What is an SSA?

The Special Service Area (SSA) is an economic development tool, created by state statute and city ordinance, which allows extra real estate property taxes to be collected to fund added services for a defined area. It is the only taxing body in which property owners choose to be assessed and have direct decision-making authority on the use of those funds.

SSA taxpayers cooperatively plan, provide, benefit from, and pay for services within their own area.   SSA-funded services focus on the public way and are in addition to services generally provided by the City. 

SSAs exist throughout the USA, as well as in other parts of the world, and are more commonly known as Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). There have been more than 50 SSAs within the City of Chicago and 800 nationwide.

When and why was West Town SSA created?

West Town SSA was established in November 2004 by City Council ordinance.  The mission of West Town SSA is to maintain and improve the shopping, dining and nightlife within the SSA boundary by providing a cleaner, safer and more attractive commercial environment both for consumers and business owners. 

What are the boundaries of West Town SSA?

The boundaries of West Town SSA are:

Chicago Avenue from Halsted Street to California Avenue
Damen Avenue from Chicago Avenue to Grand Avenue
Milwaukee Avenue from Racine Street to Erie Street
Ogden Avenue from Fry Street to the Kennedy Expressway

How is West Town SSA governed and managed?

West Town SSA is governed by a 9-member Commission whose members are SSA property and business owners. SSA Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and serve 2-year terms. The West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce is the Service Provider agency which, under contract with the City of Chicago, is responsible for providing and managing the SSA services approved by the Commission. The West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce reports to the Chicago Department of Housing and Economic Development which oversees the SSAs.

Links

www.westtownchamber.org is a resource for members and consumers and has a list of WTCC business members, a business directory, community information, business resources, a list of available storefronts and commercial properties, demographics, membership information, chamber events, and more.

www.westfestchicago.com is a site dedicated to information on West Fest (an SSA29 sponsored event) with consumer information plus links for vendors and sponsor applications.

www.cityofchicago.org/hed is the website for the Department of Housing and Economic Development, who oversees the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce & SSA29

http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Town-Chicago-Chamber-of-Commerce/168703079799 the WTCCC & SSA29 Facebook Page

https://twitter.com/#!/WestTownChamber the WTCCC & SSA29 Twitter feed