What Is "Downtown Kankakee," Really? Meet the KDC and SSA #1
When you hear "Downtown Kankakee," you probably picture our city center: the shops, restaurants, and gathering spots in the heart of town. That's true, but it's only half the story.
"Downtown Kankakee" is also the name of an organization. The Kankakee Development Corporation (KDC) works to improve a specific, defined district, and it's guided by the people who have a stake in that district: property owners, business owners, and other stakeholders within Special Service Area #1.
So what exactly is a Special Service Area, and why does it matter?
What is a Special Service Area (SSA)?
A Special Service Area, or SSA, is a designated district where property owners pay an additional tax to fund improvements and services for that area alone.
The key difference is where the money goes. SSA funds stay inside the district instead of going into the city's general fund, so they're reinvested directly in the place they came from.
What SSA #1 funds support
In Downtown Kankakee, SSA #1 funds go toward:
🌸 Beautification
🧹 Maintenance
đź“Ł Marketing
🛡️ Security
đź’Ľ Business development
🎉 Special events
Where the KDC comes in
The KDC manages these funds for SSA #1. Its board brings together property owners, business leaders, and community partners who share one goal: making downtown a place where people want to live, work, and thrive.
You can see that work around town in new businesses opening their doors, community events throughout the year, and beautification projects like the fountains and flowers that brighten our streets.
Why it matters
Every dollar raised in SSA #1 is an investment in the district itself. When downtown is well cared for, safe, and full of reasons to visit, local businesses grow, and the whole community benefits.
Learn more
Want to see who serves on the KDC board, explore business incentives, or get in touch? Visit our About page at downtownkankakee.com/about-kdc.