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TO: The Rules, Administration, and Procedures Committee
FROM: Alderman Ted Mesiacos, Ward 3
DATE: November 25, 2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing a two-year grant program in the amount of $75,000.00 per year in partnership with the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance Foundation for the Ward 3 Façade and Site Improvement Grant Program.
BACKGROUND:
This program was established in 2022 to assist small businesses to update, repair and maintain their buildings and properties. Eligible rehabilitation projects must be commercial or mixed-use properties within Ward 3 municipal boundaries.
DISCUSSION:
Reimbursements will be made from the Ward 3 grant account, 313-1004-411.50-80 where $75,000.00 will be earmarked for this program. The grant reimburses 50 percent of the total rehabilitation cost, but not to exceed $25,000.00 in grant funds. The minimum overall project cost must be of $5,000.00.
The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance's Grant Committee will review each proposal upon receipt of a completed application. The project must be completed 180 days from the receipt of the Commitment Letter.
Grants will be approved on a first-come first-serve basis until Ward 3 grant funds have depleted for the calendar year. Grants are disbursed as reimbursements after the project is complete, all contractors have been paid and signed lien waivers, and a Certificate of Occupancy is obtained from the City of Aurora.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Approval of the program will encourage and support business property owners and tenants to improve their buildings and properties to enhance the appearance of surrounding neighborhoods.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Approve the Ward 3 Façade and Site Improvement Grant Program in partnership with the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RULES, ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution approving the Ward 3 Façade and Site Improvement Grant Program in partnership with the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance Foundation.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, in the exercise of said home rule authority has empowered its Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee to from time-to-time adopt rules and policies governing the operations of the Office of the Aldermen; and
WHEREAS, and establishing the Ward 3 Façade and Site Improvement Grant Program in partnership with the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance Foundation to encourage and support business property owners and tenants in Ward 3 to re-invest in and renovate their buildings and properties.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Rules, Administration, and Procedures Committee acting pursuant to its final action authority conferred by Sec. 2-123(f)(1)(e) of the Code of Ordinances Hereby authorize the Ward 3 Façade and Site Improvement Grant Program in partnership with the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance Foundation for Alderman Ted Mesiacos.