The region as it exists today was born at the end of a long process. 1919 Creation of the "regional economic groupings". 1950's Appearance of the "program regions" 1964 The "Jurisdictions for Regional Action" appeared in turn, headed by the region's prefects. 1969 On 2 February, General de Gaulle declared: "the arrival of the region: here's the great reform we should bring to France". Consulted by referendum, the French people rejected his project. 1972 The 5 July Law created the "Regional Public Establishments". The regional executive was still represented by the prefect, who was appointed by the government. 1982 The decentralisation laws gave rise to the Conseils régionaux (elected assemblies governing a region), local authorities with full administrative power. "The Conseil Régional is competent to promote the economic, social, health-related, cultural and scientific development of the region and to develop its territory to ensure the preservation of its identity, while respecting integrity, independence and the attributes of the departments and towns." 157 departmental councillors represented Rhône-Alpes. 1983 New powers devolved upon the regions: training and apprenticeship. 1986 The regional councillors were elected by direct universal suffrage. The region became independent in the management of its affairs. The regions were competent in terms of secondary education. 1992 The Rhône-Alpes region adopted the urban development plan and the development of the "Rhône-Alpes tomorrow, reinventing the community" territory. 1993 The regions were competent in terms of professional training of young people under 26. 1997 The Rhône-Alpes region takes charge of regional public transport for travellers. 1999 The region launches an updated version of the Regional Urban Development Plan for the Rhône-Alpes Territory.   Source : Rhône-Alpes region