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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: The Law Department
DATE: November 1, 2026
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Establishing “Special Service Area 1 - Aurora Downtown District.”
PURPOSE:
To establish “Special Service Area 1 - Aurora Downtown District” for the purpose of providing special services within the downtown area that promote economic vitality, business growth, cultural programming, beautification, marketing, and community engagement, all of which are intended to strengthen and enhance Downtown Aurora.
BACKGROUND:
“Special Service Area Number One” was originally established by the City of Aurora on September 6, 1994, and has been periodically extended and reestablished over the past three decades. It is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026. To ensure the continued provision of special services benefiting downtown businesses and property owners, the City proposed the creation of a new special service area known as "SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District." Following the adoption of an ordinance proposing the SSA and calling for a public hearing, notice was provided in accordance with Illinois law and a public hearing was held on August 25, 2026. No valid objection petition was filed within the statutory period. The proposed Special Service Area is slightly larger than the existing SSA. It encompasses properties located within Downtown Aurora and is intended to continue the successful public-private partnership that has supported the growth and revitalization of the downtown area for many years.
DISCUSSION:
Illinois law provides that a proposed Special Service Area may be defeated only upon the timely filing of a written objection petition signed by at least 51% of the owners of record of the land within the proposed SSA. Following the public hearing for SSA No. 1 - Aurora Downtown, the City Clerk received a single written objection from a property owner located within the proposed SSA boundaries. The objection was not signed by the requisite percentage of property owners and was filed outside the 60-day statutory objection period. Therefore, no valid objection petition was filed, and the City Council may proceed with the establishment of SSA No. 1.
The downtown business district serves as a significant economic, cultural, entertainment, and tourism center for the City of Aurora. Through SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District, special services will continue to be provided that are above and beyond those generally available throughout the City. These special services may include, but are not limited to, marketing and promotion of downtown businesses, organization of community events and festivals, beautification initiatives, public art and placemaking projects, business recruitment and retention efforts, economic development activities, visitor attraction programs, and other services designed to enhance the vibrancy and success of the downtown area.
The Aurora Downtown District organization is anticipated to continue administering these special services on behalf of the City. The proposed tax levy will provide a dedicated funding source to support these activities and ensure that the costs of the services are borne by properties that directly benefit from them. Establishing SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District will allow these programs and services to continue without interruption following the expiration of the existing “SSA Number One” at the end of 2026
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Approval of this Ordinance will establish “SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District” for a term of eight (8) years and authorize the levy of a special service tax within the Area at a rate not to exceed $1.10 per $100 of equalized assessed valuation, as set forth in the Ordinance. Revenue generated from the levy will be used exclusively to fund special services benefiting Downtown Aurora. The SSA will only financially impact the areas it encompasses.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the Ordinance Establishing Special Service Area 1 - Aurora Downtown District and authorizing the continuation of special services that support the economic vitality, attractiveness, and long-term success of Downtown Aurora.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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An Ordinance Establishing “Special Service Area 1 - Aurora Downtown District.”
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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, Special Service Areas are authorized pursuant to Section 6(l) of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, the Special Service Area Tax Law (35 ILCS 200/27-5 et seq.), and the Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200/1-1 et seq.); and
WHEREAS, “Special Service Area Number One” was originally established by the City on September 6, 1994, and has subsequently been extended and reestablished from time to time; and
WHEREAS, the existing “Special Service Area Number One” is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to establish a new and expanded Special Service Area known as “SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District” to continue providing special governmental services that promote the economic vitality, stability, attractiveness, and long-term success of downtown Aurora; and
WHEREAS, the proposed special services will provide a unique and special benefit to the properties located within the Area that exceeds the municipal services generally provided throughout the City; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing concerning the establishment of SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District was held on August 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 44 East Downer Place, Aurora, Illinois, following notice as required by law; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the establishment of SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District is in the best interests of the City and the properties located therein.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
SECTION ONE:
(a) That it is in the public interest that the Area hereinafter legally described in the attached Exhibit A is to be established as CITY OF AURORA SPECIAL SERVICE AREA 1 - AURORA DOWNTOWN DISTRICT.
