Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not answered below, contact us using the form on the right. You may also visit the City of Chicago's Special Service Area Website here.

What is a Special Service Area?

SSA's are a funding mechanism that raises money to provide services to a designated commercial area. Illinois State statute determines many of the restrictions on SSA's. A Sponsor Organization, in this case, the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, coordinated the development of the SSA. A Sole Service Provider, which is typically the Sponsor Organization, administers the SSA-funded programs once the SSA is established.

For more information, please reference our informational brochure:
What_is_an_SSA-1.pdf (658 KB) What_is_an_SSA-2.pdf (2650 KB)

To view SSA 27's Sole Service Provider (SSP) agreement, click here.

Whose idea was it to consider the SSA?

The Chamber and Advisory Committee comprised of local property/business owners considered the Special Service Area funding tool. The intent was to provide services beyond the Chamber and City's financial/administrative capabilities, not to duplicate or replace City services.

The Committee had considered:

• A range of tax levy amounts applied to the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) to determine a maximum rate.
• A scope of services focusing on sidewalk cleaning/snow removal, parking, facades, and marketing.
• Preliminary boundaries: 
  • Lincoln Avenue: Diversey Parkway to Addison Road
  • Ashland Avenue: Diversey Parkway to Addison Road
  • Belmont Avenue: Ravenswood Avenue to Racine Avenue
  • Southport Avenue: Diversey Parkway to Byron Street

Why do we need the Special Service Area?

Federal, state and city funds to provide needed services to urban business districts have become increasingly scarce. SSA funding enhances Lakeview as a competitive commercial district and seeks to protect the investments of local property and business owners as well as the overall community.

How was the SSA established?

Two ordinances were passed by City Council. First, the SSA Notice Ordinance called for a public hearing and all property owners were advised of the date and time. Notices are not required to be sent to electors. After the public hearing, there was a 60-day waiting period before the second ordinance, or SSA Establishment Ordinance, was presented to the City Council for passage. A signed petition by 51% of electors and 51% of property owners who oppose the SSA and who complete the petition within 60 days of the public hearing would prevent the SSA creation. It's preliminary term is 10 years.

Who governs it?

The Advisory Committee, with assistance from the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, formed a Nominating Committee and nominating procedures to select the first SSA Commissioners from commercial property/business owners within the SSA boundaries. Candidates must have received approval by the City application process. Commissioners govern SSA tax money expenditures. Accountability measures include bylaws, an annual audit, and regular Commissioner meetings. 100% of the tax dollars are committed to the SSA. The City does not charge the SSA administrative fees. All SSA funds are spent on programs and services that benefit only the designated SSA area.

How much will the SSA cost? An example:

• Tax rate ceiling: .045* (0.45%) of the equalized assessed valuation (EAV)
• The budget cannot exceed 0.45% EAV
• Proposed first-year budget: $130,850
• Parcel Example:
  • EAV:  $100,000
  • Estimated tax bill:  $7,800
  • SSA Tax Levy:  $450
  • New total tax bill:  $8,250
    
    * FOR EXAMPLE ONLY