Business Improvement District (BID) Program
Business Improvement Districts provide expanded services and programs within contiguous areas. These enhanced services and programs are in addition to those currently provided by the City of Chicago. BID charges are designated for each property based on a formula that is developed by the sponsoring organization and approved by the City of Chicago. BID charges will appear on the Cook County Real Estate Tax bills as a "non-ad valorum " charge.
BID-funded projects typically include but are not limited to public way maintenance and beautification; district marketing and advertising; business retention/attraction, special events and promotional activities; auto and bike transit; security; façade improvements; and other commercial and economic development initiatives. Annual services and budgets are included in a 5-year BID Plan which must be approved by City Council.
Newly created BID corporations may contract with local non-profits to manage BIDs or hire staff to manage the BID directly. A board of directors, elected by property owners in each BID district, oversees and recommends the annual services and budgets. The BID program was created on July 2, 2024. There are currently no BID districts in Chicago.
The Department of Planning and Development is accepting applications from non-profit organizations that are interested in establishing a BID for 2026. To apply, a Feasibility Assessment must be submitted by December 31, 2024.
BID 2026 Application Materials:
Special Service Area (SSA) Program
Special Service Areas are local tax districts that fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within contiguous areas. The enhanced services and programs are in addition to those currently provided through the City.
SSA-funded projects typically include but are not limited to: public way maintenance and beautification; district marketing and advertising; business retention/attraction, special events and promotional activities; auto and bike transit; security; façade improvements; and other commercial and economic development initiatives.
The City contracts with local non-profits, called Service Providers, to manage SSAs. Mayorally-appointed SSA Commissioners for each SSA district oversee and recommend the annual services, budget and Service Provider Agency to the City. There are currently 58 active SSAs in Chicago.
The Department of Planning and Development is accepting applications from non-profit organizations that are interested in establishing or renewing a Special Service Area for 2026. To apply, a Feasibility Study must be submitted by Nov. 1, 2024.
SSA 2026 Application Materials:
SSA Commissioner Application Documents
- Commissioner Application Form
- Statement of Financial Interests
- Instructions for Statement of Financial Interests