This Is Aurora City Newsletter
May 26, 2022
Public invited to comment starting June 1 on redistricting scenarios for City Council wards

Redistricting of the city of Aurora’s six council wards will happen in 2023, and residents have an opportunity to weigh in on proposed changes.

Residents are invited to provide comments or suggestions about possible redistricting scenarios and ask questions at six meetings scheduled this summer or online at EngageAurora.org/Redistricting from June 1 through Aug. 3.

The meetings are scheduled as follows:
  • Ward I, June 1, 6 p.m., Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St.
  • Ward II, June 15, 6 p.m., Beck Recreation Center, 800 Telluride St.
  • Ward III, June 29, 6 p.m., Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
  • Ward IV, July 13, 6 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St.
  • Ward V, July 27, 6 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place
  • Ward VI, Aug. 3, 6 p.m., Tallyn’s Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road

The meetings also are available to view live on WebEx. Visit EngageAurora.org/Redistricting on the meeting dates to access the WebEx link.

The public meetings and website will offer information on the redistricting process and details about proposed changes, including maps showing how the wards might be adjusted to accommodate changes in the city’s population and the new ward populations should the changes be approved.

The council will consider any proposed changes at a future study session, and any public comments received will be provided to the council as part of their decision-making process.

Based on the city’s election code, redistricting in Aurora occurs twice in a 10-year period, prior to the regular municipal elections held in years ending in three and nine. The Aurora Election Commission reviews the wards and makes recommendations on new ward boundaries to the Aurora City Council, with final approval by ordinance. Such approval must be complete 180 days prior to the regular municipal election.

For more information, email cityclerk@auroragov.org or call 303.739.7094.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day

In light of recent national and local gun violence incidents, the Aurora Youth Violence Prevention Program is joining organizations across the county in recognizing National Gun Violence Awareness Day on June 3. The Aurora community is encouraged to wear orange on this day to honor survivors of gun violence. Join the city's social media campaign by uploading a picture of you and your community wearing orange using the hashtags #AuroraCoWearsOrange, #WearOrange and #NationalGunViolenceAwarenessDay. Your photos may be featured on the city's social media platforms.
Youth violence prevention plan gets green light from council

On May 23, City Council approved the Aurora Youth Violence Prevention Strategic Plan. This plan provides a clear vision of the city's goals, strategies and objectives as it continues to address youth violence as a public health crisis. Learn more at AuroraGov.org/EmpoweringYouth. 
Find youth activities all in one spot

With the school year coming to a close, and as part of the city's ongoing youth violence prevention efforts, the city has revamped a landing page to help families find activities to keep youth safe, engaged and active through the summer and beyond. There are hundreds of activities to fit any age or interest, many of which are free or low cost. Check it out today at AuroraGov.org/Youth.
Aurora's outdoor pools opening May 28 for the season
Dust off your goggles and reapply that sunscreen. Aurora Parks, Recreation & Open Space outdoor pools are about to reopen. All six city of Aurora outdoor pools and both spraygrounds will be open this summer, from Saturday, May 28, through Monday, Sept. 5. To view the current pool schedule and find the most up-to-date information, visit AuroraGov.org/Pools.
Connect with your neighbors:
Host a block party or movie night

Just in time for the warmer weather months, the city of Aurora is launching a new block party permit process June 1 in tandem with a new movie kit program.

Both efforts are designed to encourage neighborhood gatherings that build trust among neighbors and strengthen community connections so neighbors may learn to rely on each other for information or a helping hand.

Visit this link to find out more about both programs.
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 and to find links for joining virtual meetings. If you don't know your council ward, go to AuroraGov.org and click on "Property Info."
  • Meet with Mayor Mike (Mike Coffman) – Saturday, June 18, 2 to 3 p.m., Tallyn's Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road
  • Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - (Budget town meeting) Thursday, May 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave.
  • Ward II (Steve Sundberg) - (Budget town meeting) Thursday, July 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Beck Recreation Center, 800 Telluride St. - virtual meeting option available
  • Ward III (Ruben Medina) - (Budget town meeting) Wednesday, June 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle
  • Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Thursday, June 9, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St. - virtual meeting option available
  • Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Tuesday, July 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place - virtual meeting option available (June meeting was canceled)
  • Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, July 20, 6 to 8 p.m., City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center, 25950 E. Quincy Ave.

