Welcome to
SSA 72
SSA 72 Chicago was formed to improve safety, economic vitality, and establish a cultural identity that will foster business growth and development within the corridor and for the community at large.
RFP for Holiday Decorations
Deadline November 20th at 5:00 PM C.S.T.
SSA 72 seeks an artist and designer for the holiday season 2025 - all decorations must be up and functional by Sunday, December 6, 2025.
RFP Details
SSA Commissioner Meeting
On November 12th at 11 AM
SSA 72 will be holding an emergency meeting to discuss the five percent levy increase that will be happening in 2026.
The discussion is to lay out all of the new enhancement that will be occurring along SSA 72:
- The Facade Rebate Program
- Increase foot traffic through special events
- New banners
- Holiday Decorations
- Increase New plants and flowers CDOT urban planning
- Increase snow removal budget
- Strategic Mapping & Economic Impact Study
- Potential Security
- Increase oversight (audits) and Personnel Expenses
Dates
- March 24, 2025
- May 30, 2025
- June 27, 2025
- July 25, 2025
- August 29, 2025
- September 26, 2025
- October 31, 2025
- November 28, 2025
- December 26, 2025
Minutes
- March 2025 community meeting PDF
- May 2025 community meeting PDF
About SSA 72
SSA 72 Chicago is the first Special Service Area (SSA) to be created in Austin. SSA’s are improvement districts that reinvest tax dollars, levied on property owners within the SSA, back into the community through special services and programs. SSA 72 Chicago’s biggest goal for the corridor is to improve safety, economic vitality, and establish a cultural identity that will foster business growth and development within the corridor and for the community at large. SSA’s are managed by a service provider who is responsible for carrying out an SSA’s initiatives. Westside Health Authority is the designated service provider for SSA 72 Chicago.
Westside Health Authority (WHA) is a 501(c)3 not- for- profit community-based organization whose mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of the residents of the Austin and Westside communities of Chicago. WHA works to strengthen the capacity of ordinary citizens in building upon existing community assets in order to bring about positive change.
Why SSA 72 -Chicago
AV 72 Chicago represents the Austin Village SSA that runs along Chicago Ave., also known as SSA 72. Austin is the city of Chicago’s largest community by square mile, and is filled with people who have a wonderful , vibrant past. present and future filled with innovation, discovery, mastery, and wisdom. SSA 72 is a revival of the great spirit in Austin where business and organizations come to thrive and support The Village!
Why are SSA’s like SSA 72 Chicago so important
A Special Service Area (SSA) is a tool that is utilized to reinvest tax dollars back into the community. The goal is to usher in vibrant stability and vitality along the designated corridor and community at large.
They provide enhanced services and programs beyond those provided by the city. These offerings are to ultimately improve the socioeconomic health of the community.
Our Leadership
Westside Health Authority is proud to have been selected as AV 72’s service provider. As an organization WHA has a long standing history in the Austin community , one of service, empowerment, and development.
We are a team of experienced professionals passionate about inspiring and uplifting our community.
Morris Reed
CEO of WHA and AV 72
Justin Hill
SSA 72 Manager
Rosie Dawson
Director of Real Estate Development for WHA and Contract Manager for AV 72
She insures that contractors are in compliance with stated contract terms and agreements and provides the necessary documentation to the Business and Program Development Director for AV 72 reporting.
Call for Commissioners
Do you own property or a business in Austin Village? If so, your community needs you! We are currently looking to fill two vacancies.
Please direct your questions, and send completed proposals via email, to:
Justin L. Hill
SSA 72 Program Manager
Westside Health Authority
jhill@healthauthority.org
Please view or download the following PDF document below for more information:
Past Events
Forty Acres Fresh Food Market Groundbreaking Ceremony
Westside Health Authority's Black Legacy Event
The Westside Health Authority held its 2nd Annual Black Legacy Event. Principal Anderson of Michelle Clark H.S. and Crystal Dyer received the Black Legacy Award for their outstanding work in the community.
Austin Fresh Food Market
Christmas at POP Courts 2022
The Grinch made a special appearance to take pictures with Austin youth at the Pop Courts on Chicago Ave.
Good Neighbor Outreach at POP Courts
Pop Grove Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Pop Gove is an outdoor event space located on Madison and Keeler.
Mandela Day 2022
Fresh Fridays at Pop Courts
Event where kids and adults make Free Custom T-shirts right on Chicago Ave.
