The city government of Aurora has been named a Top 100 Finalist for the 2018 Chicago Innovation Awards.
During a special reception held in Chicago with the 519 nominees, the Chicago Innovation Awards committee selected Aurora as one of the Top 100 Finalists to advance in the annual competition that recognizes innovators in the region.
Judges will select the final winners in five categories. The general public can vote for a People’s Choice Award winner by visiting chicagoinnovation.com/peoples-choice-award-voting. Supporters of the City of Aurora are encouraged to vote by October 5. Aurora is listed in the Neighborhood Awards category on the voting site.
Aurora was nominated for its fiber optic network, operated by OnLight Aurora, which has enhanced the business climate of the Illinois’ second largest city while serving the connectivity needs of Aurora’s schools, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and other community anchor institutions. In addition, the City’s commitment to technology, improvements in the IT Department and plans for an Open Data Portal were significant factors in the decision of the panel of judges.
Last year, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora won a 2017 Chicago Innovation Award for its IN2 Innovation Center.
—City government of Aurora