 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as a note under section 3101 of this title.

¹ So in original.

§3122. Local workforce development boards

(a) Establishment

Except as provided in subsection (c)(2)(A), there shall be established, and certified by the Governor of the State, a local workforce development board in each local area of a State to carry out the functions described in subsection (d) (and any functions specified for the local board under this Act or the provisions establishing a core program) for such area.

(b) Membership

(1) State criteria

The Governor, in partnership with the State board, shall establish criteria for use by chief elected officials in the local areas for appointment of members of the local boards in such local areas in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (2).

(2) Composition

Such criteria shall require that, at a minimum—

(A) a majority of the members of each local board shall be representatives of business in the local area, who—

(i) are owners of businesses, chief executives or operating officers of businesses, or other business executives or employers with optimum policymaking or hiring authority;

(ii) represent businesses, including small businesses, or organizations representing businesses described in this clause, that provide employment opportunities that, at a minimum, include high-quality, work-relevant training and development in in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the local area; and

(iii) are appointed from among individuals nominated by local business organizations and business trade associations;

(B) not less than 20 percent of the members of each local board shall be representatives of the workforce within the local area, who—

(i) shall include representatives of labor organizations (for a local area in which employees are represented by labor organizations), who have been nominated by local labor federations, or (for a local area in which no employees are represented by such organizations) other representatives of employees;

(ii) shall include a representative, who shall be a member of a labor organization or a training director, from a joint labor-management apprenticeship program, or if no such joint program exists in the area, such a representative of an apprenticeship program in the area, if such a program exists;

(iii) may include representatives of community-based organizations that have demonstrated experience and expertise in addressing the employment needs of individuals with barriers to employment, including organizations that serve veterans or that provide or support competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities; and

(iv) may include representatives of organizations that have demonstrated experience and expertise in addressing the employment, training, or education needs of eligible youth, including representatives of organizations that serve out-of-school youth;

(C) each local board shall include representatives of entities administering education and training activities in the local area, who—

(i) shall include a representative of eligible providers administering adult education and literacy activities under subchapter II;

(ii) shall include a representative of institutions of higher education providing workforce investment activities (including community colleges);

(iii) may include representatives of local educational agencies, and of community-based organizations with demonstrated experience and expertise in addressing the education or training needs of individuals with barriers to employment;

(D) each local board shall include representatives of governmental and economic and community development entities serving the local area, who—

(i) shall include a representative of economic and community development entities;

(ii) shall include an appropriate representative from the State employment service office under the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.) serving the local area;

(iii) shall include an appropriate representative of the programs carried out under title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.), other than section 112 or part C of that title (29 U.S.C. 732, 741), serving the local area;

(iv) may include representatives of agencies or entities administering programs serving the local area relating to transportation, housing, and public assistance; and

(v) may include representatives of philanthropic organizations serving the local area; and

(E) each local board may include such other individuals or representatives of entities as the chief elected official in the local area may determine to be appropriate.

(3) Chairperson

The members of the local board shall elect a chairperson for the local board from among the representatives described in paragraph (2)(A).

(4) Standing committees

(A) In general

The local board may designate and direct the activities of standing committees to provide information and to assist the local board in carrying out activities under this section. Such standing committees shall be chaired by a member of the local board, may include other members of the local board, and shall include other individuals appointed by the local board who are not members of the local board and who the local board determines have appropriate experience and expertise. At a minimum, the local board may designate each of the following:

(i) A standing committee to provide information and assist with operational and other issues relating to the one-stop delivery system, which may include as members representatives of the one-stop partners.

(ii) A standing committee to provide information and to assist with planning, operational, and other issues relating to the provision of services to youth, which shall include community-based organizations with a demonstrated record of success in serving eligible youth.

(iii) A standing committee to provide information and to assist with operational and other issues relating to the provision of services to individuals with disabilities, including issues relating to compliance with section 3248 of this title, if applicable, and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) regarding providing programmatic and physical access to the services, programs, and activities of the one-stop delivery system, as well as appropriate training for staff on providing supports for or accommodations to, and finding employment opportunities for, individuals with disabilities.

