Special Service Area (SSA) Program

Annie Coakley: (312) 744-8280

Special Service Areas, known as Business Improvement Districts or BIDs in other cities, are local tax districts that fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within contiguous areas. The enhanced services and programs are in addition to those currently provided through the City.

SSA-funded projects typically include but are not limited to: public way maintenance and beautification; district marketing and advertising; business retention/attraction, special events and promotional activities; auto and bike transit; security; façade improvements; and other commercial and economic development initiatives.

The City contracts with local non-profits, called Service Providers, to manage SSAs. Mayorally-appointed SSA Commissioners for each SSA district oversee and recommend the annual services, budget and Service Provider Agency to the City. There are currently 44 active SSAs in Chicago.

2014 Designation Documents

2014 SSA Timeline
2014 SSA Designation Steps
2014 SSA Feasibility Study
2014 SSA Application Instructions
2014 SSA Application

The 2014 SSA Feasibility Study was due Monday, October 15, 2012. The City is no longer accepting Feasibility Studies for 2014 Designations. Agencies interested in sponsoring a 2015 SSA designation can review the 2014 application documents until the 2015 application documents are available Summer 2013.

2013 SSA DESIGNATIONS

The City received 2013 SSA Designation Packets from the following sponsor agencies by the June 15, 2012 deadline. Click on the links below to each applicant’s SSA District Plan – either the full plan with attachments or the summary without attachments. These SSA Plans are under review by the City. Each district is legally required to have a Public Hearing by City Council, which likely will occur Fall 2012. Further information about the public hearings will be posted when available.

SSA #22 Clark St. – Andersonville (renewal/expansion of an existing SSA)
Sponsor Agency (and current Service Provider): Andersonville Chamber of Commerce
District Plan: Summary & Plan

SSA #26 – Broadway Commercial District (renewal/expansion of an existing SSA)
Sponsor Agency (and current Service Provider): Edgewater Chamber of Commerce
District Plan: Summary & Plan

SSA #57 – West Town
Sponsor Agency (and current Service Provider): West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce
District Plan – Summary & Plan

SSA #55 111th/Kedzie (creation of a new SSA)
Sponsor Agency: Mt. Greenwood Local Redevelopment Council
District Plan: Summary & Plan

SSA #56 – Bronzeville (creation of a new SSA)
Sponsor Agency: Quad Communities Development Corporation
District Plan: Summary & Plan

SSA #59* – 59th St. (creation of a new SSA)
Sponsor Agency: Greater Southwest Development Corporation
District Plan: Summary & Plan

*Note: #57 and #58 skipped to provide number 59

For more information about SSAs, click on these links below:

Citywide SSA Map
SSA Districts and Service Providers
SSA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
2013 SSA Commissioner Application
2013 SSA Commissioner Application - 2013 City Ethics Statement
Sample BID Management Plan

2014 DESIGNATIONS
Agencies interested in sponsoring a 2014 SSA designation can review the BETA VERSION 2014 Designation Documents. Final documents will be posted soon.

IMPORTANTUPCOMING DATES AND DEADLINES FOR 2014 DESIGNATIONS (applies for existing and new SSAs):

2014 SSA Designation Workshop 3:30pm-5:00pm Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Room 1103, Chicago

Ask your questions about 2014 SSA Designations by completing this survey[21]

SSA Feasibility Study Due no later than Monday, October 15, 2012

[21]Dunni---can you hyperlink “survey” to this surveymonkey link: https://www.research.net/s/TNNWYNW