Formation of JECDBs

An important component of PC 1101 was the requirement for counties and their municipalities to form Joint Economic and Community Development Boards (JECDBs).  These boards were conceived as providing a mechanism and forum for promoting ongoing cooperation and planning among the local governments in each county.  The purpose of these boards was to foster communication among governmental entities, industry, and private citizens on economic and community development.

The composition of these boards is detailed in Tennessee Code Annotated, Section, 6-58-114, of the Act.  The boards must meet at least four times each year, and the executive committees must meet at least four times each year (once in each quarter).  The Act provides that a county may seek to use an existing board that is "sufficiently similar," subject to approval by the Local Government Planning Advisory Committee (LGPAC).  As an alternative, the county may establish a new board by inter-local agreement.  When applying for any state grant, a city or county is directed to certify that they have a JECDB meeting the requirements of the act.  Those that are not able to do so may not be eligible for state grants.

The Act has been in effect for 19 years, and all 92 counties subject to PC 1101 have certified they have boards that meet its requirements.  However, there is no information available on the functioning of these boards or whether the intent of the general assembly is being met.  PC 1101 does not require the boards to develop or implement specific programs.