(B) Additional committees

The local board may designate standing committees in addition to the standing committees specified in subparagraph (A).

(C) Designation of entity

Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prohibit the designation of an existing (as of July 22, 2014) entity, such as an effective youth council, to fulfill the requirements of this paragraph as long as the entity meets the requirements of this paragraph.

(5) Authority of board members

Members of the board that represent organizations, agencies, or other entities shall be individuals with optimum policymaking authority within the organizations, agencies, or entities. The members of the board shall represent diverse geographic areas within the local area.

(6) Special rule

If there are multiple eligible providers serving the local area by administering adult education and literacy activities under subchapter II, or multiple institutions of higher education serving the local area by providing workforce investment activities, each representative on the local board described in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (2)(C), respectively, shall be appointed from among individuals nominated by local providers representing such providers or institutions, respectively.

(c) Appointment and certification of board

(1) Appointment of board members and assignment of responsibilities

(A) In general

The chief elected official in a local area is authorized to appoint the members of the local board for such area, in accordance with the State criteria established under subsection (b).

(B) Multiple units of local government in area

(i) In general

In a case in which a local area includes more than 1 unit of general local government, the chief elected officials of such units may execute an agreement that specifies the respective roles of the individual chief elected officials—

(I) in the appointment of the members of the local board from the individuals nominated or recommended to be such members in accordance with the criteria established under subsection (b); and

(II) in carrying out any other responsibilities assigned to such officials under this subchapter.

(ii) Lack of agreement

If, after a reasonable effort, the chief elected officials are unable to reach agreement as provided under clause (i), the Governor may appoint the members of the local board from individuals so nominated or recommended.

(C) Concentrated employment programs

In the case of an area that was designated as a local area in accordance with section 2831(a)(2)(B) of this title (as in effect on the day before July 22, 2014), and that remains a local area on that date, the governing body of the concentrated employment program involved shall act in consultation with the chief elected official in the local area to appoint members of the local board, in accordance with the State criteria established under subsection (b), and to carry out any other responsibility relating to workforce investment activities assigned to such official under this Act.

(2) Certification

(A) In general

The Governor shall, once every 2 years, certify 1 local board for each local area in the State.

(B) Criteria

Such certification shall be based on criteria established under subsection (b), and for a second or subsequent certification, the extent to which the local board has ensured that workforce investment activities carried out in the local area have enabled the local area to meet the corresponding performance accountability measures and achieve sustained fiscal integrity, as defined in section 3121(e)(2) of this title.

(C) Failure to achieve certification

Failure of a local board to achieve certification shall result in appointment and certification of a new local board for the local area pursuant to the process described in paragraph (1) and this paragraph.

(3) Decertification

(A) Fraud, abuse, failure to carry out functions

Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the Governor shall have the authority to decertify a local board at any time after providing notice and an opportunity for comment, for—

(i) fraud or abuse; or

(ii) failure to carry out the functions specified for the local board in subsection (d).

(B) Nonperformance

Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the Governor may decertify a local board if a local area fails to meet the local performance accountability measures for such local area in accordance with section 3141(c) of this title for 2 consecutive program years.

(C) Reorganization plan

If the Governor decertifies a local board for a local area under subparagraph (A) or (B), the Governor may require that a new local board be appointed and certified for the local area pursuant to a reorganization plan developed by the Governor, in consultation with the chief elected official in the local area and in accordance with the criteria established under subsection (b).

(4) Single State local area

(A) State board

Notwithstanding subsection (b) and paragraphs (1) and (2), if a State described in section 3121(d) of this title indicates in the State plan that the State will be treated as a single State local area, for purposes of the application of this Act or the provisions authorizing a core program, the State board shall carry out any of the functions of a local board under this Act or the provisions authorizing a core program, including the functions described in subsection (d).

(B) References

(i) In general

Except as provided in clauses (ii) and (iii), with respect to such a State, a reference in this Act or a core program provision to a local board shall be considered to be a reference to the State board, and a reference in the Act or provision to a local area or region shall be considered to be a reference to the State.

