Kantamneni places at National PTA Reflections Program
Aurora mayor John Laesch, left, presents Sriyan Kantamneni with a Mayor’s Award of Excellence for his entry in the Illinois PTA Reflections Program.
Aurora Summer Civics Series, budget, long-term plans
The City of Aurora government and mayor John Laesch are set to host a new Summer Civics Series to engage the community on the City’s plans for the 2027 budget and its long-term outlook for public safety, infrastructure, and sustainability. The City of Aurora Summer Civics Series will start Saturday,
Disability Pride Month in Aurora
During the Aurora City Council meeting, July 14, mayor John Laesch welcomed members of the Aurora Advisory Commission on Disabilities, Weston Bridges, and the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association to accept an official proclamation, declaring the month of July as Disability Pride Month in Aurora.
OLI Patriotic Garden, grow to help others
Our Legacy Initiative (OLI) has launched The OLI Patriotic Garden, a movement inspired by the Victory Gardens of World War I and World War II. During the war efforts, American families came together to grow their own fruits and vegetables to help ensure the nation had plenty of fresh food
World Cup game viewing in Aurora: Mexico vs. England and U.S. vs. Belgium
The City of Aurora and RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway in downtown Aurora, will have for two more free World Cup Viewing Parties Sunday, July 5 and Monday, July 6! Watch the action live on the big screens, bring your friends, blankets, and bag chairs, and get ready for two
Nominations open for Aurora grand marshal
The Fourth of July is right around the corner and if you know a friend, mentor, or family member who inspires you, nominate them for this year’s grand marshal at the Aurora Fourth of July Parade! The deadline to submit your nomination is Friday, June 12 at 5 p.m.. Visit
Aurora to host American Junior Golf Association Championship
The City of Aurora, in partnership with the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, is excited to announce that the inaugural Chicago Junior All-Star Championship will take place at the Phillips Park Golf Course from June 15 through 18. The event will feature an
Aurora Public Art debuts Unfinished Independence exhibit
City of Aurora’s Public Art Division opened a new exhibit Friday, June 5 entitled “Unfinished Independence,” a new dynamic, multi-artist exhibition that explores freedom, community identity, and the American promise. The exhibit is on display at 20 W. Downer Place, third floor, in the public art gallery. The gallery’s hours
Mayor of Aurora Honors Aurora University Student
Mayor of Aurora, John Laesch honored an Aurora University student at Tuesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting for being selected to represent the State of Illinois at the 2026 College Student Congress presented by the Henry Clay Center in Washington, D.C.. Giselle Martinez, who is majoring in political science,
Aurora unveils the names of the four baby falcons hatched on the side of City Hall
Following an open call for nominations, and a week-long voting period, the City of Aurora is excited to reveal the names of the four baby falcons who hatched while under the wings of their mother on the side of City Hall in early May. Over 500 votes were cast by
Aurora Memorial Day Parade May 25
The City of Aurora is set to celebrate the 158th anniversary of Memorial Day with the annual Aurora Memorial Day Parade, beginning at the intersection of Benton Street and River Street Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m.. Longtime community member and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, James “Jim” Butler, will serve
Aurora City Council approves memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Phillips Park Foundation
By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council, Tuesday, approved a Resolution for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the City of Aurora and Phillips Park Foundation, as requested by alderman of the Third Ward, Ted Mesiacos. The Phillips Park Foundation has recently been formed as a new Phillips Park not
Aurora launches neighborhood festival funding grant program
The City of Aurora unveils new funding opportunities for neighborhood festivals scheduled to take place in 2026. Neighborhood Festival Funding Grants are now available to organizations and neighborhood groups planning public community events that acquaint residents with each other, while also educating participants about Aurora. The program offers grants for
Nearly $1.1 Million in Federal funds for Aurora lead-free water project
Mayor of Aurora, John Laesch, honored congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and congressman Bill Foster (D-IL-11) at Tuesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting, for bringing nearly $1.1 million in federal funds to the City of Aurora. The funding, totaling $1,092,000, was part of the “Lead-Free Water Project” and will be
Aurora 32nd student sports festival
The City of Aurora government’s Youth Services Division will honor National Physical Fitness and Sports month by hosting the 32nd Annual Sports Festival Friday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Phillips Park, 828 Montgomery Road in Aurora. The time-honored Festival, which features more than 1,200 student-athletes competing
Aurora earns two awards, engagement, transparency
The City of Aurora government has been named a winner of two national awards in the 15th Annual Granicus Digital Government Awards, earning recognition in the category of Total Government Experience. Communications manager Jon Zaghloul also received the Changemaker award. The awards honor government organizations that are leading the way
State of Aurora, ‘Strong and Growing’
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
Aurora Free Spring Electronics Recycling
The City of Aurora government will host a free Electronics Recycling Drive-Thru from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 25 at the Route 59 Metra Train Station, 1090 N. IL Route 59. All items are free to recycle, including televisions, but registration is required for the first 2,000 Aurora residents
Aurora State of the City April 16
Aurora mayor John Laesch will have his first State of the City Address, Thursday, April 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Aurora University, Crimi Auditorium, 1347 Prairie St., Aurora. Entering 2026, the City of Aurora is moving beyond traditional governance and exemplifying a people-centered strategic model. Mayor John Laesch
Aurora to debut new exhibit from world-renowned sculptor
The City of Aurora’s Public Art Division is excited to unveil a new exhibit from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, April 3, that will mark the homecoming of a world-renowned sculptor and historian, Dr. Charles Smith. The public is invited to attend the free opening reception at Aurora Public