Your Ward IV Update

YOUR BALLOT

Know Your Ballot: Build Up Aurora

Connecting with residents and discussing community safety.

Dear Ward IV Neighbors,

This month, we turn our attention to the upcoming November election and several important ballot measures that will impact Aurora. Election Day is November 3. From infrastructure investments to changes in how we conduct municipal elections, there is a lot to consider.

Know what’s on your ballot, understand the issues, and make an informed decision.

Safe, adequate and well-maintained infrastructure is essential to Aurora’s economic health and every resident’s quality of life. Aurora’s city sales tax rate has not increased since 1993. We have been good stewards of your tax dollars, and we intend to continue to be.

At the same time, our city is growing and our infrastructure is aging. Community surveys and engagement identified the need for investments in fire stations, parks and recreation, libraries, arts and cultural facilities, road repairs and other critical infrastructure.

After two years of citywide engagement, three Build Up Aurora measures will be before voters:

If all three measures are approved, the combined increase would be 0.325% — 32.5 cents on a $100 taxable purchase.

The proposed taxes would run from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2057. Each measure also authorizes revenue bonds: up to $105 million for community facilities, $53 million for public safety, and $108 million for transportation. Voters should review the full ballot language, including repayment limits and how the revenue may be used.

Aurora’s 10-Year Capital Improvement Master Plan identifies more than $2 billion in capital needs. Projects were prioritized based on readiness, community feedback and other factors.

I encourage you to learn about these measures before you vote. Understand what each would fund, ask questions and decide for yourself. Review the Build Up Aurora materials and meeting recordings covering Public Safety; Parks, Recreation and Open Space; Libraries, Arts and Culture; and Transportation Infrastructure.

Be informed. Ask questions. Know what’s on your ballot. And vote.

LOCAL ELECTIONS

Question 3D: Should Local Elections Move to Even Years?

Another important initiative on the ballot is Question 3D — Even-Year Municipal Elections.

Question 3D would move Aurora’s regular municipal elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years, placing our local elections in the same cycle as major state and national races.

Supporters argue that the change could increase voter turnout. That is an important consideration. But higher turnout should not be the only question we ask.

Aurora’s municipal elections are about Aurora — our mayor, our City Council, public safety, roads, housing, water, taxes, parks and the everyday services that directly affect our neighborhoods.

Do we really want these important local decisions competing for voters’ attention with presidential, congressional, gubernatorial and state legislative races?

One of my concerns is that our local elections could get lost in the noise of national politics. Longer ballots and massive state and national campaigns could make it more difficult for municipal candidates and local issues to receive the attention they deserve.

There is something valuable about giving voters an election cycle focused on our city and our community. Aurora’s municipal races are nonpartisan. Moving them into even-year elections raises the question of whether local races could become increasingly influenced by the partisan environment surrounding state and national elections.

Voters should also know that 3D would allow one-time shortened terms for elected officials as necessary to transition to the new schedule.

For me, the question isn’t simply, “Will more people vote?” The question is: “Will voters be more informed about the people and issues governing their own city?”

Local elections deserve our attention. Local candidates deserve to be evaluated on local issues. Aurora should think carefully before placing its municipal elections in the middle of the noise, money and politics of national election years.

Before you vote on 3D, ask yourself: Do we want Aurora’s local elections to stand on their own — or do we want them crowded into national election years?

Be informed. Know what the change means. Then cast your vote.

WARD IV PROJECTS

Nine Mile Pedestrian Bridge: A Milestone for Our Community

Celebrating the start of the Nine Mile Pedestrian Bridge project.

After nearly ten years of planning, redevelopment efforts and collaboration, the Nine Mile Pedestrian Bridge is finally becoming a reality.

On September 29, members of our community joined Mayor Mike Coffman, City of Aurora representatives, RTD, project partners and other community leaders for the official groundbreaking of this long-awaited project.

The $9.3 million bridge will span Parker Road near I-225, creating a safe connection between the RTD Nine Mile Station and the homes and businesses on the north side of Parker Road.

This project is about more than building a bridge. It is about connecting neighborhoods, improving pedestrian safety, supporting transit and creating better multimodal access in one of our busiest transportation corridors.

The City of Aurora is working with prime contractor JHL Constructors. Initial site work, erosion control and utility preparation will take place from September through November. Following a quieter winter construction period, crews are expected to return in spring 2027 to begin building the foundations and pedestrian ramps.

Meanwhile, the bridge is being fabricated off-site. Installation is scheduled for summer 2027, with the entire project expected to be completed in fall 2027.

Projects like this don’t happen overnight. After nearly a decade of planning and hard work, I am proud to be part of this milestone and look forward to seeing it through to completion. This bridge represents a long-term investment in connectivity, safety and the future of the Nine Mile community.

FROM YOUR COUNCILMEMBER

Enough Is Enough: Standing Up for Aurora’s Home-Rule Authority

Recently, the Aurora City Council considered an ordinance amending Sections 94-74, 94-85 and 94-122 and repealing numerous provisions of Chapter 94 of the Aurora City Code pertaining to offenses and miscellaneous provisions.

I voted NO. I want residents to understand why.

