What is an SSA?

For more than 28 years, the Special Service Area (SSA) program has provided communities with the financial means to create, maintain and manage clean, attractive and competitive commercial districts. SSAs, known as Business Improvement or Community Improvement Districts in other cities, provide a fair and transparent way to finance and manage improvement programs important to communities.

When was WPB (the Wicker Park Bucktown SSA #33) Created?

The Chicago City Council passed the Establishment Ordinance for the Wicker Park Bucktown SSA #33 on November 23, 2005.

What are the boundaries of WPB?

Download the WPB map here.

The boundaries of WPB are:
East side of Western from Division to Fullerton
West side of Western from North to Fullerton
Damen from Schiller to the Kennedy Expressway
Ashland from Division to the Kennedy Expressway
North from Western to the Kennedy Expressway
North side of Division from Western to the Kennedy Expressway
South side of Division from Western to Milwaukee
Milwaukee from Division to Western

Why was WPB Created?

WPB Mission: To sustain and promote the prosperity and unique qualities of life of the Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood and commercial district, whilst preserving its diverse character for the benefit of its residents, visitors, and businesses through the wise and discerning investment of resources to enhance our public ways.

How can I get more involved?

The Commission of WPB meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm. There is a half hour meet and greet session that begins at 6:30pm. The meetings are open, and the public is encouraged to attend. Meeting dates and locations for 2008 are listed below:

January 13
February 10
March 10
April 14
May 12
June 9 - St. Paul’s Community Center, 2215 W. North
July 14 - St. Paul’s Community Center, 2215 W. North
August - no meeting
September 8
October 13
November 10
December 8
All meetings take place at the Bucktown Wicker Park Library Branch, 1701 N. Milwaukee, unless otherwise indicated.

There are also six committees that meet monthly. They are listed below with their meeting date and time:

Clean, Green & Safe - 1^st Tuesday of the month, 9am, Chamber office, 1414 N Ashland
Promote: WPB - last Tuesday of the month, 9:30am, Caffe de Luca, 1721 N Damen
Promote: the Arts - 1^st Tuesday of the month, 11:30am, 1615 W North
Transportation: Bikes
Transportation: Pedestrians & Passengers - 3^rd Thursday of the month, 8:30am, CNT, 2125 W North
Guide Development - 3^rd Friday of the month, 8:30am, Caffe de Luca, 1721 N Damen