Aurora mayor John Laesch declared that the state of the City of Aurora is “strong and growing” at his first-ever State of the City Address April 16. He added that his administration will be prioritizing fiscal responsibility with a specific focus on sustainable growth and government efficiency.
The event, which took place at Aurora University’s Crimi Auditorium, highlighted mayor Laesch’s commitment to the people and planet first, as he unveiled a number of plans and initiatives set to enhance small business, historic preservation, sustainability, and transparency.
“Growing Aurora is not just about new buildings, new businesses, or new infrastructure,” Mayor Laesch said. “It’s about building a city where every neighborhood has opportunity and investment, every young person can see a future for themselves, and every decision that we make reflects the belief that Aurora belongs to all of us.”
Mayor Laesch revealed his long-term vision for the City, citing the establishment of an ecosystem that creates living-wage jobs, ethical governance, and a people-powered government model. His objectives for the future of Aurora include building more energy-efficient housing, constructing a renewable energy grid, forming a Residential Property Assessed Clean Energy (R-PACE) low-interest loan program, updating building codes, and working to attract more light manufacturing companies to Aurora. This vision expands upon programs already put into place by Mayor Laesch during his 11-month tenure in office, which include the launch of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Workforce Development Hub, new, first-of-its-kind data center regulations considered the most robust throughout the State of Illinois, and the formation of the City’s first-ever Department of Sustainability.
The mayor also unveiled a number of significant community projects set to take off, including the restoration of the historic Northgate Shopping Center sign, a local landmark that has not sported its functional neon lights since the 1990s. Mayor Laesch is working with the owners of today’s Northgate Shopping Center, in addition to the Aurora Historical Society and community members, to bring the sign back to life. An agreement will be brought before the City Council this Summer to move the project forward. City staff have worked diligently to put together a plan and obtain bids to deliver a finalized cost estimate, which will be presented along with the proposed agreement to the Council.
Small businesses are set to receive a major boost under the Laesch Administration as well, as the Mayor announced plans to establish a Business Concierge Service through the Office of Sustainability, Economic Development, and Business Opportunity. This service will help businesses navigate the process of opening up their doors in Aurora, guiding them through licensing, permitting, inspections, zoning, site selection, and creative financing options, like the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) low-interest loan program. Mayor Laesch is also working with City staff to create a small business revolving loan fund, which will be managed like a bank to offer low-interest loans for businesses that are remodeling older buildings or facing property standards violations. A comprehensive proposal will be presented to the City Council for final approval by late Summer.
As the new Hollywood Casino Aurora opens in June, Mayor Laesch announced that he will be working with the City’s Public Works Department to better support downtown businesses and theatres with new parking spaces. The City also plans to launch the Downtown Broadway Avenue (IL Route 25) Streetscape Project, while adding more parking spaces and trees along the roadway. Over the next two years, this project, along with a plan to convert Galena Boulevard and New York Street into two-way traffic routes, will be a top priority. The Mayor is also looking to rethink the City’s approach to traffic movement, championing the Strong Towns model, which seeks to move people from point A to point B as safely as possible. This philosophy will include more roundabouts, pedestrian islands, and well-designed intersections to reduce the number of car accidents that occur throughout City limits.
“We will grow Aurora together by strengthening our neighborhoods, supporting our small businesses, investing in public trust, expanding opportunities for success, and building a more sustainable future,” Mayor Laesch said. “This is how we build a government that works, a stronger community, and a future that takes Aurora to the next level.”
To conclude the evening, the Mayor presented special awards to a number of residents and groups making a difference throughout the community. The Mayor’s Climate Justice Awards were given to West Aurora School District 129 for deploying 27 new zero-emission electric school buses, and Mavis Bates, current Kane County Board member and Chairwoman of the Mayor’s Sustainable Aurora Advisory Board, for a lifetime of leadership, advocacy, and commitment to climate justice and sustainability. The Mayor’s Justice Awards were given to the Aurora Rapid Response Team, Aurora Community Watch, and the Resistencia Comunitaria Patrol Team for their courage, vigilance, and steadfast service in protecting neighbors, standing up against injustice, and safeguarding the dignity and safety of Aurora. The Mayor’s Service Awards were given to both C.M. Monsalve and María-José Monsalve for their dedicated service to Aurora’s unhoused and food-insecure residents. And, the Mayor’s Culture Award was given to Dr. Charles Smith, who’s immense contributions made through the establishment of the African American Heritage Museum and Black Veterans Archive have advocated for social justice throughout the City.
—City of Aurora government