What is a PDA?

• A non-profit organization created by a municipality or county to undertake public projects with the option of entering into private partnerships.
  

• Has a public purpose and function 

• May apply for public funds

• May purchase and receive property

• May issue bonds

• May invest its funds

• Does not create a liability for the municipality that created it

• Indemnifies Board members and their relatives against all costs,
  expenses, judgments and liabilities

• Is made up of a board of volunteers

• Is subject to state audit

• Must have insurance coverage

• Must comply with the public meeting laws

• Is formed by ordinance supported by a charter and by-laws.
  
  

What are the limitations?

• Does not have taxing authority
  
  
• Does not have the power of eminent domain
  
  
• No part of the earnings of the PDA shall be distributed to the
  PDA Board members
  
  
• Can be dissolved by the entity that formed it.

How is a PDA formed? 

Step 1:   Municipality or County adopts an ordinance, charter and
              by-laws forming the PDA

Step 2:   Mayor or Board of Commissioners appoints the members
              of the PDA

Step 3:  Members elect an Executive Board

Step 4:  New PDA is registered with the State as a
              non-profit corporation

How are PDA's regulated? 

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is the compilation of all permanent laws now in force. It is a collection of Session Laws (enacted by the Legislature, and signed by the Governor, or enacted via the initiative process), arranged by topic, with amendments added and repealed laws removed. It does not include temporary laws such as appropriations acts.

Public Development Authority RCW

The official version of the RCW is published by the Statute Law Committee and the Code Reviser.