Council approves further study of Colfax Community Vision; will explore DDA and CDC options

Councilmembers directed staff on April 7 to proceed to phase two of the Colfax Community Vision and Action Plan, asking consultants to examine two organizational mechanisms — a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and a Community Development Corporation (CDC) — to support revitalization in Northwest Aurora.

Brad Siegel of Progressive Urban Management Associates and city staff told the study-session meeting the next phase of work will map potential boundaries, calculate possible tax-increment financing (TIF) scenarios, develop governance structures, outline how the two entities might work together, and describe ongoing community engagement. "Our next phase of work would create greater detail for both options, including boundaries, calculations of tax increment financing... governance structures, ongoing community engagement," Siegel said.

Councilmember Dorenski voiced an objection when the chair asked for any opposition to moving the recommendation forward; after the objection, the mayor asked whether there was further objection and, seeing none, the council directed staff to proceed with analysis of both a DDA and a CDC.

Staff said the consultants will return with mid-summer recommendations based on the additional analysis. The council did not adopt any ordinance, budget appropriation or final governance decision at the study session; the action was a direction to study options and prepare detailed recommendations for a later council consideration.