United States
Richard C. Irvin
201,110 (2016)
Adrienne Holloway
Improve internal government operations
Anticipate and manage future challenges
Simplify administrative procedures for firms and residents
Dedicated funding
Dedicated innovation team
Leadership from Mayor
Engagement with partners
Support from outside city administration
Aurora focuses on data identification and process review to understand where barriers exist, from a technology perspective. Aurora also engages in activities that will assist in achieving buy-in from stakeholders in data sharing and leveraging.
Note: The City Innovation Snapshot (PDF version) was produced in 2019 and some aggregate findings have been updated with the latest survey results below.
Along with 50% of cities surveyed, Aurora does not have an explicit innovation strategy. Similar to more than half of cities surveyed, Aurora approaches innovation capacity both from a holistic/macro level, as well as in specific policy areas.
As an independent department, Aurora’s dedicated team for innovation consists of 2 staff. The team is expected to have 1 additional staff person in 2019.
Taking risks or testing new ideas
Data-driven analytics/public data management
Engaging residents in new ways
Developing new solutions based on digital technologies
Organizational change within the municipality
Human-centered design
Rethinking your city’s approach to financing partnerships
Its innovation activities also often include taking risks and testing new ideas.
Like 19% of cities surveyed, Aurora does not have dedicated funding to support innovation capacity.
Aurora’s Innovation and Core Services Department receives an annual budget allocation to support staffing and operational expenses. There is not a budget line item to support innovation projects.
Aurora does not fund any specific activities.
Aurora has developed partnerships to promote its innovation capacity with other public agencies, private firms, not-for-profit organizations, and city residents/resident associations.