Aurora News

Recovering from Summer Storms
A Statement from Mayor John Laesch
The City of Aurora’s Street Maintenance Division continues to make excellent progress in cleaning up from the historic storms that hit the City last weekend. Nearly all of Ward 5 has been canvassed for debris, and Streets crews are working around the clock to spearhead clean up efforts throughout Wards 4 and 6. The Streets Team, which has worked mandatory overtime shifts since last Saturday, will refrain from work this Sunday, allowing crew members to receive a much-needed break. Beginning on Monday, the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN) will provide Aurora’s Streets Team with significant help in order to expedite the clean up process. The Network, which sources qualified public works employees from neighboring municipalities, will perform five days of clean up work with no charge to the City. This valuable resource will greatly assist in completing post-storm clean up ahead of schedule.

As the number of service calls still grows, we are continuing to ask residents who are able to bundle storm debris along their curbs, so Groot, the City's waste management partner, can take it away. We understand that some residents will not be able to do perform this work due to the size of trees and debris, or lack of equipment.

Groot will continue to lead residential clean up by collecting tree branches and limbs for the next two weeks. Please follow these guidelines for Groot tree debris collection:

Branches and limbs between ½ inch and 4 inches in diameter, and 2 to 4 feet in length, must be bundled
Each bundle must weigh less than 50 pounds
Bundled branches and limbs can be placed at the curb without a waste sticker
Brush smaller than ½ inch in diameter is considered yard waste and must be placed in a kraft paper yard waste bag with a waste sticker attached
At this time, I would like to formally thank the Street Maintenance Division for all of its hard work over the past week. Your efforts are greatly appreciated throughout the City. We are grateful to have such a dedicated group of individuals serving our residents each and every day.

Respectfully, Mayor John Laesch

Brush Removal
A huge “thank you” is in order to all of the 311 call center workers, emergency services personnel, and City of Aurora Street Maintenance crews who have worked tirelessly this past week in the aftermath of the Aurora area’s intense summer storms. Thank you to all Aurora residents for your resilience and patience.

Aurora's waste management partner, Groot, is here to help residents! Place tree branches and limbs that have fallen on your property on the curb immediately--you do not need to wait until your garbage day for this removal service.

If you have branches and tree limbs that are between 1/2 inch - 4 inches in diameter and 2-4 feet in length, they must be bundled. Each bundle must weight less than 50 pounds and can be placed on the curb without a waste sticker.

If you have brush less than a 1/2 inch in diameter, it is considered yard waste. Please place this brush in a paper yard waste bag with a waste sticker attached.

As a reminder—if you discover downed trees or storm-related damage, utilize the myAurora 311 app to file a report.

Download the myAurora 311 App
To view Mayor John Laesch's statement on post-storm clean-up and recovery, please click the link below:

A Message from Mayor John Laesch
Fall Electronics Recycling Event on Sept. 6
Recycling Event
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Free Fall Electronics Recycling Event Comes On Saturday, September 6!

The City of Aurora is hosting a free Electronics Recycling Drive-Thru on Saturday, September 6 from 8 A.M. to 12 P.M. at the Route 59 Metra Train Station, located at 1090 N. IL Route 59.

All items are free to recycle, including televisions, but registration is required! All residents MUST register in advance for a time slot. Required registration are now open!

✅ The event is open to the first 2,000 Aurora residents who register. ID is also required.
✅ Each vehicle is limited to two screens — either televisions or computer screens — but can have an unlimited number of other electronics.
✅ Only approved household items and electronics will be accepted!

Register & View Accepted Items Here
Open Data Portal Launches
Open Data Portal
The I.T. Department and Community Development Division have collaborated to launch the brand-new Open Data Portal.

Access to information published on this interactive portal gives users the chance to view how grants were distributed in the past—and discover current funding options from state, local, and federal sources!

The Community Development Division utilizes these resources to support programs that assist Aurora residents in need.

If you are part of a local non-profit or private business dedicated to building affordable housing and enhancing public infrastructure in Aurora, you may be eligible for funding!

