Study Session of the Aurora City Council, October 12, 2026

Aurora City Council study session, October 12, 2026. The council reviewed homelessness funding recommendations under four programs. The city had $219,672.70 in Emergency Solutions Grant funds, with full funding recommended for Advanced Pathways ($142,490.40) and Aurora Housing Authority ($77,182.30), and $200,000 in HOME tenant-based rental assistance recommended in full for Aurora Housing Authority. For local marijuana funds, $351,400 was available against $747,000 requested; Family Tree was recommended for full funding, Aurora Housing Authority and Three Birds Alliance for partial funding, and Jesus on Colfax and Advanced Pathways received no recommendation. For public safety assistance, $144,647 was available against $266,090 requested; Jesus on Colfax was recommended for full funding, Three Birds Alliance for partial funding, and Advanced Pathways received no recommendation. These items were advanced through the consent calendar; the transcript does not specify the partial award amounts.

The council also advanced an ordinance establishing an internal-service fund for the city’s shift to self-funded UnitedHealthcare claims beginning January 1, 2027, with anticipated savings discussed. Aurora Water presented proposed 2027 rate and fee changes, including 6.5% sewer and storm rate increases and 5% water and storm connection-fee increases; the city also plans bond issuances in 2027–28 for Wild Horse Reservoir and treatment projects and expects to apply for federal WIFIA financing in 2028. Council reached consensus to pursue a drone show for the 2027 Fourth of July event, estimated at about $90,000 versus $65,000 for fireworks; staff said a purchasing item would come forward as the contract is finalized. The council also advanced proposed development-code amendments intended to reduce industrial landscaping water use and a change limiting new extraterritorial water-service agreements.