USC Subchapter I

42 U.S.C. § 3131 Establishment of economic development partnerships

(a) In generalIn providing assistance under this subchapter, the Secretary shall cooperate with States and other entities to ensure that, consistent with national objectives, Federal programs are compatible with and further the objectives of State, regional, and local economic development plans and comprehensive economic development strategies. (b) Technical assistanceThe Secretary may provide such technical assistance to States, political subdivisions of States, sub-State regional organizations (including organizations that cross State boundaries), multi-State regional organizations, and nonprofit organizations as the Secretary determines is appropriate to—(1) alleviate economic distress; (2) encourage and support public-private partnerships for the formation and improvement of economic development strategies that sustain and promote economic development across the United States; and (3) promote investment in infrastructure and technological capacity to keep pace with the changing global economy. (c) Intergovernmental reviewThe Secretary shall promulgate regulations to ensure that appropriate State and local government agencies have been given a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on proposed projects under this subchapter that the Secretary determines may have a significant direct impact on the economy of the area. (d) Cooperation agreements(1) In generalThe Secretary may enter into a cooperation agreement with any 2 or more States, or an organization of any 2 or more States, in support of effective economic development. (2) ParticipationEach cooperation agreement shall provide for suitable participation by other governmental and nongovernmental entities that are representative of significant interests in and perspectives on economic development in an area.

42 U.S.C. § 3132 Cooperation of Federal agencies

In accordance with applicable laws and subject to the availability of appropriations, each Federal agency shall exercise its powers, duties and functions, and shall cooperate with the Secretary, in such manner as will assist the Secretary in carrying out this subchapter.

42 U.S.C. § 3133 Coordination

(a) In generalThe Secretary shall coordinate activities relating to the preparation and implementation of comprehensive economic development strategies under this chapter with Federal agencies carrying out other Federal programs, States, economic development districts, Indian tribes, and other appropriate planning and development organizations. (b) Meetings(1) In generalTo carry out subsection (a), or for any other purpose relating to economic development activities, the Secretary may convene meetings with Federal agencies, State and local governments, economic development districts, Indian tribes, and other appropriate planning and development organizations. (2) Regional commissions(A) In generalIn addition to meetings described in paragraph (1), not later than 1 year after January 4, 2025, and not less frequently than every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall convene a meeting with the Regional Commissions in furtherance of subsection (a). (B) AttendeesThe attendees for a meeting convened under this paragraph shall consist of—(i) the Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, serving as Chair; (ii) the Federal Cochairpersons of the Regional Commissions, or their designees; and (iii) the State Cochairpersons of the Regional Commissions, or their designees. (C) PurposeThe purposes of a meeting convened under this paragraph shall include—(i) to enhance coordination between the Economic Development Administration and the Regional Commissions in carrying out economic development programs; (ii) to reduce duplication of efforts by the Economic Development Administration and the Regional Commissions in carrying out economic development programs; (iii) to develop best practices and strategies for fostering regional economic development; and (iv) any other purposes as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (D) ReportWhere applicable and pursuant to subparagraph (C), not later than 1 year after a meeting under this paragraph, the Secretary shall prepare and make publicly available a report detailing, at a minimum—(i) the planned actions by the Economic Development Administration and the Regional Commissions to enhance coordination or reduce duplication of efforts and a timeline for implementing those actions; and (ii) any best practices and strategies developed.