Access the Community Development Open Data Portal
What to Watch: Aurora Community Television (ACTV)
ACTV
Aurora Community Television (ACTV) is the City of Aurora’s public and municipal access television station.

Programs are broadcast around the clock from organizations and community members, providing a public forum for unique stories and dialogues from those in and around the Aurora area.

Want to see what’s on the line-up?

Watch Live
Have an idea for a show? Get your questions answered:

Submit a Show
City of Lights Film Festival Events
Individual movie and event tickets are on sale now for the City of Lights Film Festival!

Don't forget to party to House music at Opening Night's pre-show mixer and screening of MOVE YA BODY: THE BIRTH OF HOUSE. Not tired yet? Head over to McCarty Mills Taproom for noms and discounted drinks while DJ Tito Latino continues mixing.

Opening Night
Film Festival Tickets & Events
Coming Up: Small Business Resource Fair
Small Business Fair
If you’re a small business owner starting out or looking to see what resources are available to you, mark your calendar for August 27!

Meet nonprofits, business support agencies, municipal partners, and more at the City of Aurora Small Business Resource Fair.

...did we mention it’s free? Register to secure your spot today.

Register Today
Reminder: Download The myAurora 311 App Today!
myAurora 311
The myAurora 311 app is your one-stop-shop for all of your customer service needs, and it's available in the App Store and Google Play!

You can submit cases from the palm of your hand, plus learn more about City events, City Council meetings, and receive easy access to the myAurora 311 web portal.

Download the myAurora 311 app today by visiting www.aurora.il.us/311.

Sign Up For Aurora Alert Today!
Aurora Alert
Aurora Alert is being revamped! You can now choose which notifications you want to receive, so peace of mind is always in your hands. From Weather Alerts to Public Safety Alerts, it's all here.

Sign up and opt in so you can stay aware and stay prepared!

Sign Up Today!
Aurora Fire Hydrant Flushing Program Continues
Fire Hydrant Flushing
The City of Aurora's Fire Hydrant Flushing Program began on Monday, June 2 and will run through the end of September. This critical initiative allows the City's Fire Department to inspect Aurora's 10,000 fire hydrants, plus assists in flushing out City water mains, ensuring that water delivery is efficient year-round.

Hydrant flushings will take place on Mondays through Thursdays between 9 A.M. and 2 P.M. No hydrants will be flushed after 2 P.M. or on Fridays.

Some discoloration of water may occur during the hydrant flushing process. If you see discolored water, discontinue water use and turn on cold water faucets, such as an outside spigot or bathtub, until the water clears in a few minutes. Please refrain from washing clothes until the water clears. If your clothes become discolored in the laundry, do not dry them and call 311 for a free bottle of liquid poly-laundry aide to help remove stains.

Learn More About Aurora's Fire Hydrant Flushing Program
Make the Switch to Solar!
Solar Tax
The Federal Government’s 30% Solar Tax credit is set to expire in 2026. Only expenditures made by December 31, 2025 will be eligible under the new law. NOW is the perfect time to learn more about how solar energy can impact your home!

Switch Together, a program supported by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and the Citizens Utility Board, has helped empower over 13,000 homes to make the switch to solar energy.

To ensure you qualify and receive the full tax credit, please register with Switch Together by September 3! For more information, and to access free educational resources on solar energy, visit bit.ly/SwitchTogetherKaneCounty!

Get Your Free Quote
Learn more from the City of Aurora's new Director of Sustainability, Alison Lindburg!
Lindburg
Hear from the Director of Sustainability
Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program
The state of Illinois has passed an extension for rental assistance, with applications due at the end of August.

The Court Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) can help residents by providing up to $10,000 in rental assistance for past-due rent.

This program is specifically for those who are facing eviction court or are at risk of becoming homeless.

The Neighbor Project is on-hand to assist with applications. Contact TNP at 630-906-9400 to schedule an appointment and to learn more about this program.

CBRAP funding
Financial Empowerment Center: Small Business Bootcamp!
The Financial Empowerment Center is hosting a FREE Small Business Bootcamp beginning in September.

This series is designed to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs strengthen operations, improve financial management, and position their businesses for growth.

The workshops are FREE and will be delivered in-person and virtually!