This Is Aurora City Newsletter

Jan. 4, 2024

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This image of a sample purchasing report document links to the city of Aurora purchasing webpage.

Stay informed with Aurora's weekly purchasing report


If you’d like to stay better informed on how the city spends its taxpayer money and who receives city contracts, Aurora makes it easy with a weekly report of purchasing activity. 


The Aurora City Council recently approved updates to the city’s purchasing code intended to streamline the purchasing process for more timely and efficient delivery of goods, services and construction. As part of the changes, more contracts and change orders are placed on the weekly procurement activity report. This report, which is typically available on Mondays, is sent to City Council members and available for public review at AuroraGov.org/Purchasing


Council members have the right to call up most items from the report for consideration at a council meeting, and items that aren’t called up are authorized to move forward without delay. This reduces both the amount of time needed to implement contracts and the uncertainty faced by businesses waiting for contract approval.


Among the other purchasing code changes approved by council, the threshold for conducting formal written bids or negotiated requests for proposals processes has been raised to $50,000. Informal processes for lower contract amounts have been put in place by the city’s Office of Purchasing Services.


“We’re constantly looking for ways to improve our delivery of city services, and the changes approved by City Council help ensure we are efficient and transparent with purchases,” said Bryn Fillinger, manager of Purchasing Services. “We want our residents to know their money is being spent wisely, and our contractors to know that Aurora is a straight-forward and open place to do business.”


Learn more about the city’s Office of Purchasing Services, the bidding process and the weekly report at AuroraGov.org/Purchasing.

This image of a man and woman standing links to the GoAurora.org website.
This graphic image of Martin Luther King Jr. contains words to promote events celebrating his life and links to a webpage with more information.

Celebrate the life and legacy of MLK Jr.


Aurora's 38th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, a month-long celebration honoring King and his legacy, starts this week with events for everyone to enjoy.


The opening celebration, prayer vigil and proclamation reading will take place from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, at the Aurora Municipal Center lobby and Paul Tauer Council Chamber, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway. This event will include dance, music and theatre performances. Refreshments will be provided, and registration is not required for this event.


Additional highlights include a youth talent showcase Jan. 5, a discussion panel Jan. 10, an interfaith breakfast, Building Trust Summit and student film fest Jan. 12, a wreath-laying ceremony and community service project Jan. 13, and a luncheon Jan. 23. 


For a complete event schedule, visit AuroraGov.org/MLK.

This image of Aurora's 10 City Council members links to a webpage about their town meetings.

Aurora City Council town meetings


City Council members often host town meetings to meet with city residents and business owners. The public is invited to attend. To view the meeting schedules and access hybrid meeting links when available, visit AuroraGov.org/TownMeetings.

 

Find out more about town meetings

This image of a residential building with fire damage links to the Aurora Fire Rescue Twitter/X account.

Update on road closures at Colfax and Peoria


Both directions of Colfax Avenue between Moline and Peoria are fully closed around the clock until further notice, and both directions of Peoria Street between 14th and 17th avenues are fully closed around the clock during that same time period.


The roadways are closed as a result of a multifamily residential structure fire that occurred in December. To minimize the threat of collapse and clear debris in order to complete an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire, portions of the structure are being demolished through a phased approach that began Jan. 2 and could span several weeks.


Aurora Fire Rescue will continue to provide updates on this process as roadways reopen, coordinating with the city’s Traffic Division to monitor and manage traffic flow. Until all roadways reopen, alternative routes are recommended. Detour routes run along Sixth Avenue, 14th Avenue, 17th Avenue, Fitzsimons Parkway, Potomac Avenue and Moline Street. Follow Aurora Fire Rescue on X/Twitter at @AuroraFireDpt or check the city's Road Construction Updates webpage for the latest updates.

Featured adoptable pets

This image of a black Dutch shepherd dog links to the Aurora Animal Shelter's adoptable animals webpage.

Name: Remmington

Age: 5 years old

Breed: Dutch shepherd

About Remmington: He is a happy boy with lots of love to give. He loves attention and treats, and is very energetic. He is also pretty clever!

Ideal Home: Remmington needs an active home because of his high energy. He needs diverse games, toys and activities to help relieve some energy. Remmington could use additional training.

This image of an orange tabby domestic shorthair cat links to the Aurora Animal Shelter's adoptable animals webpage.

Name: Tiger

Age: 3 years old

Breed: Orange tabby domestic shorthair

About Tiger: He is a nervous boy who takes a bit to warm up to new people and situations. He has lived with other felines and does very well sharing.

Ideal Home: Tiger would love an experienced cat owner and a low-trafficked household. Tiger gets scared around tiny humans, so a home with no children would be ideal.

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

This image of the Aurora Fox Arts Center pink and blue neon sign links to the city of Aurora's boards and commissions webpage

Volunteer to help advise the City Council and department director on planning, regulation, maintenance, repair and operation of The Aurora Fox. 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

UPCOMING 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, Jan. 27, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway (please note this is a date and time change from previous newsletter calendars)
  • Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, Jan. 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave. 
  • Ward II (Steve Sundberg) - Thursday, Jan. 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, Jan. 9, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle
  • Ward IV (Stephanie Hancock) - Thursday, Jan. 11, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St. (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward V (Angela Lawson)
  • Saturday, Jan. 13, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Heather Gardens, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way Auditorium
  • Thursday, Jan. 25, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place
  • Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, Jan. 17, 6 to 8 p.m., Southeast Recreation Center, 25400 E. Alexander Drive


City Council Study Session

Monday, Jan. 8, 5:15 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.


