Proposed SSA 1

The City of Aurora is proposing the establishment of a new Special Service Area, known as SSA 1 – Aurora Downtown District, to support the continued growth, stability, and longterm success of businesses and the downtown area.

The proposed Special Service Area is intended to provide additional resources for services and improvements that strengthen downtown Aurora as a place to do business, visit, invest, and grow.

Through marketing, events, business support, beautification, advocacy, and other special services, the proposed SSA is intended to help foster a strong, diverse, attractive, and successful downtown while creating opportunities for continued business development and investment.

Overview

What is being proposed?

The establishment of SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District, a new Special Service Area intended to provide special services that support the growth, vitality, and long-term success of downtown Aurora.

Who does it serve?

Properties located within the proposed SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District boundaries.

Proposed Maximum Taxe Rate

$1.10 per $100 of equalized assessed value (EAV) of property.

Potential Duration

The tax may be levied for up to eight years, if the SSA is established.

What will the funds support?

Special services and improvements intended to support downtown businesses and the overall vitality of the area, including activities such as marketing, events, advocacy, business support, and beautification.

Public Hearing:
Held and closed August 25, 2026

Potential Final Approval:
November 10, 2026

What Are We Trying to Do?

The City of Aurora is proposing the creation of a new Special Service Area (SSA) to provide special services within the downtown area.

The goal is to foster a strong, diverse downtown by promoting the growth, stability, and long-term success of local businesses.

If established, the proposed SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District would provide resources for special services that may include:

Organizing and supporting events and activities that bring people downtown.
Marketing and promoting downtown Aurora as a destination for businesses, residents, visitors, and investment.
Enhancing the overall appearance, experience, and vitality of the downtown area.
Supporting existing businesses and encouraging business growth and development.
Advocating for the continued success and improvement of the downtown business community.
Supporting other services and activities that advance the purposes of the Special Service Area.

The proposed SSA is intended to be an investment in the continued development, growth, stability, and opportunity of downtown Aurora.

Background

Special Service Area Number One was originally adopted by the City of Aurora on September 6, 1994, and has been extended and reestablished over the years to support the downtown area.

The current SSA-One is scheduled to expire at the end of the 2026 calendar year.

In anticipation of that expiration, City staff are proposing the establishment of a new Special Service Area to be known as SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District.

The proposed SSA would serve properties located within the proposed boundaries and would provide resources for special services intended to promote, enhance, and support the continued success of downtown Aurora.

If established, the nonprofit Aurora Downtown District would provide special services within the SSA, including, but not limited to, organizing events, marketing and promotion, advocacy, and other activities intended to support the downtown area.

The City of Aurora may also use a portion of SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District revenues for purposes such as enhancing and beautifying areas within the SSA boundaries.

Proposed SSA Funding

The proposed SSA would be funded through a special service area tax levied by the City of Aurora on properties within the established SSA boundaries.

The proposed levy would be not to exceed an annual rate of $1.10 per $100 of equalized assessed value (EAV) of property within the SSA.

If established, the tax may be levied for a period of up to eight years, subject to applicable law and the City's annual levy process.

Revenues generated through the SSA would be used to provide special services and improvements that support the purposes of the SSA and the continued growth, vitality, and success of downtown Aurora.

Investing in Downtown Aurora

A successful downtown is an important part of a successful community.

The proposed SSA 1 – Aurora Downtown District is intended to provide dedicated resources to help strengthen downtown Aurora and create additional opportunities for businesses to succeed.

Through events, marketing, promotion, beautification, business support, advocacy, and other special services, the SSA is intended to help create a downtown that attracts customers, supports local businesses, encourages investment, and continues to grow as a vibrant destination for the community.

The proposed SSA represents an opportunity to build on the work that has taken place in downtown Aurora and continue investing in its long-term growth, stability, vitality, and success.

Boundaries

The proposed SSA 1 – Aurora Downtown District would expand upon the existing downtown Special Service Area boundaries.

The maps below show the current SSA 1 boundaries and the proposed expanded boundaries for the new SSA 1 – Aurora Downtown District.

Current SSA 1 Boundary

Proposed SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District Boundary

Official Documents

A public hearing regarding the proposed SSA 1 – Aurora Downtown District was held and closed on August 25, 2026.

The City provided notice of the proposed SSA and public hearing to affected property owners in accordance with applicable requirements.

Public Hearing Notice to Property Owners(PDF, 2MB)

Timeline

June 23, 2026

Ordinance Passed

An ordinance for the proposed SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District, including the call for a public hearing thereon, was passed by the Aurora City Council.

August 25, 2026

Public Hearing Held & Closed

A public hearing on the proposal to establish SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District was held and closed.

October 26, 2026

Written Objections

Property owners may file a written objection to SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown in person at 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora IL (City Clerk's Office), cityclerk@aurora.il.us or by US Mail to City of Aurora
ATTN: City Clerk 44 E. Downer Pl, Aurora, IL 60505. All notices must be received before 5:00 PM on Monday, October 26th.

November 10, 2026

Potential Final Approval

The proposed SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District is scheduled for potential final consideration and passage by the City of Aurora.

Please note: The proposed Special Service Area is officially designated SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District, which may receive and use a portion of SSA revenues to provide services such as a downtown marketing, event planning, and advocacy. The City of Aurora may also use a portion of SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District revenues for purposes including the enhancement and beautification of areas with the SSA boundaries. The nonprofit organization and the Special Service Area are separate entities.

Questions?

Danielle Tufano
Downtown Economic Development Manager
tufanod@aurora.il.us