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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Nicholas Richard-Thompson, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: March 17th, 2026
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article VI, Sections 2-412 and 2-413 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, Illinois, regarding Participation Limits, Leadership Capacity, Liaison Designations, and Geographic Requirements for Board and Commission Events.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this request is to update the city's governance framework for Boards and Commissions. These amendments aim to prevent leadership burnout, ensure diverse resident participation by limiting the number of concurrent appointments, and formalize aldermanic engagement for specific advisory bodies. Additionally, the amendments ensure that city-affiliated events and fundraisers prioritize and support the local Aurora economy
BACKGROUND:
Participation Limits: To prevent volunteer burnout and invite new community voices, membership is capped at three boards and chair positions at two. Current members exceeding these limits are "grandfathered" until their existing terms expire.
Liaison Updates: The Mayor is granted authority to designate Aldermanic Liaisons specifically to Cultural and Historic Heritage and Advisory Boards to enhance communication. between these bodies and the City Council.
Geographic Focus: To support the local economy and ensure accessibility, all official board events and fundraisers must stay within Aurora city limits, with a formal waiver process through the Mayor and RAP Committee for necessary exceptions.
DISCUSSION:
As the city's advisory landscape has grown, the need for standardized participation limits has become clear to ensure that more residents have the opportunity to serve. Historically, some members have served numerous bodies, which can lead to scheduling conflicts and concentrated influence. Furthermore, as the Cultural and Advisory Boards have taken on more significant roles in the community, request for Aldermanic Liaisons has been made...
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