City Council Regular Meeting

Monday, Jan. 8, 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


Electronics Recycling Event

Jan. 4 and 5, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Jan. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The city is offering Aurora residents special event pricing for electronics recycling through its e-cycling partner, Techno Rescue. Business customers are not eligible for this event.

Techno Rescue, 3251 Lewiston St., Suite 10

For pricing and what items are accepted: AuroraGov.org/Recycle


"We Are Aurora Youth" Free Recreation Center Admission

Through Jan. 5

We Are Aurora Youth is a program designed to give the youth of Aurora a fun and safe place to hang out during school breaks. Free admission to select Aurora recreation centers will be offered to youth ages 13-18 who are residents of Aurora from noon to 7 p.m. daily (excluding Jan. 1). Free meals will be provided by Aurora Public Schools in the lobbies of Central, Moorhead and Southeast recreation centers for youth 18 and under from approximately 2 to 6 p.m.

Location and activity information: AuroraGov.org/WeAreAuroraYouth


Christmas Tree Recycling

Through Jan. 8

Bring your Christmas tree to one of the city's free recycling drop-off sites. Remove all nails, decorations and stands from trees prior to drop-off. No artificial trees will be accepted. Free mulch is available anytime (while supplies last) at all drop-off locations. Please bring your own truck, bags, shovel and containers.

Del Mar Park, 12000 E. Sixth Ave. (west parking lot)

Saddle Rock Golf Course, 21705 E. Arapahoe Road

Olympic Park, 15501 E. Yale Ave.

AuroraGov.org/Recycle


Capturing the Dream - Youth Talent Showcase

Friday, Jan. 5, 6 to 9 p.m.

As part of the city Aurora’s 38th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, enjoy a talent show featuring youth 6 to 19 years old showcasing their talents, including singing, dancing, art, acting, poetry and more. Event partners: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Aurora Chapter and Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism (YAASPA). Questions? Email officeofdei@auroragov.org.

The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave.

AuroraGov.org/MLK


Aurora First-Time Homebuyer Seminar

Saturday, Jan. 6. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (in Spanish)

Saturday, Jan. 27, 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.

Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave.


MLK Jr. Commemoration Opening Celebration, Prayer Vigil and Proclamation Reading

Monday, Jan. 8, 4:30 to 7 p.m.

An opening event featuring dance, music and theatre will celebrate MLK Jr.’s legacy. Refreshments will be provided, followed by an interfaith prayer vigil and the reading of the MLK commemoration proclamation during the Aurora City Council meeting. Questions? Email officeofdei@auroragov.org.

Aurora Municipal Center Lobby, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

AuroraGov.org/MLK


The Local Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Discussion Panel

Wednesday, Jan. 10, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

As part of the city of Aurora’s 38th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, enjoy a brief lecture about King’s visits to the Denver area and a discussion from a diverse group of Aurora residents reflecting on the legacy of the civil rights leader and how his vision has shaped our community.

Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

Email officeofdei@auroragov.org to RSVP

AuroraGov.org/MLK


Interfaith Breakfast

Friday, Jan. 12, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

As part of the city Aurora’s 38th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, enjoy some breakfast and meet Poonam and Everett Moore, Poonam’s by Design and E-Class Transportation owners, and featured designers in HGTV’s "Rico to the Rescue." Consider donating youth art supplies for entry. Event partners: Aurora Community of Faith and Aurora Mental Health & Recovery.

Quebec Place Event Center, 430 S. Quebec St., Denver

Email officeofdei@auroragov.org to RSVP

AuroraGov.org/MLK


Community College of Aurora Virtual Student Film Fest

Friday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m.

As part of the city Aurora’s 38th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, enjoy watching short films from Community College of Aurora students honoring King.

Streamed live at AuroraTV.org

AuroraGov.org/MLK


MLK Commemoration Wreath-laying Ceremony

Saturday, Jan. 13, 11 a.m. to noon

Join the city of Aurora’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and city officials to lay the wreath honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave.

AuroraGov.org/MLK


MLK Commemoration Community Service Project

Saturday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

As part of the city of Aurora’s 38th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, help assemble and sort hygiene kits and care items for Aurora Public Schools students/families in need, honoring King’s legacy. Event partner: Iron Sharp Community Foundation.

Registration required.

Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave.

AuroraGov.org/MLK


2024 MLK Marade

Monday, Jan. 15, 9:30 a.m.

Join the city of Aurora and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission at this marade honoring King.

Denver City Park, 2001 Colorado Blvd.

DrMartinLKingJrCHC.org


MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo

Monday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m.

Join Aurora’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for rodeo fun while honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt St.

Purchase tickets at NationalWestern.com/Rodeos


Museum Selfie Day

Wednesday, Jan. 17, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Help your local museum by visiting on Museum Selfie Day to help spread the word about the Aurora History Museum. Take a selfie in your favorite exhibit, share it on your social media and tag @AuroraHistoryCO. Open late for this special day. Free admission.

Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

AuroraMuseum.org


Winter Speaker Series 2023: Poets and Poetry in Aurora

Jan. 19 to 28

Learn more about Aurora's poetry scene. Each poet will perform their own work and guide visitors through activities. 

Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

Register and find out more: AuroraMuseum.org


“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


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Email communications@auroragov.org

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