(ii) Plans

The State board shall prepare a local plan under section 3123 of this title for the State, and submit the plan for approval as part of the State plan.

(iii) Performance accountability measures

The State shall not be required to meet and report on a set of local performance accountability measures.

(d) Functions of local board

Consistent with section 3123 of this title, the functions of the local board shall include the following:

(1) Local plan

The local board, in partnership with the chief elected official for the local area involved, shall develop and submit a local plan to the Governor that meets the requirements in section 3123 of this title. If the local area is part of a planning region that includes other local areas, the local board shall collaborate with the other local boards and chief elected officials from such other local areas in the preparation and submission of a regional plan as described in section 3121(c)(2) of this title.

(2) Workforce research and regional labor market analysis

In order to assist in the development and implementation of the local plan, the local board shall—

(A) carry out analyses of the economic conditions in the region, the needed knowledge and skills for the region, the workforce in the region, and workforce development activities (including education and training) in the region described in section 3123(b)(1)(D) of this title, and regularly update such information;

(B) assist the Governor in developing the statewide workforce and labor market information system described in section 15(e) of the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49l–2(e)), specifically in the collection, analysis, and utilization of workforce and labor market information for the region; and

(C) conduct such other research, data collection, and analysis related to the workforce needs of the regional economy as the board, after receiving input from a wide array of stakeholders, determines to be necessary to carry out its functions.

(3) Convening, brokering, leveraging

The local board shall convene local workforce development system stakeholders to assist in the development of the local plan under section 3123 of this title and in identifying non-Federal expertise and resources to leverage support for workforce development activities. The local board, including standing committees, may engage such stakeholders in carrying out the functions described in this subsection.

(4) Employer engagement

The local board shall lead efforts to engage with a diverse range of employers and with entities in the region involved—

(A) to promote business representation (particularly representatives with optimal policymaking or hiring authority from employers whose employment opportunities reflect existing and emerging employment opportunities in the region) on the local board;

(B) to develop effective linkages (including the use of intermediaries) with employers in the region to support employer utilization of the local workforce development system and to support local workforce investment activities;

(C) to ensure that workforce investment activities meet the needs of employers and support economic growth in the region, by enhancing communication, coordination, and collaboration among employers, economic development entities, and service providers; and

(D) to develop and implement proven or promising strategies for meeting the employment and skill needs of workers and employers (such as the establishment of industry and sector partnerships), that provide the skilled workforce needed by employers in the region, and that expand employment and career advancement opportunities for workforce development system participants in in-demand industry sectors or occupations.

(5) Career pathways development

The local board, with representatives of secondary and postsecondary education programs, shall lead efforts in the local area to develop and implement career pathways within the local area by aligning the employment, training, education, and supportive services that are needed by adults and youth, particularly individuals with barriers to employment.

(6) Proven and promising practices

The local board shall lead efforts in the local area to—

(A) identify and promote proven and promising strategies and initiatives for meeting the needs of employers, and workers and jobseekers (including individuals with barriers to employment) in the local workforce development system, including providing physical and programmatic accessibility, in accordance with section 3248 of this title, if applicable, and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), to the one-stop delivery system; and

(B) identify and disseminate information on proven and promising practices carried out in other local areas for meeting such needs.

(7) Technology

The local board shall develop strategies for using technology to maximize the accessibility and effectiveness of the local workforce development system for employers, and workers and jobseekers, by—

(A) facilitating connections among the intake and case management information systems of the one-stop partner programs to support a comprehensive workforce development system in the local area;

(B) facilitating access to services provided through the one-stop delivery system involved, including facilitating the access in remote areas;

(C) identifying strategies for better meeting the needs of individuals with barriers to employment, including strategies that augment traditional service delivery, and increase access to services and programs of the one-stop delivery system, such as improving digital literacy skills; and

(D) leveraging resources and capacity within the local workforce development system, including resources and capacity for services for individuals with barriers to employment.

