The city of Aurora operates under a council/manager form of government, combining the political leadership of elected officials with the managerial expertise of a professionally trained, local government manager appointed to the position. Council members are the city's policy makers, elected by popular vote to be responsive to citizens' needs and wishes. They focus on:
As the council members serve at the pleasure of Aurora citizens, the city manager serves at the pleasure of the mayor and council. The manager can be replaced at any time by a majority vote of city council.
Council-Manager Form of Government FAQs |
Duties of the City Manager:
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Ensures that the policy direction set by the city council is carried out
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Sees to it that the city's delivery of public services is of high quality and provided in an efficient and cost-effective manner
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Prepares a recommended budget for the city council
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Recruits, hires and supervises city of Aurora staff
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Provides the city council objective information and recommendations regarding the issues and decisions before the city council.
Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes of Aurora city government?
While we're all busy running our lives, our City Manager is busy running our city, with a focus on going from good to great. Take a look at the type of work that goes on behind the scenes each day in Aurora.
Jim Twombly |
City Manager
Jim Twombly
Aurora City Manager Jim Twombly stepped into his new role overseeing city operations in 2018. He was hired to replace George "Skip" Noe, who retired in late 2017.
Twombly served as the director of administration/city manager for the city of Tulsa from 2009 to 2017. Prior to working with the city of Tulsa, he served as the city manager for the city of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, from 2004 to 2009, and the city administrator for the city of Pella, Iowa, from 1994 to 2004. He also served in multiple positions for the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, including an assistant to the city manager (1989 to 1994), a management specialist in the Public Works Department, (1988 to 1989), a subdivision review coordinator in the Community Development Department (1983 to 1988), and an associate planner in the Office of Research and Economic Development (1982 to 1983). In addition, he also served as a planner II in the Water Resources Planning Program for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (1980 to 1982).
Twombly holds both a Master of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Affairs from St. Louis University. He is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the City Manager Association of Oklahoma.
Executive Staff
Jason Batchelor, Deputy City Manager
Oversees Police, Fire, Planning and Development Services (including the Oil and Gas Division) and Information Technology
Laura Perry, Deputy City Manager
Oversees Public Works, the Office of Development Assistance, Human Resources, Parks, Recreation and Open Space, and Library and Cultural Services
Roberto Venegas, Deputy City Manager
Oversees Finance, Housing and Community Services, City Clerk's Office, Communications & Marketing, Intergovernmental Relations, and the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs
City Manager Organization Chart
Mayoral Appointee Chart
City Management Roster