City of Aurora 2009 Comprehensive Plan Chapter III. Some ABC’s – Aurora Basic Compendium A. Profile of Aurora Aurora enjoys a mild, sunny, semi-arid climate that makes it a very pleasant place to Physical Setting. The land that eventually live. Average annual precipitation is only became known as Aurora, Colorado is 14.82 inches. Moderate temperatures, geographically located on the Colorado combined with very low levels of humidity, Piedmont between the high eastern plains make the area’s climate very comfortable, and the foothills to the west. Five major averaging about 300 sunny days a year. streams flow through this area: The area’s annual average high temperature Cherry Creek of 64 degrees is higher than New York City Tollgate Creek and Seattle, and within five degrees of the Unnamed Creek average high in San Francisco and Columbia Creek Washington, D.C. It also has the lowest average relative humidity of 25 major cities Sand Creek surveyed, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, and Minneapolis. They all originate from springs on the eastern plains and eventually flow into the South Platte River. Other than these creeks, Metro Denver/Aurora Climate whose water levels are often unpredictable, the only other water sources in Aurora are Season Average Average Possibility scattered underground aquifers. Water has High P.M. of always been a scarce resource in this area as Temperature Humidity Sunshine Winter well as a major factor in determining the 43ºF 49% 71% (January) growth of the city. Spring 61ºF 35% 67% (April) Size. Aurora is Colorado’s third largest city by population (2009 pop. 314,326) and Summer 88ºF 34% 71% second largest by physical size (154 square (July) th miles). Aurora is the 58 most populous city Autumn 66ºF 35% 72% in the United States, ranking between (October) Bakersfield, California (57th) and New th Source: NOAA’s National Weather Service Weather Orleans, Louisiana (59 ) (U.S. Census 2008, Forecast Office American Community Survey). Fig.III-1 Climate. Because of well-publicized Population. Aurora has a diverse and snowfall in the Colorado Rocky Mountains growing population. Key population facts and nearby world-famous skiing, many include: people assume that the Aurora/Denver area suffers harsh winters. The metropolitan area Gross population density covering the sits at the foot of the Rockies on the high entire city limits which includes plains, not in the mountains. The mountains substantial areas far-removed from catch most of the snow before it gets to the utility service connection: 2,033 people plains, and winter storms do not last long. per square mile Warm chinook winds temper the winter chill to an average temperature well above that of Net population density in the developed other cities situated at the same latitude. part of the city: 3,865 people per square mile Chapter III. Some ABC’s Page 1 of 16 City of Aurora 2009 Comprehensive Plan Race breakdown of population (U.S. Economy. The City of Aurora has more Census 2008, American Community than 12,928 businesses employing more than Survey): 106,900 people, not including sole proprietors. Construction, manufacturing, White: 67.2% transportation, wholesale, financial, and Black or African American: service businesses are well represented in 14.5% Aurora’s economy. Local businesses serve American Indian and Alaska regional, national, and international markets. Native: 1.1% There is extensive retail development in Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Aurora including two regional malls and a Islander: 4.7% “power center” corridor extending along I- Some other race: 9% 225. Two or more races: 3.5% Buckley Air Force Base, a key link in the Ethnic breakdown of population: United States Air Force Space Command Hispanic or Latino: 27 percent Satellite tracking system, is located in Aurora. Also present are high-technology Government. The City of Aurora is firms such as Raytheon, Boeing, Lockheed governed by a council/manager form of Martin, and Northrop Grumman. government. Aurora also operates as a “home rule” government, which allows the One of Aurora’s greatest economic assets is city to draft or amend its own charter. its educated population, with 24.6 percent of its adult residents having completed at least The Aurora City Council is composed of ten a four-year degree and 82.6 percent having members and the mayor. Of those ten at least completed high school (U.S. Census members, six are ward council members, Bureau 2008, American Community representing one of the six wards that Survey). section the city. The remaining four council members are elected at-large, like the mayor, to represent the entire city. The city manager ensures that the policy direction set by City Council is carried out and that the city’s delivery of public services reaches all of its residents. The city manager prepares a recommended budget for City Council, and recruits, hires, and supervises city staff. The manager also provides City Council with policy information, alternatives, and analysis concerning