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Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Aurora facing ‘significant hole' in 2026 budget, mayor says
Based on early budget analysis, Aurora is facing a 'significant hole' between revenue and expenses in 2026, according to Mayor John Laesch. That's what he told residents that gathered Saturday at the first of four Community Listening and Action Town Halls, which was held at Metea Valley High School for those in the 1st and 10th wards. Before opening up the floor to questions and feedback, Laesch gave a presentation on the current state of the city's finances that highlighted challenges as well as the actions being taken to balance next year's budget. While Laesch's presentation did not give a specific number on the budget gap, he did note a few places where costs are going up. The city is set to spend an extra $7 million next year in paying off its debt, Laesch said, which has now reached $327 million. The total amount the city will need to pay each year going forward is $27 million, which includes principal repayment and interest, he said. The Aurora City Council has approved over $100 million in additional debt this year and late last year through the sale of bonds to finance construction projects from new fire stations to renovations at RiverEdge Park. Though some of the debt was taken out under Laesch's administration, all of the projects to be funded through the bonds were approved by the Aurora City Council under former Mayor Richard Irvin. The city's 2026 budget is expected to see another $3 million or $4 million increase due to pay raises, Laesch said, partially because of some union contracts negotiated before he took office in May. Laesch has been dealing with budget issues literally since his first day as mayor, he said during the presentation. It was then that he learned about the unbudgeted $500,000 promised to VNA Health Care for opening its newest clinic, which the Aurora City Council approved last month despite concerns from some aldermen. Then, on his second day in office, he said he learned that the Information Technology Department is $6.3 million over budget this year, primarily because of what he said was 'absolutely necessary' upgrades made to police and fire communications equipment, plus the 'excellent' new 311 initiative. And the hits just keep coming, Laesch said. He recently learned that OnLight Aurora, the city's not-for-profit fiber optic system that provides internet to city buildings, libraries and others, is roughly $1 million in debt, which the city has about 60 days to do something about, he said. Plus, the statewide 1% grocery tax that helps fund local governments is set to expire at the end of this year. Aurora currently gets around $4.5 million each year from the tax, and City Council is considering locally continuing the tax after it ends statewide. Laesch noted that, if the tax were to expire without a replacement, it would create another multi-million- dollar hole in the 2026 budget. The city could increase the local sales tax by 0.25% instead of extending the grocery tax, and while that would bring in an extra $6.5 million, Aurora already has a high sales tax compared to nearby communities, he said. The Aurora City Council recently voted to double the city's tax rate on hotel rooms, the first increase that tax has seen in nearly 40 years, to bring the rate more in-line with nearby communities. City officials previously said that, after the opening of the new Hollywood Casino-Aurora resort in the first half of next year, that increased tax is expected to bring in an additional $1.1 million each year. Because of the gap between revenues and expenses currently expected in the 2026 budget, 'we had to start making some tough decisions,' Laesch said at Saturday's community meeting. On basically a daily basis, city officials are going through the budget book line-by-line to find ways to be more efficient, he said. Small things to cut are being found, such as city cellphones that are going unused, while other cuts are more significant. For example, Laesch said that his administration immediately canceled the proposed City of Lights Center project that would have cost around $250 million. The project didn't make sense to him or others, he said, and the price was just too high. Aurora is also looking to potentially cut back its annual funding of the Aurora Civic Center Authority, which owns and operates the Paramount Theatre, Copley Theatre, Paramount School of the Arts and North Island Center plus manages the city-owned RiverEdge Park and Stolp Island Theatre. Laesch said the city currently gives the Authority roughly $7 million each year, and while the Paramount is vital to downtown, that amount is 'way too much.' In addition to the City of Lights Center being canceled, other planned projects have also been delayed or scaled back, according to Laesch's presentation. One delayed project is the reworking of Broadway's streetscape. However, Laesch said the state will still be working to resurface the road. Another delayed project is the redesign of Millennium Plaza in downtown, which Laesch said would have cost the city upwards of $4 million. There are now tighter internal controls on spending through 'P-Cards,' which have already led to 28% less spending using payment cards across all city departments and 54% less spending using the cards from specifically the mayor's office, according to Laesch. He said the city is also looking to refinance some of its debt through the Illinois Finance Authority. Plus, Laesch will not be using tax increment financing districts, or TIFs, and will not be giving 'corporate bailouts,' he said. During his campaign, he frequently spoke against the use of TIF districts and other economic development incentives that give tax-generated dollars to developers, and he promised to stop or at least heavily cut back on using TIFs if elected. Laesch will be using his first years in office primarily to 'just get a hold of our financial picture' and 'stabilize things financially' before looking to some of the 'bigger goals and initiatives that I was very enthusiastic about as a candidate.' Those priorities, which he also highlighted