This Is Aurora City Newsletter
March 23, 2023
Aurora strengthens commitment to traffic safety with photo enforcement pilot program

In response to rising crash fatalities in Aurora and statewide, the Aurora Police Department (APD) will launch a photo enforcement pilot program in April, which City Council approved in July 2022, aimed at making streets safer through targeted enforcement of speeding motorists. 

Photo speed enforcement programs—administered by cities across the country during the past two decades—have proven successful in deterring speeding and reducing crashes and fatalities. 

Here is what you need to know about Aurora’s photo enforcement program: 

  • WHEN: The 13-month pilot program will begin in April, with warnings for the first month. Citations will start in May. Before the program ends on April 30, 2024, the results will be studied to determine whether it should continue.
  • WHO: Any vehicles recorded traveling 11 mph or more above the speed limit would be considered in violation once verified independently by the Police Department. The decision to issue a violation at 11 mph over the speed limit is based on Colorado State Statute 42-4-11-.5.
  • HOW: Like photo enforcement programs in Denver and other communities, Aurora’s program will feature photo speed vehicles equipped with advanced laser systems capable of pinpointing a speeding vehicle, even on a multi-lane road. The vehicles will be operated seven days a week. 
  • WHERE: Photo enforcement vehicles are restricted to residential areas where the speed limit is 35 mph or less, school zones, streets that border municipal parks, and work zones. Locations will be chosen based on traffic safety risks or history. Vehicles will park in the open, and signage will be placed ahead to warn motorists of the enforcement zone in accordance with state law. 

For more information about the photo enforcement program, including fines— which will help pay for the program and traffic safety improvements in the city—FAQs and contacts, visit AuroraGov.org/PhotoEnforcement.
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Apply for a Neighborhood Improvement Grant by April 21
The Neighborhood Improvement Grant promotes 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.Qualified applicants may receive up to $5,000 to cover project costs.
Enjoy outdoors and volunteer

Spring is finally here, encouraging people to get outdoors to enjoy the weather. While enjoying the outdoors, consider making a difference and helping our environment thrive with two upcoming family friendly volunteer opportunities. 


Annual Aurora Cleanup
Join the High Line Canal Conservancy, the city of Aurora and other community partners to remove trash along the High Line Canal in Aurora from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 8, at various locations along the canal. As a recreational and ecological greenway, the High Line Canal is a habitat for many plants and wildlife. This cleanup is a great opportunity for individuals or groups to learn about the importance of preventing pollution of our waterways and natural spaces. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Learn more and register at HighLineCanal.org. Questions? Email hello@highlinecanal.org or call 720.767.2452

Earth Day Clean-up Project
Celebrate Earth Day by giving back to nature through trash removal in Aurora's natural areas from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22, starting at Centre Hills Park, 16300 E. Centretech Parkway, and along Tollgate Creek. Removing trash from natural areas and waterways is essential for healthy communities, water and environments. All ages are welcome, and groups are encouraged. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Learn more and register by Thursday, April 20, at AuroraGov.org/OSNRvolunteers. Questions? Email fdespres@auroragov.org or call 303.326.8380. 
IN THE NEWS
AuroraTV
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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 15, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
  • Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, March 23, 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 20, 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) - Wednesday, April 5, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle
  • Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Thursday, April 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St. (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Tuesday, April 18, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place (please note: last week's newsletter listed an incorrect day of the week for the most recent Ward V Town Meeting; we apologize for the error)
  • Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, May 17, 6 to 8 p.m., Southeast Recreation Center & Fieldhouse, 25400 E. Alexander Drive
  • At-Large (Angela Lawson, Curtis Gardner, Danielle Jurinsky and Dustin Zvonek) - Wednesday, March 29, 6 to 8 p.m., Southeast Recreation Center & Fieldhouse, 25400 E. Alexander Drive

City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, March 27, 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/PublicComment.  
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Open Mic Night at Central Library
Thursday, March 23, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
We’ve set the stage; now you bring the stories! Join the Aurora Public Library for an evening of poetry, stories and more at Central Library. Sign-ups start at 5:30 p.m., and performances begin at 6 p.m.
Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
Registration: https://bit.ly/3J3aQ5g

Deadline to provide input on Dream Big for Aurora Youth project
Friday, March 31, 5 p.m.
If Aurora youth could be offered any program or activity, what would it be?Aurora’s Housing and Community Services Department launched the Dream Big for Aurora Youth campaign, which encourages youth, caregivers such as parents or guardians and youth-serving professionals to provide input via EngageAurora.org/Youth on how the city should spend a one-time $3.8 million award on youth-related activities or programming. The deadline to provide input is March 31.
Learn more and provide input at EngageAurora.org/Youth

Muse Mentorship with Aurora Poet Laureate
Applications due April 1
Muse Mentorship helps aspiring writers understand the world of authorship and aims to supports writers by meeting one on one with Aurora Poet Laureate Ahja Fox for three months to work together toward the mentee’s writing goals. Muse Mentorship is free of charge and is available to those 18 and older.

