WHAT IS SSA3?
Special Service Area #3 63rd St. has been a vital investment tool for community members since its establishment, sustaining a dynamic corridor that serves thousands of residents, businesses, and visitors daily.
Through a modest property tax assessment, the SSA funds enhanced services that go beyond what the City provides – from regular cleaning and maintenance to special events, marketing, public art, streetscape improvements, and business support programs.
THE SSA RENEWAL PROCESS ENSURES PROPERTY OWNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS HAVE A VOICE IN:
Identifying service priorities
Determining other desired types of investment
Strengthening small businesses support
Building on past successes while addressing new challenges
SSA3 IMPACT THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
For years, SSA #3 has helped strengthen the 63rd Street corridor by investing in local businesses, public spaces, and community improvements. Through beautification, safety resources, marketing, and support for local entrepreneurs, SSA #3 has helped create a more vibrant, welcoming, and economically resilient Southwest Side.
SSA3 CORE COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
BUSINESS SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT
Resources, technical assistance, business development, and programs that help local businesses start, grow, and stay competitive.
SAFETY +
SECURITY
Safety resources and rebates that help businesses and commercial property owners improve security and protect their spaces, employees, and customers.
PUBLIC SPACE
BEAUTIFICATION
Investments that make commercial corridors cleaner, more attractive, and more welcoming with programs for garbage pick-up, gardening and public art.
ECONOMIC + COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Supporting long-term investment in the Southwest Side by helping retain businesses, attract new investment, create opportunities, and strengthen the overall local economy.
SSA3 IMPACT THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
Promoting local businesses and commercial corridors through marketing, events, campaigns, and other efforts that bring customers and investment into the area.
WHAT DOES THE SSA3 CURRENTLY FUND?
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Litter removal and sidewalk snow removal
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Seasonal landscaping and plantings
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Public space improvements and maintenance
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District marketing and promotion
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Special events programming
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Holiday decorations
Façade rebates
Training for business owners and entrepreneurs
Rebate program for local business and property owners
Monthly networking for businesses
SSA3 63RD STREET CORRIDOR
SSA3 runs east-west along 63rd Street from Cicero Avenue to Bell Avenue and includes portions of:
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Pulaski (56th to 71st)
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Cicero (63rd to Marquette)
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Central Park (63rd to 71st)
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Kedzie (62nd to 64th)
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Western (61st to 64th)
THE ANNUAL TAX RATE IN 2026?
The SSA is funded through an annual property tax assessment based on each property's Equalized Assessed Value (EAV). The current annual tax rate is 0.98% and the maximum rate is 1.25%. This means that the cost of the SSA is approximately $82 per month per $100,000 of Equalized Assessed Value (EAV).
WHY DOES SSA3 NEED TO BE RENEWED?
SSA 3 is one of the three original Special Service Areas in Chicago. This will be the first formal renewal of the program to bring SSA 3 into accordance with all other SSAs. This renewal ensures continued funding for services while giving stakeholders the opportunity to reassess priorities and set the direction for future investment.
HOW IS SSA3 MANAGED + GOVERNED?
The SSA is governed by an appointed SSA Commission made up of local property owners and stakeholders. Day-to-day management is provided by Greater Southwest Development Corporation as the designated Service Provider. All expenditures are reviewed annually by the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development
WHAT IS THE TIF RELATIONSHIP WITH SSA3?
SSA #3 overlaps with varying TIF Districts. The SSA and TIF work together – the TIF captures incremental property tax growth for larger capital projects, while the SSA funds ongoing services
and smaller-scale improvements. SSA calculations account for the TIF base to ensure accuracy in levy projections.
GETTING INVOLVED
The renewal requires support from at least 20% of property taxpayers (by PIN count) within the proposed boundaries. Taxpayers will be contacted directly about signing letters of support. The best way to help is to:
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Show your support for the reconstitution/renewal of SSA3by signing your letter of support when contacted.
GIVE FEEDBACK
Share your feedback with us through the Needs Assessment Survey.
CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
Connecting with your community is a great way to show your support. Try hosting a local event to gain the support of your neighbors.
ASK QUESTIONS
Stay informed by asking questions, subscribing to the GSDC newsletter and following social channels.
WHEN WILL THE RENEWAL BE FINALIZED?
The SSA District Application must be submitted to the City of Chicago by June 10, 2027 and include 10% of PIN signatures. An additional 10% of PIN signatures are due by August 1st, 2027. Final City Council approval will follow in Fall of 2027. The renewed SSA would take effect January 1, 2028 ensuring continuing SSA services.