(8) Program oversight

The local board, in partnership with the chief elected official for the local area, shall—

(A)(i) conduct oversight for local youth workforce investment activities authorized under section 3164(c) of this title, local employment and training activities authorized under subsections (c) and (d) of section 3174 of this title, and the one-stop delivery system in the local area; and

(ii) ensure the appropriate use and management of the funds provided under part B for the activities and system described in clause (i); and

(B) for workforce development activities, ensure the appropriate use, management, and investment of funds to maximize performance outcomes under section 3141 of this title.

(9) Negotiation of local performance accountability measures

The local board, the chief elected official, and the Governor shall negotiate and reach agreement on local performance accountability measures as described in section 3141(c) of this title.

(10) Selection of operators and providers

(A) Selection of one-stop operators

Consistent with section 3151(d) of this title, the local board, with the agreement of the chief elected official for the local area—

(i) shall designate or certify one-stop operators as described in section 3151(d)(2)(A) of this title; and

(ii) may terminate for cause the eligibility of such operators.

(B) Selection of youth providers

Consistent with section 3153 of this title, the local board—

(i) shall identify eligible providers of youth workforce investment activities in the local area by awarding grants or contracts on a competitive basis (except as provided in section 3153(b) of this title), based on the recommendations of the youth standing committee, if such a committee is established for the local area under subsection (b)(4); and

(ii) may terminate for cause the eligibility of such providers.

(C) Identification of eligible providers of training services

Consistent with section 3152 of this title, the local board shall identify eligible providers of training services in the local area.

(D) Identification of eligible providers of career services

If the one-stop operator does not provide career services described in section 3174(c)(2) of this title in a local area, the local board shall identify eligible providers of those career services in the local area by awarding contracts.

(E) Consumer choice requirements

Consistent with section 3152 of this title and paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 3174(c) of this title, the local board shall work with the State to ensure there are sufficient numbers and types of providers of career services and training services (including eligible providers with expertise in assisting individuals with disabilities and eligible providers with expertise in assisting adults in need of adult education and literacy activities) serving the local area and providing the services involved in a manner that maximizes consumer choice, as well as providing opportunities that lead to competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities.

(11) Coordination with education providers

(A) In general

The local board shall coordinate activities with education and training providers in the local area, including providers of workforce investment activities, providers of adult education and literacy activities under subchapter II, providers of career and technical education (as defined in section 2302 of title 20) and local agencies administering plans under title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.), other than section 112 or part C of that title (29 U.S.C. 732, 741).

(B) Applications and agreements

The coordination described in subparagraph (A) shall include—

(i) consistent with section 3322 of this title—

(I) reviewing the applications to provide adult education and literacy activities under subchapter II for the local area, submitted under such section to the eligible agency by eligible providers, to determine whether such applications are consistent with the local plan; and

(II) making recommendations to the eligible agency to promote alignment with such plan; and

(ii) replicating cooperative agreements in accordance with subparagraph (B) of section 101(a)(11) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 721(a)(11)[(B)]), and implementing cooperative agreements in accordance with that section with the local agencies administering plans under title I of that Act (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.) (other than section 112 or part C of that title (29 U.S.C. 732, 741) and subject to section 3151(f) of this title), with respect to efforts that will enhance the provision of services to individuals with disabilities and other individuals, such as cross training of staff, technical assistance, use and sharing of information, cooperative efforts with employers, and other efforts at cooperation, collaboration, and coordination.

(C) Cooperative agreement

In this paragraph, the term "cooperative agreement" means an agreement entered into by a State designated agency or State designated unit under subparagraph (A) of section 101(a)(11) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 721(a)(11)(A)].

(12) Budget and administration

(A) Budget

The local board shall develop a budget for the activities of the local board in the local area, consistent with the local plan and the duties of the local board under this section, subject to the approval of the chief elected official.

(B) Administration

(i) Grant recipient

(I) In general

The chief elected official in a local area shall serve as the local grant recipient for, and shall be liable for any misuse of, the grant funds allocated to the local area under sections 3163 and 3173 of this title, unless the chief elected official reaches an agreement with the Governor for the Governor to act as the local grant recipient and bear such liability.

