Downtown Rock Island’s Special Service Area (35 ILCS 200/Art. 27), commonly called a Business Improvement District in other states, helps address the unique needs of downtown property owners, business owners and residents. Property owners pay an additional property tax to fund improvements and enhanced services within the district’s boundaries. These services supplement those provided by the City government and general property owner responsibilities.
Established in 2022, services are provided through the levy of a direct annual tax upon all taxable property within the SSA’s contiguous boundaries, roughly the area between 1st and 7th Avenues and 13th and 28th Streets.
In 2023 the City of Rock Island partnered with the Rock Island Downtown Alliance to staff, manage and implement Downtown SSA programs. A Board of Directors helps govern and guide the use of the funds generated by the SSA.