(a) Definition of local development districtIn this section, the term “local development district” means an entity that—
(1) is—
(A)
a planning district in existence on December 21, 2000, that is recognized by the Economic Development Administration of the Department of Commerce; or
(B) where an entity described in subparagraph (A) does not exist—
(i)
organized and operated in a manner that ensures broad-based community participation and an effective opportunity for other nonprofit groups to contribute to the development and implementation of programs in the region;
(ii)
governed by a policy board with at least a simple majority of members consisting of elected officials or employees of a general purpose unit of local government who have been appointed to represent the government;
(iii) certified to the Authority as having a charter or authority that includes the economic development of counties or parts of counties or other political subdivisions within the region—
(b) Grants to local development districts
(2) Conditions for grants
(A) Maximum amount
The amount of any grant awarded under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 80 percent of the administrative expenses of the local development district receiving the grant.
(B) Maximum period
No grant described in paragraph (1) shall be awarded to a State agency certified as a local development district for a period greater than 3 years.
(C) Local share
The contributions of a local development district for administrative expenses may be in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including space, equipment, and services.
(c) Duties of local development districtsA local development district shall—
(2) serve as a liaison between State and local governments, nonprofit organizations (including community-based groups and educational institutions), the business community, and citizens that—
(Pub. L. 87–128, title III, § 382E, as added Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title V, § 503], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–276; amended Pub. L. 107–171, title VI, § 6027(e), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 374; Pub. L. 115–334, title VI, § 6701(g), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4779.)