ISSUE #3 April 2025
Aurora Downtown Project Update: Community Engagement and Progress
USDA Grant Brings New Vision and Vitality to Downtown Aurora
Earlier this year, Aurora Downtown Project was selected to receive USDA grant services through a partnership with Missouri Main Street. Through this opportunity, we hosted an economic vitality expert, a branding expert, and an architect who spent time assessing and advising our downtown district. Thanks to their work, our organization received a full rebrand, including new tools and strategies to help us move forward. You may have already seen some of these changes reflected on our Facebook page, and you’ll continue to see even more consistency and growth throughout everything we share including this newsletter!
The economic vitality expert also shared valuable insights into ways downtown businesses and the City of Aurora can work together to promote growth. We will be presenting many of those ideas to City Council in the coming months and are excited about the potential opportunities ahead for business and building owners alike. In addition, the architect created facade renderings to show property owners what
their buildings could look like with restoration. He also provided concepts for future projects we hope to bring to downtown, including the park space we’ve been developing. The USDA grant services brought an incredible amount
of information, tools, and inspiration to our team, and we are truly excited to see where this momentum takes us next.
MSU Planning and Zoning Students Focus on Downtown Aurora
This spring, Aurora Downtown Project was honored to be selected as the focus project for Missouri State University’s Planning and Zoning class. Throughout the first quarter of the year, we’ve worked closely with the students as they explored ideas to help move downtown Aurora forward. We met with the class several times to tour downtown, answer questions, and support their community engagement efforts as they gathered input directly from residents and business owners. Using the feedback they collected, the students have developed a series of recommendations for potential downtown improvements, which they are presenting on April 28th.
We are excited to see their ideas and appreciate the fresh perspectives they are bringing to the future of downtown Aurora.
Prom Night on Olive: A New Downtown Tradition
In April, Aurora Downtown Project teamed up with Engage Church to create a fun new prom photo opportunity downtown. Engage Church displayed “Prom 2025” on their marquee lights, board members provided vintage cars, and we rolled out the red carpet — literally! Prom-goers were invited to come downtown, take photos, and enjoy a special backdrop for their big night. The event was a huge success and brought a lot of energy to the square. We are already working on ideas to offer even more community-driven events like this in the months ahead.
Downtown Aurora Kicks Off the Season – May 16th
Downtown Aurora is getting ready for a night full of energy and community spirit on May 16th
The evening will begin with our first Farmers Market of the season, opening at 5 PM with kids’ activities, local vendors, and live music. Also starting at 5 PM, Brush Hour Art Studio and Melody McKinley will be hosting an Art Walk throughout downtown, featuring local artists and their work displayed throughout downtown.
At 6 PM, we will pause for a small Memorial Service to honor our veterans and recognize the dedication behind our
Downtown Veterans Banner Project. Shops will stay open late, and we hope everyone will come out to enjoy a full evening of community, creativity, and connection! We are so excited to see downtown come alive and kick off a great season ahead.
Downtown Window Decorating Contest – Celebrate July 4th
Aurora Downtown Project is hosting a Window Decorating Contest just for downtown businesses!
Deck out your storefront for Independence Day — the more festive, the better! Decorations should be up by June 3rd, when voting begins. Voting is done by donation — the business with the most money in their voting can wins! Donations will be collected through June 27th. Winner will be announced during the Ice Cream Social on July 3rd. Get creative, have fun, and show your patriotic spirit!
July 3rd Ice Cream Social – Celebrate with Us
Join us right after the July 3rd parade for a fun community event at City Hall! Following the parade (organized by the library and starting at 10 AM), we’ll host a free Ice Cream Social for everyone to enjoy.
We’ll also announce the winner of the Window Decorating Contest during the festivities.
Come cool off, connect with friends and neighbors, and celebrate with us downtown!
Veterans’ Banners – Honoring Our Local Heroes
Every year, Aurora Downtown Project proudly honors our local veterans and their families with a banner program throughout downtown. This year, we sold over 60 banners featuring the faces and names of those who served. Thank you to everyone who participated in supporting this special tradition. The banners will be up and ready for viewing by
May 16th. Take time to stroll downtown and honor the incredible men and women who have served our country!
Small Business Marketing Seminar – Learning and Growing Together
This quarter, Aurora Downtown Project, in partnership with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, hosted a Small Business Marketing Seminar for our local business community.
We brought in speakers from the local radio station, newspaper, and other marketing outlets to share valuable advice and strategies for promoting businesses more effectively.
It was a great opportunity for business owners to learn new tools, ask questions, and connect with local media partners. We’re excited to continue offering educational opportunities like this to help downtown Aurora businesses grow and thrive!
Catalyst Aurora – Small Business Seminar
We’re excited to announce Catalyst Aurora; a small business seminar designed to support and empower business owners in Aurora and beyond! This event, hosted by Aurora Downtown Project, will take place on Thursday, May 8th, from 11 AM to 1:30 PM at the Rec Center. Lunch is provided, and the event is free to attend.
Local and regional experts will be on hand to discuss a variety of topics including economic development, business support, and investing in rural properties. You’ll also learn about available resources to help you grow your business, build capacity, and take your business to the next level.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn, network, and elevate your business.
How to Get Involved with Aurora Downtown Project
We’d love for you to get involved with the Aurora Downtown Project! There are so many ways to contribute to the ongoing work in our community, and we need your help.
- Volunteer: Whether it’s helpingt at events, assisting with social media, or being a part of our various committees, we need dedicated volunteers to help our initiatives thrive.
- Join acommitteee: We hold monthly meetings for different committees, and your participation is always welcome.
• Support Financially: We can’t do this important work without funding. If you’re able to contribute, whether through a donation or sponsorship, we’d be incredibly grateful.
- Board Meeting: Fourth
Monday of the month at 12:00
PM at City Hall (third floor)
GENEROUS DONATIONS AND SPONSORSHIPS
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS AND SPONSORS WHO ARE HELPING US BRING OUR VISION TO LIFE:
- AURORA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: $2,000 TOWARDS ENHANCING DOWNTOWN, INCLUDING THE ADDITION OF PLANTERS AND BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS.
- AURORA SCHOOLS: $1,000 TO SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS IN BETTERING DOWNTOWN AURORA.
- THE SMILE CENTER: $500 FOR DOWNTOWN INITIATIVES.
WHILE WE’RE INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL FOR THESE DONATIONS, WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP. IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING OUR WORK FINANCIALLY OR THROUGH VOLUNTEER HOURS, PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO REACH OUT. EVERY CONTRIBUTION HELPS US MAKE AURORA A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, AND ENJOY.