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Aurora renews Ward 3 facade and site improvement grant, partners with local economic alliance

Rules, Administration & Procedure Committee, City of Aurora, Illinois ยท December 1, 2025

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Summary

Committee approved the Ward 3 facade and site improvement grant program (matching funds up to $25,000) to support small, family-owned businesses on exterior repairs and signage; the sponsor cited Hill Avenue Banquets as an example beneficiary.

The committee approved a renewal of the Ward 3 facade and site improvement grant program in partnership with the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance Foundation (the presenter described the Alliance and its past role). The program provides dollar-for-dollar matching up to $25,000 for exterior building work, signage, driveways and related site improvements, with a $5,000 project threshold.

The presenter said the program began about four years ago and helped small, family-owned businesses maintain storefronts in the ward. The presenter cited Hill Avenue Banquets as an early beneficiary that qualified for the full earlier award and noted one project is currently in the pipeline awaiting reimbursement pending approval.

Committee members asked for examples and discussed administrative partnerships, as the presenter described a third-party review model (InvestAurora/Investarora) that collects paperwork, verifies eligibility and sends approvals to the city for payment. The committee moved and approved the resolution; the chair and presenter urged staff to expedite payments for businesses currently in the pipeline.