City Council Spring Workshop
Saturday, June 4, 8 a.m.
Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda. 
City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center, 25950 E. Quincy Ave.

City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, June 6, 6:30 p.m.
This will be a hybrid meeting, with attendance both in person and virtually. View online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda. For information on addressing City Council during the meeting, go to AuroraGov.org/Public Comment. 
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway 

Mayor Mike Live
Thursday, May 26, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
This show has moved 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.
Live on Facebook and AuroraTV.org.

Colorado Remembers
Saturday, May 28, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The city of Aurora invites you to the annual Colorado Remembers event for a ceremony commemorating those who have made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for their country. Activities begin at 8 a.m. with a free pancake breakfast. The ceremony will be followed by special tours of the Memorial, the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument and various static military displays for all to experience as we gather to honor, educate and remember.
Colorado Freedom Memorial (CFM), 756 Telluride St.

Without a Home in Aurora Exhibit
Closes 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, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

Memorial Day
Monday, May 30
Municipal offices and courts will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. A full list of city facility closures is available at AuroraGov.org.  

Neighborhood Engagement Survey
Through May 31
The Housing and Community Services Department is interested in learning how residents engage with their neighbors, neighborhood and the city to best support these efforts with programs that build strong relationships in the community. This survey is conducted twice a year – in the spring and fall seasons.

Yoga in the Garden
Wednesday, June 1, 7 to 8 a.m.
Enjoy a morning doing yoga with instructor Mary Metcalf. Be sure to wear loose-fitting clothes and bring water, a yoga mat and a towel to place on the court surface. Classes will be held from 7 to 8 a.m. on the first Wednesday of the month from June through September.
Aurora Water-wise Garden, Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Arapahoe County Gun Club-Alameda Study Public Meeting
Wednesday, June 1, 6 to 8 p.m.
Arapahoe County will present information on traffic, safety and access associated with the Gun Club/Alameda improvements project. Input and comments are welcome. The county, in cooperation with the city of Aurora, is working on a conceptual design process to address road capacity and safety issues for Gun Club Road and Alameda Avenue. The study areas include Gun Club Road from Sixth Avenue to Mississippi Avenue, and Alameda Avenue from Gun Club Road to Harvest Road. Information on the study is available at ArapahoeGov.com.
E-470 Highway Authority Building, 22470 E. Stephen D. Hogan Parkway

Aurora Unity Walk and Roll
Saturday, June 4, 8 to 11:30 a.m.
Join Aurora Sister Cities International, the High Line Canal Conservancy and community partners in the inaugural Aurora Unity Walk and Roll along the High Line Canal to City Center Park. This free community event celebrates youth, peace and unity. A family resource fair will follow with entertainment, guest speakers and refreshments. The Aurora Youth Violence Prevention Program will also lead a brief activity recognizing National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Registration is not required.
Walk begins at 8 a.m. at either Community College of Aurora (Centretech) or South Middle School and heads to City Center Park, 14701 E. Alameda Parkway, for the resource fair

Carnival on the Plaza 
Saturday, June 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kick-off summer with our annual event, Carnival on the Plaza! This FREE event will include live entertainment, inflatable rides and attractions, face painting, balloon twisting, custom caricature drawings and frozen treats!
Fletcher Plaza, 9800 E. Colfax Ave.
More information: AuroraGov.org/Events

Free Loader Days
June 11, July 16 and Aug. 13, 8 a.m. to noon (while supplies last)
The city is offering free mulch on select Saturdays as a service to residents working to sustain a healthy landscape in Colorado's arid climate. Bring a pick-up truck or open trailer to have us load it full of mulch, or bring your own shovels and containers to serve yourself.
Near the intersection of East Hampden Avenue and Dawson Street (enter via South Dawson Street and follow the signs)
More information: AuroraGov.org/Trees

Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Mexican Community
Through April 16, 2023
The Aurora History Museum and the city of Aurora Office of International and Immigrant Affairs celebrate Aurora’s Mexican population with a new exhibition. The exhibit showcases vibrant aspects of great cultural and traditional significance to Aurora's Mexican community, such as popular music, art, dance, clothing, popular food and religion. Free admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
More information: AuroraMuseum.org

COVID-19 Testing Site
Now open until further notice, daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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
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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