Each municipality has a housing authority, but it cannot do business or use its powers until the municipality’s governing body declares a need for it by resolution.
Sec. 392.011. CREATION OF A MUNICIPAL HOUSING AUTHORITY. (a) A housing authority is created in each municipality in the state. (b) A municipal housing authority is a public body corporate and politic. (c) A municipal housing authority may not transact business or exercise its powers until the governing body of the municipality declares by resolution that there is a need for the authority. (d) The governing body of a municipality may determine on its own motion if there is a need for an authority. (e) The governing body of a municipality shall determine if there is a need for an authority on the filing of a petition signed by at least 100 qualified voters of the municipality. (f) The governing body of a municipality shall adopt a resolution declaring that there is a need for a housing authority if it finds that there is: (1) unsanitary or unsafe inhabited housing in the municipality; or (2) a shortage of safe or sanitary housing in the municipality available to persons of low income at rentals that they can afford. (g) In determining whether housing is unsafe or unsanitary, the governing body may consider the degree of overcrowding, the percentage of land coverage, the availability to inhabitants of light, air, space, and access, the size and arrangement of rooms, the sanitary facilities, and the extent to which conditions in the housing subject life or property to the danger of fire or other hazard. (h) In a proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of, or relating to, a contract of the authority, proof of the adoption of a resolution by the governing body that declares that there is a need for the authority and makes the finding that either or both of the requirements of Subsection (f) exist is conclusive evidence of the establishment of the authority and of its authority to transact business and exercise its powers under this chapter. A copy of the resolution that is certified by the clerk of the municipality is admissible in evidence in the proceeding. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.