When used in this part:

(a)  “Local public entity” means any county, city, city and county, the duly constituted governing body of an Indian reservation or rancheria, redevelopment agency organized pursuant to Part 1 (commencing with Section 33000) of this division, or housing authority organized pursuant to Part 2 (commencing with Section 34200) of this division, which is authorized to engage in or assist in the development or operation of housing for persons and families of low or moderate income. “Local public entity” also includes two or more local public entities acting jointly.

(b)  “Persons of low income” means persons and families who lack the amount of income which is necessary (as determined by the local public entity) to enable them, without financial assistance, to live in decent, safe and sanitary dwellings without overcrowding.

(c)  “State public body” has the same meaning as defined in Article XXXIV of the State Constitution.

(Added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1339.)