§ 20-11. Partnerships.

(a) Association encouraged to create.

The Association is authorized and encouraged to enter into partnerships with both non-assessed businesses and with lodging and other businesses in adjoining areas outside of the corporate boundaries of the City of Baltimore ("exempt partners") for the purpose of furthering the broad objectives of increasing tourism in the District and adjoining areas.

(b) Specific powers.

In furtherance of that objective, the Association may:

(1) contract to provide varying levels of services to non-assessed businesses in areas adjoining the District;

(2) agree to accept donations, contributions, and other voluntary payments of any kind from exempt partners (collectively, "voluntary payments"), with or without agreements regarding specific services and functions;

(3) enter into agreements with exempt partners to include non-assessed businesses owned by those exempt partners within or adjoining to the District in return for voluntary payments or commitments regarding the provision of similar services and functions for the benefit of non-assessed businesses owned by exempt partners; and

(4) establish rates and charges for the provision of services to exempt partners.

The Association may not enter into any partnerships or agreements pursuant to this section that require the expenditure of District funds without the prior approval of the District Management Committee.