On Apr. 4, 2023, dozens of Adonea community members attended a neighborhood meeting in Aurora to learn about the city’s initiatives and ask questions of its leadership. We were fortunate to have the following city leaders in attendance: Deputy City Manager Jason Batchelor, Ward II City Council Member Steve Sundberg, Chief of Police Art Acevedo, and senior members of City Public Works and Police Department. Aurora is Colorado’s third largest city and the 51st biggest city in the country – to have such senior leadership spend a few hours with us is a demonstration of their commitment to our community.
The meeting covered a range of topics, from road maintenance to police staffing shortages. Here are some key takeaways from the event:
- The Access Aurora app (Apple download | Android download) is a powerful tool that receives 350 requests per day, allowing community members to report issues directly to city departments. Whether it’s a pothole or a graffiti problem, the app provides a direct line of communication between citizens and their local government.
- It can take up to a year to receive a light pole and several years to install new traffic lights, which can be frustrating for residents. However, city leaders emphasized the importance of these infrastructure projects and the need to balance them against other priorities.
- Maintaining the thousands of city roads is a monumental task that requires constant data collection. By staying on top of road conditions, the city can prevent costly replacements and disruptions to daily life.
- During winter storms, residential streets are not plowed as quickly as main roads. In fact, for 99.5% of storms, snow melts before plows can be deployed. However, the city is always working to improve its snow removal procedures.
- Residents are encouraged to report all types of crime, no matter how small. The city uses data to identify trends and deploy police resources proactively. With police staffing shortages, citizen involvement is more important than ever.
- Building strong communities requires the participation of all stakeholders. By staying informed and engaged, residents can help shape the future of their neighborhoods.
Overall, I left feeling positive about the future of Aurora. The city’s leadership demonstrated a commitment to transparency, communication, and community involvement. By working together, residents and government officials can build a city that is safe, vibrant, and welcoming to all.
Watch the full meeting here: