Regional services institutes; program for economic and community services planning; location

(1) The Higher Education Coordinating Commission shall cause to have prepared and submitted to the Legislative Assembly a program and time schedule for the establishment of regional services institutes at appropriate public universities. The program shall include academic curriculum and practical training appropriate to train students in various aspects of economic and community services planning, with particular emphasis on economic services planning for areas of the state that have common geographic, economic and social characteristics but that do not have sufficient population to qualify as metropolitan statistical areas. (2) In carrying out its duties under subsection (1) of this section, the commission shall consult with the Oregon Business Development Department and shall rely on the department for technical advice and, as necessary, technical services. The commission shall also consult with community colleges, the Oregon State University Extension Service, economic development districts and special districts providing community and economic development services in the region in order to prepare curriculum and programs with particular emphasis on streamlining existing programs, avoiding duplication and overlap of programs, better utilizing students and resources and identifying needs in the region that are currently unaddressed. (3) In preparing programs for establishing regional services institutes, the commission shall give priority to establishing institutes at Eastern Oregon University and Southern Oregon University.