§ 8-4. Powers and functions of Authority.

(a) Governmental body.

To the greatest extent allowable by law, the Authority is and shall be deemed to be a special taxing district and, therefore, a governmental body, both politic and corporate, exercising only those powers as are provided for in this subtitle.

(b) Authorized actions.

(1) The Authority may acquire, hold, and use both real and personal property as necessary to achieve its purposes, including acquisition by purchase, lease, or other means.

(2) The Authority may engage the services of an administrator (the "Administrator"), who may be an individual or an entity, to administer the programs and undertakings of the Authority.

(3) The Authority may sue and be sued. However, the District, the Authority, its Board of Directors, and its Administrator shall benefit, to the fullest extent allowable by law, from all provisions of federal, state, and local law limiting the liability of employees, officers, agents, and officials of governmental bodies.

(4) The Authority may accept grants.

(5) The Authority may borrow funds for purposes consistent with the public purposes of the Authority. However, no borrowing may be for a term beyond the date for the District's renewal under § 8-16 of this subtitle;

(6) The Authority shall adopt an annual budget and impose, charge, and collect the taxes or charges on benefitted properties within the District, as authorized by City Charter Article II, § (63) and this subtitle.

(7) The Authority may create and enter into partnerships between it and various property owners. These partnerships may provide for the provision of permitted services and benefits by the Authority in exchange for payments arranged by contract, donation, gift, services in kind, or other mechanism by which funds or benefits are provided to the Authority.

(8) The Authority may establish and elect officers not already provided for in this subtitle and provide for their terms and duties.

(9) The Authority may contract for and purchase goods and services, without having to comply with City requirements governing wage scales, competitive bidding, or other procurement matters. However, the Authority nonetheless shall be subject to applicable ordinances regarding City policy on encouraging and achieving goals for participation of minority and women's business enterprises in the contracting activities.

(10) Subject to the approval of the Board of Estimates, the Authority may adopt, amend, and modify bylaws, consistent with City Charter Article II, § (63) and this subtitle.

(11) The Authority may implement its programs and goals directly through its employees or through 1 or more contracts. These contracts may be with independent contractors or contractual employees.

(12) The Authority may assist in the leasing, marketing, and promotional activities within the District, to the extent those activities are approved by the governing Board of the Authority.

(13) The Authority may appoint, hire, or engage auditors, accountants, attorneys, assistants, aides, employees, and advisors as it considers necessary for the proper performance of its duties, but consistent with this subtitle.

(14) The Authority may do all other things necessary or convenient to carry out its goals, objectives, and powers.