This Is Aurora City Newsletter
Sept. 29, 2022
Build Up Aurora: Neighborhood street repairs coming soon

Transportation and roadway improvements in Aurora are a top priority for residents, according to recent surveys. The city plans to address this priority with a strategy to improve the condition of Aurora’s residential streets over the next two years. Rehabilitation roadwork is planned in 35 neighborhoods with the greatest need for improvement.

The condition of 58% of the city's neighborhood streets is rated as fair or below, according to national standards. The Aurora City Council recently approved a plan to fund the work—ranging from concrete repair to street reconstruction—to bring the city's neighborhood streets back to good condition. Projects will be prioritized based on the severity of street conditions.

The city's limited street maintenance dollars have been dedicated primarily to arterial and collector roads in recent years. The new use of certificates of participation will allow the city to borrow funding by pledging several city assets as collateral until the funding is repaid over time, much like a resident might buy a car through a lease-purchase agreement. This financing will allow the city to address critical neighborhood roadway maintenance.

Moving forward, residential streets citywide will continue to be part of Aurora's annual roadwork, with a continued focus on caring for what we have.

Additional details will be shared in the coming months, including a project schedule and interactive map, at EngageAurora.org/BuildUpAurora.
Police chief finalist interviews

The city is moving forward with two finalists for the police chief position. Community members are invited to watch the recorded interviews with the finalists, and provide feedback on the candidates via EngageAurora.org.
Techno Rescue e-cycling through Oct. 1

This year, the city’s e-cycling events are happening at Techno Rescue—the city’s e-cycling partner. The facility at 3251 Lewiston St., Suite 10, will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Business customers are not eligible for these events.
 
Electronics tossed in the trash not only cause serious environmental problems but also are banned from landfills in Colorado. Techno Rescue, which is certified for electronics recycling and data destruction, wipes and physically destroys all data storage media to protect the identities of those who are recycling responsibly.
 
Most electronic items—desktop computers, laptops, cell phones, tablets, gaming equipment, consumer electronics and similar—are accepted. A fee of $5 will be charged per vehicle/individual for one standard grocery bag and $10 per vehicle/individual for any load greater than one standard grocery bag.

A complete list of select electronics with additional processing fees and items that are not accepted is available at AuroraGov.org/Recycle. The next e-cycling event is scheduled from Dec. 27 to 30, with additional dates from Jan. 2 to 7 in 2023. For more information, visit AuroraGov.org/Recycle. 
Get involved and have a voice with the Aurora Youth Commission by applying to serve on the board
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.
  • Mayor Mike Coffman - Saturday, Oct. 15, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
  • Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, Oct. 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St.
  • Ward II (Steve Sundberg) - Thursday, Nov. 17, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place (virtual meeting option available)
  • Ward III (Ruben Medina) - Wednesday, Oct. 5, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle
  • Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Thursday, Oct. 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St. (virtual meeting option available)
  • Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Tuesday, Oct. 18, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way
  • Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, Nov. 16, 6 to 8 p.m., Tallyn's Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road (virtual meeting option available)

City Council Study Session
Monday, Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m.
This will be a virtual meeting. View online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda.

Survey on Havana/11th/Del Mar Intersection Improvements
Open through Sept. 30
The city has developed a concept design for several mobility improvements at the Havana Street/Del Mar Parkway/11th Avenue intersection. Residents are encouraged to review the plan and provide feedback.
More information and survey: EngageAurora.org/DelMarTriangle

COVID-19 Testing Site
Open through Sept. 30, daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free testing for COVID-19 is provided to anyone who wants to be tested, especially those with symptoms. No appointment is necessary. No doctor referral, no health insurance and no proof of identification are required. Online registration in advance is preferred but not required.
Aurora Center for Active Adults parking lot, 30 Del Mar Circle, at Del Mar Park

"Pride on Your Side" Photography Exhibit
Sept. 30 to 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 view on the city and their lives.
Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
More information: AuroraLibrary.org

Fall Into Fun
Saturday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Get ready for pumpkin spice and everything nice. Enjoy live performances, food trucks, unique vendors, fall-themed family activities and a GOURDgeous pumpkin patch. Kids' activities will include inflatables, caricature artists, balloon twisting and face painting.
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Survey on Gartrell Road/E-470 Interchange Expansion Project
Open through Oct. 3
The city, in partnership with the E-470 Public Highway Authority and the South Aurora Regional Improvement Authority, is designing mobility improvements for all types of users at the Gartrell Road and E-470 interchange. A survey is available to provide feedback.
More information and survey: EngageAurora.org/Gartrell

Aurora Rhythms 
Tuesday, Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m. 
The Aurora Rhythms monthly free concert series, presented by the city's Library and Cultural Services Department, will feature a performance by singer Mollie O'Brien and guitarist Rich Moore with American roots and acoustic music. Creative activities for children and complimentary refreshments will be available. 
Mission Viejo Library, 15324 E. Hampden Circle 
Registration and more information: AuroraGov.org/Concerts

Call for Artists: Aurora Housing Authority Veterans Living Center
Applications due by Sunday, Oct. 17
Are you an artist living and working in Colorado? Aurora's Art in Public Places Program and the Aurora Housing Authority are working together to commission original work for Liberty View Apartments, a new development for older adult veterans to be completed next November. The goal is to activate the space adjacent to the community garden encircled by a walking trail. Designs should be celebratory and embody an inclusive, colorful and inviting space that multigenerational friends, families and communities will enjoy.
Apply online: https://zurl.co/hT1h

"Calacas" Exhibit
Through Oct. 21
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, each Aurora Public Library branch (except Iliff Square Library) is hosting a larger-than-life paper-mâché skull “calaca” hand-painted by a Latino Colorado artist. Visit all branches to experience the exhibit in its totality and post selfies using #DBGCommunity and #APLintheCommunity for a chance to win four tickets to Denver Botanic Garden’s Día de los Muertos celebration Saturday, Nov. 5. APL will also give out prizes for sending selfies with at least five of the seven skulls to LibraryOutreach@AuroraGov.org.
More information and locations: AuroraLibrary.org

Treat Street
Saturday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bring the family to the Arapahoe County "Scaregrounds" for a safe day of trick-or-treating and spooktacular fun with games and activities, hayrides, farm animals, live entertainment, pumpkin painting, costume contest, over 20 trick-or-treating stations, adult beverages, food trucks and more. Wear a costume and get in free! Free admission for children 2 and under. 
Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave.
Tickets and information: ArapahoeCountyEventCenter.com

"AMERICA" Art Exhibit
Through Oct. 30
The Aurora History Museum is proud to host "AMERICA," an original art show highlighting artists from North, Central and South America, in a freely themed show representing America. This exhibit is presented by the local art collective Tonos Latinos, a network of Latino American artists offering multi-cultural artistic events that bring together visual arts, music, poetry, dance, written word and crafts.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
More information: AuroraMuseum.org

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
More information: AuroraMuseum.org
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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