This Is Aurora - City Newsletter - Jan. 20, 2022

 

 

Jan. 20, 2022

 

 

Xcel Energy and Aurora launch Energy Action Plan   The year 2020 highlighted the critical importance of adapting to rapidly changing conditions, building resilience and bringing equity to the forefront of community planning and decision making.   The city of Aurora applied to Xcel Energy's Partners in Energy program as part of the city's larger efforts to connect local businesses, institutions, multi-family building owners and nonprofit organizations with the resources they need to recover, adapt and thrive. An Energy Action Team made up of representatives from these sectors, Xcel Energy and city staff met over many months to build an Energy Action Plan from the ground up.   The Energy Action Plan is focused on equitably supporting the economic recovery and resilience of businesses, institutions, multifamily and nonprofit organizations. These strategies include connecting Aurora's community members with information and resources to help reduce energy use and drive down operating costs.   If the plan's goals are achieved, it will result in more participants in energy programs, hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy cost savings, additional electricity and natural gas savings, and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.   Ready to do your part? Sign up for an energy assessment today and see how you can save more and help uplift your community through energy action. • Homeowners and home-based business owners: Call 303.446.7910 or visit XcelEnergy.com/HomeEnergySquad   • Non-home-based business owners: Call 877.287/2250 or visit XcelEnergy.com/Business and select “Cost Savings Programs” • Multi-family building owners: Call 877.287.2250 or visit XcelEnergy.com/Multifamily   For questions about the Energy Action Plan, contact Karen Hancock at khancock@auroragov.org.

 

 

New enforcement rules for lobbyist registration The Aurora City Council approved an ordinance this month that updates the city's lobbyist reporting requirements, including the implementation of rules for enforcement. Lobbyists must file a registration annually and file financial reports quarterly. To find out more, visit the webpage.   AuroraGov.org/Lobby

 

 

Have a say in RTD's vision for transit in the metro area   As part of the ongoing Reimagine RTD process, RTD released this month a draft System Optimization Plan (SOP) for public review. The SOP provides a route-by-route guide for service growth between now and 2027. RTD developed the draft SOP to:    • Reverse/mitigate trends of ridership loss • Improve service performance/efficiency • Ensure fiscal sustainability • Address changing travel market demands • Remain competitive • Improve service quality   The Reimagine RTD team is working with the RTD Board of Directors to finalize the SOP in early 2022. RTD is planning to formally adopt the SOP in March, with the understanding that full implementation may not be possible until 2027 due to financial constraints and workforce limitations. Implementation of the SOP will be integrated into RTD’s existing service change process, which includes community notification, public hearings and board approval before being finalized.    Visit the Reimagine RTD website to learn more about the project, find out how your trips may change and provide feedback.   RTD district boundary update   The boundaries for the 15 RTD districts are being updated as part of a required redistricting process. Two alternative maps have been drafted and will be presented at public meetings for review before adoption.    Virtual public meetings on Teams (call-in only option available) are scheduled at 5 p.m. Jan. 20 and 6 p.m. Jan. 24. Virtual public hearings are scheduled at noon Feb. 9, 5 p.m. Feb. 10 and Feb. 14 (time to be determined). To view the maps, provide comments online and find out how to connect to the meetings and hearings, visit the RTD webpage on redistricting.

 

 

IN THE NEWS Volunteers celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through community service - CBS 4   City of Aurora opening up grants to support neighborhood projects - Sentinel Colorado   Joint venture to build 43 new homes in Aurora master-planned community - Denver Business Journal

