Aurora City Council faces public criticism over limited comment access

Public engagement took center stage at the Aurora City Council meeting on June 9, 2025, as community members voiced their frustrations over limited access to public comment sessions. Aiante Anderson, a passionate speaker, urged council members to allow residents to engage more freely in meetings, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability in the wake of the Kylan Lewis case.

Anderson highlighted the importance of community connection, stating, “There were people in that room today that wanted to see you and engage with you in person.” She called for a return to in-person interactions, expressing hope that council members would be more accessible to the public. “Just let people get their 2 minutes in for public comment,” she urged, advocating for a straightforward approach to community engagement.

Following Anderson, Madia Schaffner challenged the council to reflect on their practices over the past year. She posed critical questions about the council's decisions to modify public comment rules, asking, “What has this council truly gained from modifying your rules?” Schaffner's remarks pressed the council to consider the impact of their policies on community voices, urging them to prioritize inclusivity over control.

The discussions underscored a growing demand for transparency and accountability from the Aurora City Council, as residents seek to ensure their voices are heard in local governance. As the council prepares for future meetings, the community's call for change remains clear: a desire for open dialogue and genuine engagement with their elected officials.