Mayor Details How He Will “Grow Aurora Together” at State of the City

Published on April 16, 2026

Tonight, beginning at 6 P.M., Mayor John Laesch will detail his plans to “grow Aurora together” at his first State of the City Address.

The event, which is set to take place at Aurora University’s Crimi Auditorium, will include a discussion on early achievements and staff recognition, the vision of the Mayor’s Office moving forward, an inside look into upcoming community engagement initiatives, and the introduction of a people-centered strategic plan set to better govern staff and residents alike.

Since taking office on May 13, 2025, Mayor Laesch and his administration have maintained a commitment to government efficiency and fiscal responsibility. At the State of the City Address, Mayor Laesch will announce a number of significant accomplishments that coincide with this mission, including, chiefly, a savings of $325,000 from the construction of Fire Stations 9 and 13, as both structures came in under budget.

Building off the theme “People and Planet Over Profit,” Mayor Laesch will spotlight the City’s first-of-its-kind regulations surrounding data center development, which are considered the most robust throughout the State of Illinois, and some of the most protective in the country. Mayor Laesch has also established the City’s first-ever Department of Sustainability and hiring the first Director of Sustainability in City history. Aurora GreenFest is set to return, too, serving as a premier platform for grassroots education, solar energy resources, and sustainable living solutions.  
 
During his address, Mayor Laesch will also detail his vision for the City moving forward, establishing an ecosystem that creates living-wage jobs, ethical governance, and a people-powered government model. Through the inception of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Workforce Development Hub, the City plans to construct passive homes, while fostering local job growth. Additionally, Mayor Laesch is set to unveil plans that establish specialized financing tools to accelerate energy-efficient construction techniques and implement, over time, new building codes to accommodate energy efficiency and affordability.  

The City’s proposed campaign ethics ordinance, which is currently in progress at the City Council level, is at the forefront of the Mayor’s vision. The proposal will help strengthen local laws by creating a $1,500 cap on donations to all City officials and employees, guaranteeing the highest standards of integrity at every level of City Hall. 
 
Under his leadership, Mayor Laesch has also championed inclusivity with the City Council, promoting a more collaborative work environment where each Alderperson can voice their opinion on potential legislation. More decisions are now being made as a group, as evidenced by additional closed sessions and questions, along with longer Committee of the Whole and City Council meetings. With a people-powered government model in mind, the Mayor’s Office has embarked on a number of town halls and community meetings. Mayor Laesch will continue to build on this momentum by announcing a “Budget-In-Brief" Town Hall Tour later this year to help residents better understand the City’s financial position, and the City’s budget process at-large. Mayor Laesch is also working to better engage the community on a number of significant infrastructure projects set to take place in 2026, including, chiefly, the Orchard Road Sound Wall, which is a $6 million project that is expected to improve noise protection for residents living along Orchard Road on the City’s West Side.

“I am looking forward to speaking with our community about all of the great things we’ve accomplished, and how we plan to continue to grow Aurora together,” Mayor Laesch said. “The people of Aurora are always our top priority, and at this event, we’re excited to share how we plan to make our government more community-focused, responsive, and supportive to the needs of our residents.”

Tickets to Mayor John Laesch’s 2026 State of the City Address are free and can be reserved at www.aurora.il.us/StateOfTheCity.