City of Chicago: Special Service Area #17

SSA Program Overview
The Special Service Area (SSA) is an economic development tool, created by state statute, that allows additional real estate property taxes to be levied to fund added services for a defined area.

The services funded through the SSA tax are in addition to services generally provided by the City. These services must predominantly benefit those properties that are located within the boundaries of the SSA. Examples of special services might include: sidewalk maintenance and beautification, landscaping, advertising and marketing, business recruitment/retention, parking, and safety programs.

A local SSA Commission, comprised of property and/or business owners within the SSA boundaries is established to recommend annually to the City a scope of services, budget, tax levy, and service provider to manage the SSA. A local chamber of commerce or business association serves as the service provider in most cases.

Role of the City of Chicago
The Department of Planning and Development reviews budgets and tax levies as provided by the SSA Commission and makes recommendations to the City Council. The City Council annually authorizes the tax levies, budgets, and service provider agreements for each SSA. In addition, the City Council confirms SSA Commissioner appointments.

Role of the Service Provider
The service provider administers the daily activities of the SSA, and is responsible for the hiring of employees and the disbursement of payments for services. Further responsibilities include: obtaining appropriate insurance for SSA programs as determined by the City; responsible for hiring a CPA to provide annual financial statements of SSA; submitting nominees for SSA Commissioners to DPD.

• For more information, please contact Executive Director, Gus Isacson at 773.665.2100 or clma@centrallakeview.biz