URGENT UPDATE: The Aurora City Council is set to vote today on a crucial measure that could reshape the city’s downtown landscape. At the 6 p.m. meeting on October 10, 2023, officials will consider allocating $50,000 from the Special Service Area Number One funds to establish a new nonprofit organization for downtown Aurora.
This proposed entity, tentatively named the Aurora Downtown Association, aims to rejuvenate the area by overseeing marketing, improvements, and events, similar to the now-defunct Aurora Downtown organization. The urgency behind this initiative stems from community demands for more localized control over how tax dollars are utilized for the area’s development.
City staff are advocating for this measure as part of a broader effort to enhance economic support for downtown. The former Aurora Downtown organization previously managed funds derived from a special tax applied to properties within the designated area, helping to drive growth and community engagement.
Last year, the Aurora Downtown board merged with three other organizations to form the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance, aiming to streamline efforts and eliminate redundancies. However, feedback from residents indicated a strong desire for a dedicated group focused solely on downtown issues, prompting the city to initiate this new organization.
“We heard from our community that they wanted more authority over their tax contributions,” said John Laesch, the newly elected mayor who has been vocal about prioritizing downtown interests.
As part of the proposal, the city will also provide staff support to facilitate the legal and operational setup for the new organization. This includes assistance with board structure, governing documents, and applications for federal and state tax-exempt status. The current plan is to have the new organization operational as soon as possible, with significant milestones outlined for the coming months.
The Aurora City Council’s resolution bypasses the usual committee process, indicating the urgency and importance of this matter. If approved, the council anticipates the organization will begin holding its first board meetings by late November or early December, with bylaws drafted and staff recruitment initiated by March 2024.
The proposed governance structure includes a board of directors with seven voting members: four property owners and three business operators within the Special Service Area. Additionally, there will be advisory roles for city employees and representatives from local organizations, ensuring a collaborative approach to downtown management.
As the vote approaches, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the outcome, recognizing the potential impact on the future of downtown Aurora. This development not only reflects a commitment to revitalizing the area but also highlights the community’s influence in shaping its economic landscape.
Stay tuned for updates as the Aurora City Council convenes later today and this critical initiative unfolds.