throughout his campaign and in his inauguration speech, include the construction of more single-family homes rather than apartment buildings, workforce development particularly around sustainability-focused jobs, attracting high-paying jobs and supporting small businesses. In the coming years, Laesch is hoping to 'very aggressively' go after businesses that want to pay living wages and want to contribute or adjust to energy efficiency; but first, the city needs to work to retain the businesses which have already chosen to invest in Aurora, he said. City officials are also looking into encouraging co-ops to 'have a more sustainable model to provide goods and services,' rather than 'Wall Street funded-businesses,' according to Laesch. The Community Listening and Action Town Halls will continue each Saturday through Aug. 16, with Laesch and other city officials in attendance at each. The next session will be held on Aug. 2 at the city's Public Works building, 2185 Liberty St., and is for residents of the 2nd Ward, 3rd Ward and 7th Ward. Residents of the 8th Ward and 9th Ward will get their town hall on Aug. 9 at the Eola Community Center at 555 S. Eola Road. The last stop on the tour will be at the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., for residents of the 4th Ward, 5th Ward and 6th Ward. Residents can reserve their seat ahead of time at
Chicago Tribune
22-07-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Aurora launches five public transition committees to gather community input
Aurora has launched five new transition committees designed to gather community-based feedback to shape the city's priorities in the early days of Mayor John Laesch's administration. The Public Transition Committees span topics such as finances, sustainability, housing, public safety and education, according to a recent city news release announcing the new committees and their members. Over the next few months, the committees will create formal recommendations to the Mayor's Office that will together form a 'master transition document' planned to be released in late fall, the news release said. The newly-announced committees are a continuation of Laesch's transition team, which began its work after he was elected in April but before he was inaugurated in May. Unlike that team, with its members picked by Laesch, city officials said in the news release that the Public Transition Committees' members were selected after an 'in-depth application and vetting process.' All of the new committees will have their first meetings on Friday at 6 p.m., according to the city news release. Once up and running, the new Finance and Responsibility Committee is set to create both a 100-day goal and a four-year budget and finance plan. City officials said that the plan should look towards new funding sources to ease the tax burden on Aurora residents. Serving on the new Finance and Responsibility Committee will be Hector Ochoa, Donna Jolly, Melissa Flores, Felipe Rocha, Shannon Buckley and Allen Barajas, the release said. The new Sustainability and Development Committee will look to develop a 'bold climate plan' that empowers residents to 'embrace energy-efficient homes and renewable energy through accessible incentives,' city officials said in the news release. The committee is also expected to work on a plan to preserve the city's natural green spaces and to lay the foundation for a 'green-collar economy,' according to the release. Serving on the Sustainability and Development Committee will be Heather Shipman, Kat Gerdts, Alex Minnella, Kristina Murphy, Raymond Wronkiewicz, Bryon Cunningham and Marissa Martinez. The Housing Committee is tasked with building a comprehensive plan to address accessibility and affordability for all Aurora residents that also focuses on green building initiatives, the city news release said. Plus, the committee also will make recommendations on how best to support those in the city without housing, with recommendations in particular highlighting the importance of home ownership. Serving on the Housing Committee will be Thew Elliot, Joseph Jackson, Heather Binder, Hugo Saltijeral and Luca Koranda. The Public Safety Committee is set to develop a plan to enhance community well-being through an all-encompassing approach to public safety that takes into account innovative methods of crime prevention and that strengthens community involvement in public safety, according to the news release. Serving on the Public Safety Committee will be Avalon Betts-Gatson, Daniel Corral, Harriet Lewis, Cynthia A. Serna, Dr. Sanday Gonzalez Rivas, Sherry Spears and Adam Pauley. Lastly, the Supporting Youth and Education Committee is tasked with developing after-school programs and education initiatives that empower young people and offer educational opportunities for all students, the news release said. Serving on the Supporting Youth and Education Committee will be Helen Ratzlow, Saul Olivas, Neil Sekhri, Wendy Mendoza and Albert Rios. To be chosen to serve on a Public Transition Committee, applicants had to live in one of the four counties Aurora is in — Kane, DuPage, Will and Kendall — or have connections to the community in a meaningful way, had to demonstrate a strong commitment to serving the Aurora community, had to be willing to actively participate in meetings and make meaningful contributions to the committees' work, had to be able to work collaboratively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives and had to have at least two to four hours free each month for committee meetings, according to the city news release. More community members are expected to join each committee ahead of their first meetings, officials said in the release. The new committees highlight many of the priorities Laesch has talked about for his administration both during and after the election. For example, during his inauguration speech, he said the city is in a difficult place financially but highlighted his commitment to sustainability, particularly around building a local economy based on high-paying green and tech jobs, and to building more single-family homes rather than apartment buildings and other rentals that he argued are driving up housing prices.
