Joint Powers Authority

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A Joint Powers Authority (JPA) is an institution permitted under the laws of some states of the USA, whereby two or more public authorities (e.g. local governments, or utility or transport districts) can operate collectively. Joint Powers Authorities may be used where:

an activity naturally transcends the boundaries of existing public authorities. An example would be the Transbay JPA, set up to promote the construction of a new transit centre in San Francisco, with several transportation boards and counties around the San Francisco Bay Area as members;
by combining their commercial efforts, public authorities can achieve economies of scale or market power. An example would be U. S. Communities, a purchasing consortium of local government agencies.

Joint Powers Authorities are particularly widely used in California (where they are permitted under Section 6500 of the State Government Code), but are also found in other states.

A joint powers authority is distinct from the member authorities. They have separate operating boards of directors, and these boards can be given any of the powers inherent in all of the participating agencies. In setting up a JPA, the constituent authorities must establish which of their powers the new authority will be allowed to exercise. A term and the membership and standing orders of the board of the authority must also be laid down. The joint authority can employ staff and establish policies independently of the constituent authorities.