And just like that, summer has arrived. I recently celebrated my granddaughter’s graduation from high school and is headed to UAB in Birmingham. We’re so proud of her and seeing her and her fellow graduates shine on that stage really hits home about the excitement and possibility these young people face. It reminds me of what we’re fighting for here in Aurora: to remove obstacles and create opportunities for people to realize their true potential. Our young people deserve nothing less, which really helps to focus our mission for Aurora. 

That said, as you know, this newsletter aims to connect us and share the latest on your city government. I recently traveled to Washington, D.C., meeting with congressional representatives to advocate for Aurora’s energy policy, business growth, infrastructure improvements, and housing initiatives. Finding common areas where we can promote affordability measures and bring federal support for our military and our families back to Aurora.

I also had the opportunity, along with Council member Kassaw, to meet with the U.S. Ambassador from Ethiopia. During our discussion, we extended an invitation for the Ambassador to visit Aurora and consider establishing a consulate in our city to better serve our Ethiopian citizens residing in the western United States. We hope this new friendship will be both productive and fruitful.

With the conclusion of the state legislature, I’m please to say that HB25-1112, which addresses vehicle registration enforcement, will be signed by Governor Polis. This bill originated from my local “three strikes” rule, a resolution that has strengthened public safety and accountability in Aurora. It’s worked well here and will now be replicated in other communities to improve our public safety even outside Aurora’s borders. 

Locally, the Build Up Aurora Task Force—part of the national Build Up America initiative—is in full swing. This task force is actively seeking community input on Aurora’s infrastructure priorities, including public safety, transportation, parks, libraries, recreation, and accessibility. Click Here to access the survey.

Stephanie in Council Session

As we step into 2025, my heart is filled with gratitude and anticipation for the future. I am encouraged by the progress we’ve already made, particularly with the implementation of the resolution requiring tags, licenses, and insurance. We made a commitment to protecting our residents and improving public safety. Already, this initiative has led to over 60 cars being ticketed and towed, marking a significant step forward in ensuring public safety on our roads.

This ordinance is just the beginning. I am ready to collaborate with our State Representatives to expand this resolution into a state-wide law, further strengthening our commitment to road safety, because we know our residents and families travel throughout our great state and we want those protections to follow them.

Secondly, “No Trespassing” signs will be posted along the I-225 corridor at Iliff and Parker Roads to strengthen the no-camping ban.

We are actively working to incentivize individuals to move to the navigation campus, with the first phase set to open this spring. Here, our homeless residents can access services to help get them back into homes and a life of independence. Our goal is to encourage people to become stakeholders in their lives and work towards self-sustainability. As we head into a frigid cold weekend, living on the street simply isn't an option. We need to care for our residents and invite them back into a safe community by finding them a path to safety and security.

Third, construction of the Nine Mile Bridge is scheduled to begin this spring. This new bridge will provide safe access across busy Parker Road to the light rail station, enhancing connectivity for our community.

Lastly, I had the honor of speaking at a Living Legends ceremony celebrating two remarkable heroes, Lt. Col. Martha Baker (Army) and Col. Alberta Nelson (Air Force). These trailblazing nurses served with honor and distinction from the 1950s through the 1970s. Now 97 years old, they were recognized by the National Military Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the local Veterans Administration. As a proud Air Force veteran, it was a great pleasure to meet them and express my gratitude for their service.

Council Members Steve Sundberg and Stephanie Hancock