(II) Designation

In order to assist in administration of the grant funds, the chief elected official or the Governor, where the Governor serves as the local grant recipient for a local area, may designate an entity to serve as a local grant subrecipient for such funds or as a local fiscal agent. Such designation shall not relieve the chief elected official or the Governor of the liability for any misuse of grant funds as described in subclause (I).

(III) Disbursal

The local grant recipient or an entity designated under subclause (II) shall disburse the grant funds for workforce investment activities at the direction of the local board, pursuant to the requirements of this subchapter. The local grant recipient or entity designated under subclause (II) shall disburse the funds immediately on receiving such direction from the local board.

(ii) Grants and donations

The local board may solicit and accept grants and donations from sources other than Federal funds made available under this Act.

(iii) Tax-exempt status

For purposes of carrying out duties under this Act, local boards may incorporate, and may operate as entities described in section 501(c)(3) of title 26 that are exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such title.

(13) Accessibility for individuals with disabilities

The local board shall annually assess the physical and programmatic accessibility, in accordance with section 3248 of this title, if applicable, and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), of all one-stop centers in the local area.

(e) Sunshine provision

The local board shall make available to the public, on a regular basis through electronic means and open meetings, information regarding the activities of the local board, including information regarding the local plan prior to submission of the plan, and regarding membership, the designation and certification of one-stop operators, and the award of grants or contracts to eligible providers of youth workforce investment activities, and on request, minutes of formal meetings of the local board.

(f) Staff

(1) In general

The local board may hire a director and other staff to assist in carrying out the functions described in subsection (d) using funds available under sections 3163(b) and 3173(b) of this title as described in section 3163(b)(4) of this title.

(2) Qualifications

The local board shall establish and apply a set of objective qualifications for the position of director, that ensures that the individual selected has the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities, to meet identified benchmarks and to assist in effectively carrying out the functions of the local board.

(3) Limitation on rate

The director and staff described in paragraph (1) shall be subject to the limitations on the payment of salaries and bonuses described in section 3254(15) of this title.

(g) Limitations

(1) Training services

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), no local board may provide training services.

(B) Waivers of training prohibition

The Governor of the State in which a local board is located may, pursuant to a request from the local board, grant a written waiver of the prohibition set forth in subparagraph (A) (relating to the provision of training services) for a program of training services, if the local board—

(i) submits to the Governor a proposed request for the waiver that includes—

(I) satisfactory evidence that there is an insufficient number of eligible providers of such a program of training services to meet local demand in the local area;

(II) information demonstrating that the board meets the requirements for an eligible provider of training services under section 3152 of this title; and

(III) information demonstrating that the program of training services prepares participants for an in-demand industry sector or occupation in the local area;

(ii) makes the proposed request available to eligible providers of training services and other interested members of the public for a public comment period of not less than 30 days; and

(iii) includes, in the final request for the waiver, the evidence and information described in clause (i) and the comments received pursuant to clause (ii).

(C) Duration

A waiver granted to a local board under subparagraph (B) shall apply for a period that shall not exceed the duration of the local plan. The waiver may be renewed for additional periods under subsequent local plans, not to exceed the durations of such subsequent plans, pursuant to requests from the local board, if the board meets the requirements of subparagraph (B) in making the requests.

(D) Revocation

The Governor shall have the authority to revoke the waiver during the appropriate period described in subparagraph (C) if the Governor determines the waiver is no longer needed or that the local board involved has engaged in a pattern of inappropriate referrals to training services operated by the local board.

(2) Career services; designation or certification as one-stop operators

A local board may provide career services described in section 3174(c)(2) of this title through a one-stop delivery system or be designated or certified as a one-stop operator only with the agreement of the chief elected official in the local area and the Governor.

(3) Limitation on authority

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to provide a local board with the authority to mandate curricula for schools.

(h) Conflict of interest

A member of a local board, or a member of a standing committee, may not—

(1) vote on a matter under consideration by the local board—

(A) regarding the provision of services by such member (or by an entity that such member represents); or

(B) that would provide direct financial benefit to such member or the immediate family of such member; or

(2) engage in any other activity determined by the Governor to constitute a conflict of interest as specified in the State plan.