Chicago Tribune
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Aurora Mayor John Laesch to hear from community through town hall tour
Aurora residents will get the chance to give feedback about the city directly to Mayor John Laesch through a series of town halls planned across late July and August. The Community Listening and Action Town Hall Tour, officially announced late Monday, will be held four Saturdays in a row beginning on July 26. The workshops will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at locations across the city designed to cover each of the 10 wards, according to a city news release. 'We want to give the community an opportunity to provide feedback on the state of Aurora,' Laesch said in the news release. 'This listening tour will help my staff and I to better understand what our residents want to see from us and the City over the next four years.' The first stop in the series will be at Metea Valley High School, 1801 N. Eola Road, a location that city officials say will cover the 1st Ward and the 10th Ward, on July 26. On the following Saturday, Aug. 2, a session will be held at the city's Public Works building at 2185 Liberty Street, which is for residents of the 2nd Ward, 3rd Ward and 7th Ward. Residents of the 8th Ward and 9th Ward will get their town hall on Aug. 9 at the Eola Community Center, located at 555 S. Eola Road. The last stop on the tour will be on Aug. 16 at the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Avenue, for residents of the 4th Ward, 5th Ward and 6th Ward. Translation services and devices will be available upon request, and childcare will be available at the Eola Community Center session and the Prisco Community Center session. Residents can reserve their seat ahead of time at Each of the sessions will give residents the chance to work directly with city leadership, according to the city news release. 'We want to be responsive to the needs of our residents,' Aurora Chief of Staff Shannon Cameron said in the release. 'These town halls will not only assist us in serving the city, but also encourage civic engagement, helping to build towards the goal of a people-centered government.' Laesch was talking about doing a citywide listening tour even before he was sworn in as mayor. On election night in April, he said he wanted to use the tour to introduce himself to the city's different communities and share his vision for the future of Aurora, but also to listen to residents' concerns so the city can be more responsive. His number one goal as mayor, he said on election night, would be to respond to Aurora residents. Already, Laesch has held listening sessions for those in downtown, specifically within the city's Special Service Area Number One.
Chicago Tribune
01-07-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Aurora officials warn against using illegal fireworks
Ahead of July 4, Aurora city officials are using social media posts, yard signs and more to warn residents against using illegal fireworks. Fireworks are generally illegal within the city of Aurora, and those who have or use them are subject to fines up to $1,000, with repeat offenders risking even higher fines. Those wishing to report the use of fireworks to the city can submit reports online at through the city's 311 app or by calling the Customer Service Center at 311 or 630-256-4636. If the use of fireworks is threatening the safety of people or property, then residents can instead call 911. In a recent post to his campaign Facebook page, Aurora Mayor John Laesch warned that fireworks could 'potentially start fires, torture dogs and other pets, harm veterans who have experienced combat' and lead to serious injuries. Plus, 'nobody wants to hear your 3 a.m. fireworks show,' his post said. The city of Aurora's own Facebook page focused specifically on fireworks' impact on some veterans, as their loud noise can be triggering or distressing. The post urged residents to consider veterans' well-being by finding other ways to celebrate July 4 that are inclusive and respectful. City ordinance specifically bans people from selling, offering to sell, giving, storing, possessing, exploding, firing, igniting, discharging or otherwise using display fireworks, flame effects, consumer fireworks or any other pyrotechnic. In addition to the fines issued to those who break the ordinance, owners of properties where illegal fireworks are being used can also face fines or, with repeat occurrences, liens on their properties, according to the city's webpage about reporting the use of fireworks. The city is distributing yard signs, door hangers and letters to warn residents against using fireworks. Those looking to help in the effort can join Laesch on Wednesday at 5 p.m. on the first floor of City Hall, according to a post he made on his campaign Facebook page. Laesch has already gone door-to-door alongside the Aurora Police Department distributing door hangers and warning letters, one of his earlier Facebook posts said. Aurora is hosting two events to celebrate Independence Day: a fireworks show on the evening of July 3 and a parade downtown on the morning of July 4. The fireworks display will be in downtown Aurora, with city-suggested best viewing available at the Aurora Transportation Center and at McCullough Park. Food trucks and DJs are planned to be at both locations from 6 to 9:45 p.m., according to the city's website. Shuttles are expected to run, and city officials recommend using them to avoid issues finding parking and to avoid traffic when leaving. The city's annual parade in downtown starts at 10 a.m. July 4 at the intersection of Benton Street and Broadway. It will then head north on Broadway to Downer Place, then march west on Downer to Middle Avenue, where it will end.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aurora joins yearlong national sustainability program
