Realignment of Local Workforce Development Board Areas
As I outlined in my State of the State address in January 2018, Tennessee has experienced great success in education, workforce development, and job growth. We are on a pathway to meet our Drive to 55 goal two years early, which means 55 percent of Tennesseans will have a postsecondary degree by 2023. Tennessee has a job growth rate greater than 17 percent, far above the national average, with nearly 400,000 net new private sector jobs created since 2011.
In February 2018, the State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) elected to review the alignment of Tennessee's Local Workforce Development Areas (LWDAs). During the time period from February 2018 to the SWDB quarterly meeting on May 11, 2018, the SWDB staff completed an extensive analysis of the state's workforce development areas, federal and state resources, and labor market data. Furthermore, the SWDB reviewed Tennessee's capacity to serve our citizens in the areas of workforce development, economic development, and access to higher education and training services. As part of this analysis, leadership from Tennessee's Department of Labor and Workforce Development sought input from local county mayors, local workforce development board chairs, and community leaders across the state. Upon completion of this analysis, at its May 11 SWDB meeting, the board elected to recommend realignment of the current thirteen LWDAs with the nine ECD Base Camps supporting my vision of streamlining and aligning regional service delivery.
Upon careful consideration and deliberation with our state agencies, partners, and local leaders, I have moved to adopt the recommendation of the SWDB to realign the current thirteen LWDAs to align with the nine ECD Base Camps effective July 1, 2018. We must align our resources to allow for a more efficient and effective government and bring forth innovation and best practices that will help Tennessee lead the nation in jobs, education, and government efficiency.
In the event of any dissent with this realignment, you may file an appeal pursuant to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. § 3121). Such appeal must be in writing and directed to Todd Skelton, Deputy Counsel to the Governor, via email at Todd.Skelton@tn.gov within 14 calendar days of the date of this letter.
To read Governor Haslam's full letter click here.
Public Comment Period: Begins: May 24, 2018, and Closes June 7, 2018, by 4:30 pm CST
Here's the updated map of the realignment of the Local Workforce Development Board Areas.