questions, issues, and decisions before the council. In addition, there are volunteer boards and commissions that advise city management and City Council on the proper course of City Council Wards action on any number of subjects. Fig. III-2 Chapter III. Some ABC’s Page 2 of 16 City of Aurora 2009 Comprehensive Plan AURORA CITY SEAL Five Stars: represent home, school, place of worship, business, and industry. Rising Sun: represents a rising community sharing its light and making its voice heard throughout the Rocky Mountains. Colors: blue represents the azure sky while gold is symbolic of that which originally brought settlers to Colorado. Cost of Living Index (2009 1st Qtr) The variety of recreational pursuits available in Aurora include: golf, tennis, swimming, 300 bicycling, in-line skating, skateboarding, 220 fishing, hiking, horseback riding, league 250 sports, and programmed activities for all 200 148 113 ages and abilities. Seven public and three 105 100 150 92 private golf courses are open year-round. A 100 variety of public facilities are provided 50 including pocket parks smaller than one acre 0 in size to regional parks that exceed 100 acres, recreation centers, swimming pools, golf courses, and sports complexes with lighted ball fields. The supply of public facilities is supplemented by extensive private golf, tennis, and other recreational Source: American Chamber of Commerce facilities. Researchers Association (ACCRA) Fig. III-3 Aurora has a number of local festivals, museums and attractions, and has easy Aurora enjoys a reasonable cost of living. access to cultural facilities throughout the The cost of living is lower than most major metro area and the state, including cities and just slightly above the national museums, festivals, live performance average, according to a national survey theater, symphony, ballet, and opera. conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association Professional sports teams in the (ACCRA). The cost of living ranks below Denver/Aurora area include: Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. NFL: Denver Broncos Recreation. A moderate, semi-arid climate NBA: Denver Nuggets enables Aurora residents to enjoy a high- MLB: Colorado Rockies quality lifestyle with 7,000 acres of park and NHL: Colorado Avalanche open space land and more than 8,000 MLS: Colorado Rapids recreational programs. The mild climate NLL: Colorado Mammoth allows for year-round outdoor recreation. CHL: Rocky Mountain Rage The nearby mountains provide four-season activities and world-renowned ski resorts within two hours of Aurora. Chapter III. Some ABC’s Page 3 of 16 City of Aurora 2009 Comprehensive Plan Center has relocated to the former Fitzsimons Army Hospital site in Aurora. The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center is located on 217 acres at the former base and includes administrative and teaching functions, as well as clinical and research programs. Aurora Reservoir Beach Education. Aurora has a quality K-12 education system composed of public schools, as well as a number of private and charter schools. Aurora is served primarily by two public school districts, with small portions of Aurora located in the Douglas County, Bennett and Brighton school districts: Aurora Public Schools (Adams- Arapahoe 28J school district) includes 29 elementary schools, seven middle/junior high schools, four senior high schools, three non-traditional public schools, and six charter schools. Fitzsimons Historic Main Hospital Total public school enrollment in 2009 was 35,523 pupils. The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center is one of the nation’s top academic Cherry Creek 5 School District includes medical centers and is the heart of an active 41 elementary schools, 13 middle/junior complex of laboratories, clinics, hospitals, high schools, seven senior high schools, classrooms, and offices. 11 non-traditional public schools, and one charter school. Total public school There are, in total, 21 four-year colleges and enrollment in 2009 was 51,115 pupils. universities and six two-year colleges in the surrounding metropolitan area. In addition, Aurora’s higher education system includes there are numerous technical and trade the Community College of Aurora, the schools in the Aurora area. Many of University of Colorado Health Sciences Aurora’s colleges and universities offer non- Center, Columbia College, University of traditional or adult education programs, Phoenix-Aurora campus, and Regis College. including evening and weekend part-time The University of Colorado Health Sciences tracks for those seeking degrees. Chapter III. Some ABC’s Page 4 of 16 City of Aurora 2009 Comprehensive Plan Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2008, American Community Survey includes people over 25 Fig. III-4 The average cost of a resale single family detached home in the Aurora area in 2009 was $155,632. (See Fig. III-5) Average monthly apartment rent was $714.34 in the 1st quarter of 2009 (Denver Metro Apartment Vacancy and Rent Survey, 1st Quarter 2009).