Jan. 14, 2021
Questions about COVID-19 vaccines? Check out town hall and online resources

The announcement and rollout of vaccines for COVID-19 have provided hope for the eventual end to the pandemic and the return to greater flexibility for businesses and in-person gatherings, but the effectiveness of the vaccines are dependent upon their widespread use in the population. It's crucial to arm yourself with the facts of the vaccines' efficacy, safety and importance.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement for the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora is hosting a community town hall event tonight (Jan. 14) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. about the COVID-19 vaccines, specifically regarding outreach in communities of color. The event will discuss vaccine hesitancy in minority communities and feature professionals who were directly involved in the development of the vaccines. Moderated by the Colorado School of Public Health, the town hall is open to all. Register at bit.ly/CUCOVIDtownhall.

Additionally, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and Tri-County Health Department (the public health agency for the three counties in which Aurora sits), have extensive and easy-to-understand information available online and in multiple languages, including frequently asked questions, background on the vaccine development, and information on the phased rollout. Please go to COVID19.Colorado.org/Vaccine or TCHD.org/866/COVID-19-Vaccines to learn more.
Deadline is today for the Restaurant Relief Program
To provide economic assistance to Aurora restaurants experiencing financial stress during the pandemic, the city of Aurora and the Aurora City Council have rolled out a $1 million grant program for those that are eligible.
Image of Aurora Municipal Center with the words Customer Portal
New Customer Portal to enhance access to city services online

The city of Aurora has partnered with Accela Inc. to offer a new Customer Portal for Aurora businesses and residents. The Customer Portal is currently operational for arborist licensing, fire inspections and homeowner's association registration. Starting Jan. 19, temporary use permits, business licensing and marijuana compliance will become active on the Customer Portal.

This new platform will replace a two-decade-old legacy software, providing a one-stop portal to streamline our processes and significantly improve the customer experience. The Customer Portal, which features video tutorials for new users, is accessible from the city's Online Services page at AuroraGov.org/OnlineServices and at various relevant touchpoints throughout the city's website.

Additional services will be adding later this year, mainly focused on building, development and permitting.

As a reminder, a $70.50 temporary use permit is required for activities like street fairs, carnivals, arts and craft shows, athletic events, rallies, walkathons, parades and similar that will occur on city streets or rights of way and interfere with pedestrians or vehicles, or that will take place on private property.
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. The format and structure of town meetings is virtual during the COVID-19 crisis. Please visit AuroraGov.org/Council to confirm meeting dates and find information on how to join. If you don't know your council ward, go to AuroraGov.org and click on "Property Info."
Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, Jan. 28, 6 to 6:30 p.m.
Ward II (Nicole Johnston) - Thursday, Feb. 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Ward III (Marsha Berzins) - Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Tuesday, Jan. 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, Jan. 27, 6 to 8 p.m.
At Large (Angela Lawson, Allison Hiltz, Curtis Gardner) - Thursday, Jan. 21, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

City Council Regular Meeting (Virtual)
Monday, Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m.
View this council meeting online at AuroraTV.org and cable channels 8 and 880. You may also listen to the meeting by phone (see AuroraGov.org for details). Streamed live at AuroraTV.org or cable channels 8 and 880 only. Please note there is no council Study Session on Jan. 18 because of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

Mayor Mike Live
Friday, Jan. 15, 3 p.m.
On “Mayor Mike Live” this Friday, the mayor welcomes Claudine McDonald, the Aurora Police Department's new Chief Community Relations Officer, to discuss her role, her goals and the importance of the community to the organization. Join the conversation with your questions for the guest or the mayor.

MLK Commemoration
Through Monday, Jan. 25
Various virtual events celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the city's 35th annual commemoration, themed "Rise Up: Achieve the Dream." In addition to events hosted by the city's Community Relations Division and listed below, there are additional events hosted by the Aurora Community of Faith, Community College of Aurora, Aurora Public Library, the Mizel Museum, and the CELL.
Full list of events at AuroraGov.org/MLK

Restaurant Relief Grant Program
Apply by 11:59 p.m. Jan. 14
The city of Aurora and the Aurora City Council are rolling out a $1 million grant program for eligible restaurants experiencing financial stress or disrupted operations during the COVID-19 outbreak. In cooperation with the Arapahoe County CARES Program and the Adams County CARES Program, the Aurora Restaurant Relief Grant Program will provide grants up to $10,000 each to meet business rent and payroll expenses.

MLK Commemoration – Community Celebration
Friday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m.
“A Night to Commemorate Rev. Dr. MLK Jr.” features performances by BET’s “Sunday Best” winner Stephanie Summers and the presentation of the Spirit of MLK Award from Aurora's Human Relations Commission, and Community Partner of the Year Award from Aurora's Community Relations Division.

MLK Commemoration – Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Monday, Jan. 18, 8 a.m.
Join us on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for a virtual wreath-laying ceremony at the MLK statue in Aurora, as well as musical performances and messages on the life and legacy of MLK Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, Jan. 18
In observance of the holiday, municipal offices and courts will be closed. For a full list of what city facilities are open or closed Monday, go to AuroraGov.org.

MLK Commemoration – Virtual Storytime
Tuesday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.
Join the Aurora Public Library for “All Because You Matter” by Tami Charles.

Repatriation of Mijikendra Grave Objects 
Wednesday, Jan. 20, noon
Dr. Steve Nash is Director of Anthropology at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Years ago he recognized sacred Mijikenda grave objects, known as vigango, in the museum's collection. Dr. Nash shares the long and difficult process of returning the vigango to Kenya at this Aurora History Museum lecture.

COVID-19 Testing Sites
Through March 30 (closed New Year's Day)
Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 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

Religious Diversity in Aurora Exhibit
Online, through May 2021
The Aurora History Museum is showcasing and celebrating the wide variety of faiths and religious experiences of Aurorans in the new exhibit “Religious Diversity in Aurora.” Explore photos of over 140 houses of worship in the city and learn about other people’s beliefs and traditions. 
Free online exhibit at Aurora History Museum webpage
Image of a mask with the message to Keep It Up on continued COVID precautions
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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