On today's episode of "Call Me John," Mayor John Laesch is joined by Aurora's Director of Sustainability Alison Lindburg and the City's Director of Economic Development, David Dibo, about an exciting new project set to come to the City's Far East Side! "Kingsley Row" is a subdivision planned for construction by M/I Homes near the intersection of Ogden Avenue (U.S. Route 34) and 75th Street, and will exceed standard base building codes, prioritizing energy efficiency and a reduction in environmental impact. By conforming to energy efficiency standards of the Stretch Code, each home built will use less energy for heating, cooling, and lighting, plus improve indoor air quality and occupant health. This project, which is expected to add 185 townhomes to the City, requires zero City incentives and will also include the extension of Commons Road, which will connect the existing north and south segments of the roadway. John, Alison, and David discuss the details behind this development, its expected impact on Aurora, and how it balances both long-term sustainability goals and responsible economic growth.

If you are interested in buying one of these homes, or others in Aurora, the City offers the "Choose Aurora Homebuyer Assistance Program," which provides up to $20,000 in the form of a zero percent interest deferred loan, up to a $5,000 closing cost grant, and up to a $2,000 minor repair grant for homebuyers who are at or below 120 percent of the area's median income. Townhomes and new construction homes within City limits are eligible to be part of the program. For more information, please visit www.aurora.il.us/ChooseAurora.

On today's episode of "Call Me John," Mayor John Laesch is joined City of Aurora Chief of Staff Shannon Cameron and Deputy Mayor Casildo "Casey" Cuevas to discuss the 2026 Special Census! Aurora has just launched its 2026 Special Census initiative, targeting new construction and development within the City to establish a more complete and accurate count of total population. John, Shannon, and Casey detail why the Special Census is taking place, how residents can participate, and the importance of counting everyone who lives within the Special Census boundaries. For more information on the 2026 Aurora Special Census, along with an interactive tool to determine if a specific residence falls within the Special Census boundaries, please visit http://www.aurora.il.us/SpecialCensus.

On the newest episode of "Call Me John," Mayor John Laesch sits down with Chief Programming Officer of the Aurora Civic Center Authority and General Manager of RiverEdge Park, Jim Jarvis, to take an in-depth look at the Park's new renovations, plus preview summer events to come and reflect on what the Park's additions mean for the future of Aurora.

On the third episode of "Call Me John," Mayor John Laesch reflects on his first year in office, highlighting the City's continued downtown growth and staff's invaluable work, plus looks ahead to his second year at the helm.

On the second episode of "Call Me John," Mayor John Laesch sits down with Communications Manager Jon Zaghloul to recap his 2026 State of the City Address! John also provides updates on his long-term vision for the City of Aurora, plus reflects on his first 11 months in office. To watch John's full State of the City Address on demand, please visit www.aurora.il.us/sotclive.

On the debut episode of "Call Me John," Mayor John Laesch sits down with Communications Manager Jon Zaghloul to discuss his background, his priorities as Aurora's new Mayor, and how he plans to move the City forward. Listen each month, as John will provide dedicated, in-depth updates on everything impacting Illinois' second-largest city!

Register to attend John's State Of The City Address on April 16: http://www.aurora.il.us/stateofthecity.

Welcome to the fourth episode of Inside 44 with Alex Alexandrou, Chief Management Officer for the City of Aurora, Illinois!

In this episode, Alex is joined by Village of Lombard Village Manager, Scott Niehaus, for a roundtable discussion on Tax Increment Financing (TIF)! Both Alexandrou and Niehaus explain what TIF is, detail the process of developing a TIF District, and take a look at the economic benefits that come with its implementation!

View the TIF PowerPoint Presentation: https://www.aurora.il.us/TIF

Welcome to the third episode of Inside 44 with Alex Alexandrou, Chief Management Officer for the City of Aurora, Illinois!

In this episode, Alex is joined by Aurora's Deputy Chief of Staff, Alex Voigt, for a roundtable discussion on the 2025 Special Census! Both Alexandrou and Voigt explain what Aurora's 2025 Special Census is, why Aurora is conducting one, and what it means for the future of the City!

For more information on Aurora's Special Census, please visit: https://yourvoice.aurora.il.us/2025-special-census-en.

To apply for a job, please visit: www.aurora-il.org/SpecialCensusJobs.

Welcome to the second episode of Inside 44 with Alex Alexandrou, Chief Management Officer for the City of Aurora, Illinois!

In this episode, Alex is joined by Aurora's Chief Financial Officer and City Treasurer, Chris Minick, for a roundtable discussion on the 2025 City Budget! Both Alexandrou and Minick detail the process of forming the budget, recap 2025 Budget highlights, and explain the most rewarding part of helping to put the budget together each year!

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Inside 44 with Alex Alexandrou, Chief Management Officer for the City of Aurora, Illinois!

In this episode, Alex details the keys to development in Aurora. With exciting projects taking place, including the new Residences at Eastbank apartment complex and the Hollywood Casino Aurora, Alex provides insight into how each project came to fruition.

Later in the program, Alex describes the secret to getting deals done in Illinois' second largest city. He also reveals some of the deals that he was most proud of helping to put together!