Recommendations for Improving the SSA Establishment Process

Executive Summary

The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (IGO) has completed a review of the process for establishing Special Service Area taxing districts. The published review includes the City’s Department of Housing & Economic Development (RED) response.

Prompted by the City Council’s February 2011 termination of SSA #46 just three months after the SSA’s first tax extension was billed to property owners, the IGO makes several recommendations to improve the SSA establishment process, as well as how local communities are informed of their possible economic impact.