Are you a property owner in the Clark Street SSA? Please submit a signature of support, fill out this form.
Public Hearing
Thank you to the Clark Street SSA #23 community for your support throughout this year-long renewal process. The SSA’s application and signatures of support were submitted in June and accepted in August 2021. The next step is a virtual Public Hearing where the Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development will hear from local businesses, property owners and residents regarding the reconstitution of SSA #23.
The hearing is scheduled for November 4, 2021 at 1:00 pm via Zoom
Dial-In (312) 626-6799 or Meeting ID: 885 4378 2066; Password 290260.
About the SSA
The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) works to cultivate and sustain a thriving economic environment in Lincoln Park. To help achieve this goal, the LPCC manages two special service areas (SSAs). SSAs, commonly called Business Improvement Districts or BIDs in other cities, fund services and programs in business districts through a local property tax. The services provided by SSAs are in addition to those provided by the City of Chicago. The priorities of each SSA are set by a local commission that must spend the funds in the designated area. Currently, there are 53 SSAs throughout the City of Chicago.
As the service provider for SSA #23, the LPCC has been providing expanded services and programs to Clark Street businesses since 2002. The Clark Street SSA #23 needs to be renewed to continue operating or its services, including landscaping, beautification, litter abatement, sidewalk snow removal, events and marketing will end in 2022. As part of the renewal process, the LPCC is leading an extensive outreach and engagement process to learn from local businesses about the SSA services they want to continue as well as any ideas they have for new initiatives. Please see our FAQs below.
Meetings- Schedule, Agendas and Minutes
Advisory Committee Meetings
Public Meetings
FAQs
What is an SSA?
A Special Service Area (SSA) is a local taxing district that funds expanded services and programs through a local property tax. SSAs are managed by a Service Provider, usually a local non-profit such as a Chamber of Commerce, and governed by a volunteer Commission made up of representatives from local businesses and property owners.
Why do we need an SSA?
An SSA is an economic development tool that brings businesses and property owners together to collectively decide how tax dollars can be spent locally to maintain and promote the business district. Today’s restaurant, retail and small business environment is challenging. Business owners understand the need to have a strategic and collaborative effort to identify common priorities and coordinate local improvements and marketing. An SSA can fund these goals and help local businesses stay competitive, attractive, and desirable for residents and customers alike.
Why should the Clark Street SSA #23 be renewed now?
The Clark Street SSA #23 is approaching the expiration of its term and needs to go through a reconstitution (or renewal) process to continue operating for the next 15 years. If no action is taken, the SSA will expire at the end of 2022 and cease providing critical services such as small business support, streetscape and safety enhancements, local marketing, corridor maintenance, and landscaping.
SSA services are needed as retail, restaurants and other small businesses are facing incredible challenges as a result of COVID-19. LPCC has been working directly with the business community to understand and respond to these needs. In the near-term – while COVID-19 is still impacting our community – SSA #23 can be an advocate for local businesses while providing critical needs such as rebates for unexpected expenses. Over the long-term, the SSA will be equally important as we emerge from these crises.
How can you help?
You can help by participating in the renewal process!
If you are a Clark Street property owner in support of continued services, we ask you to join this effort by submitting a signed form listing each PIN number you own in the district. If you are a business owner or resident that rents your space, you can also help by asking the property owner/taxpayer of record to sign and submit this form. The City of Chicago requires 20% of property taxpayers to support the renewal by signing a support form.
How does the SSA fund services?
SSAs are funded through revenue collected from taxes levied upon properties within the SSA boundary. These funds, which are controlled locally by the SSA #23 Commission, must stay in the district and must be spent on services that achieve the SSA mission.
The maximum rate for the Clark Street SSA #23 is 0.309%, although the annual rate has typically been lower. The Commission sets a levy each year that can not exceed the funds that would be raised based on the maximum tax rate. For example, for a property in which the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) is $100,000, the cost could not exceed $309 per year.
What are the boundaries of the SSA?
Clark Street SSA #23 currently includes all properties fronting Clark Street from Armitage to Diversey. In addition, it includes all properties fronting the south side of Diversey from Orchard to Lakeview. Click here to view Boundary Map.
