Residents and Westin Bridges ask Aurora to expand pathways to employment for neurodiverse adults

Advocates and residents from Westin Bridges told the Aurora City Council on Sept. 23 that neurodiverse adults living at the community face substantial barriers to local employment and asked the city to help create pathways to work.

Why it matters: Employment for differently‑abled adults provides income, independence and community engagement; speakers said many residents currently must search for jobs outside Aurora because suitable opportunities are not connected to them locally.

Lisa Fauver, identified by the transcript as director of outreach and networking at Westin Bridges, framed the request as an inclusion and workforce development issue. “Employment is more than just a paycheck. It provides dignity, independence, and a sense of belonging,” Fauver told the council. She said Westin Bridges opened in 2022 and provides stable housing for differently‑abled adults; residents participate in local cultural life but struggle to find paid work in Aurora.

Fauver urged partnerships among the city, local businesses and service organizations, and suggested expanding job training programs, incentivizing inclusive hiring, and creating city‑supported internships that could lead to permanent jobs. Two residents who spoke — Megan Davis and David Ogilvy — described personal experience with unsuccessful job searches in Aurora and noted the burden of longer commutes for positions they did find outside the city. Davis said she “loved working with kids” and had taken a position in Naperville because she could not find suitable local work.

Council and staff response: The council did not adopt any new program or directive during public comment. At the end of the remarks, the mayor noted Community Services Director Nicole Mullins was in the room and could follow up; staff policy announced at the start of the public comment period also directs staff to follow up with people who raise concerns within the scope of the city's authority.

Discussion versus decision: The speakers presented concerns and recommendations (discussion). There was no council motion or formal action recorded on employment programs at the meeting (no decision). Staff offered a follow‑up contact for residents.

Ending: Advocates asked the city to treat inclusive hiring as a workforce and equity priority; staff indicated they will connect residents with city services and the community services department after the meeting.