Survey asks Aurora residents how federal funds should be used

Aurora is asking residents to participate in a survey that will help decide how federal funds are used in the redevelopment of the community.

Specifically, the survey asks for residents' opinions and ideas on neighborhood conditions, safe and sanitary housing, housing affordability, street repairs, parks, homelessness prevention programs, job training, small business development, and services for youth, the elderly, and residents with disabilities.

Results from the survey will be used to guide city decision-makers in how federal funds will be used to meet these needs.

The Community-wide Needs Survey is a part of Aurora's Consolidated Plan, a plan submitted every five years to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a part of its Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs.

The CDBG and HOME programs help create viable communities by providing suitable housing and living environments and expanded economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.

The survey and the resulting Consolidated Plan will outline Aurora's priorities for these program funds from 2015 through 2019.

"Public participation is key to this process. We want all Aurora residents to be heard," Mayor Tom Weisner said. "The few minutes spent giving your ideas and opinions can have a profound effect on how federal development dollars are spent in our community over the next five years."

The survey, in both English and Spanish, will be online through late July at www.aurora-il.org. Hard copies are available at the Aurora Public Library.

The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete and answers are confidential.

Results of this survey, along with other data and recommendations, will be presented to the city council this fall.

For more information, visit www.aurora-il.org or call (630) 256-INFO (4636).