FINDINGS AND PURPOSES

(a) The legislature finds that: (1) it is an appropriate role for a municipality to foster economic opportunity, job generation, and capital investment by promoting a favorable business climate, preparing the workforce for productive employment, and supporting infrastructure development; (2) while some municipalities choose to meet that role through the creation of economic development zones and reinvestment zones, the core root of all economic development is a competent and qualified workforce; and (3) the programs designed to create a competent and qualified workforce are essential both to the economic growth and vitality of many municipalities in this state and to the elimination of unemployment and underemployment in those municipalities. (b) The programs authorized by this chapter are in the public interest, promote the economic welfare of this state, and serve the state public purpose of developing and diversifying the economy of this state and eliminating unemployment and underemployment in this state. (c) This chapter shall be liberally construed in conformity with the findings and purposes stated in this section.