Located in:
- Program-specific Requirements for Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Activities under Title I-B
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include the following with respect to activities carried out under subtitle B—
a. 1. B. Describe the process and policy used for designating local areas, including procedures for determining whether the local area met the criteria for “performed successfully” and “sustained fiscal integrity” in accordance with 106(b)(2) and (3) of WIOA. Describe the process used for identifying regions and planning regions under section 106(a) of WIOA. This must include a description of how the State consulted with the local boards and chief elected officials in identifying the regions
Current Narrative:
Following the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration issued Training and Employment Guidance Letter 27- 14 (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Transition Authority for Immediate Implementation of Governance Provisions), Washington enshrined the process and procedures, including appeals, for initial and subsequent designation of local workforce development areas in Washington WorkSource System Policy 5609 (Local Workforce Development Area Designation), issued on July 1, 2015, and revised on January 27, 2017. The policy included an application through which local chief elected officials were to request initial designation of existing or new local workforce development areas. For the purpose of initial designation, the application/request was due to the State Workforce Development Board (Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board) by July 31, 2015. The State Workforce Development Board reviewed data and information associated with both “performed successfully” and “sustained fiscal integrity” as consistent with the definitions provided in the Act, Final Rules, and federal guidance. Subsequent revision to this policy also set criteria for subsequent designations.
The Washington policy:
- Established an application process through which local chief elected officials could request initial designation and subsequent designation of existing or new local workforce development areas.
- The policy also addressed the process for identifying regions and planning regions under WIOA Section 106(a). This included a requirement for the state to consult with local boards and chief elected officials in the identification of these regions.
- Outlined the criteria the State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) would use to review the applications, including an assessment of whether the local areas "performed successfully" and maintained "sustained fiscal integrity" as defined in WIOA Section 106(b)(2) and (3).
- Described the appeals process.