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10 <br /> Chet Mottershead said they are looking for local county officials to consider realignment <br /> with the Capital Area Workforce Development Board. He said they want to get it done this <br /> summer because it will be implemented next July. He said Governor Cooper strongly endorsed <br /> the proposal. He said they will bring in a consultant to help at the local level. He said they feel <br /> that it is progress and that it will be better for everyone. <br /> Slide #14 <br /> DEPARTMENT of <br /> xt' <br /> Commissioner Fowler said realignment makes sense for the reasons they outlined. She <br /> asked if the Capital Area Workgroup has made any comment. <br /> Chet Mottershead said they have expressed enthusiasm. <br /> Chair Price said she spoke with the Chair of Wake County, and he is enthusiastic <br /> because the counties collaborate so much already. <br /> Commissioner Bedford said she hopes Durham will want to join that group as well. <br /> Chet Mottershead said Durham still has some questions they want answered and they <br /> have concerns. He said that the timeline might be a little longer with Durham. He said that the <br /> realignment is taking longer than anticipated and that any convincing from the commissioners is <br /> welcome. <br /> Chair Price said she spoke to the Durham County Chair and their situation is different <br /> because of the City of Durham. She said that the city makes it more involved. <br /> Chet Mottershead said the City of Durham is the administrative entity as opposed to the <br /> county or a Council of Government (COG). <br /> Commissioner Bedford said it is a conundrum because it would be odd for Orange to not <br /> be aligned with Durham. She asked how the group could facilitate the scenario of combining <br /> Durham and Orange. <br /> Chet Mottershead said in terms of administration of the funds, they are trying to see who <br /> manages the funds the most efficiently. He said that the Capital Area Workforce Board has a <br /> stellar record of managing federal funds, helping job seekers, a strong youth program, on the <br /> job training program, and strong partnerships with reentry councils. <br /> Commissioner Richards asked if there will still be three members on the board after <br /> realignment. <br /> Chet Mottershead said the number is based on a consortium agreement and would work <br /> with the Capital Area to determine that. <br /> Chair Price said there is room for discussion and that she has had that conversation. <br /> Commissioner Richards asked how to ensure that Orange County still has the same <br /> focus when Wake is so much larger. <br /> Chet Mottershead said that is a great point and they feel that moving with Capital Area <br /> is going to give Orange County a stronger voice when employers come, and how policies are <br /> set. He said that leadership recognizes the importance of all counties being represented. He <br />