cover
TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Simon Rodriguez, Youth Services Manager
Nicole Mullins, Chief Community Services Officer
Chris Ragona, Director, Community Services
DATE: 6/30/2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution to utilize donation funds in the amount of $226,950 from the Festival of Lights for the purpose of a Youth Programs Enhancement Grant administered by the Youth Services Division.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to request approval from the City Council for a youth program grant that would fund multiple youth programs, events, and initiatives.
BACKGROUND:
Since 2021, the City has received donations from the Festival of Lights holiday program at Phillips Park. The total amount of funds received to date is $270,671.29. For the 2026-2027 school year, the Youth Services division has requested to use a portion of these funds ($226,950) for multiple youth programs and initiatives. This request is to use these funds for several initiatives, including an after-school programming grant, a scholarship program, portable soccer fields for area school districts, and a sponsorship for the 2026 Illuminate Pathways career exploration event. The remaining funds will be invested back into Phillips Park and into enhancements for the next Festival of Lights display.
DISCUSSION:
Funds requested for all programs mentioned above is $226,950 for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027 in the form of one-time grants. The proposed program is to use these funds for several initiatives including:
-After-school programming grants (between $5,000-$20,000 each)
-Equipment Purchases (up to $20,000 each)
-Scholarships to attend programming during non school hours (between $5,000 and $20,000 each). We anticipate around 10-15 recipients for the After-School, Equipment, & Scholarship categories
-Sponsorship set aside for the 2nd annual Career Pathways event on 10/23/2026 ($20,000)
-Two portable soccer fields for two Aurora school districts ($40,000 total)
The exact number of r...
Click here for full text