Aurora staff outline city role in retail recruitment; SBDC highlights services for entrepreneurs

Aurora planning staff and the city’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) briefed council on April 12 on how the city supports retail attraction and small businesses while stopping short of negotiating leases for private property.

The presentation explained the city’s functions, the financial tools available and how the SBDC supports entrepreneurs with counseling and training that staff say complements private brokers and property owners.

City staff emphasized Aurora’s relatively small direct footprint in retail ownership and its limited legal role in landlord–tenant negotiations. “The city does not own very much property, and particularly not retail property,” planning staff said, adding that brokers typically negotiate leases and the city acts as a partner and facilitator rather than a broker.

Why it matters: Council members asked for clearer guidance about tools the city can use to support retail in specific wards and for options to address high retail vacancies. Staff framed Aurora’s role as provider of incentives where market gaps exist and as a convener that makes introductions, markets sites and helps with permitting or licensing problems.

What staff said - Planning staff described three main incentive sources: (1) urban renewal authority programs (Aurora has 21…