Planning and Zoning Commission - June 24, 2026, Study Session

The Aurora Channel's Planning and Zoning Commission held a study session on June 24, 2026, focused on the Colfax Community Vision and Action Plan and the establishment of a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and a Community Development Corporation (CDC) for the city of Aurora. The presentation detailed the multi-phase community engagement and planning process that began in 2024, emphasizing the legal and organizational framework for the DDA and CDC, their boundaries, governance, and funding mechanisms, including tax increment financing (TIF). The commission discussed the recent election approving the DDA with 80% support, the appointment of board members, and the upcoming need for the DDA to approve its plan of development and budget. Key procurement-related topics included the DDA's authority to allocate funds for redevelopment projects, business support, public safety, housing, and public space improvements within the designated boundaries. The session also covered coordination with existing urban renewal areas to avoid overlapping TIF districts. Commissioners raised questions about lessons learned from other DDAs, addressing community challenges such as homelessness, and the financial management of TIF revenues and reserves. Overall, the meeting focused on setting up governance and funding structures to enable targeted redevelopment and community investment in Aurora's Colfax corridor.