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2 4859-6924-4449\6 is less difficult to obtain than 501(c)(3) status, only a business may make contributions that are tax deductible, individual contributions are not eligible for the tax deduction. Also, organizations with 501(c)(3) are prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of or against any candidate for elective public office. Government Organizations Economic Development Commission: A board used to advise a City Council, appointed by the Mayor and/or City Council. It has limited or no decision making authority and is used as a sounding board or a first point of contact for the City Council on development projects. The commission is used to draft strategies and policies for ratification and implementation of local plans on a volunteer basis. Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA): An HRA is a public corporation with power to undertake certain types of housing and redevelopment or renewal activities. While state legislation conveys authority for housing and redevelopment in each City, it is up to the City Council to formally establish an HRA before it can do business and use its powers. Once a council legally establishes an HRA, it may undertake certain types of planning and community development activities on its own with council approval. Port Authority: This is a legal entity created by the State Legislature to promote the general welfare of a City’s port district, increase the volume of commerce in the port and provide facilities for handling, storage and shipment of freight. The Port Authority actively develops commerce within the City and can enable business location and expansion. The powers of a Port Authority are more expansive then those of an HRA or an EDA. The State Legislature authorizes the creation of Port Authorities. A Port Authority is a separate political entity with the right to sue and be sued in its own name and is generally organized to increase commerce in a City. Unlike EDAs and HRAs, a Port Authority may issue general obligation bonds without holding an election. Joint Powers Board: This is a board created by multiple Cities, Townships or Counties for a certain purpose, such as economic development. The agreement between the units of government would specifically describe activities and powers that the board exercises in carrying out its duties. Economic Development Authority (EDA): An EDA is a legal entity created by a City or a County to facilitate a well-rounded development program by taking advantage of some of the port authority powers and all of the HRA powers. By combining and utilizing HRA, EDA and City powers, community leaders are able to create flexible business assistance and development programs. EDAs for example, are allowed, to buy and sell property; make loans and grants to businesses; provide guarantees or other credit enhancements; and to sell bonds. All Cities have authority from the State Legislature to create an EDA. The City may consolidate the EDA with an existing HRA or the City may establish the EDA as a separate entity. The City Council may create an EDA by passing an enabling resolution. Before adopting the enabling resolution, the City must first conduct a public hearing. The enabling resolution establishes a Board of Commissioners for the EDA. The City Council can choose to serve as the EDA Board of Commissioners or create a board composed of council members and community members. The Mayor, with approval of the Council, appoints the Commissioners. The Board may consist of