SSA #26 Broadway Renewal
SSA #26 Broadway Renewal · Shaping the Future Together
Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is working to renew Special Service Area (SSA) #26 – and we need your input. For over 20 years, SSA #26 has invested in keeping the district vibrant, clean, and competitive. Now it’s time to plan for the next chapter.
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INTRODUCTION
What is SSA #26?
Special Service Area #26 Broadway Commercial District has been a vital investment tool for Edgewater 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
Now, we’re asking for your input to shape the future of SSA #26 and ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of our commercial district.
Three Ways to Get Involved
- Share Your Priorities: Take our 5-minute Needs Assessment Survey to tell us what matters most for the district’s future. [TAKE THE SURVEY]
- Attend a Community Meeting: Join us for a community meeting in Spring of 2026 to learn about the SSA process, review proposed services, and ask questions.
- Stay Informed: Follow the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce for future updates.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Special Service Area (SSA)?
A Special Service Area is a designated area where property owners agree to a modest property tax increase to fund enhanced services and improvements that benefit the commercial district. These services go beyond standard City services and are managed locally by the SSA Commission and Edgewater Chamber of Commerce.
What does SSA #26 currently fund?
SSA #26 currently provides:
- Regular street cleaning, litter removal, pressure washing, and sidewalk snow removal
- Seasonal landscaping and plantings
- District marketing and promotion
- Special events programming
- Business support and technical assistance
- Public space improvements and maintenance
Why does the SSA need to be renewed?
SSAs in Chicago are established for a limited term and must be renewed through a formal process that includes property owner approval. This renewal ensures continued funding for services while giving stakeholders the opportunity to reassess priorities, adjust boundaries if needed, and set the direction for future investment.
SSA #26 run north-south along Broadway Avenue and includes properties from approximately Foster Avenue to Devon Avenue and portions of:
- Devon (Broadway to Glenwood, including all four corners of Glenwood)
- Granville (Broadway to Kenmore)
- Bryn Mawr (Broadway to Kenmore)
- Ridge (Bryn Mawr to Magnolia)
- Berwyn (Broadway to Winthrop)
- Thorndale (Broadway to Winthrop)
How much does the SSA cost property owners?
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 0.5274% and the maximum rate is 0.550%. This means that the cost of the SSA is approximately $44 per month per $100,000 of Equalized Assessed Value (EAV). During the renewal process, property owners will receive specific projections for their properties and what services they receive from the SSA.
How is the SSA managed and 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 Edgewater Chamber of Commerce 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 SSA #26?
SSA #26 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.
How can I support the SSA renewal?
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:
- Sign your letter of support when contacted
- Complete the Needs Assessment Survey
- Attend community meetings
- Ask questions and stay informed
When will the renewal be finalized?
The SSA District Application must be submitted to the City of Chicago by June 10th and include 10% of PIN signatures. An additional 10% of PIN signatures are due by August 1st, 2026. Final City Council approval will follow in Fall of 2026. The renewed SSA would take effect January 1, 2027 ensuring continuing SSA services.
SSA RENEWAL TIMELINE
PHASE 1: PROJECT INITIATION · January – February 2026
→ January: Project kickoff and database development
→ January: Advisory Committee formation
→ February: Community Engagement Plan Launch
→ February: Advisory Committee Meeting #1 (with Department of Planning and Development)
- Advisory Committee Meeting #1 Presentation and Minutes
- Advisory Committee Meeting #2 Presentation and Minutes
What’s Happening: We’re gathering data, assembling the Advisory Committee, and preparing materials for outreach.
PHASE 2: LISTENING & LEARNING · March – April 2026
→ March: Needs Assessment Survey opens
→ April: Community Meeting #1
→ April: Community Meeting #2
What’s Happening: This is your opportunity to shape priorities! We’re gathering input from property owners, businesses, and stakeholders about what matters most for Broadway’s future.
PHASE 3: PLANNING & DOCUMENTATION · April – June 2026
→ May: Draft SSA District Plan and budget
→ May: Property owner outreach begins
→ June 12: SSA Application submitted to City of Chicago
What’s Happening: Based on community input, we’ll finalize the service plan, five-year budget, and proposed boundaries. Property owners will receive personalized cost projections and be asked to sign letters of support.
PHASE 4: SIGNATURE COLLECTION · June – August 2026
→ June 10: 10% of property owner signatures due
→ August 1: Additional 10% of signatures due
What’s Happening: Property owners will be contacted about the renewal process and invited to sign letters of support. At least 20% of property owners (by PIN) must support the renewal for it to proceed.
PHASE 5: CITY REVIEW & APPROVAL · September – December 2026
→ September: Public hearing notice mailed
→ October: Public Hearing at City Hall
→ December: City Council approval (expected)
What’s Happening: The City reviews the application, holds a formal public hearing, and the SSA ordinance goes before City Council for final approval.
PHASE 6: IMPLEMENTATION · 2027
→ January 1, 2027: New SSA takes effect
What’s Happening: With renewal complete, SSA #26 continues its mission of supporting Broadway’s commercial vitality for the next five years.
Key Dates to Remember
- April 2026 – Community Meeting #1 and #2
- June 10, 2026 – SSA Application deadline (10% of signatures due)
- August 1, 2026 – 20% of PIN signatures due
- October 2026 – Public Hearing at City Hall
- December 2026 – City Council approval
Questions About SSA #26 Renewal?
We’re here to help. Contact the Edgewater Chamber team or visit us to learn more.
Edgewater Chamber of Commerce
1210 W Rosedale Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
SSA #26 is managed by Edgewater Chamber of Commerce
Teska Associates, Inc. Is providing assistance with the renewal process.