Dear Neighbors,
Autumn is here with cooler temperatures and falling leaves. As we settle into the season, I want to remind everyone to watch out for our kids heading to and from school. Speeding and distracted driving remain leading causes of accidents—please be alert and drive safely.
Community Highlights This Month
This month has been filled with exciting events and meaningful moments across our community! Here are just a few.
I was honored to attend the grand opening of The Galen School of Nursing in Ward IV, located across from the HCA campus. This incredible new facility offers hands-on training for future nurses and provides a vital pathway to careers that serve and strengthen our community.
For those who don’t know, the same water that fuels Rocky Ford melons, also supports Aurora. I had the opportunity to visit Rocky Ford, Colorado, to learn more about the essential work being done to support our city’s water infrastructure. As Aurora continues to grow, it’s more important than ever that we all do our part to be responsible stewards of our precious water resources.
Another highlight was attending Mini Con on the Great Lawn at the Aurora Municipal Center with my grandchildren! This fun, family-friendly event was hosted by Library & Cultural Services and The Aurora Fox Arts Center, and included a performance of Schoolhouse Rock Live! It’s a delightful show that runs through October 18th— I highly recommend checking it out!
Learn more or get tickets here: aurorafoxartscenter.org/
Aurora Parks & Recreation Welcomes You to ActiveNet!
We're excited to introduce ActiveNet, the new home for all your favorite programs with the City of Aurora!
This user-friendly registration platform makes it easier than ever to sign up for:
Fitness classes, Sports leagues, Swim lessons, Social events, Excursions, Dance and art classes ...and so much more!
Stay active all year long with programs for every age and interest — now just a click away.
City launches its first civic engagement academy designed for Aurora youth
High school students in Aurora are invited to apply now to attend the city’s first-ever Aurora Youth Civic Engagement Academy. Participation is free.
The three-session program on Saturdays from Nov. 1 to 15 will bring students into contact with Aurora civic leaders, provide tangible workshops and interactive lectures, and offer a place for youth to voice their concerns and opinions related to the community.
The program will meet from noon to 5 p.m., and sessions will include a meal. Transportation resources are available, if needed.
Sessions will include information on city government structure, housing and community services, emergency management, career development, volunteer opportunities and civic responsibilities.
The program is open to any high school student in Aurora with an interest, capacity and time available to participate.
To apply and find out more, visit AuroraGov.org/
Dear Friends,
We are in the heart of summer, and as the school year approaches, I want to share the latest updates from Ward IV and across Aurora.
HEART Court – A True Redemption Story
And speaking of heart, HEART Court program continues to change lives by getting people back to their productive, healthy lives. Participants commit to a year-long program of job training, sobriety, counseling, and community support in exchange for canceled sentences. I recently attended a graduation where our latest participant celebrated 42 weeks of sobriety, a new job, a car, and an apartment—a true story of second chances and transformation.
Safety First – Watch for Pedestrians
With school starting soon and recent pedestrian-car incidents in our city, road safety is a priority. As Chair of the Transportation Committee, I’m leading a citywide awareness campaign for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Please stay alert, slow down, and help keep our streets safe.
Utah Pool Closure & Repairs
Utah Pool, built in 1974, still has many original systems. In March, a ruptured water supply line required repairs, which revealed additional issues, including a deteriorated natural gas line and leaks in the main pool area. Contractors found the original cast iron water lines under the pool have become brittle and corroded after 50 years. These will be replaced with modern, non-corrosive materials.
A full-scale consultant assessment is underway to:
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Replace the failing underground piping
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Upgrade safety measures to meet current health codes
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Improve efficiency and reliability for the future
Though the pool will remain closed during these repairs, the improvements will ensure a safer, modern facility for decades to come, starting early next year.
Community Highlights
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Sapling Grove Grand Opening: I attended the ribbon-cutting for this new multi-family housing development—a great addition to Ward IV.
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Honoring Service: We celebrated the retirement of Chief Master Sergeant Sharman Haynes, recognizing her leadership and dedication. Chief Haynes retires from Buckley Space Base Delta after serving 22 years with honour and distinction. She received a special commendation from the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.
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Neighborhood Cleanup: “Together We Keep Aurora Beautiful” is in full swing. Sign up at AuroraGov.org/together to receive free trash bags and gloves. Post a photo of your cleanup to inspire others and invite me to join—I’d love to help.
Havana Street Night Market
Held on the last Saturday of every month, this event features outstanding food, cultural performances, and a celebration of our city’s diversity. It’s quickly becoming a neighborhood tradition. Join us at the next one on August 30 at 2710 S Havana Street.
Election Spotlight – City Council Seats
On November 2, voters will choose from 12 candidates for two open At-Large City Council seats and 2 Ward council seats. Please take time to learn about each candidate so you can cast an informed vote in this important election.
Budget Updates & Ballot Measures
City Council is working to address our financial shortfall while protecting Aurora’s core services. Several ballot initiatives will also be on the November ballot. I encourage you to research them so you can vote with confidence.
Free Family Fun in Our City
The Aurora History Museum offers free admission and rotating exhibits all year. The current display, Prehistoric Aurora, includes real dinosaur bones, a hands-on dig site, and interactive learning activities. Don’t forget to take a selfie on the historic Aurora Trolley.
Aurora is full of historic places to explore. Learn more at: auroragov.org/things_to_do/
City Council Meetings
Due to ongoing litigation, City Council meetings will remain virtual for now. I look forward to returning to in-person meetings where we can engage face-to-face and work together on the issues that matter most.
Thank you for staying engaged, lending your voice, and contributing to our community’s progress. Together, we are building a brighter future for Ward IV and all of Aurora