(i) Alternative entity

(1) In general

For purposes of complying with subsections (a), (b), and (c), a State may use any local entity (including a local council, regional workforce development board, or similar entity) that—

(A) is established to serve the local area (or the service delivery area that most closely corresponds to the local area);

(B) was in existence on the day before August 7, 1998, pursuant to State law; and

(C) includes—

(i) representatives of business in the local area; and

(ii)(I) representatives of labor organizations (for a local area in which employees are represented by labor organizations), nominated by local labor federations; or

(II) other representatives of employees in the local area (for a local area in which no employees are represented by such organizations).

(2) References

A reference in this Act or a core program provision to a local board, shall include a reference to such an entity.

(Pub. L. 113–128, title I, §107, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1456; Pub. L. 114–18, §2(b), May 22, 2015, 129 Stat. 213.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a), (c)(1)(C), (4)(A), (B)(i), (d)(12)(B)(ii), (iii), (g)(3), and (i)(2), is Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425, known as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which enacted this chapter, repealed chapter 30 (§2801 et seq.) of this title and chapter 73 (§9201 et seq.) of Title 20, Education, and made amendments to numerous other sections and notes in the Code. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

The Wagner-Peyser Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(D)(ii), is act June 6, 1933, ch. 49, 48 Stat. 113, which is classified generally to chapter 4B (§49 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 49 of this title and Tables.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in subsecs. (b)(2)(D)(iii) and (d)(11)(A), (B)(ii), is Pub. L. 93–112, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 355. Title I of the Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§720 et seq.) of chapter 16 of this title. Part C of title I of the Act is classified generally to part C (§741) of subchapter I of chapter 16 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of this title and Tables.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsecs. (b)(4)(A)(iii) and (d)(6)(A), (13), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (i)(1)(B). Pub. L. 114–18 substituted "August 7, 1998" for "July 22, 2014".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–18 effective as if included in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [Pub. L. 113–128], see §2(f) of Pub. L. 114–18, set out as a note under section 3112 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as a note under section 3101 of this title.

§3123. Local plan

(a) In general

Each local board shall develop and submit to the Governor a comprehensive 4-year local plan, in partnership with the chief elected official. The local plan shall support the strategy described in the State plan in accordance with section 3112(b)(1)(E) of this title, and otherwise be consistent with the State plan. If the local area is part of a planning region, the local board shall comply with section 3121(c) of this title in the preparation and submission of a regional plan. At the end of the first 2-year period of the 4-year local plan, each local board shall review the local plan and the local board, in partnership with the chief elected official, shall prepare and submit modifications to the local plan to reflect changes in labor market and economic conditions or in other factors affecting the implementation of the local plan.

(b) Contents

The local plan shall include—

(1) a description of the strategic planning elements consisting of—

(A) an analysis of the regional economic conditions including—

(i) existing and emerging in-demand industry sectors and occupations; and

(ii) the employment needs of employers in those industry sectors and occupations;

(B) an analysis of the knowledge and skills needed to meet the employment needs of the employers in the region, including employment needs in in-demand industry sectors and occupations;

(C) an analysis of the workforce in the region, including current labor force employment (and unemployment) data, and information on labor market trends, and the educational and skill levels of the workforce in the region, including individuals with barriers to employment;

(D) an analysis of the workforce development activities (including education and training) in the region, including an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of such services, and the capacity to provide such services, to address the identified education and skill needs of the workforce and the employment needs of employers in the region;

(E) a description of the local board's strategic vision and goals for preparing an educated and skilled workforce (including youth and individuals with barriers to employment), including goals relating to the performance accountability measures based on primary indicators of performance described in section 3141(b)(2)(A) of this title in order to support regional economic growth and economic self-sufficiency; and

(F) taking into account analyses described in subparagraphs (A) through (D), a strategy to work with the entities that carry out the core programs to align resources available to the local area, to achieve the strategic vision and goals described in subparagraph (E);

