(a)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the governing bodies of any two or more cities or counties or any combination thereof may by agreement create an area housing authority. Each governing body party to such agreement shall appoint two persons as commissioners of such authority, and, except as otherwise provided in Section 34246.5, the governing bodies shall jointly appoint one commissioner at large, and, upon appointment of all required commissioners, the authority shall be authorized to exercise all of the powers and transact all of the business which a housing authority of a city or county which is functioning and exercising its powers is authorized to exercise or transact.
(b)
The governing body of each city or county shall designate one of those commissioners first appointed by it to serve for a term of three years and one to serve for a term of four years. Successors shall be appointed by the governing body for terms of four years, except that all vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term.
The commissioner at large shall serve for a term of four years. His successors shall be appointed jointly by the governing bodies for terms of four years, except that a vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term. In the event that a successor shall not have been appointed by the governing bodies within 30 days following a vacancy, the Governor shall appoint a successor.
(c)
Three-fifths of the commissioners of an area housing authority constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting business and exercising its powers and for all other purposes. Action may be taken by the authority upon a vote of a majority of the commissioners.
(d)
The commissioners shall select a chairman from their number.