Nov. 21, 2019
2020 city budget approved by council

The city is required to balance its budget every year, and 2020 is no
different. The budget provides a sound financial plan to provide funding for
the best possible municipal services, and was built with caution in mind and
an eye toward the future.

The upcoming year’s city budget of $850.8 million, which the Aurora City
Council approved unanimously in November, is an annual spending plan
targeting the City Council’s broad goals and priority projects.

The 2020 budget includes the following: 15 new police officers; additional
funding for police vehicles and fire apparatus; adjusting the fire
department’s Medical Support Unit program to match peak call volume
hours; and staffing an additional fire engine in southeast Aurora without
adding new staff.

To view the 2020 budget document visit AuroraGov.org/Budget.
Art 2C sculpture exhibition On Havana Street

On Havana Street and the city of Aurora Art in Public Places program bring the Sixth Annual Art 2C on Havana sculpture exhibit and competition, which spreads along Havana Street from East First Avenue to East Yale Avenue. Check it out.

Read more
onhavanastreet.com
Federal grant supports new I-70 interchange by mid-2023 
By 2023, a new interchange on Interstate 70 in Aurora will provide greater connectivity for people and freight to key employment centers, Denver International Airport, and local, regional and international commercial markets. 

A newly awarded $25 million federal grant will kick-start the I-70/Picadilly Interchange Project that has been planned for more than a decade. The new interchange will address growing traffic in the area, improve safety on Tower Road, replace deficient roadways, and connect Picadilly Road between Colfax Avenue and Smith Road to further improve mobility in the area.

The city of Aurora received its full request for funding and the maximum amount permitted per project under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BUILD multimodal surface transportation grant program, and only six projects in the entire country received this amount. The city and private developers also will contribute funding to the $56.6 million project.

The interchange at Picadilly Road will provide additional infrastructure needed to support the planned population and employment growth in the area, including the new Aurora Highlands, Stafford Logistics Center and Painted Prairie developments, the continued expansion of Majestic Commercenter, Porteos and Prologis business parks and the Highpoint mixed-use development, and the future Horizon Uptown project.

Construction could start by mid-2021, with completion in 2023. For more details and ongoing project updates, visit AuroraGov.org/I70Picadilly.
IN THE NEWS
Aurora Now
City Council Town Meetings
• Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, Nov. 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St.
November meetings for all other City Council Wards have already taken place or have none scheduled for the month.

City Council Meeting and Swearing-in of New Mayor and Council Members
Monday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m.
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Council Chamber
AuroraGov.org/Council • Streamed live at AuroraTV.org

"Sisters Who Swing"
Friday, Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Colorado has some of the nation's finest vocalists. This night features four of them. These Sisters will rock, knock, and swing your socks off.
The People's Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave.

Theatre Esprit Asia Cabaret
Sunday, Nov. 24, 4 p.m.
Join Theatre Esprit Asia for a pre-Holiday cabaret at the People's Building. Plus, after a year-long hiatus, meet the new artists and celebrate the announce of its new brand. Includes silent auction and cash bar.
The People's Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave.

Thanksgiving Day
Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28 and 29
City of Aurora municipal offices and courts will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving Day. Go to  AuroraGov.org   for a complete list of which city facilities will be open or closed on the holiday.

The Second City's "Twist Your Dickens"
Nov. 29 to Dec. 22
Back by popular demand, this seasonal satire returns in a madcap send-up of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic. Tickets at 303.739.1970 or AuroraFox.org
Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.

Holiday Tree Lighting
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 5 to 7 p.m.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season with the lighting of our holiday lights, a visit from Santa and more. Free
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Devour the Arts
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Mix, mingle and get a taste of what's happening in the creative community on East Colfax. Includes visual art, pop up performances, appetizers and a cash bar. Free admission
The People's Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave.

Festival of Wreaths
Through Dec. 6
This year’s 20th Annual Festival of Wreaths display and fundraiser event features wreaths generously sponsored and decorated by local businesses, organizations and individuals. Wreaths will be on display at the Aurora History Museum, Aurora Municipal Center, Town Center at Aurora and Stanley Marketplace for people to enjoy while an online bidding will take place. Proceeds benefit the Aurora History Museum.

Season of Giving
Through Dec. 6
Help spread the holiday spirit with families in need through the Aurora Public Library’s seventh annual Season of Giving: Stocking Project. Donate stocking stuffers at any Aurora Public Library, then join us Saturday, Dec. 7, for a stocking stuffer party at Aurora Central Library.
Learn more at AuroraLibrary.org

MLK Art, Poetry and Essay Contest
Through Dec. 18
How do Dr. King's words affect you and how can you ensure they keep echoing into the future? Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by sharing what his dream and words mean to you, using a medium of your choice. “The Words Ring On” art, poetry and essay contest is open to students in grades in K to 12. Entries must be submitted by Dec. 18.
For submission guidelines, visit AuroraLibrary.org
Have a comment, question or need our assistance? Contact Access Aurora online , at 303.739.7000, or via iOS or Android app.

Know someone who would like to receive this newsletter? Have them sign up at  AuroraGov.org/NewsletterSignup .
This newsletter is produced by the city of Aurora Communications and Marketing Department

Questions?