The Greater Ravenswood Special Service Area
Known as Business Improvement District in other cities, Chicago’s Special Service Areas fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy. As an economic development tool, the SSA helps to ensure that tax dollars are used locally and, because the taxes raised allow us to provide consistent and reliable services, the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is able to actively maintain and promote the Ravenswood business community.
SSA #31 Programs and Services
Established in 2008, the Greater Ravenswood Special Service Area (SSA #31) provides special programs for areas of Clark Street, Damen Avenue, Lawrence Avenue, Montrose Avenue, Wilson Avenue, and the Ravenswood Corridor.
The SSA offers a wide range of programs and services. For example, the SSA manages contracts for services such as snow removal, litter abatement and landscaping. Additionally, the SSA also helps assist local businesses through public relations, marketing, special events, and storefront improvements.
View the SSA #31 2023 Annual Report here.
Ravenswood Security Camera Rebate Program The Ravenswood Security Camera Rebate Program helps local small businesses and property owners install new or upgraded security cameras. Read more “Ravenswood Security Camera Rebate Program”
Ravenswood People Spaces Project GRCC has commissioned The Lakota Group, a Chicago-based urban design and landscape architecture firm, to lead the development of and implement a series of new community gathering spaces. GRCC and the Lakota Group design team are exploring Ravenswood’s assets and placemaking needs to identify locations and develop designs for several "People Spaces" along our commercial streets.
Read more “Ravenswood People Spaces Project”
Snow Removal Services Snow removal and salting within SSA boundaries. Read more “Snow Removal Services”
Landscaping & Neighborhood Beautification From litter removal to holiday decor, SSA 31 keeps Ravenswood beautiful. Read more “Landscaping & Neighborhood Beautification”
Public Art & Mural Program SSA, GRCC, and 47th Ward are working together to bring art to our neighborhood. Read more “Public Art & Mural Program”
Neighborhood Banner Program Prime visibility for local businesses. Read more “Neighborhood Banner Program”
Ravenswood Façade Rebate Program The Ravenswood Façade Rebate Program provides funding to local businesses and property owners to improve the appearance of their storefronts. Read more “Ravenswood Façade Rebate Program”
Visit the City of Chicago SSA page to learn more about how SSAs work.
SSA #31 Commissioners
- Nick Yassan, Rany Management
- Andi Mints Gilreath, Resident
- Michael Parker, Jersey Mike’s Subs
- Omotola Akinbiyi, Bon Femmes
- David Odefey, Gnome Brew
View the 2018 SSA #31 Service Provider Agreement.
With the goal of sustaining the competitiveness of the commercial, industrial and residential districts of Ravenswood, the SSA helps brand the community as attractive and inviting.
Special Service Area #31 is administered by the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and managed by the SSA Commission. Acting as a representative group of local property owners and business owners, the SSA commission provides oversight and makes recommendations on the SSA’s annual budget and services.
Greater Ravenswood SSA #31 Map
Legend:
- Greater Ravenswood
- Other SSA Boundaries
- Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts
- Ward Boundaries
Requests for Proposals
RFPs will be posted as opportunities become available. SSA #31 posts annual RFPs for holiday decorations, landscaping, litter abatement, sidewalk powerwashing and snow removal, among other potential RFPs.
Questions about active RFPs or upcoming service requests can be directed to GRCC Executive Director Megan Bunimovich at megan@ravenswoodchicago.org or 773-975-2088 ext. 101.
The Latest from SSA #31
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Mac Blackout Mural Coming to Ravenswood This Summer
After winning a community vote, Chicago-based artist Mac Blackout has been commissioned to create a new mural in the heart of Ravenwood. Read more “Mac Blackout Mural Coming to Ravenswood This Summer”
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Vote on the Design of a New Mural at Lawrence and Ravenswood
The intersection of Lawrence and Ravenswood is one of the primary gateways into our community. It’s home to the Ravenswood Metra Station and is an entrance to the annual Ravenswood ArtWalk. This summer, Ravenswood Community Council, Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin, and Special Service Area #31 are bringing a new…
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New Security Camera Rebate Program for Ravenswood Businesses
In response to recent commercial burglaries and break-ins, GRCC and SSA 31 have established a new security camera rebate program. Read more “New Security Camera Rebate Program for Ravenswood Businesses”
Upcoming SSA Meetings
Meetings held in person. Meetings begin at 10:00 a.m., unless otherwise noted, and are open to the public per the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
Interested in becoming an SSA commissioner?
To become and SSA commissioner, you must be a property owner or tenant of property within the SSA boundaries. Vacancies on the commission are filled by an application process in which the alderman, members of the community, and the GRCC gather feedback about applicants. Then, a nominating committee reviews the applications and suggests a slate of commissions, before the Alderman and mayor approve each applicant. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us.