Virginia Code 2.2-5403: Community action boards
A. Each community action agency shall administer its community action program through a community action board consisting of no less than fifteen members who shall be selected as follows:
Terms Used In Virginia Code 2.2-5403
- Community action agency: means a local subdivision of the Commonwealth, a combination of political subdivisions, a separate public agency or a private nonprofit agency that has the authority under its applicable charter or laws to receive funds to support community action activities and other appropriate measures designed to identify and deal with the causes of poverty in the Commonwealth, and that is designated as a community action agency by federal law, federal regulations or the Governor. See Virginia Code 2.2-5400
- Designated agency: means the agency designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Resources pursuant to § 2. See Virginia Code 2.2-5400
- Service area: means the geographical area within the jurisdiction of a community action agency or a community action statewide organization. See Virginia Code 2.2-5400
1. One-third of the members of the board shall be elected public officials or their designees, who shall be selected by the local governing body of the service area, except that if the number of elected officials reasonably available and willing to serve is less than one-third of the membership of the board, membership on the board of appointed public officials may be counted in meeting the one-third requirement.
2. At least one-third of the members shall be persons chosen democratically to represent the poor of the area served.
3. The other members shall be members of business, industry, labor, religious, social service, education or other major community groups.
B. Each member of the board selected to represent a specific geographic area within a community shall reside in the area represented.
C. Except as otherwise provided in subsection D, the board shall be responsible for the following:
1. Appointing and dismissing an executive director of the community action agency.
2. Approving grants and contracts, annual program budget requests and operational policies of the community action agency.
3. Having an annual audit performed by an independent auditor.
4. Convening public meetings to provide low-income and other persons the opportunity to comment upon public policies and programs to reduce poverty.
5. Annually evaluating the policies and programs of the community action agency. The board shall submit the evaluation and recommendations to improve the administration of the community action agency to the designated agency and to the local governing body or bodies within the service area.
6. Carrying out such other duties as may be delegated by the local governing body or bodies within the service area or by the designated agency.
7. Delegating responsibilities pursuant to the provisions of § 2.2-5404.
D. Where a local subdivision of the Commonwealth acts as or has designated a community action agency, the local governing body shall determine the responsibilities and authority of the community action board.
1982, c. 667, § 2.1-591; 1989, c. 273; 2001, c. 844; 2010, c. 584.