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UPCOMING EVENTS   Council Member Town Meetings Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums in which those conversations can occur. Please visit AuroraGov.org/Council to confirm meeting dates and location information. If you don't know your council ward, go to AuroraGov.org and click on "Property Info." Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, Jan. 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E Colfax Ave. Ward II (Steve Sundberg) - Thursday, Jan. 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Beck Recreation Center, 800 Telluride St. Ward III (Ruben Medina) - Wednesday, Feb. 2, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Community College of Aurora, 16000 E. CentreTech Parkway Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Thursday, Feb. 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Stampede, 2430 S. Havana St. Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Tuesday, Feb. 15, 6 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 19, 10:30 a.m. to noon, both virtual on WebEx Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, March 23, 6 to 8 p.m., Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club, 23155 E. Heritage Parkway At Large (Angela Lawson, Curtis Gardner, Danielle Jurinsky, Dustin Zvonek) - Wednesday, Feb. 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place   City Council Special Study Session Monday, Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m. View the meeting online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda.   Mayor Mike Live Thursday, Jan. 27, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. This show is moving to an hour-long format airing every last Thursday of the month, with continued conversations led by Mayor Mike Coffman and Aurora City Council members on various community-based topics. Live on Facebook and AuroraTV.org.   High Line Canal Community Walk Saturday, Jan. 22, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Walk and learn about the rich history of the DeLaney Historic District, starting with the Gully and DeLaney families who immigrated to the area in the 1860s. Find out about the types of animals who live in the area, view the farm's buildings and more. DeLaney Farm, 170 S. Chambers Road Register online: HighLineCanal.org   Neighborhood Improvement Grant Information Sessions Wednesday, Jan. 26, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, noon Thursday, Feb. 3, 6 p.m. The city of Aurora wants to help residents spruce up their neighborhoods with grants of up to $5,000 for projects that improve a neighborhood's physical condition, enhance pride and identity, and increase neighbors' communication. The first step to applying is to attend a virtual information session to learn more about the opportunity. Meeting links: AuroraGov.org/NeighborhoodGrants   "Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea" Jan. 28 to Feb. 20 Eighteen-year-old Dontrell Jones the Third believes it is his duty and destiny to venture into the Atlantic Ocean in search of an ancestor lost during the Middle Passage. But his family is not at all ready to abandon their beloved son to the waters of a mysterious and haunting past. Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets at AuroraFox.org   "Exploration of Color" Through Feb. 20 Works by abstract artist Karly Stein The People's Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. More information at Facebook.com/PeoplesBuilding   Tri-County Health Daily COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Daily until further notice 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday Walk-in and drive-through clinic supported by Jogan Health and the city of Aurora. The clinic offers Pfizer and Moderna, first, second and booster shots. Pfizer pediatric shots for ages 5 to 11 require an appointment (see website for details). Aurora Municipal Campus south parking lot, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway AuroraGov.org/Vaccine   New COVID-19 Vaccine Mobile Clinics Jan. 24 and 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (hosted by Living Waters Christian Center) First Presbyterian Church, 1585 Kingston St. (behind McDonald's) Jan. 27, Feb. 6, 10 and 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place Jan. 31, Feb. 3, 4 and 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St. Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (hosted by Pastor Thomas Mayes and Bishop Kevin Foreman) Harvest Christian Church, 14100 E. Jewell Ave. Clinics offer Pfizer and Moderna first, second and booster shots and Pfizer pediatric. Pre-registration is suggested but not required. Visit the website for details. AuroraGov.org/Vaccine   COVID-19 Testing Site Now open through at least Jan. 31 Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free testing for COVID-19 is provided to anyone who wants to be tested, especially those who have symptoms. No appointment is necessary. No doctor referral, no health insurance, and no proof of identification are required. Online registration in advance is preferred but is not required. Aurora Center for Active Adults parking lot, 30 Del Mar Circle, at Del Mar Park   The Rise of the Aurora Suburb during the Cold War Open through April 24 Join the Aurora History Museum & Historic Sites for an in-person exploration of Aurora's economic prosperity and suburban expansion during the Cold War. The exhibit includes local stories experienced by Aurora residents during the Cold War to enrich the understanding of the period. Learn more at Aurora History Museum. Free admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday. Aurora History Museum, 15515 E. Alameda Parkway   Without a Home in Aurora Exhibit Open through May 29 Housing insecurity is a key issue facing Aurora, and to build a wider understanding of people who are often overlooked, misunderstood or unheard, staff at the Aurora History Museum engaged in an oral history project on the streets of the city. Learn more at Aurora History Museum. Free admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday. Aurora History Museum, 15515 E. Alameda Parkway

 

 

 

 

 

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This newsletter is produced by the city of Aurora Communications and Marketing Department   Questions? Email communications@auroragov.org