Council declares Thirteenth Avenue Station area blighted, moves toward urban renewal and tax-increment financing

Aurora City Council voted March 10 to declare the area around the Thirteenth Avenue and Colfax light-rail stations blighted and appropriate for urban renewal, clearing the way for staff to begin negotiations with other taxing jurisdictions and to consider tax-increment financing for public improvements.

Jennifer Roscoe, project manager in Planning and Business Development, told the council that the city included a property conditions assessment prepared by Matrix Environmental in late 2024. The study covered approximately 108 acres surrounding the two light-rail stations and documented six blighting factors that meet Colorado’s statutory threshold for an urban renewal declaration.

Roscoe said the study’s findings support forming an urban renewal area. If the council’s blight declaration is finalized and the city and other taxing entities agree, urban renewal would allow use of tax-increment financing (TIF) for needed public infrastructure. Roscoe identified likely projects that could be funded through TIF in this area, including the extension of Dillon Way and construction of a bridge across Tollgate Creek to improve access and support redevelopment.

There were no public speakers on the item and no questions from council beyond procedural confirmation. Councilmember Coombs moved to approve the ordinance declaring the area blighted; the motion was seconded and the council adopted the measure.

The declaration is a policy step that initiates formal negotiations with other taxing jurisdictions (school districts, county, special districts) and begins the city’s urban renewal process. If negotiations succeed and an urban renewal plan is adopted, the city could use incremental property-tax growth in the defined area to fund infrastructure projects intended to spur redevelopment.