The property owned by the corporation under the authority granted in AS 18.55.100 - 18.55.290 is public property used for essential public and governmental purposes, and is exempt from all taxes and special assessments of a municipality, the state, or a political subdivision of the state. However, instead of the payment of taxes on this property, the corporation may make payments to the municipality or political subdivision for improvements, services, and facilities furnished by it for the benefit of a housing or public building project.