What advantage does establishing an authority provide to cities?

Establishing an authority allows cities to provide services without the immediate need to increase taxes, which can be a significant advantage. Authorities often have the capacity to generate their own revenue through various means, such as issuing bonds or through fees for services, allowing them to fund projects and initiatives that benefit residents without placing additional financial burdens on citizens. This approach can lead to enhanced service delivery and infrastructure improvements while maintaining tax rates, which is particularly beneficial in managing the budgetary concerns of a city.

The other options do not align with the primary structural and operational advantages that authorities offer cities. For example, while higher accountability in governance may be a desirable outcome, it is not a guaranteed result of establishing an authority. Similarly, improved state funding levels may depend on a variety of external factors and are not a direct consequence of forming an authority. Lastly, taxation typically increases in response to budget shortfalls and is not inherently a benefit of creating an authority.