The City of Aurora and the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) have reached an agreement on operating support of $2 million in 2026, ensuring ACCA can continue running its four live performance spaces throughout downtown Aurora, as well as the Paramount School of the Arts.
The agreement, brokered in partnership between the Mayor’s Office and Paramount Theatre leadership, provides ACCA with a one-time “off-ramp” payment of $2 million. This support will allow programming to continue uninterrupted, including the Broadway Series, Stolp Island Theatre, Paramount School of the Arts, RiverEdge Park, and other presented events, while ACCA continues to secure new avenues to return to fiscal stability and a self-sustaining business model for the future.
“This agreement reflects true partnership and collaboration,” said Mayor John Laesch. “The City’s 2026 budget presents significant challenges. I appreciate the efforts of Paramount Theatre leadership as they worked to streamline their budget, just as all City Departments did during our budgeting process. Many difficult decisions were made, and I am proud that we were able to develop a collaborative solution. For many years, the Paramount Theatre has been a cornerstone of pride in Aurora’s downtown, and we want to see it continue to flourish.”
“The Paramount Theatre and the City of Aurora have always shared a strong partnership,” said Tim Rater, President and CEO of the Paramount Theatre. “For years, we have built on each other’s successes, helping to revitalize the downtown area. This agreement allows both ACCA and the City to continue progressing together while maintaining a financially sustainable future. We truly appreciate the Mayor and his team working alongside us to find this support, and we look forward to working together to continue to evolve this amazing City.”
In the past few years, ACCA received federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds distributed by the City, supporting operations during the post-pandemic recovery period. While no ARPA funds remain, ACCA historically has received $435,000 in head tax revenue generated by the Hollywood Casino and collected by the City, which will continue. Since 2013, ACCA has managed and operated RiverEdge Park for the City and received an annual management fee for operating RiverEdge Park. Having already worked hard on operational efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities, the $2 million of support in 2026 will help ACCA continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, maintain its current programming and operations, and continue to return to pre-pandemic economic independence.
— City of Aurora government