(2) a description of the workforce development system in the local area that identifies the programs that are included in that system and how the local board will work with the entities carrying out core programs and other workforce development programs to support alignment to provide services, including programs of study authorized under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.), that support the strategy identified in the State plan under section 3112(b)(1)(E) of this title;

(3) a description of how the local board, working with the entities carrying out core programs, will expand access to employment, training, education, and supportive services for eligible individuals, particularly eligible individuals with barriers to employment, including how the local board will facilitate the development of career pathways and co-enrollment, as appropriate, in core programs, and improve access to activities leading to a recognized postsecondary credential (including a credential that is an industry-recognized certificate or certification, portable, and stackable);

(4) a description of the strategies and services that will be used in the local area—

(A) in order to—

(i) facilitate engagement of employers, including small employers and employers in in-demand industry sectors and occupations, in workforce development programs;

(ii) support a local workforce development system that meets the needs of businesses in the local area;

(iii) better coordinate workforce development programs and economic development; and

(iv) strengthen linkages between the one-stop delivery system and unemployment insurance programs; and

(B) that may include the implementation of initiatives such as incumbent worker training programs, on-the-job training programs, customized training programs, industry and sector strategies, career pathways initiatives, utilization of effective business intermediaries, and other business services and strategies, designed to meet the needs of employers in the corresponding region in support of the strategy described in paragraph (1)(F);

(5) a description of how the local board will coordinate workforce investment activities carried out in the local area with economic development activities carried out in the region in which the local area is located (or planning region), and promote entrepreneurial skills training and microenterprise services;

(6) a description of the one-stop delivery system in the local area, including—

(A) a description of how the local board will ensure the continuous improvement of eligible providers of services through the system and ensure that such providers meet the employment needs of local employers, and workers and jobseekers;

(B) a description of how the local board will facilitate access to services provided through the one-stop delivery system, including in remote areas, through the use of technology and through other means;

(C) a description of how entities within the one-stop delivery system, including one-stop operators and the one-stop partners, will comply with section 3248 of this title, if applicable, and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) regarding the physical and programmatic accessibility of facilities, programs and services, technology, and materials for individuals with disabilities, including providing staff training and support for addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities; and

(D) a description of the roles and resource contributions of the one-stop partners;

(7) a description and assessment of the type and availability of adult and dislocated worker employment and training activities in the local area;

(8) a description of how the local board will coordinate workforce investment activities carried out in the local area with statewide rapid response activities, as described in section 3174(a)(2)(A) of this title;

(9) a description and assessment of the type and availability of youth workforce investment activities in the local area, including activities for youth who are individuals with disabilities, which description and assessment shall include an identification of successful models of such youth workforce investment activities;

(10) a description of how the local board will coordinate education and workforce investment activities carried out in the local area with relevant secondary and postsecondary education programs and activities to coordinate strategies, enhance services, and avoid duplication of services;

(11) a description of how the local board will coordinate workforce investment activities carried out under this subchapter in the local area with the provision of transportation, including public transportation, and other appropriate supportive services in the local area;

(12) a description of plans and strategies for, and assurances concerning, maximizing coordination of services provided by the State employment service under the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.) and services provided in the local area through the one-stop delivery system, to improve service delivery and avoid duplication of services;

(13) a description of how the local board will coordinate workforce investment activities carried out under this subchapter in the local area with the provision of adult education and literacy activities under subchapter II in the local area, including a description of how the local board will carry out, consistent with subparagraphs (A) and (B)(i) of section 3122(d)(11) of this title and section 3322 of this title, the review of local applications submitted under subchapter II;

(14) a description of the replicated cooperative agreements (as defined in section 3122(d)(11) of this title) between the local board or other local entities described in section 101(a)(11)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 721(a)(11)(B)) and the local office of a designated State agency or designated State unit administering programs carried out under title I of such Act (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.) (other than section 112 or part C of that title (29 U.S.C. 732, 741) and subject to section 3151(f) of this title) in accordance with section 101(a)(11) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 721(a)(11)) with respect to efforts that will enhance the provision of services to individuals with disabilities and to other individuals, such as cross training of staff, technical assistance, use and sharing of information, cooperative efforts with employers, and other efforts at cooperation, collaboration, and coordination;

