Council refers Aurora Downtown/SSA‑1 startup funding to committee after business concerns; staff to return with details

The City Council voted to refer a staff proposal to use Special Service Area 1 (SSA 1) funds to support the legal and startup costs of a new, independent Aurora Downtown nonprofit back to the Rules & Procedures committee for further review.

Staff and downtown stakeholders described plans to reconstitute a downtown organization to manage marketing, events and vacancy activation; some business owners said they want an autonomous organization but asked for transparency and a clear governance structure. Several council members said more time was needed for committee-level vetting, while others said the downtown needs continuity of services.

Council and staff background: City staff presented the proposed approach — SSA 1 money (separate from the city’s general fund) would be used to pay initial legal, audit and consulting costs to establish a standalone 501(c)(3) or similar nonprofit that would carry out downtown marketing, events and other services. Staff said the typical startup legal and accounting costs were likely to be substantially under $50,000; council discussion suggested the initial realistic need is in the $5,000–$15,000 range, and an amendment was proposed to cap the authorization at $15,000.

Several downtown property owners and business operators were cited as willing to serve on a founding board; staff will provide the council a list of stakeholders contacted and their responses. Council members requested a clearer timeline, the proposed board composition, the draft bylaws and more detail about the relationship between the new nonprofit and the Chamber/alliance.

Action: The council voted to send the proposal (agenda item 25‑08‑20) to the Rules & Procedures committee with a 7–4 vote. The committee is scheduled to consider the item at its next meeting; staff said they would return with the requested legal‑cost estimates, stakeholder lists and draft governance language.