Within its area of operation, an authority may:
(a) Investigate into living, dwelling, and housing conditions and into the means and methods of improving such conditions.
(b) Determine where slum areas exist or where there is a shortage of decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling accommodations for persons of low income.
(c) Make studies and recommendations relating to the problem of clearing, replanning, and reconstructing of slum areas, and the problem of providing dwelling accommodations for persons of low income, and cooperate with the city, the county, the State or any of its political subdivisions in action taken in connection with such problems.
(d) Engage in research, studies, and experimentation on the subject of housing.