The authority has, and may exercise, all powers, expressed or implied, that are necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of this title, including, but not limited to, the power to do all of the following:

(a) (1) Levy a benefit assessment, special tax levied pursuant to Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 50075) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 5, or property-related fee consistent with the requirements of Articles XIII A, XIII C, and XIII D of the California Constitution, including, but not limited to, a benefit assessment levied pursuant to paragraph (2), except that a benefit assessment, special tax, or property-related fee shall not be levied pursuant to this subdivision after December 31, 2048.

(2) The authority may levy a benefit assessment pursuant to any of the following:

(A) The Improvement Act of 1911 (Division 7 (commencing with Section 5000) of the Streets and Highways Code).

(B) The Improvement Bond Act of 1915 (Division 10 (commencing with Section 8500) of the Streets and Highways Code).

(C) The Municipal Improvement Act of 1913 (Division 12 (commencing with Section 10000) of the Streets and Highways Code).

(D) The Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (Part 2 (commencing with Section 22500) of Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code), notwithstanding Section 22501 of the Streets and Highways Code.

(E) Any other statutory authorization.

(b) Apply for and receive grants from federal and state agencies.

(c) Solicit and accept gifts, fees, grants, and allocations from public and private entities.

(d) Issue revenue bonds for any of the purposes authorized by this title pursuant to the Revenue Bond Law of 1941 (Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 54300) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5).

(e) Incur general obligation bonded indebtedness for the acquisition or improvement of real property or for funding or refunding of any outstanding indebtedness, subject to the following requirements:

(1) The principal and interest of any general obligation bonded indebtedness incurred pursuant to this subdivision shall be paid and discharged prior to January 1, 2049.

(2) For purposes of incurring general obligation bonded indebtedness pursuant to this subdivision, the authority shall comply with the requirements of Article 11 (commencing with Section 5790) of Chapter 4 of Division 5 of the Public Resources Code. For purposes of this subdivision, all references in Article 11 (commencing with Section 5790) of Chapter 4 of Division 5 of the Public Resources Code to a board of directors shall mean the board and all references to a district shall mean the authority.

(3) Notwithstanding any other law, the total amount of outstanding bonded indebtedness the authority may incur pursuant to this subdivision and subdivision (d) shall not exceed one billion five hundred million dollars ($1,500,000,000).

(f) Receive and manage a dedicated revenue source.

(g) Deposit or invest moneys of the authority in banks or financial institutions in the state in accordance with state law.

(h) Sue and be sued, except as otherwise provided by law, in all actions and proceedings, in all courts and tribunals of competent jurisdiction.

(i) Engage counsel and other professional services.

(j) Enter into and perform all necessary contracts.

(k) Enter into joint powers agreements pursuant to the Joint Exercise of Powers Act (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 6500) of Division 7 of Title 1).

(l) Hire staff, define their qualifications and duties, and provide a schedule of compensation for the performance of their duties.

(m) Use interim or temporary staff provided by appropriate state agencies or the Association of Bay Area Governments. A person who performs duties as interim or temporary staff shall not be considered an employee of the authority.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 226, Sec. 2. (AB 746) Effective January 1, 2016. Repealed as of January 1, 2049, pursuant to Section 66706.)