The ordinance comes against the backdrop of the Colorado Supreme Court’s Camp/Simons ruling, which limits municipal penalties for certain non-felony offenses when a local ordinance prohibits conduct identical to an offense under state law.

I understand the ruling and Aurora’s obligation to comply with the law. But I also believe there comes a point when we must speak clearly about the erosion of local authority and what it means for communities like ours.

Home rule should mean something.

Since joining City Council, I have served on the Public Safety Committee. I have heard from residents, neighborhood leaders and business owners throughout our community. One message comes through loud and clear: People want to be safe.

They want safer streets and neighborhoods. They want auto theft and property crime addressed, retail theft taken seriously, businesses able to keep their doors open, employees safe at work, and families secure in their communities.

These are not unreasonable expectations.

Yet cities increasingly find themselves trying to address local public-safety concerns within restrictions established at the state level or through court decisions interpreting state and local authority. That should concern us.

Aurora is a home-rule municipality. Local communities should have meaningful authority to address local issues through their elected representatives, within constitutional limits.

I recognize that voting “no” does not overturn the Supreme Court’s decision or relieve Aurora of its obligation to follow the law. But my vote still matters. It puts me on the record opposing further limitations on Aurora’s ability to determine how we address criminal conduct in our city.

When we talk about “community,” we should remember everyone that word includes: the family whose vehicle was stolen, the store owner dealing with repeated theft, the employee who wants to feel safe at work, the senior who wants to return safely to their car, and the parents who want their children to grow up in safe neighborhoods.

Their voices matter too.

One vote will not settle the larger debate between state authority and municipal home rule. But I was elected to represent the people of Aurora, and there are times when an elected official must put a marker down and say: Enough is enough.

Aurora must comply with the law. But compliance does not require silence, and it does not require me to agree with every restriction placed on our local authority.

That is why I voted NO. Not because I misunderstand the law or believe Aurora is above it, but because I believe public safety matters, local government matters, and Aurora’s home-rule authority is worth defending.

WATER & CONSERVATION

Protecting Aurora’s Water Future

Aurora is located in an increasingly arid climate. Protecting our water supply requires us to think about today and the generations who will call Aurora home in the future.

On September 28, Aurora City Council approved new water conservation measures addressing outdoor irrigation, new turf grass and ornamental water features.

The ordinance also prohibits the installation of new cool-weather turf, such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, and new ornamental water features, such as decorative fountains and ponds. Hand watering of trees and shrubs will continue to be permitted year-round as needed.

As colder weather approaches, this is a good time to winterize your irrigation system. Doing so early can protect pipes and equipment from freezing and costly damage.

Aurora remains in a Stage 1 drought. Even as the outdoor watering season ends, conservation remains important.

Water is one of Aurora’s most precious resources. How we manage it today will directly affect our ability to serve residents and responsibly accommodate future generations.

AROUND AURORA

Celebrate Hometown Heroes Day!

Join Aurora Police Department and Town Center at Aurora on October 10.

Bring the family out and meet some of the men and women who work every day to keep our community safe!

The Aurora Police Department and Town Center at Aurora are hosting this free, family-friendly event. Kids and families can explore police and emergency vehicles, enjoy bounce houses and inflatables, participate in arts and crafts, learn about community safety resources, visit local food trucks and enjoy giveaways.

Come out, say hello to our first responders, bring the kids and enjoy a fun afternoon with your Aurora community!

Questions? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SUPPORT LOCAL

This Holiday Season, Shop Aurora

As the holiday season approaches, I want to encourage all of us to Shop Aurora.

Aurora is a city of many cultures, tastes, traditions and experiences. You can travel around the world without ever leaving our city — from unique shops and family-owned restaurants to bakeries, markets, boutiques and businesses offering something you simply won’t find anywhere else.

This time of year is especially important to our local businesses. Holiday sales can make a real difference to their bottom line. When our local businesses succeed, Aurora succeeds. They provide jobs, support families, contribute to our economy and help make our neighborhoods vibrant places to live.

I remember going out during the holidays as a child just to look at the decorations. I marveled at the sparkling lights and the sense of wonder they gave me. I miss those days — strolling through downtown streets, looking in windows, hearing holiday music and deliberately slowing down to enjoy the experience.

Maybe we could all use a little more of that today.

So this holiday season, slow down. Take in the lights. Enjoy the decorations. Try a restaurant you’ve never visited. Walk into a locally owned shop you’ve passed a hundred times but never explored. Find that special gift right here in our community.

Shop local. Dine local. Experience local. Shop Aurora.

And while you’re out there, don’t forget to enjoy a little of that holiday wonder along the way.

SAVE THE DATE

Save the Date: My Final Town Hall of 2026

We’ll enjoy holiday refreshments and a year in review. I look forward to hearing your ideas about the topics we should cover in 2027.

Locations:Noonan's Sports Bar & Grill 13521 E Iliff Ave, Aurora, CO 80014

STAY CONNECTED

Need Assistance?

As your Councilmember, I regularly hear from residents about neighborhood trash, abandoned vehicles, traffic noise and more. If you have a concern, please reach out.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
City services: Aurora Online Services

Remember, positive change starts with you.

Your Citizen Servant,
Stephanie Hancock
Councilmember, Ward IV