About

What is an SSA?

For more than 28 years, the Special Service Area (SSA) program has provided communities with the financial means to create, maintain and manage clean, attractive and competitive commercial districts. SSAs, known as Business Improvement or Community Improvement Districts in other cities, provide a fair and transparent way to finance and manage improvement programs important to communities. SSAs levy funds by placing a nominal tax assessment on each taxpaying property within its service boundaries. SSAs are governed by State of Illinois statute, authorized by City of Chicago ordinance and administered locally with oversight by a local board of commissioners.

How is the SSA managed?

The City created local SSA Commissions to advise the City on appropriate SSA programs and costs. SSA Commissioners are typically comprised of property/business owners in the SSA boundaries. The Commission's role, as defined by ordinance, is to recommend to the City a scope of services, budget, tax levy, and Service provider to manage the SSA. Service Providers are typically a chamber of commerce or business association.

Role of an SSA Commissioner

As an SSA Commissioner, you are representing the City of Chicago on the Commission. Your role includes the recommendation of a Service Provider for the SSA, as well as programming, scope of services, annual levy, and budget recommendations to the Department of Planning and Development (DPD). You will also approve budget revisions and advise DPD on such revisions. You will be required to file annual City and County ethics statements. Your term of office shall run the number of years as set in your SSA establishment ordinance.

Role of the City of Chicago

Several City Departments are involved with SSAs. DPD oversees SSAs, processes and reviews SSA budgets and annual audits. The Department of Law prepares ordinances pertaining to SSAs. The Department of Finance Risk Management Division establishes and reviews SSA insurance requirements. The Mayor's Office appoints SSA Commissioners. City Council authorizes SSA levies, budgets, and Service Provider Agreements; and confirms SSA Commissioner appointments. The City Comptroller distributes tax collections to Service Provider designated accounts.

Role of a Service Provider

DPD contracts with Service Providers who function as the SSA's General Contractor. They provider and/or coordinate the provision of SSA services, which may include hiring staff and/or subcontractors as needed t ofulfill the SSA work plan. Service Providers generate program reports to DPD, SSA Commission, Aldermen, and the community via such means as meeting minutes, reports and/or newsletters. They may also assist with the recruitment of SSA Commissioners.