(15) an identification of the entity responsible for the disbursal of grant funds described in section 3122(d)(12)(B)(i)(III) of this title, as determined by the chief elected official or the Governor under section 3122(d)(12)(B)(i) of this title;

(16) a description of the competitive process to be used to award the subgrants and contracts in the local area for activities carried out under this subchapter;

(17) a description of the local levels of performance negotiated with the Governor and chief elected official pursuant to section 3141(c) of this title, to be used to measure the performance of the local area and to be used by the local board for measuring the performance of the local fiscal agent (where appropriate), eligible providers under part B, and the one-stop delivery system, in the local area;

(18) a description of the actions the local board will take toward becoming or remaining a high-performing board, consistent with the factors developed by the State board pursuant to section 3111(d)(6) of this title;

(19) a description of how training services under subpart 3 of part B will be provided in accordance with section 3174(c)(3)(G) of this title, including, if contracts for the training services will be used, how the use of such contracts will be coordinated with the use of individual training accounts under that subpart and how the local board will ensure informed customer choice in the selection of training programs regardless of how the training services are to be provided;

(20) a description of the process used by the local board, consistent with subsection (d), to provide an opportunity for public comment, including comment by representatives of businesses and comment by representatives of labor organizations, and input into the development of the local plan, prior to submission of the plan;

(21) a description of how one-stop centers are implementing and transitioning to an integrated, technology-enabled intake and case management information system for programs carried out under this Act and programs carried out by one-stop partners; and

(22) such other information as the Governor may require.

(c) Existing analysis

As appropriate, a local area may use an existing analysis in order to carry out the requirements of subsection (b)(1) concerning an analysis.

(d) Process

Prior to the date on which the local board submits a local plan under this section, the local board shall—

(1) make available copies of a proposed local plan to the public through electronic and other means, such as public hearings and local news media;

(2) allow members of the public, including representatives of business, representatives of labor organizations, and representatives of education to submit to the local board comments on the proposed local plan, not later than the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date on which the proposed local plan is made available; and

(3) include with the local plan submitted to the Governor under this section any such comments that represent disagreement with the plan.

(e) Plan submission and approval

A local plan submitted to the Governor under this section (including a modification to such a local plan) shall be considered to be approved by the Governor at the end of the 90-day period beginning on the day the Governor receives the plan (including such a modification), unless the Governor makes a written determination during the 90-day period that—

(1) deficiencies in activities carried out under this part or part B have been identified, through audits conducted under section 3244 of this title or otherwise, and the local area has not made acceptable progress in implementing corrective measures to address the deficiencies;

(2) the plan does not comply with the applicable provisions of this Act; or

(3) the plan does not align with the State plan, including failing to provide for alignment of the core programs to support the strategy identified in the State plan in accordance with section 3112(b)(1)(E) of this title.

(Pub. L. 113–128, title I, §108, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1466.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is Pub. L. 88–210, Dec. 18, 1963, 77 Stat. 403, as amended generally by Pub. L. 109–270, §1(b), Aug. 12, 2006, 120 Stat. 683, which is classified generally to chapter 44 (§2301 et seq.) of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2301 of Title 20 and Tables.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (b)(6)(C), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Wagner-Peyser Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(12), is act June 6, 1933, ch. 49, 48 Stat. 113, which is classified generally to chapter 4B (§49 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 49 of this title and Tables.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (b)(14), is Pub. L. 93–112, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 355. Title I of the Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§720 et seq.) of chapter 16 of this title. Part C of title I of the Act is classified generally to part C (§741) of subchapter I of chapter 16 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of this title and Tables.

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (b)(21) and (e)(2), is Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425, known as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which enacted this chapter, repealed chapter 30 (§2801 et seq.) of this title and chapter 73 (§9201 et seq.) of Title 20, Education, and made amendments to numerous other sections and notes in the Code. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as a note under section 3101 of this title.