Ch. 654                                    1996 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(4)     "Poverty level population" means the number of people whose
household income level is below the poverty line set by the Office of Management and
Budget.

(5)     "Local initiative" means the amount of federal funds received by a
community action agency for conduct, administration, and general community
programming.

(b)     (1) The General Assembly of Maryland recognizes that the economic and
social well-being of the citizens of the State is intrinsic to the strength and viability of the
State as a whole.

(2) It is the purpose of this section to strengthen, supplement and
coordinate efforts to combat the causes and problems of poverty in Maryland by:

(i) Mobilizing resources of both the private and public sectors of the
economy in order to increase opportunities for poor and low income citizens to develop
their skills, knowledge, and capabilities;

(ii) Developing the full potential of poor and low income citizens so
that each person can live in decency and dignity and achieve individual and family
self-sufficiency; and

(iii) Promoting the development, evaluation, and use of new and
innovative approaches to attack the origins and issues of poverty.

(c)     This section is intended to strengthen the ability of communities to plan and
coordinate available local, federal, State, and private resources, by making this assistance
more responsive to local needs and conditions.

(d)     (1) The governing body with jurisdiction over the community to be served by
the proposed community action agency may make, change, or revoke a designation:

(i) By act, ordinance, or resolution; or

(ii) By order of the chief executive of the governing body if the chief
legal officer certifies in writing that the chief executive possesses the power to make the
designation on behalf of the governing body.

(2) (i) The governing body shall conduct a public hearing before it makes,
changes, or revokes a designation.

(ii) A transition or close down plan shall accompany the notification to
the public of a proposed change in or revocation of a designation.

(iii) A change in or revocation of a designation shall take effect at the
start of the State fiscal year.

(e)     (1) A community action agency shall administer its programs through a
community action board consisting of at least 15 members, structured so that:

(i) One-third of the members of the board are elected public officials
currently holding office, or their representatives;

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