Aurora mayor, Paramount announce deal for 2026 support
Aurora has announced that it will include $2 million for the Aurora Civic Center Authority in the city’s 2026 budget to help fund operations at the Paramount Theater, several other theaters, and an arts school.
“The agreement reflects true partnership and collaboration,” Aurora Mayor John Laesch said Friday in a joint statement from the city and the authority.
“The Paramount Theater and the City of Aurora have always shared a strong partnership,” said Tim Rater, president and chief executive officer of the Paramount Theater. “For years, we have built on each other’s successes, helping to revitalize the downtown area. This agreement allows both ACCA and the City to continue progressing together while maintaining a financially sustainable future.”
The announcement described the payment as a “one-time ‘off-ramp,’” while ACCA looks for other funding and to become fiscally stable.
The ACCA owns and operates the Paramount and the Copley theaters, and manages the Stolp Island Theater, RiverEdge Park and North Island Center. It was created by the state legislature in 1974.
Laesch said the city’s 2026 budget has “significant challenges.” The city has offered buyouts to city employees, as part of Laesch’s plan to reduce an anticipated deficit in the general fund.
In August, the ACCA canceled the Copley Theater’s “Bold” series of plays in mid-season, saying Laesch had told it the city might cut 65% of previously committed support in 2026. Laesch said that wasn’t true.
He said Aurora allocated $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to the ACCA as one-time assistance to help the organization become more solvent. It also received another $10 million in federal funds as part of the Save Our Stages Act, Laesch said in August.
For 2025, the city council approved $13.8 million in support for the ACCA, including buying one of its parking garages for $10 million.
The city will continue to pay the authority to operate RiverEdge Park, where concerts and other special events take place. The authority will also continue to receive a portion of the head tax the city collects on casino attendance; that usually totals around $435,000.
The city council is scheduled to discuss the budget Dec. 2 and vote on it Dec. 9. Aurora’s fiscal year begins Jan. 1.
Laesch is having town halls to discuss the proposed budget from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 22 at the public works building at 2185 Liberty St.
The ACCA owns and operates the Paramount and the Copley theaters, and manages the Stolp Island Theater, RiverEdge Park and North Island Center. It was created by the state legislature in 1974.