City of Aurora, IL, Government

06/23/2026

Our 4th of July Parade is just around the corner and we are thrilled to announce this year's Parade Grand Marshal: Juanita Wells 🎉

Juanita's dedication, leadership, and passion for her community is why we're honored to have her lead our parade units! 🌟

The parade will step-off at the intersection of Benton Street and Broadway Avenue at 10 A.M. on Saturday, July 4th. The Reviewing Stand will be placed in front of the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, located at 20 E. Downer Place. Free parking is available throughout our downtown - including the Stolp Island Parking Garage for parade day! We encourage everyone to arrive before 9:30 A.M. to provide enough time for parking and viewing preparation on the parade route.

Immediately following the Parade, the Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum will open its latest exhibit, America’s 250th: How the G.A.R. Shaped Our Nation, to further commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary, as well as the 149th anniversary of the laying of the Museum’s cornerstone. This exhibit will explore the political, cultural, and economic influence of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Civil War veteran society formed in Decatur, Illinois, in 1866. The exhibit’s narrative is accompanied by historic photographs and artifacts from the G.A.R. Military Museum’s collection.

Let's have a fantastic 4th of July Parade, Aurora! 🇺🇸

*Stay tuned for more info on our Firework show set for Friday, July 3 @ 9:15 P.M.

06/23/2026

It's City Council night here in Aurora!

For those who are unfamiliar, City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. on the second floor of City Hall, also known as the Council Chambers. At these meetings, our Alderpeople discuss and vote on local legislation, budgets, and policies for our wonderful city! 🏙️

Join us in person or online for this week's meeting and visit the link below to view the full list of agenda items.

City Council Agenda: https://loom.ly/5EpqmcM

06/23/2026

⏰ CLOCKED IN: Meet Community Engagement Coordinator, Karina Suarez-Darden!

Hear about Karina's journey as a volunteer and now community advocate within the City of Aurora.

📲Follow City of Aurora Neighborhood Groups to stay up to date on what's happening in your Ward and community!

06/23/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the City of Aurora's Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum!

At last week's Committee of the Whole meeting, Mayor John Laesch honored the Museum for winning four awards from the Illinois Association of Museums! The recognitions include a "Community Partnership" Award for the Museum's collaboration with Aurora University on its "Fueling The Frontlines" exhibit, a "Printed Materials" Award, given to Brooke Patton and Ben Driver, an "Educational Programming" Award to City staff member Stephanie Shelton, and the "Volunteer" Award to Dr. Michael Sawdey!

For more information on the Aurora GAR Memorial Hall and Museum, visit www.aurora.il.us/GAR. 📲

06/22/2026

On behalf of Alderman At-Large, Will White, Kayla White is here to share some exciting news! ☀️🔋

If you're an Aurora resident (residential, commercial, multi-use buildings) and have had solar systems or EV charging systems installed between January 1st, 2025, through December 31st, 2026, you could be eligible for a reimbursement!

To learn more about the Aurora Solar and EV Charging Rebate Program, please visit https://yourvoice.aurora.il.us/aldermanatlarge2.

06/22/2026

🌟 Join the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance this Thursday, June 25 from 11 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. at Waubonsee Community College (18 S. River Street) for the 2026 Aurora Alliace Legislative Luncheon!

State Senator Karina Villa, State Senator Linda Holmes, State Representative Barbara Hernandez, and State Representative Matt Hanson will be on hand, as attendees will learn more about the decisions taking place in Springfield and how they affect the greater Aurora region's business community.

Attendees will also be able to ask legislative questions, plus have discussions about the needs of employers throughout the Fox Valley.

Learn more, and reserve your spot today at www.aurora.il.us/LegislativeLuncheon. 📲

06/22/2026

🚧 Restore Critical Public Works Funding By Completing The 2026 Special Census!

The City of Aurora's Special Census will begin on July 22 throughout new construction areas within the City. Your response to the Special Census can help Aurora's Public Works Department receive key funding, expanding essential services such as road maintenance, transportation projects, and purchases of street salt!

For more information on the Special Census, please visit https://yourvoice.aurora.il.us/specialcensus. 📲

Your unique, 12-digit number will come in the mail beginning on July 22. Use the number and the URL provided in the mail to complete the 2026 Aurora Special Census!

What is the 2026 Special Census? The City of Aurora’s Special Census Initiative is a count of the City’s population that is held outside of the normal census in areas of new construction between 2020 and 2026 throughout City limits. During the 2020 Census, it was

06/21/2026

🎞️ Get caught in the rain...but don't get caught without submitting to the City of Lights Film Festival!

The REGULAR DEADLINE to submit your short film, music video, or student film is this Friday, June 26.

🎬 Hurry up and save the date! Visit www.aurorafilmfest.com for more information.

06/21/2026

🌟 Happy Immigrant Heritage Month, Aurora!

At Tuesday night's Committee of the Whole meeting, Mayor John Laesch presented the official proclamation to valued community partners, Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) and World Relief Chicagoland.

During this month, the City extends its appreciation to its strong immigrant community, whose contributions help Aurora become stronger, more understanding, and more diverse. ❤️

06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day to all of Aurora's Dads and Father figures! 🎉

Thank you for raising us, loving us, praising us, and being there for us.

We appreciate you! ❤️