This Is Aurora City Newsletter
Dec. 8, 2022
Build Up Aurora neighborhood street rehabilitation program kicks off this month

This month, the city of Aurora will begin delivering on promises to address a top priority of residents—improving the condition of its residential streets—through its "Build Up Aurora" program.

Aurora City Council members, city staff, and neighborhood and community leaders gathered Dec. 1 to celebrate the launch of the Build Up Aurora program, which will focus on concrete work during the winter months. Paving will begin in April.

According to national standards, the condition of 58% of the city’s overall street network, including neighborhood streets, is rated as fair or below. The Aurora City Council recently approved the plan and an innovative funding solution—without raising taxes—for neighborhood street improvements, ranging from concrete repair to street reconstruction.

The plan is intended to bring the city’s overall street network back to good condition, especially neighborhood streets.

From now through 2023, residents in 35 Aurora neighborhoods with the greatest need for street repairs will gradually see improvements, with the initial phase of projects focused on concrete repair and paving work.

Additional residential street maintenance citywide is planned annually as part of the city’s five-year street maintenance plan. To view a map and learn more, visit EngageAurora.org/BuildUpAurora.
Aurora Rhythms wraps up season Dec. 13

Aurora Rhythms presents the last performance of the season with “It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Show” Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Tallyn’s Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road. In this modern American holiday classic, four professional actors portray over 40 characters with music and sound effects.

The performance will include complimentary refreshments and creative activities for children. While the event is free, registration is needed. Register online at TinyURL.com/AuroraRhythms.
Aurora council ward map with new boundaries now available

Following a standard redistricting process that included many opportunities for the public to weigh in, the Aurora City Council recently approved council ward maps with adjusted boundaries. A new map reflecting the changes, which are effective Dec. 17, 2022, is available at AuroraGov.org/Maps.

Based on the city’s election code, redistricting in Aurora occurs twice in a 10-year period, and must be completed at least 180 days prior to the regular municipal elections held in years ending in three and nine. Boundaries are adjusted to accommodate population shifts, and residents are evenly distributed among the city’s six council wards while impacting as few residents as possible.

Several redistricting map scenarios were reviewed by the city’s Election Commission, which recommended a final scenario to the City Council. All public comments gathered in person and electronically during the community engagement period also were provided to the council as part of their decision-making process. The City Council approved the scenario by ordinance in November. The county clerks have been provided the realigned ward boundaries, and city residents are being notified through multiple outreach efforts.

For more information, email cityclerk@auroragov.org or call 303.739.7094. The community engagement project page is available at EngageAurora.org/Redistricting.
Volunteer to help establish precincts, appoint election judges, create new ward boundaries, and break the tie in a municipal election for any city office or ballot question.

Find out more and apply at AuroraGov.org/Boards.
Questions? Contact 303.739.7094 or boardsandcommissions@auroragov.org
IN THE NEWS
Aurora Now
Council Member Town Meetings
Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums where those conversations can occur. Visit AuroraGov.org/TownMeetings to confirm meeting dates and location information and find links for joining virtual meetings. If you don't know your council ward, visit AuroraGov.org/PropertyInfo and look up your address.
  • Meet with Mayor Mike (Mike Coffman) - Saturday, Jan. 28, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
  • Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, Jan. 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St. (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward II (Steve Sundberg) - Thursday, Jan. 19, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward III (Ruben Medina) - Wednesday, Jan. 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Municipal Center, Aurora Room (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Thursday, Jan. 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St. (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way
  • Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, Jan. 18, 6 to 8 p.m., City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center, 25950 E. Quincy Ave.

City Council Study Session
Monday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m.
View online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda.

The Jedi Handbook
Through Dec. 18
This coming-of-age story features a young boy who survives the universal trials of growing up with a little help from a galaxy far, far away.
Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets: AuroraFox.org

Santa's Big Red Sack 20th Anniversary
Dec. 8 to 24
Enjoy Rattlebrain Productions' non-stop sketch comedy, music and technology bursting at the seams with irreverent wit and unforgettable characters.
The People's Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets and more info: Rattlebrain Productions

Third Annual Santa in the Park
Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join Wholly Kicks for their third annual Santa in the Park event sponsored by the Aurora Police Department. Free shoes will be available for all ages while supplies last; children must be present with an adult. Additional resources will include a mobile food market, pet supplies as well as baby supplies and toys.
Spencer Garrett Park, 11008 E. 17 Ave.

Winter Speaker Series
Saturday, Dec. 11, 4 p.m.
The museum's Winter Speaker Series features local authors reading and discussing their work. Final week: Adrian Miller, "Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue" (nonfiction)
Free to attend only or pay $16 for an add-on meal option by Hungry Wolf BBQ; registration required for both options at
Aurora History Museum, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway
Register through Eventbrite

Historic Site Holiday Open Days
Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visit the historic Centennial House to see holiday decorations by the Daughters of the American Revolution, have a festive cookie and learn about Aurora's early history. Free; no registration required.
Centennial House, 1671 Galena St.
More info: AuroraMuseum.org

Disparity Study: Business Owner Survey
Survey deadline extended to Sunday, Dec. 18
As part of a Disparity Study being conducted by the city of Aurora, Griffin & Strong, P.C.—the contracted public-policy consulting firm–is surveying business owners in English and Spanish to understand their experiences conducting business in or with the city of Aurora. Learn more and complete the survey at EngageAurora.org/DisparityStudy.

Christmas Holiday Closures
Monday, Dec. 26
City of Aurora municipal offices and courts will be closed in observance of Christmas Day. A complete list of closures will be posted at AuroraGov.org.

"Pride on Your Side" Photography Exhibit
Through Dec. 31
Aurora Public Library and Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art present the collaborative photography exhibit "Pride on Your Side." This exhibit, led by Juan Fuentes, will feature photos taken by Aurora community members showcasing their views of the city and their lives.
Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway

Cyanotype (Solar Print) Exhibit
Through Dec. 31
Enjoy a vibrant and colorful cyanotype (solar print) exhibit by internationally recognized artist Christine Nguyen. The exhibit features photo-based flags highlighting the natural world and celebrating the Aurora community, along with a community-created cyanotype mural with creations from community members that participated in Nguyen’s earlier solar print workshop.
Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave.

New Year Holiday Closures
Monday, Jan. 2
City of Aurora municipal offices and courts will be closed in observance of New Year's Day. A complete list of closures will be posted at AuroraGov.org.

Habitat Clean Up Day
Saturday, Jan. 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Give back to nature by participating in this Habitat Clean Up Day, a volunteer activity for ages five and older. Removing trash from open spaces and waterways is essential for healthy communities, water and environments.
Meet at Hampden Run Park, 3501 S. Uravan St.; cleanup happens along West Toll Gate Creek

Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Mexican Community
Through April 16, 2023, Tuesdays through Sundays
The Aurora History Museum and the city of Aurora Office of International and Immigrant Affairs celebrate Aurora's Mexican population with this exhibit showcasing vibrant aspects of great cultural and traditional significance to Aurora's Mexican community, like popular music, art, dance, clothing, food and religion. Free admission.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
Have a comment, question, or need our assistance? Contact Access Aurora online, at 303.739.7000, or via iOS or Android app.

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This newsletter is produced by the city of Aurora Communications and Marketing Department

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