"Toni Stone"
Through April 2
Toni Stone was the first woman to play baseball in the Negro Leagues, and the first woman to play professionally in any men’s league, anywhere in the United States. Against all odds, Toni blazed a trail through the male-dominated world of sports, shattering limitations others placed on her, and creating her own set of rules. Follow Toni’s journey as she fights for love, equality, and a chance to do what she wants most—to play ball! Experience this unique story at Aurora Fox Arts Center.
Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Show times and tickets: AuroraFoxArtsCenter.org

Annual Aurora Cleanup
Saturday, April 8, 8:30 a.m. to noon
Join the High Line Canal Conservancy, the city of Aurora and other community partners to remove trash along the High Line Canal in Aurora. As a recreational and ecological greenway, the High Line Canal is a habitat for many plants and wildlife. This cleanup is a great opportunity for individuals or groups to learn about the importance of preventing pollution of our waterways and natural spaces.
Locations and registration: HighLineCanal.org

Charter Review Public Hearing
Tuesday, April 11, 7 p.m.
The City Council’s Charter Review Ad Hoc Policy Committee wants to hear from residents, businesses and other stakeholders about proposed changes to the City Charter that may go to the ballot this year. Those wishing to provide feedback can participate in person or remotely, or are able to leave feedback online.
Aurora Municipal Center, Paul Tauer City Council Chamber, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway
Sign up, and learn more about the proposals:EngageAurora.org/CharterReview

Become a Trained Weather Spotter
Thursday, April 13, 5:30 p.m.
Sign up now for SKYWARN® and get training on weather spotting techniques from National Weather Service meteorologists. Volunteers trained through this program help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service. Space is limited; register today. This program is presented in cooperation with Adams-Arapahoe County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) and Colorado AREA Region 10.
Cherry Creek Schools’ Instructional Support Facility, 5416 S. Rivera Way
Registration: Weather.gov/Bou/Spotters

"Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Mexican Community" Happenings
Closing Celebration
Saturday, April 15, noon to 3 p.m.
Join the Aurora History Museum for a closing reception to celebrate Aurora’s local Mexican community and all the people who made “Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Mexican Community” possible. See the exhibit one last time and enjoy crafts, dance and musical performances, refreshments and more. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
Registration: https://bit.ly/3YvsKBY

"Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Mexican Community" exhibit
Through April 16
The Aurora History Museum and the city of Aurora Office of International and Immigrant Affairs celebrate Aurora's Mexican population with this exhibit showcasing vibrant aspects of great cultural and traditional significance to Aurora's Mexican community, like popular music, art, dance, clothing, food and religion. Free admission.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

Antique Appraisal Fair
Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Have fun while having your antiques and collectibles evaluated by local appraisers. The Aurora Museum Foundation collects all funds raised to directly benefit the programs and exhibits of the Aurora History Museum.
Visit this link to reserve a timed entrance to the event.
Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway

Earth Day Clean-up Project
Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. to noon
Celebrate Earth Day by giving back to nature through trash removal in Aurora's natural areas! Removing trash from natural areas and waterways is essential for healthy communities, water and environments. Volunteers will meet at Centre Hills Park, 16300 E. Centretech Parkway., and make their way along Tollgate Creek to pick up trash. All ages are welcome, and groups are encouraged! Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent. All supplies will be provided.
Centre Hills Park, 16300 E. Centretech Parkway
Register by Thursday, April 20: AuroraGov.org/OSNRvolunteers

Deadline to nominate an outstanding volunteer for Community Spirit Awards
Monday, May 1, 5 p.m.
The city of Aurora needs your help recognizing and celebrating community volunteers who make Aurora a great place to call home. The Community Spirit Awards, which can be received by individuals, organizations and businesses, are presented to those who demonstrate ongoing leadership, a commitment to volunteerism and involvement in our community. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Monday, May 1.
Learn more and nominate at AuroraGov.org/CommunitySpiritAwards

Global Youth Leaders Summer Programs 2023
Registration is happening now; space is limited
Students ages 13 to 19 are invited to apply for this Aurora Sister Cities International program that builds global skills in youth to prepare them for a future in the global marketplace. Camps are happening in June and July.
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway
Find out more and apply: AuroraSisterCities.org
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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