Published on August 07, 2025
For over 15 years, the City of Aurora and the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) have shared an important vision: revitalizing downtown Aurora through inclusive, family-friendly entertainment. Both the City and ACCA believe that the arts are vital to Aurora’s long-term development, growth, and identity.
This shared vision and partnership are things my Administration does not take lightly. We fully acknowledge and appreciate ACCA’s significant contributions to our City and look forward to continuing our strong working relationship.
I have made it no secret that the City of Aurora is facing critical financial challenges. With this in mind, my ultimate objective is to serve as both an advocate for and steward of the City’s taxpayer dollars. I have consistently communicated, both during the transition and in monthly meetings with ACCA leadership, that we need a multi-pronged plan to achieve financial stability for the organization. Although the postponement of the BOLD Series served as a difficult decision, it certainly reflects a positive, forward-thinking approach to ACCA’s pursuit of long-term sustainability. Last year, the Aurora City Council voted for an amount not to exceed $13.8 million to assist the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) in 2025. This included the City purchasing a parking garage for $10 million from ACCA to offset a significant deficit in their budget, $1.3 million for the costs of constructing the Stolp Island Theatre, and $2.5 million for the Fox River Promenade update. With the exception of ACCA’s management of RiverEdge Park and its portion of Head Tax from the Hollywood Casino, the organization has never had a budget line in the City’s general fund. I have no plans to cut any existing funding pertaining to ACCA’s services rendered to the City. Previously, the City allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to ACCA in the amount of $10 million, making it one of the most generously supported arts institutions of its kind across the country by a municipality. These were all voted on as one-time assistance plans to allow ACCA to become more solvent. In addition to municipal funding, ACCA also received $10 million in federal funds as part of the Save Our Stages Act. The claim that the City is “reducing previously communicated municipal support by up to 65%” is false. Any financial commitment from the City of Aurora would need to follow the City Council approval process, which was never done. ACCA has requested $7 million from the City for 2026 to cover their expected deficit, and has been running a consistent $5 to $7 million deficit annually (2024, 2025, and projected in 2026 before the cut to the BOLD Series). We have offered to assist with fundraising, cross-promotion, and other initiatives aimed at bolstering financial stability. ARPA funding is no longer available, and it was always meant to serve as a temporary source of assistance to uplift struggling organizations and businesses recovering from the pandemic. We have offered a path towards adding a regular subsidy into the general fund for ACCA, but that will take an effective partnership and a collaborative, clear plan towards long-term financial stability. I remain committed to working with ACCA as it explores new and creative ways to diversify its revenue streams and streamline operations, all while continuing to deliver a world-class theater experience. My Administration will always remain a collaborative partner as ACCA seeks new opportunities to utilize the Copley Theatre and works towards a more self-sustaining operational model.
As we move forward, the City and ACCA must continue working together to align our budgets and goals. This shared vision—nearly two decades in the making—will guide us in supporting sustainable operations while preserving the legacy of exceptional performing arts in our community, which enriches all our lives.
Respectfully,
John Laesch, Mayor of Aurora