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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Danielle Tufano, Downtown Economic Development Manager
Deb Lang, Deputy Corporation Council
DATE: April 30, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing approval of a Service Agreement between the City of Aurora and Aurora Downtown District.
PURPOSE:
The City of Aurora seeks to enhance the vitality and economic strength of its central business district by entering into a service agreement with the Aurora Downtown District (ADD). Through its ongoing efforts in marketing, event programming, business advocacy, and public space improvements, ADD plays a critical role in promoting downtown Aurora as a destination for residents, visitors, and businesses. These activities directly support increased economic activity, improved public perception, and greater utilization of the City's downtown assets.
By formalizing this partnership, the City ensures sustained coordination and investment in initiatives that contribute to the overall quality of life, economic development, and cultural enrichment of the community. Supporting ADD's work enables the City to leverage specialized expertise and dedicated resources to maintain and enhance the downtown environment, attract new visitors and businesses, and reinforce Aurora's identity as a dynamic and welcoming regional center.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Aurora is a home rule municipality under Illinois law, and the Aurora Downtown District (ADD) is a local nonprofit organization created to support and improve the downtown area. ADD focuses on making downtown Aurora a more vibrant place to live, work, and visit by promoting events, supporting local businesses, and maintaining and enhancing public spaces. The City recognizes that this work benefits the community and has an interest in continuing to support these efforts, while ADD remains committed to strengthening and promoting downtown.
To help fund this work, the City created a special service area known as SSA-One, which collects taxes from pr...
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