(b) That an accurate legal description of said Area is attached hereto as Exhibit A, and an accurate map of said Area is attached hereto as Exhibit B.
(c) That said Area is compact and contiguous.
(d) That the properties located within the Area will specially benefit from the municipal services to be provided, which are unique and in addition to services provided throughout the City generally.
(e) Therefore, City of Aurora Special Service Area 1 - Aurora Downtown District is hereby established with respect to the territory described herein.
SECTION TWO:
The purpose of City of Aurora Special Service Area 1 - Aurora Downtown District is to provide special governmental services within the Area that promote, enhance, support, and strengthen the downtown business district and cultural center of Aurora.
The special services to be provided within the Area may include, but are not limited to:
1. Marketing, promotion, and advertising of downtown businesses, activities, events, programs, and attractions;
2. Organization, sponsorship, and support of festivals, public events, cultural activities, entertainment programming, and community gatherings;
3. Business recruitment, retention, support, and economic development initiatives;
4. Manage and maintain all streetscape enhancements, beautification, banners, seasonal decorations, public art, and placemaking efforts;
5. Public relations, communications, tourism promotion, and visitor attraction activities;
6. Administration and management of programs designed to improve the economic vitality and appeal of downtown Aurora; and
7. Such other services as may be approved by the City Council that specially benefit the Area.
The annual special tax shall be levied upon the taxable property located within the Area at a rate or amount sufficient to provide the revenue necessary to fund the special services authorized herein, provided that in no event shall the annual tax exceed One Dollar and Ten Cents ($1.10) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) of equalized assessed valuation of taxable property within the Area. Said tax shall be levied for a period of eight (8) years from and after the date of this Ordinance. Said taxes shall be in addition to all other taxes provided by law and shall be levied pursuant to the provisions of the Property Tax Code.
SECTION THREE:
That the establishment of SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District was proposed by Ordinance No. 26-043 adopted on June 17, 2026. That a public hearing was held on the 25th day of August, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 44 East Downer Place, Aurora, Illinois, with regard to the establishment of City of Aurora Special Service Area 1 - Aurora Downtown District. At said hearing, there was considered the levy of an annual tax as described and limited in Section Two hereof.
SECTION FOUR:
That notice of hearing was published in a newspaper of general circulation within the City of Aurora not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the public hearing. Proof of Publication is attached herein as Exhibit D. In addition, notice by mailing was given by depositing said notice in the United States Mail addressed to the person or persons in whose name the general taxes for the last preceding year were paid on each lot, block, tract, or parcel of land lying within the proposed Special Service Area. Said notice was mailed not less than ten (10) days prior to the public hearing. In the event taxes for the last preceding year were not paid, the notice was sent to the person last listed on the tax rolls prior to that year as the owner of said property. An affidavit of service is attached herein as Exhibit E. The City Council further finds that all notice requirements of the Special Service Area Tax Law have been satisfied.
SECTION FIVE:
The City Council hereby finds and determines that the special services to be provided within SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District are unique and in addition to the municipal services generally provided throughout the City and confer a special benefit upon the properties located within the Area. The City Council further finds that the establishment of SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District is desirable and necessary to promote the economic vitality, business success, cultural development, and continued attractiveness of downtown Aurora.
SECTION SIX:
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its passage, approval, and publication in the manner provided by law.
SECTION SEVEN:
That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.
SECTION EIGHT:
That any section, paragraph, clause, phrase, or provision of this Ordinance that is adjudged invalid or unenforceable shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Ordinance, which shall remain in full force and effect.
Exhibits Attached:
Exhibit A - Legal Description of SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District
Exhibit B - Aerial Map of SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District
Exhibit C - Site Map of SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District
Exhibit D - Proof of Publication
Exhibit E - Affidavit of Service
Exhibit F - List of PINS for SSA 1 - Aurora Downtown District