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TO: The Rules, Administration, and Procedures Committee
FROM: Alderwoman Juany Garza, Ward 2
DATE: November 21, 2025
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing a four-year Ward 2 Residential Property Improvement Grant Program in the amount of $25,000 per year to assist qualified residents with driveway and fence projects in Ward 2.
BACKGROUND:
Alderwoman Garza and the Ward 2 Committee have decided there is a continuous need for eligible residents to improve their driveways and fences. The continuation of this program will enhance the curb appeal of homes.
The purpose of this program is to help residents of Ward 2 correct code violations and improve the safety and appearance of their homes.
Eligible homeowners include Aurora's Ward 2 residents who live in their homes and are low income.
Previously, it was one application for Fences and Driveways but now the applications has been separated into one for Fence's and one for Driveways.
DISCUSSION:
Work covered by this grant includes the removal of existing chain link fence from the front yard and replacement at the proper setback line with wrought iron in any design up to a maximum of five (5) feet back along each side of the house. The applicant will choose asphalt or concrete to pave or repair the driveway within permitted requirements and procedures of the Building & Permit Department.
Funds are available in the Ward 2 Special Programs Account 312-1350-419.50-99. Vendors will be paid up to $5000.00 per qualified address for driveways and up to $7500.00 per qualified address for fences from this account within budget constraints.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Work will be done on private property and should not disrupt traffic or cause road closings.
Minimal work may be needed from Buildings and Permits regarding necessary permits and from Purchasing regarding vendors and processing the Purchase Orders.
This impacts Ward 2 in a positive way by not only providing financial assistance to homeowners that qualify but it also beautifies Ward 2 when projects are completed.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Approve the Ward 2 Residential Property Improvement Grant Program.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RULES, ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing a four-year Ward 2 Residential Property Improvement Grant Program in the amount of $25,000 per year to assist qualified residents with driveway and fence projects in Ward 2.
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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, the purpose of this program is to help residents of Ward 2 correct code violations and improve the safety, accessibility, and appearance of their homes; and
WHEREAS, eligible homeowners include Aurora's Ward 2 residents who live in their homes and are low income; and
WHEREAS, homes will be serviced on a first-come, first-served basis under this grant program with a maximum Ward 2 Grant of $5000.00 per address for driveways and $7500.00 per address for fences. Funds are available in the Ward 2 account, 312-1350-419.50-99 and will be paid directly to vendors; and
WHEREAS, $25,000.00 has been allocated for this program per year in Ward 2 Account, 312-1350-419.50-99; and
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 that the Resolution authorizing the Ward 2 Residential Property Improvement Grant Program is hereby approved.