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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Yordana Wysocki, Corporation Counsel
Austin FitzCorbett, Fiber Network Manager
DATE: October 12, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution approving a new lease with Crosstown Fiber IL LLC for approximately 51.38 strand-miles of dark fiber for a term of one (1) year.
PURPOSE:
To authorize a one (1) year Dark Fiber Lease Agreement between the City of Aurora and Crosstown Fiber IL LLC for the lease of approximately 51.38 strand-miles of dark fiber on the City’s fiber optic network at a rent of $4,007.40 per month.
BACKGROUND:
The City owns and operates the Aurora Network, a fiber optic network that contains a substantial amount of fiber not planned for use by the City. Since 2012, OnLight Aurora has had the sole privilege of using over 1,800 strand-miles of the City's excess fiber. As presented to the Committee of the Whole on September 15, 2026, staff recommend that the City directly lease its fiber to outside users under agreements approved by the City Council, and a resolution to terminate the Revised Master Service Agreement with OnLight Aurora is pending review by City Council.
Crosstown Fiber is a Lombard, Illinois company that builds and operates high-capacity fiber optic routes for data center, carrier, healthcare, school district, and enterprise customers in the Chicago area. In 2025, Crosstown began construction of an underground fiber route between Chicago and Aurora to provide its customers with a physically diverse path between the two major data center corridors. In early 2026, Crosstown approached the City to lease dark fiber on the Aurora Network to make their path more robust.
DISCUSSION:
Under the Lease, Crosstown will lease forty-four (44) dark fiber strands over approximately 1.16 route miles, totaling 51.38 strand-miles. The fiber strands are part of the City’s existing backbone cable, and no construction by the City is required. Crosstown will perform the splicing and testing needed to form the route at its own cos...
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