29 USC 3121 - Workforce development areas

U.S Code last checked for updates: Feb 21, 2025

§ 3121.

Workforce development areas

(a)

Regions

(1)

Identification

(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

(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

(5)

Areas served by rural concentrated employment programs

(6)

Appeals

(7)

Redesignation assistance

(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

 So in original.

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

(3)

References

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

(A)

Local area

(B)

Local plan

(d)

Single State local areas

(1)

Continuation of previous designation

(2)

Effect on local plan and local functions

(e)

Definitions

For purposes of this section:

(1)

Performed successfully

(2)

Sustained fiscal integrity

(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.)

cite as: 29 USC 3121