This Is Aurora City Newsletter

Feb. 1, 2024

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Connecting people and connecting places with link for more information

Help shape our entire transportation system


What is your vision for the future of transportation in Aurora? What transportation improvements and options would you like to see?


Many studies conducted over the years in Aurora have targeted specific areas of the city to gather public input and provide guidance for transportation needs, resulting in new or improved ways to get around. But this year, the city is launching Connecting Aurora—its first-ever citywide multimodal transportation master plan—to look holistically at the transportation needs of the entire city.


Over the next couple of years, the city will examine how to make traveling in Aurora better for everyone in our community, including people of all incomes and abilities. The plan will propose improvements to be implemented over the next five to 20 years and beyond to offer safer, more comfortable, and more convenient transportation options for everyone who walks, rolls, bikes, drives and takes transit.


Your feedback is critical in guiding the development of Connecting Aurora. Help us shape Aurora’s transportation future and guide investment to enhance your quality of life.


Visit EngageAurora.org/ConnectingAurora to find out more about upcoming engagement opportunities. To ask questions, email connectingauroraco@gmail.com or call 720.984.2109.


The city will start gathering input this April and continue throughout the year, and we look forward to partnering with our community on this important effort.

Delicious food found in Aurora with link for more information
Volunteers cleaning up with link for more information

Be a friend to nature


The city's Open Space and Natural Resources division is looking for volunteer stewards to make meaningful contributions that protect and enhance Aurora's natural areas.


Volunteers support Aurora's nature through trail stewardship, restoration projects, native plant gardens, wildlife monitoring, event staffing, program assistance and special projects.


Join one of our upcoming orientations:


  • 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2, Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E. Hampden Ave
  • 6 p.m. Friday, March 8, virtual (meeting link will be provided upon registration)


Learn more at AuroraGov.org/OSNRVolunteers.


Interested but can't make the orientation? Email OSNRvolunteers@auroragov.org for the recording.

Family enjoying the Aurora Reservoir with link for more information

Plan your warm-weather adventures


It's officially time to start planning your warm-weather schedule! The city's Parks Recreation and Open Space Department's 2024 Spring and Summer Camps activity guides are open for registration.


About the Spring Activity Guide

Discover a new hobby or passion in 2024. Whip up an exciting treat in the kitchen with one of the city's cooking classes, reach your full potential with martial arts classes, or enjoy the wonders of Colorado by venturing out to Aurora's nature areas or joining an excursion.


About the Summer Camps Activity Guide

Get ready to embrace the outdoors with nature camps at Star K Ranch and the Aurora Reservoir. Kick your fitness into high gear with our aquatics, golf and sports leagues. Encourage curiosity and creativity with art, cooking, history, STEM and coding camps.


Check out the guides for yourself at AuroraGov.org/ActivityGuide and AuroraGov.org/DayCamps.

Bike to Workday artwork with link for more information

Get ready for Winter Bike to Work Day


Put your car on ice for one day and commit to traveling by bike, whether to work, run an errand or spend time with friends, on Winter Bike to Work Day Friday, Feb. 9. Register at BikeToWorkDay.co and pledge to ride.


The city will provide free coffee and breakfast burritos (courtesy of Bicycle Aurora) to riders from 6:30 to 9 a.m. at the High Line Canal underpass just west of Chambers Road near the Aurora Municipal Center.


Pledge to Ride

Ginger White Brunetti headshot with link for more information

City selects new Library and Cultural Services leader


Ginger White Brunetti has been named to lead the city of Aurora Library and Cultural Services Department following a national search. She will begin work on Feb. 20, 2024.


“Ginger has effectively positioned arts, culture and entertainment as significant contributors to a city’s economic vitality, livability, placemaking and brand throughout her career,” noted Aurora Deputy City Manager Laura Perry. “Her expertise, coupled with our already vibrant arts and culture scene and globally diverse community, will bring Aurora to a level we haven’t seen before.”


White Brunetti has over 25 years of experience in the public and nonprofit sectors, most recently serving as executive director of the City and County of Denver Arts & Venues Department, which operates and manages the Denver Performing Arts Complex, McNichols Civic Center Building, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Coliseum, Colorado Convention Center, Denver’s Public Art Program and citywide cultural programs and investments. In her role, she led a 95-person team and managed operating and capital budgets totaling $100 million and $188 million, respectively.


Read the complete announcement

February issue of News Aurora with link to read the full issue

Read the latest News Aurora


News Aurora is the citywide news and information publication distributed monthly in mailed water bills. In the February issue, learn how you can help shape Aurora's transportation system, about Aurora Water's lead replacement program, how you can stay informed with Aurora's weekly purchasing report and more.


Read the February issue of News Aurora

Featured adoptable pets

Dog available for adoption and link with more information

Name: Baxter

Age: 1 year old

Breed: Pit bull terrier

About Baxter: Baxter has been at the shelter since late December. He is a curious dog, always eager to sniff out new adventures.

Ideal Home: Baxter prefers adults and no children. He likes to be introduced to strangers at a slow pace to ensure he is comfortable and confident with new people. He could also benefit from continued training but can "sit" on command like a pro.

Dog available for adoption and link with more information

Name: Strawberry Shortcake

Age: 1 year old

Breed: Pit bull terrier

About Strawberry: Strawberry has been at the shelter since December. She has a lot of energy and is a playful pup.

Ideal Home: Strawberry gets excited easily, so young children are not recommended. She loves treats and could use some training.

