City of Aurora News 12/12/19

Dec. 12, 2019

Aurora History Museum exhibit chronicles history of Aurora’s growth "Aurora’s Historic Growth” is the new exhibition by the Aurora History Museum that documents the tremendous growth of the city over its 128 years. The free exhibit runs to May 31 at the Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway. The exhibition explores how the city has changed from its foundation to the present day. It also digs deeper into the booms and busts that have defined Aurora’s past and depicts how growth is redefining the once small town. Once a small suburb of Denver, Aurora has boomed into the third-largest city in the state of Colorado with a population of 381,000.  One aspect of this exhibition features several examples of repeat photography to show how the landscape of Aurora has changed through the years. Come see for yourself how these past events have shaped the Aurora of today. Admission to the Aurora History Museum and the exhibition is free. Learn more at AuroraMuseum.org.

Aurora has two new historic landmarks In early November, the Aurora City Council designated two new historic landmarks: Melvin-Lewis Cemetery and the Carlson-Holzer House. Both are a first in the Local Landmark roster: a first cemetery and a first “pattern home” design. Read more www.auroragov.org

Upgrades to city’s debt credits leads to millions in savings

As a reflection of the city’s strong credit characteristics—including its solid economy—national credit agencies Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor (S&P) Global Ratings upgraded in October the city of Aurora debt credits to Aaa and AA (positive outlook), respectively.  Moody’s upgraded the city of Aurora issuers’ ratings to Aaa from a previous Aa1 and its lease revenue debt to Aa1 from Aa2. It also assigned an Aa1 rating to the city’s Refunding and Improvement Certificates of Participation Series 2019. Only 8% of the 2,741 cities in Moody’s portfolio are rated Aaa. In Colorado, only five cities are in this category: Aurora, Aspen, Boulder, Denver and Fort Collins.  The rating agencies provide an independent, third-party analysis of the city’s financial strength and management capabilities. The analyses and ratings are considered by investors when buying city bonds. As an immediate benefit from these better ratings, the city of Aurora in late October was able to refinance the loan (Refunding Certificates of Participation, Series 2009A) on the Aurora Municipal Center building to a significantly lower interest rate, from 5% to 1.84%, which will save the city $650,000 a year, or a net present value savings of $13.8 million. The new loan will be for 11 years, only one more year than was left on the former loan. With the better ratings, the city was also able to sell municipal bonds and generated about $8.9 million, funds that will be re-invested in capital improvements to the Aurora Municipal Campus. Click here to learn more about the city's bond and debt management.

IN THE NEWS Bikers roll in with mounds of toys for Children’s Hospital - CBS Denver  Family’s dazzling holiday light display helps raise money for autism - FOX 31 South Korea’s Vons Chicken opens its first Colorado store in Aurora - AuroraTV

WATCH AURORA NOW

UPCOMING EVENTS City Council Meeting Monday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora Room AuroraGov.org/Council • Streamed live at AuroraTV.org Prairie Wagon Rides with Santa Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy the holiday spirit with pioneer-style crafts, snacks and a special wagon ride next to a certain someone from the North Pole. $10 per person; all ages welcome Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E. Hampden Ave. Register for a time slot online Holiday Open House Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Celebrate the holidays inside an 1891 Fletcher home. Enjoy a free, self-guided tour and cookies. This 1891 Queen Anne Victorian style home is one of the oldest original houses built as part of the Town of Fletcher, now called Aurora. Centennial House, 1671 Galena St. AuroraMuseum.org Hawaiian Winter Wonderland Christmas Concert Saturday, Dec. 14, 1:30 to 3 p.m.  Join DaKine Uke Colorado and the Aurora History Museum for this year's Hawaiian Winter Wonderland Christmas Concert. Come enjoy traditional and Hawaiian Christmas songs. Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway AuroraMuseum.org  Christmas with the Browns Wednesday, Dec. 18, noon to 12:45 As part of the Aurora History Museum's Lunch and Learn Series, Molly Brown House Museum will share the joys and traditions of a Victorian Christmas. Get into the holiday spirit at this festive program about kissing balls, Christmas trees, stockings hung with care, and Jingle Bells! Cost: $4 ($3 Residents). Bring your lunch. Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway AuroraMuseum.org MLK Art, Poetry and Essay Contest Through Dec. 18 How do Dr. King's words affect you and how can you ensure they keep echoing into the future? Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by sharing what his dream and words mean to you, using a medium of your choice. “The Words Ring On” art, poetry and essay contest is open to students in grades kindergarten to 12. Entries must be submitted by Dec. 18. For submission guidelines, visit AuroraLibrary.org "Santa's Big Red Sack" Dec. 18 to 24 Santa’s Big Red Sack is non-stop sketch comedy, music and technology bursting at the seams with irreverent wit and unforgettable characters. Your belly will turn to jelly. Your heart will dance. You’ll never experience the holidays the same way again. The People's Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. ThePeoplesBuilding.com Space Escape Room Through Dec. 20 Need a break from holiday anxiety? Escape the planet into space. Bring your A-game, solve our challenges and get back to Earth in 45 minutes or less. Call 303.739.6630 or visit AuroraLibrary.org to register your team (3-7 people). Recommended for ages 13 and older. AuroraLibrary.org The Second City's "Twist Your Dickens" Through Dec. 22 Back by popular demand, this seasonal satire returns in a madcap send-up of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic. Tickets at 303.739.1970 or AuroraFox.org Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. AuroraFox.org Christmas Tree Recycling Dec. 26 to Jan. 6 Recycle your real tree anytime at the following locations. Please remove all nails, decor and stands prior to drop-off. Del Mark Park, 12000 E. 6th Ave. Saddle Rock Golf Course, 21705 E. Arapahoe Road Olympic Park, 15501 E. Yale Ave. Cabaret: "Take to the Highway" Dec. 29 and 31 Ring in the New Year at the Aurora Fox with the newest offering from Kenny Moten and his friends. "Take to the Highway" celebrates the prolific career of singer/songwriter James Taylor and his long-time collaborators Carole King and Carly Simon. Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. AuroraFox.org

This newsletter is produced by the city of Aurora Communications and Marketing Department Questions? Email communications@auroragov.org