Discussions

Budget & Reconciliation

• 2026 budget is based on the 2025 levy due to city calculation lag.
• TIF districts limit tax revenue growth until expiration; minor levy increases.
• Transition to ACH payments underway with new CPA for faster vendor processing.

2026 Draft Work Plan

• Motion made and confirmed to vote on 2026 Work Plan and associated budget.
• Clarified process and required categories for plan and budget approval.

Corridor Enhancements

• SSA 42 previously approved using Façade funds for Corridor Live consulting.
• Chamber recommends expanding this funding in 2026 to align with potential DPD study of Stony Island Entertainment District.
• Holiday lighting and décor upgrades are under consideration.

Security & Public Safety (Machi Barrett)

• SSA-funded security expanded to 6 days/week, 6 hours/day.
• Of 77 area crimes this month, only 19 occurred during patrol hours.
• Incident data shared with CPD (3rd District) to support “hot spot” status.
• Ongoing coordination with BPG and CPD to increase visibility at key locations.
• Reports logged, reviewed, and used for year-over-year tracking.

Property Development

• Walgreens site under LOI for purchase by Local Market’s owner.

South Shore Summer Festival

• 2026 festival budget set at $80,000.
• 2025 headliner: October London; discussion of adding other major talent.

Decision (s)

Move

2nd

Approved

Motion to accept 2026 Draft Budget and Work Plan with changes to Customer Attraction, Public Way Aesthetics, Economic/Business Development, Public Health and Safety Programs, SSA Management and Personnel.

Comm. Damon Smith

Comm. Rick Norwood

Approved

Motion to accept 2026 draft Budget and Work Plan grand total: $744,371

Comm. Damon Smith

Comm. Julia Perkins

Approved

Task Requested

Assigned To:

Inquire as to why BPG / Cleanslate checks have not cleared

T. Trice

Make changes to voted upon changes to 2026 Work Plan Edits

L Brown

BPG to bring to the meeting, list of business owners in the SSA that they have relationships with to provide feedback regarding BPG’s presence and engagement within the corridor.

Machi Barrett