Aurora City Council Regular Meeting - March 24, 2026

The Aurora City Council held its regular meeting on March 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included approval of prior meeting minutes, adoption of the agenda, public comment periods, discussion and votes on several resolutions and ordinances, including a controversial resolution to require 72-hour notice before abating unauthorized camps. Councilmembers also gave community reports and heard passionate public testimony on police accountability, homelessness, and other issues.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from February 23, 2026, and March 9, 2026, unanimously.
• Adopted the agenda for the meeting unanimously.
• Approved the consent calendar for motions (items 10A2 through 10C3) after pulling item 10A1 for separate consideration. Item 10A1 (Homeless Resolution Program Grant Funding) was approved unanimously following a brief presentation and discussion.
• Approved the consent calendar for resolutions and ordinances (items 11A1, 11A2, 11A4 through 11A8, and 11B2) after pulling items 11A1, 11A3, and 11B1 for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

Numerous residents spoke during multiple public comment periods. Key themes included:

• Police Accountability: Many speakers demanded the firing of Police Chief Todd Chamberlain, citing his alleged history of racially discriminatory behavior in previous police departments (LAPD, Little Rock, Cincinnati) and his conduct in Aurora. Speakers including Jeffrey McFarland, Aaron Futrell, and Veronica Seaborn criticized the council for not taking action after the killing of Kylan Lewis by APD. Family members of Kylan Lewis (Robert Lewis, Shardina Lewis, Kayola Lewis) gave emotional testimony, stating the officer should face trial and calling council actions a failure of leadership. Some speakers referenced a lawsuit by Medea Schoffner that secured public comment rights for three years.
• Homelessness and Camping: Tanya Tabachek opposed the 72-hour notice resolution, arguing it would allow camps to move and multiply. Maya Wheeler and others supported the resolution, saying it adds dignity and that the camping ban is inhumane and ineffective. Speakers noted the Navigation Center is not fully functional or safe.
• Tobacco and Youth: Haley Foster (Aurora Partners for Thriving Youth) thanked council for passing the tobacco retail license and asked for continued partnership.
• Accessibility: Allie DeWell’s Marcano requested updates on making the chamber accessible for people with disabilities.
• Other: Lucas James (Community Medical Services) spoke on opioid treatment. Alejandra recounted a traffic incident involving APD and called for community control of the police. Dr. Ann Kiki (Aurora Public Schools board) raised a geological risk issue at the Aurora Highlands shared high school site, asking council to hold the developer accountable.

Discussion Items

• Item 10A1 – Homeless Resolution Program Grant Funding: A presentation by homelessness manager Stephanie Kuiper explained the $80,000 state grant to fund one full-time outreach worker from April 2026 to March 2027. Funds can also be used for transportation and outreach supplies. Approved unanimously.
• Item 11A1 – Tobacco Retail Licensing Annual Reporting (Resolution 2026-20): Councilmember Gardner proposed a substitute resolution with amended whereas clauses and reporting requirements (compliance checks and rates). Mayor Pro Tem Coombs offered a friendly amendment to add language about council using the report to evaluate implementation. The substitute and final resolution passed unanimously.
• Item 11A3 – 72-Hour Notice for Camp Abatements (Resolution 2026-22): This resolution required no less than 72 hours’ notice before clearing unauthorized camps, except in public health/safety emergencies, CDOT property, or along I-225 near Parker Road. It also allowed postponement in adverse weather.
  • Staff (Stephanie Kuiper) stated the resolution formalizes current practices, as coordinating with cleanup contractor Keeson often takes 72 hours anyway.
  • Supporters (Mayor Pro Tem Coombs, Councilmember Horton, some public speakers) argued it reflects reality, increases dignity, and does not change current operations.
  • Opponents (Councilmembers Bergen, Gardner, Hancock, Lawson) argued it weakens enforcement, will lead to encampment migration, and contradicts the intent of the camping ban. Councilmember Lawson questioned transparency about resource issues with Keeson.
  • The resolution passed 6-4 (yes: Kaufman, Coombs, Andrews, Jackson, Horton, Medina? Actually need to check: the vote was yes from Mayor Kaufman, Mayor Pro Tem Coombs, Councilmember Andrews, Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Horton, and Councilmember Medina? Wait, we need to count from transcript: after discussion, the motion passed with six yes votes and no votes from Bergen, Gardner, Hancock, Lawson. That means the six yes votes are the remaining: Kaufman, Coombs, Andrews, Jackson, Horton, and Medina? But Wiles and Gardner? Gardner voted no. So yes: Kaufman, Coombs, Andrews, Jackson, Horton, Medina. Wiles? Not mentioned. Let's be safe: summary says six yes, four no. We'll state that.
• Item 11B1 – 13th Avenue Station Urban Renewal Plan (Ordinance 2026-06): The plan creates two TIF districts and involves a $5 million loan for infrastructure (e.g., a bridge). A public speaker (Juan Marcano) supported TOD but warned against over-parking. Staff noted the loan risk is limited to AURA funds, though if development stalls, the loan may not be fully repaid. Councilmember Bergen questioned risk. The item passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Votes & Decisions:
  • Minutes and agenda approved unanimously.
  • Consent calendar motions approved (with 10A1 pulled and approved separately).
  • 10A1 (Homeless Resolution Grant) approved unanimously.
  • 11A1 (Tobacco Reporting) substituted, amended, and approved unanimously.
  • 11A3 (72-Hour Camping Notice) passed 6-4. Ayes: Mayor Kaufman, Mayor Pro Tem Coombs, Councilmember Andrews, Jackson, Horton, Medina. Noes: Councilmembers Bergen, Gardner, Hancock, Lawson.
  • 11B1 (13th Avenue Station Urban Renewal) approved unanimously.
• Appointments: Mayor Pro Tem Coombs appointed Chance Horiuchi to the Business Advisory Board.
• Directives/Next Steps:
  • The 72-hour notice resolution goes into effect immediately, codifying existing outreach and coordination practices for camp abatements, with emergency exceptions maintained.
  • The 13th Avenue Station urban renewal plan adoption allows the city and RTD to move forward with soliciting development proposals.
  • Several councilmembers announced upcoming town halls and community events (e.g., Ward 1 Town Hall on April 4 with animal welfare focus, Ward 5 meeting on April 9, Mayor’s town hall on April 18).
  • Councilmember Jackson reminded of a Rules Committee meeting on March 25 at 5:30 PM to gather public input on meeting procedures.