Local elected officials make appointments to the WDBs. The Governor certifies the appointments. The recruiting process, emphasis finding community leaders to serve as board members. The boards have strong private leadership, with the chair of the board being from that sector. Individuals serving on these boards cannot be employees or representatives of organizations receiving funding administered by the boards.

In April of 1995, state policy required the development of One-Stop Service Centers, hereinafter referred to as Michigan Works! Service Centers (MWSCs). The Michigan Works! System Minimum Standards serve as a “base guideline” for requirements of the MWSCs. The requirements include the identification of services provided at the one-stops, system design, system governance, local system configuration, and identification of the function/responsibilities of the WDB. In 1997, MWSCs requirements included the creation of partnerships with numerous programs and services to establish a collaborative approach to deliver services. An update to the Minimum Standards in 1999 took the system further by requiring collocation of partners and programs.