Aurora City Council Study Session – June 9, 2026

The Aurora City Council held a study session on June 9, 2026, to discuss a resolution to research a rental registry program and to consider appointments to the inaugural Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board. The meeting featured debate on tenant protections, property rights, and government scope, and concluded with decisions to advance both items.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved with the exception of item 2J (Rental Registration Program), which was pulled for separate discussion.

Discussion Items

• Rental Registration Program (Item 2J):

  • Mayor Pro Tem Coombs and Mayor Kaufman expressed support for a resolution directing staff to research and develop a landlord registration/licensing program to address blight and tenant protection issues, particularly in Northwest Aurora. They emphasized the need for accountability when rental properties lack a local contact for code enforcement.
  • Councilmember Bergen opposed the resolution, citing concerns about property rights, government overreach, costs, and duplication of state resources (DOLA, Colorado Housing Connects). She questioned the need for a new program given the city’s budget deficit and existing code enforcement limitations.
  • Councilmember Hancock raised concerns about the potential for administrative bloat, the need for a fiscal note, and whether the program would be the best use of resources. She asked whether the research phase would include a "stop" decision if warranted.
  • Joshua King, Manager of Neighborhood Support, presented the resolution as a first step, noting that it would involve stakeholder outreach, community engagement, and ordinance development with a target launch in January 2027. He clarified that the program would likely be phased and that costs would be offset by licensing fees.
  • Councilmember Lawson emphasized the importance of a robust fiscal note and the need for enforceability to meet public expectations.
  • The resolution was moved forward to full council despite objections from Councilmember Hancock.

• Downtown Development Authority Board Appointments (Item 7A):

  • Laura Perry, Deputy City Manager, presented the process for appointing nine members to the inaugural DDA Board, following the November 2025 voter approval. The board will oversee tax increment financing for projects along the Colfax Corridor, as outlined in the Colfax Vision and Action Plan.
  • The recommendation was based on 33 applications, 12 interviews, and community feedback. The Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem Coombs, and Deputy City Manager Perry conducted the interviews. The proposed slate of nine candidates includes representatives from small business, cultural arts, property owners, and nonprofits.
  • Council unanimously moved the slate of nine candidates forward for first reading on June 22, 2026. The board is expected to begin work in July–August 2026.

Key Outcomes

• The resolution to research a rental registry program (Item 2J) was moved forward to full council, with one objection (Councilmember Hancock). A fiscal note and stakeholder engagement will be required before any ordinance.
• The proposed slate of nine members for the DDA Board was advanced to first reading on June 22, 2026. No objections were raised.

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting occurred on June 8, 2026, but per instruction, the formal meeting date is June 9, 2026.