Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Mayor Richard C. Irvin, City lobbyist Bukola Bello and State Representative LaShawn Ford discuss Aurora's CHANGE Reform Initiative, the new Illinois Commission on the Social Status of Black Males and other statewide initiatives. Governor Pritzker recently appointed Mayor Irvin to serve on the Commission. Ford is the primary sponsor of HR390, the bill that created the Commission.
In the nearly six months since we launched the CHANGE Reform Initiative, we have made significant - and historic - progress with systemic changes and community-based actions.

CHANGE is an acronym for Community Helping Aurora's Necessary Growth and Empowerment. Growth is not only positive; it is mandatory. To empower others to have a voice in the process is transformative. This was our goal, and the community helped us achieve it - while building a foundation for future plans. 

Last week, we concluded Phase 1 of the CHANGE Reform Initiative with the Aurora City Council's historic, unanimous vote to create a Civilian Review Board. Just weeks prior, the City Council also approved the purchase of police body cameras. Both actions - which were key components of Phase 1 - show our commitment to accountability, transparency, and community engagement. These actions and the community recommendations for APD's Use-of-Force and Training policies were the foundation of Phase 1. We now continue to move forward as we focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion across the city. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this phase of CHANGE. This is just the beginning.

Our efforts have inspired new initiatives in our city and prompted new collaborations throughout our state. I look forward to continuing this journey with the community helping us to grow, be empowered, and empower others in the process.

-- Mayor Richard C. Irvin
One of the most effective ways to combat the spread of COVID-19 in our community is to WEAR A MASK! It is one of the important 3 Ws: Wear a mask, Watch your distance and Wash your hands. Free masks are available to individuals, families, large groups and organizations.
Learn more at www.aurora-il.org/MaskUpAurora.

TOTAL AURORA COVID CASES: 12,496
TOTAL AURORA COVID DEATHS: 178
(As of December 1, 2020)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2020
  • 9 a.m. – Election Ballot Lottery Livestream*
  • 10 a.m. – Innovation Department Virtual Update Meeting 
  • 11 a.m. – Human Resources Department Virtual Update Meeting 
  • 11:30 a.m. – Grants Team Virtual Update Meeting 
  • 3 p.m. – Economic Development Virtual Update Meeting 
  • 4 p.m. – Virtual Emergency Operations Center Meeting 
  • 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. - Aurora Festival of Lights at Phillips Park

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020
  • 9 a.m. – Smart City Program Virtual Meeting
  • 9 a.m. – Pastoral Alliance Virtual Meeting
  • 10 a.m. – City Clerk Virtual Update Meeting
  • 1 p.m. – Law Department Virtual Update Meeting
  • 2 p.m. – Invest Aurora Virtual Update Meeting
  • 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. - Aurora Festival of Lights at Phillips Park 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2020
  • 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. - Aurora Festival of Lights at Phillips Park

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020


*Watch on YouTube or Facebook.
AURORA NURSE SHARES DETAILS OF LOSING COVID PATIENTS

Rush-Copley nurse Carol Williams interviews with CNN's Brooke Baldwin about her viral social media post
AURORA NURSE SHARES EXPERIENCES OF WORKING IN COVID ICU

Rush-Copley nurse Carol Williams interviews with MSNBC's Yasmin Vossoughian about her viral social media post
Good Morning America: Aurora Nurse's Plea Goes Viral
An ICU nurse's words on the immense personal toll of treating COVID-19 patients has gone viral, including grabbing the attention of her local mayor: "The inability to save a patient despite doing everything you can is mentally exhausting."

Officials say Aurora finances ‘stable’ despite impact of pandemic
Aurora city officials took a trip Wednesday to the Kane County offices to pick up a little something before Thanksgiving – a check for $7.7 million. That completes, for the time being, the money city officials are expecting from the federal CARES Act to help deal with decreased revenue during 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Aurora set to begin pilot program for police body cameras
The testing of competing body camera systems for police officers in the Aurora Police Department is about to begin. A total of 20 body cams – 10 from each of the two competing companies – and accompanying support equipment are set to be installed Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

Aurora creates first-ever Civilian Review Board
The Aurora City Council on Tuesday approved a Civilian Review Board that would put community members in a position of reviewing complaints against the Aurora Police Department. It is the first such review board the city has ever had, prompting Alex Alexandrou, the city’s chief management officer, to categorize its passage as “an historic moment today.”
Plan OK’d for multi-family housing at Fox Valley Mall in Aurora
The Aurora City Council has approved plans for a major renovation that includes multi-family housing at Fox Valley Mall. Aldermen approved a special use, preliminary plan and final plat for about an 11-acre development that includes multi-family rental housing and will eventually include some new commercial development.
Fifteen candidates line up for Aurora city election
There are 15 candidates who filed for the April 2021 Aurora city election, including three for mayor. Mayor Richard Irvin filed for reelection to a second term, and he would be challenged by Judd Lofchie, the current 10th Ward alderman, and John Laesch, a former member of the East Aurora School Board.
BALLOT LOTTERY
The state of Illinois requires the local election authority to conduct a lottery within nine days after the last day of the petition filing period.  

The lottery to determine the ballot order of candidates who simultaneously filed petitions to run in the 2021 Consolidated General Election will occur at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, December 2.  

The lottery will be held at Aurora City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place, in the City Council Chambers, and will be streamed live to the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityofAuroraIL and homepage of the City’s website at www.aurora-il.org. 
KANE COUNTY BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM
Kane County is now accepting grant applications from businesses under Round Two of its CRF Business Grant Program. The Kane County Board has allocated $5 million for this initiative. The county has streamlined the process for Round Two in order to assist as many businesses as possible. Businesses that participated in Round One may apply under Round Two, provided they have eligible expenses that were not already reimbursed by the county or another source of financial assistance.


STATE OF ILLINOIS BUSINESS INTERRUPTION GRANTS
The State of Illinois Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program is a program developed to provide economic relief for small businesses and non-profits hit hardest by COVID-19. Funding may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs; rent; utilities; and other operational costs as defined in the eligible cost list found below. Round 2 of the BIG Grants is currently underway and accepting applications. 
Visit the City Council's website for detailed information about meetings, agendas, events and more.
Watch the Aurora City Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 24, 2020:
Are you ready to join #TeamAurora? Search for open positions at www.aurora-il.org/careers.

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