Advertising & Promotion
SSA funds are used to promote area businesses by sponsoring special events and by advertising through both public and social media. The annual West Fest, held each summer along W. Chicago Avenue, is one of the area's most popular events. www.westfestchicago.org.
Public Way Maintenance
Cleanslate, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides paid transitional jobs in neighborhood beautification (www.cleanslateChicago.org), keeps the area sidewalks clean and litter-free on a daily basis. In the winter, sidewalks are plowed and salted whenever the snow is 1" or more. Sidewalks are also professionally power washed when needed.
Graffiti Abatement Rebate. Property owners and tenants may receive a rebate of 50% of the cost of removing and preventing graffiti on the front of their buildings, up to $500.
Public Way Aesthetics
To beautify and give the area a neighborhood presence within the City of Chicago, SSA funds are used to create and hang street pole banners, as well as to purchase and display holiday decorations. Streetscape elements, like artist-designed trash cans and bicycle racks, are installed and kept in good repair using SSA funds. Public art is another way that SSA funds are used to beautify the area.
Street Pole Banners Sponsorship. Businesses may sponsor a street pole banner and have their business names printed on the banner as a form of advertising.
Tenant Retention / Attraction
SSA-funded staff maintain a property vacancy list and work to link property owners, developers, realtors and entrepreneurs.
Staff are also available to provide technical assistance to those who are looking to start or expand a business within the SSA and can assist them in obtaining City services / permits, as well as linking them to other valuable resources.
Facade Improvements
Facade Rebate. Property owners and tenants may receive a rebate of 50% of the cost of improving the front of their buildings, up to $15,000.
District Planning
In addition to analyzing demographic and statistical data, area businesses, property owners, and consumers are canvassed and asked about their vision for the neighborhood and the need for specific services.