MD HB258

Restructures the West North Avenue Development Authority in Baltimore City as a body politic and corporate, establishing a Board of Directors to manage its powers and extending the termination date from September 30, 2026 to September 30, 2029

Grants the Authority broad powers including acquiring property through purchase, eminent domain (except owner-occupied residences), tax sale, or foreclosure; making loans and grants; creating special benefit districts; and entering contracts with government agencies and private entities

Establishes the West North Avenue Development Authority Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund for consulting fees, salaries, and administrative expenses, with the Authority required to become self-sustaining by fiscal year 2028

Exempts the Authority from most state procurement laws, budget management requirements, and taxation on developments/projects, though property sold or leased to private entities remains subject to local property taxes

Requires the Authority to report to the General Assembly by January 1, 2027 on progress toward becoming self-sustaining, and mandates compliance with Public Information Act, Open Meetings Act, and Public Ethics Law