The city of Aurora has recently been picked to join a yearlong program that brings together communities from around the country to improve sustainability. As one of only 16 local governments to be chosen as part of the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort, Aurora will be supported by the U.S. Green Building Council in sustainability, resilience and quality of life efforts, according to a city news release announcing the partnership. 'The City of Aurora is honored to take part in the LEED for Cities cohort,' Mayor John Laesch said in the news release. 'This partnership will allow Aurora to develop a more sustainable planning process, while taking significant steps toward reducing climate change and promoting a more resilient and equitable city.' LEED stands for 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' and is typically used to certify green buildings. However, whole local governments or communities can be LEED certified, which is what Aurora will be working towards under the yearlong cohort program. The city's participation in this program seems to align with Laesch's stated vision for the city, which includes a focus on fostering green-building jobs, but the city applied to be a part of the cohort before he was elected. According to the news release, Aurora is planning to use the program to 'engage the public around data-driven goals and identify opportunities to strengthen local climate and sustainability efforts.' Through the program, the city will be given resources to measure and improve sustainability performance through the LEED for Cities rating system, the news release said. But according to Randal Stephens, the city grant writer who helped secure the city's spot in the cohort, Aurora will also benefit from sharing resources and best practices with others in the program. Throughout the yearlong process, she said, the cohort will meet twice a month and work through nine different areas of focus: integrative process, natural systems and ecology, transportation and land use, water efficiency, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, materials and resources, quality of life, innovation and regional priorities. For example, in the natural systems and ecology category, Aurora will take a comprehensive look at the city's natural systems, identify invasive species, study soil composition and inventory typical pollution sources, according to Stephens. She said that, once the information is gathered, it can be used in future policy improvements or projects. Beyond the environmental side of sustainability, Stephens said, the program will also take a look at things like vulnerable populations through the quality of life category to identify gaps in social infrastructure instead of focusing only on built environments. LEED certification would show that Aurora took a holistic approach to evaluating its policies and practices, fostered collaboration between departments and developed a framework for continued improvement — plus, it would help the city in future grant applications, since it would show the city has the capacity, experience and ability to manage these sorts of complex programs, according to Stephens. In the short-term, being in the cohort will give the city a free yearlong membership to resources through the LEED online portal, which is normally paid, plus will offer discounted training courses and individual certifications, she said. According to the U.S. Green Building Council's own news release announcing the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort, nearby Cook County is also participating in the cohort program. Other local governments in the 2025 cohort include Ashland, Massachusetts; Brighton, Colorado; Delray Beach, Florida; Farmers Branch, Texas; Harris County, Texas; King County, Washington; Lafayette, Indiana; Lincoln, Nebraska; Mercer Island, Washington; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Riverside, California; Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and West Lafayette, Indiana. 'City governments play a critical role in advancing public and environmental health, resilience and economic prosperity across their communities,' Peter Templeton, U.S. Green Building Council president and CEO, said in the organization's press release. 'We applaud this cohort for prioritizing these outcomes and committing to meaningful actions on sustainability and community well-being.' Stephens said Aurora was invited to apply for the cohort around late last year. The idea was then discussed internally to make sure the city had the capacity to participate in the program since it covers a large range of topics and involves nearly every city department, she said, and an application was turned in around last December. One of the main reasons the city applied was to work toward goals laid out in the 2019 Sustainability Plan, including expanding renewable energy and piloting zero waste initiatives, according to Stephens. She said that, as the city reviews its current policies and procedures through the cohort program, hopefully opportunities for improvement will be identified that contribute to that plan's goals. The U.S. Green Building Council's website about the Local Government Leadership Program, which the LEED for Cities Certification Cohort is a part of, says cities in the cohort are expected to be LEED certified within 12 months of starting the program. A timeline in an info packet linked on the website shows that program graduation is planned for March 31, 2026. First started in 2017, the Local Government Leadership Program has in total provided direct support to around 120 local governments across the country, which represents around 55 million people, according to the U.S. Green Building Council's news release. Beyond the certification cohort, the program also includes regional leadership summits and accelerators. rsmith@
