SWIDA was created by the state legislature to encourage economic development in Bond, Clinton, Madison and St. Clair Counties. SWIDA does not receive any tax dollars, but operates solely on the revenue it earns for the services it provides. A fourteen-member board of directors serves as the governing body of SWIDA. Members of the board are appointed by the Governor and the County Board Chairmen of the counties in SWIDA's jurisdiction. Board members serve without compensation.