The Aurora Animal Shelter has many dogs, cats and other animals looking for forever homes. Learn more about available animals, Animal Shelter donations and volunteer opportunities at AuroraAnimalShelter.org.

Featured Board and Commission

Volunteer to serve on a city board or commission with link for more information

Volunteer to be part of enhancing the quality of life of Aurora's older adults. Support current and future programs in housing, transportation, health, nutrition, legislation, recreation, education, advocacy and networking. Learn more and apply to this or other city boards and commissions.

IN THE NEWS




AuroraTV
This image of two female news anchors and one male news anchor on the Aurora Now weekly news program links to the AuroraTV webpage.

WATCH AURORA NOW

Section of road with orange construction cones
Get weekly updates on road construction projects in Aurora

EVENTS


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, April 20, 1:30 to 3 p.m., Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
  • Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, Feb. 22, 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, April 18, 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) - Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
  • Ward IV (Stephanie Hancock) - Thursday, April 11, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St.
  • Ward V (Angela Lawson)
  • Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Heather Gardens, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way
  • Tuesday, Feb. 27, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place
  • Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, March 20, 6 to 8 p.m., Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club, 23155 E. Heritage Parkway


City Council Winter Workshop

Saturday, Feb. 3, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

View online at AuroraTV.org, on Comcast Channels 8/880 or on the AuroraTV phone/streaming app. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda.

Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora Room


City Council Study Session

Monday, Feb. 12, 5:15 p.m.

View online at AuroraTV.org, on Comcast Channels 8/880, or on the AuroraTV phone/streaming app. The meeting will also be streamed live to the Paul Tauer Council Chamber in the Aurora Municipal Center. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda.


City Council Regular Meeting

Monday, Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m.

This will be a hybrid meeting, with attendance both in person and virtually. View online at AuroraTV.org, on Comcast Channels 8/880 or on the AuroraTV phone/streaming app. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda. For information on addressing City Council during the meeting, go to AuroraGov.org/PublicComment.  

Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Paul Tauer Council Chamber


Neighborhood Improvement Grant Virtual Informational Meeting 

Thursday, Feb. 1, noon

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 6 p.m.

Looking to spruce up your neighborhood? Aurora will soon offer Neighborhood Improvement Grants for neighborhood groups and residents (where a neighborhood organization may not exist) to help enhance neighborhoods while strengthening neighborhood relationships among residents. The competitive grants promote projects that improve a neighborhood’s physical condition, enhance pride and identity, increase neighborhood communication, and bring new assets to the neighborhood that foster gathering and positive experiences. 

Learn more and access meeting links: AuroraGov.org/NeighborhoodGrants


Aurora First-Time Homebuyer Seminar

Saturday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (New date and location for this Spanish class)

Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

Are you a potential first-time homebuyer, or do you know someone who is? The city provides first-time homebuyer seminars to help potential homebuyers understand the purchasing process. Classes are offered monthly in English and Spanish. Registration is required by emailing auroraed@auroragov.org or calling 303.739.7900.

Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway



"ART" by Yasmina Reza

Feb. 3 to 25, Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., and Sundays, 2 p.m.

Hailed as one of the most successful comedies of all time, long-time friendships are put to the test when an expensive white painting upends everyone’s prior assumptions. Life choices are thrust to the forefront when criticism of the prize possession devolves into personal attacks and the airing of grievances. *Content Advisory: Ages 16 and up. Contains adult language.

Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. 

Tickets: AuroraFoxArsCenter.org


"Champion Change" Virtual Series

Feb. 6 and 20, March 5 and 19, 6 p.m.

Aurora's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has partnered with The Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (The CELL) to offer Champion Change. This virtual series addresses strategies to prevent and counter violent extremism in communities. Experts and activists dedicated to preventing and countering extremism will lead the series and aim to foster dialogue, share best practices and inspire action. The series will stream on AuroraTV.org. Registration is not required.

Questions? Email officeofdei@auroragov.org.


United Against Hate: A Conversation with the LGBTQIA+ Community

Thursday, March 14, 6 to 8 p.m.

Join Aurora’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and community partners in a thought-provoking discussion on hate crimes affecting the LGBTQAI+ community. Topics include understanding and reporting hate crimes and knowing your rights. This event is free, but plan to arrive early as space is limited. Registration is not required. Questions? Email Aurora’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at officeofdei@auroragov.org

Cheluna Brewing Mezzanine, Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Unit 148


Feedback Deadline: Planned Aurora Youth Center Services and Programs

Friday, March 29, 5 p.m. 

As part of the city’s ongoing efforts to curb youth violence, it is planning a youth center for youth with a special focus on at-risk and high-risk youth—the first of its kind in the city. Youth, caregivers such as parents, and youth-serving professionals are invited to provide input on the type of services and programs that should be offered at the center via a short survey at EngageAurora.org/YouthCenter.


“The Great Outdoors of Aurora” Exhibit

Through April 21, 2024

The Aurora History Museum and Historic Sites presents the new exhibit “The Great Outdoors of Aurora,” which celebrates Aurora’s vibrant outdoor opportunities and dives deep into the history behind the activities residents and visitors love to do in the city. Discover the stories behind reservoirs, city parks, nature centers, the High Line Canal, swimming pools, golf courses and more, all within Aurora. The exhibit also will feature historic recreational equipment, hands-on activities, archival photography and immersive elements that will engage and excite visitors of all ages. Admission to the Aurora History Museum is always free.

Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

More information: AuroraMuseum.org

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This newsletter is produced by the city's Communications and Marketing Department


Questions?

Email communications@auroragov.org

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