Aurora to accept Arapahoe County CDBG funds to advance permanent outdoor area at shelter

The Aurora City council committee agreed to advance acceptance of Community Development Block Grant funds from Arapahoe County to finance a permanent outdoor recreational area and additional shade structures at the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus (ARNC).

"The city would like to accept funding from Arapahoe County from their community development block grant to be able to fund the build of a permanent outdoor recreational area for guests," said Stephanie Kuiper, the City of Aurora's manager of homelessness, during her presentation. Kuiper asked council to approve accepting the money and to send the item to study session for further review. Vice Chair Angela Lawson responded, "No question, and I approve it moving forward," and the chair recorded their approval as well.

The grant would pay for a permanent outdoor area intended to provide a safe, shaded place for guests at the navigation campus to gather. Kuiper framed the project as part of a broader plan of exterior upgrades that also includes phased roof work and improved LED lighting to enhance safety in the campus parking areas.

Council did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; Vice Chair Lawson and the chair both verbally said they approved advancing the item. City staff will bring the formal acceptance and details back at study session for staff recommendations and a formal vote.

Provenance: The funding proposal and council approvals were presented and recorded during the ARNC agenda item (presentation by Stephanie Kuiper).