City of Aurora……..”A Bright Future”
Let’s start by looking at our recent past. The City of Aurora has increased in population, according to the official US Census, 70% over the past twenty years. In 1990, the population was 9,192—today it is 15,548, a gain of 6,356. Over the 20 years, 2,702 housing units were built in the City. How did we manage this? Growing the City at that rate without major problems—requires skill and a plan.

When we joined Council in 1990, a plan was adopted which produced much “good fruit”. The foundation of the plan had this credo—“current residents of the City have already paid for infrastructure improvements—if expanded or new infrastructure is required by a growth in the City—then the new infrastructure construction, should be paid for by new businesses and new residents”.  This has worked wonders within the City---we have “state of the art” facilities and have not overburdened our residents with cost. In fact, our residential real estate tax of 56.27 mills is 25% [14 mills] lower than the average millage in Hudson, Solon and Chagrin Falls communities. All other real estate tax rate [other than residential] is 59.13 mills.

In the past ten years, serving as Mayor, we have been able to more than double our local government investment—by applying and receiving Federal, State, and other agencies grants for over $21 million for projects within the City. We have positioned our City with many new improvements and thus expect a very bright future.

The plan includes a balance of how we develop the 16,000 acres of property within the City. Our zoning code is outstanding—residential, commercial/industrial and open space strikes a great balance. We planned not to develop all the property—but preserve many acres for the enjoyment of our residents. What a legacy for our present and future generations! With the acquisition of the historic Spring Hill Farm, 153 acres, our City residents now own 1,568 acres, the State of Ohio, 880 acres and the Audubon Society, 440 acres. A grand total of 2,888 acres are conserved and preserved!

The City is in sound financial condition. We have just received the highest rating “AAA” from FITCH Ratings. The highest rating attainable. Their rationale for the rating:
- Conservative budgeted practices over the past ten years
- Maintenance of strong reserve levels
- City's ability to reduce expenditures in light of declines in tax revenue
- Low debt levels and future capital needs are manageable

This is a remarkable achievement considering the current economic conditions

Over the past two years, Cleveland Magazine ranked Aurora #6 in 2009 and #5 in 2010 in their rating of the best suburbs. Certainly a strong component of the rating is the Aurora Public School System. It is ranked “Excellence—with Distinction” one of the top school systems in the State of Ohio. They continue to achieve scholastically and administer a fine public school system. Their expenditure per pupil is low compared to other schools, number of administrators per pupil is one of the lowest in northeast Ohio and the academic performance continues to reach new heights.  We couldn’t be prouder of our public schools.

Any wonder why our population continues to grow?  Great schools, sound local government, open spaces and a great place to raise a family!