Jan. 13, 2022
Graphic of different color houses
Applications open soon for Neighborhood Improvement Grants of up to $5,000

Aurora wants to help spruce up neighborhoods while strengthening neighborhood relationships among residents by offering Neighborhood Improvement Grants of up to $5,000 for neighborhood groups and residents (where a neighborhood organization may not exist) in 2022.

The city has allocated up to $60,000 for grants for 2022, with a maximum of $5,000 per awarded project. 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.

Examples of projects include clean-up events, community message boards, community benches, little free libraries or food pantries, etc.

Residents interested in applying must attend one of three virtual pre-application meetings to learn more about the funding opportunity and application process.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 26 | 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 2 | Noon
  • Thursday, Feb. 3 | 6 p.m.

For meeting links, please visit AuroraGov.org/NeighborhoodGrants. Applications will be available starting Jan. 26.
Celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with motorcade and wreath-laying
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 17, join the city of Aurora for a motorcade from the Aurora Municipal Center to the statue of Dr. King at Aurora's MLK Jr. Library, where a wreath-laying ceremony will be held. Also, check out other events as part of the city's 36th Annual MLK Jr. Commemoration.
Aurora announces new director of Planning & Development Services

Aurora’s newly hired Planning & Development Services director is bringing 25 years of land use, policy and law experience to the city.

Jeannine Rustad, who most recently spent six years as the planning manager for the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District in Beaverton, Oregon, will take on her new role Jan. 31 at the city of Aurora to oversee long range planning, development services and development review.

“Aurora is such a vibrant city with so much opportunity,” Rustad said. “I’m looking forward to becoming an integral part of the community and joining the city team to address the challenges and prospects that we face while working toward a successful future.”

The city's Planning & Development Services department continues to manage issues related to growth and development of Aurora's undeveloped land, economic development and redevelopment strategies, affordable housing, mobility and accessibility strategies, small business support, sustainability efforts and execution of action items in the Aurora Places comprehensive plan.
IN THE NEWS
Aurora Now
Council Member Town Meetings
Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums in which those conversations can occur. Please visit AuroraGov.org/Council to confirm meeting dates and location information. If you don't know your council ward, go to AuroraGov.org and click on "Property Info."
Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, Jan. 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E Colfax Ave.
Ward II (Steve Sundberg) - Thursday, Jan. 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Beck Recreation Center, 800 Telluride St.
Ward III (Ruben Medina) - Wednesday, Feb. 2, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Community College of Aurora, 16000 E. CentreTech Parkway
Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Thursday, Jan. 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m., changing to virtual on WebEx
Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Jan. 18 meeting canceled; Feb. 15 and 19 meetings will be virtual
Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, Jan. 19, 6 to 8 p.m., changing to virtual on WebEx
At Large (Angela Lawson, Curtis Gardner, Danielle Jurinsky, Dustin Zvonek) - Wednesday, Feb. 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place

City Council Special Study Session
Tuesday, Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m.
View the meeting online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda.

Mayor Mike Live
Thursday, Jan. 27, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
This show is moving to an hour-long format airing every last Thursday of the month, with continued conversations led by Mayor Mike Coffman and Aurora City Council members on various community-based topics. Live on Facebook and AuroraTV.org.

MLK Jr. Commemoration Week of Service
Through Jan. 15
As part of the city's 36th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, city staff, community partners and residents are encouraged to serve nonprofits through volunteerism and giving.
Find volunteer opportunities: AuroraGov.org/MLK

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, Jan. 17
Municipal offices and courts will be closed in observance of MLK Jr. Day. Find a full list of city facility closures at AuroraGov.org.

Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration
Through Jan. 17, various locations, including virtual events
Join the city of Aurora for the 36th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, a series of educational, motivational and inspirational events, including a performances, prayer breakfast, youth summit, wreath-laying ceremony and much more.

Museum Lecture: Aurora Housing and Community Services
Wednesday, Jan. 19, noon to 1 p.m.
City staff will discuss homelessness in Aurora and available city resources. This free lecture is available in person or virtually, but registration is required to receive the WebEx meeting link.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
Register online: AuroraMuseum.org

High Line Canal Community Walk
Saturday, Jan. 22, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Walk and learn about the rich history of the DeLaney Historic District, starting with the Gully and DeLaney families who immigrated to the area in the 1860s. Find out about the types of animals who live in the area, view the farm's buildings and more.
DeLaney Farm, 170 S. Chambers Road
Register online: HighLineCanal.org

"Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea"
Jan. 28 to Feb. 20
Eighteen-year-old Dontrell Jones the Third believes it is his duty and destiny to venture into the Atlantic Ocean in search of an ancestor lost during the Middle Passage. But his family is not at all ready to abandon their beloved son to the waters of a mysterious and haunting past.
Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets at AuroraFox.org

"Exploration of Color"
Through Feb. 20
Works by abstract artist Karly Stein
The People's Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave.
More information at Facebook.com/PeoplesBuilding

Tri-County Health Daily COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Daily until further notice
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Walk-in and drive-through clinic supported by Jogan Health and the city of Aurora. The clinic offers Pfizer and Moderna, first, second and booster shots. Pfizer pediatric shots for ages 5 to 11 require an appointment (see website for details).
Aurora Municipal Campus south parking lot, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

New COVID-19 Vaccine Mobile Clinics
Jan. 17, 24 and 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (hosted by Living Waters Christian Center)
First Presbyterian Church, 1585 Kingston St. (behind McDonald's)
Jan. 17 and Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (hosted by Pastor Thomas Mayes and Bishop Kevin Foreman)
Harvest Christian Church, 14100 E. Jewell Ave.
Jan. 27, Feb. 6, 10 and 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place
Jan. 31, Feb. 3, 4 and 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St.
Clinics offer Pfizer and Moderna first, second and booster shots and Pfizer pediatric. Pre-registration is suggested but not required. Visit the website for details.

COVID-19 Testing Site
Now open through at least Jan. 31
Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (opening one hour late Thursday, Jan. 6, and closing at 5 p.m. Jan. 6 due to extreme cold temperatures)
Free testing for COVID-19 is provided to anyone who wants to be tested, especially those who have 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 is not required.
Aurora Center for Active Adults parking lot, 30 Del Mar Circle, at Del Mar Park

The Rise of the Aurora Suburb during the Cold War
Open through April 24
Join the Aurora History Museum & Historic Sites for an in-person exploration of Aurora's economic prosperity and suburban expansion during the Cold War. The exhibit includes local stories experienced by Aurora residents during the Cold War to enrich the understanding of the period. Learn more at Aurora History Museum. Free admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday.
Aurora History Museum, 15515 E. Alameda Parkway

Without a Home in Aurora Exhibit
Open through May 29
Housing insecurity is a key issue facing Aurora, and to build a wider understanding of people who are often overlooked, misunderstood or unheard, staff at the Aurora History Museum engaged in an oral history project on the streets of the city. Learn more at Aurora History Museum. Free admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday.
Aurora History Museum, 15515 E. Alameda Parkway
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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This newsletter is produced by the city of Aurora Communications and Marketing Department

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