On July 28, 2025, the Aurora City Council approved placing both a question and an issue related to an Aurora Downtown Development Authority (DDA) on a Nov. 4, 2025, mail ballot election.

In November, eligible voters within the proposed DDA boundaries only will decide:

1. Whether to form the DDA
2. Whether to allow the DDA to use Tax Increment Financing under Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)

Ballot Question A: Organization of a Downtown Development Authority

Shall the Aurora Downtown Development Authority (the “Authority”) be organized in the City of Aurora, Colorado (the “City”) pursuant to Part 8 of Article 25 of Title 31, Colorado Revised Statutes, to exercise all powers authorized therein and any approved plan of development, for the following purposes, including without limitation: to facilitate economic development and redevelopment of properties and infrastructure within the City’s central business district; to facilitate small business support, special events, and other district improvements in alignment with the City’s Comprehensive Plan(s); to assist the City with the implementation of district improvements and in the overall planning to restore or provide for the continuance of the health of such district; and to halt or prevent the growth of blighted areas within such district, within the boundaries of the proposed Aurora Downtown Development Authority area as such boundaries are described and shown in Ordinance No. __, Series 2025, adopted by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Colorado, on ________?

YES __________ NO ___________

Ballot Issue B: Authorize Downtown Development Authority to Collect, Retain and Expand Revenues

Without increasing any local tax rate or imposing any new tax, shall the Aurora Downtown Development Authority (the “Authority”), or The City of Aurora (the “City”) on behalf of any for use by the Authority, and as a voter-approved revenue change, be authorized to collect, retain, and expend the full amount of revenues received by the Authority in 2025 and each year thereafter, including without limitation, tax revenues, fees, rates, tolls, charges, grants, rents, loans, contributions, and any other revenues, without regard to any expenditure, revenue-raising, or other limitation including those contained within Article X, Section 20 or the Colorado Constitution, the limits imposed on increases in property taxation by Section 29-1- 301, C.R.S., Section 29-1-1702, C.R.S., or any other law which purports to limit the Authority’s or City’s revenues as it currently exists or as it may be amended in the future, and without limiting in any year the amount of other revenues that may be collected, retained, and expended by the Authority?

YES __________ NO ___________

DDA Election: What to Expect

People who live, own property, or represent a business within the proposed DDA boundary will be eligible to vote in this mail ballot election. This ballot will arrive separately from the Nov. 4 General Election ballot.

Please visit this page in the coming weeks for important information and resources including:

• How to confirm eligibility to vote
• How to request a ballot (if voting as a property or business owner)
• Key dates and deadlines
• Frequently asked questions

Proposed DDA Boundaries

The proposed boundaries for the East Colfax DDA stretch from Yosemite Street on the western end, East 16th Avenue to the north, the Fitzsimons Urban Renewal Area to the east and East 14th Avenue to the south.

What is a DDA and what would the Aurora DDA do?

A DDA is a governmental entity separate from the city and defined by state statute. A board appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the majority of the City Council would lead the DDA to oversee implementation of DDA programs. Board members would include one city council member and four to 10 members who are residents, landowners or business lessees within the DDA boundaries.

If approved, the DDA would have the authority to reinvest in East Colfax to support small businesses, housing, safety and neighborhood improvements outlined in the Colfax Community Vision & Action Plan.

How is a DDA funded? Will it increase taxes?

The DDA would be funded through tax increment financing (TIF). TIF would come from future tax revenue due to growth in property values and commercial activity in the DDA area over time. There would be no new taxes.

Forms

Please note: these forms must be printed and physically signed. An elector only needs to submit one of these forms (either/or) but not both. 
Registered voters who live in the boundaries do not need to submit a form. They will be mailed a ballot automatically. 
If you are unsure if you live in the designated boundary, you can view the city's Voter Resources page to check your information.

Request for Mail Ballot
Designation of Elector

Forms must be returned by 5 p.m. Oct. 28, 2025, in order to receive a ballot by mail. Thereafter, ballots may be obtained by contacting the Designated Election Official, Courtney Linney, 303.839.3778; [email protected]. Return completed form to Courtney Linney, Designated Election Official, by email (as shown above) or by hand delivery to Spencer Fane LLP, Attn: Courtney Linney, 1700 Lincoln St., Ste. 2000, Denver, CO, 80203.
If you require additional assistance in completing election forms or have questions about voting or the elections process, please contact the Designated Election Official, Courtney Linney, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 303.839.3778.