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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jason Bauer, Assistant Director of Public Works/Assistant City Engineer
DATE: August 4, 2023
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to execute various contracts to purchase and/or rent holiday lighting decorations for use throughout the downtown in various wards in an amount not to exceed $132,000.
PURPOSE:
Each winter, downtown Aurora comes alive with various decorations, displays and lights designed to draw visitors, residents and out of towners alike, and support our local business community by creating a holiday destination. As the downtown continues to redevelop, the importance of attracting new visitors and encouraging other visitors to stay longer and explore downtown Aurora grows.
BACKGROUND:
The city has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Aurora Downtown who has served as the primary entity managing holiday d?cor in our downtown with support from the city. The city has been working steadily to increase our participation and enhance the holiday d?cor to create more of an experience for downtown visitors. By creating an inviting environment and encouraging people to explore the downtown through enhanced holiday decorations and lighting, visitors will stay longer, visit more shops and restaurants, and enjoy everything the downtown has to offer.
Entering the City's second year as host to the Christkindl Market, which attracted 150,000 visitors to Aurora in the winter of 2022, there is more opportunity than ever to make Aurora a must-visit destination. In addition to the Christkindl Market, the City of Aurora sees many visitors throughout the winter to attend shows at the Paramount Theatre, Copley Theatre, Riverfront Playhouse or The Venue and visit the Festival of Lights at Phillips Park. Investing in the downtown holiday lighting and creating an interactive experience will add a new element and attract even more visitors to the city. Notably, the City has not made any signific...
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