Aurora new sales tax and revenue bonds for transportation infrastructure
Aurora · November 3, 2026
The question on your ballot
SHALL CITY OF AURORA TAXES BE INCREASED UP TO $12,940,000 AND AS MAY BE GENERATED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER BY THE IMPOSITION OF A NEW 0.132% SALES AND USE TAX (THAT EQUALS 13.2 CENTS ON EVERY ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR PURCHASE) FOR A PERIOD BEGINNING ON JANUARY 1, 2027, AND ENDING ON DECEMBER 31, 2057, TO PROVIDE FOR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE OPERATION OF AND REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE, AND IMPROVEMENTS TO CITY TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES; AND SHALL CITY OF AURORA DEBT BE INCREASED BY AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $108,000,000 WITH A MAXIMUM REPAYMENT COST OF UP TO $209,733,000 TO ACCOMPLISH THE PURPOSES STATED ABOVE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: TRAFFIC, INTERSECTION, AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS; MAJOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS; ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS AND EXPANSION; SUCH DEBT TO CONSIST OF REVENUE BONDS WHICH SHALL BEAR INTEREST, MATURE, BE SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION, WITH OR WITHOUT PREMIUM, AND BE ISSUED, DATED AND SOLD (AT, ABOVE OR BELOW PAR) IN SUCH MANNER AND CONTAINING SUCH OTHER TERMS, NOT INCONSISTENT HEREWITH, AS THE CITY COUNCIL MAY DETERMINE; SHALL THE CITY OF AURORA BE AUTHORIZED TO PAY SUCH BONDS FROM, AND TO SECURE SUCH PAYMENT BY A PLEDGE OF, THE NEW 0.132% SALES AND USE TAX AND OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDS; AND SHALL THE CITY OF AURORA BE ENTITLED TO COLLECT, RETAIN, AND SPEND THE FULL REVENUES FROM SUCH TAX INCREASE AND THE PROCEEDS OF ANY INVESTMENT THEREOF NOTWITHSTANDING ANY LIMITATION IN THE STATE CONSTITUTION, STATE LAW OR THE CITY HOME RULE CHARTER?
In plain language
A VoterDecoder summary of the official measure text.
Aurora Ballot Issue 3C would add a new 0.132% sales and use tax, which is 13.2 cents on every one hundred dollar purchase. The tax would run from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2057, and raise up to $12,940,000. It would pay to operate, repair, and improve transportation infrastructure, including traffic and pedestrian safety work, bridge replacements, and roadway improvements. The city could also borrow up to $108,000,000 through revenue bonds, with a maximum repayment cost of up to $209,733,000. A YES vote approves the tax and the borrowing. A NO vote means the city does not add this tax or take on this debt.
Fiscal impact
The official fiscal statement reports city fiscal year spending of $471,464,049 in 2022 and an estimated $618,089,416 in 2026, a 31.1% change over five years. The estimated first full fiscal year tax increase is up to $12,940,000, compared with estimated spending of $660,000,000 without the increase. The statement lists proposed bonded debt of $108,000,000, with a total repayment cost of $209,733,000.
Official explanation
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Fiscal Information
Year / Fiscal Year Spending 2022 (Actual) $ 471,464,049 2023 (Actual) $ 520,496,310 2024 (Actual) $ 559,210,826 2025 (Actual $ 586,539,459 2026 (Estimated) $ 618,089,416
Overall percentage change in fiscal year spending over the five-year period from 2022 to 2026: 31.1%
Overall dollar change in fiscal year spending over the five-year period from 2022 through 2026: $ 146,625,367
Proposed City Tax Increase Estimated first full fiscal year maximum dollar amount of increase $ 12,940,000 Estimated first full fiscal year spending without the increase $ 660,000,000
Proposed Bonded Debt Proposed Principal Amount $ 108,000,000 Maximum Annual Repayment Cost $ 12,940,000 Total Repayment Cost $ 209,733,000
Official ballot arguments
Filed for the official voter guide by each side, printed as submitted.
Argument in favor
Supporters argue that many of Aurora’s heavily traveled roadways and bridges need immediate repair and maintenance, making transportation safety a key concern. They say improved transportation infrastructure is also essential to the city’s quality of life and ability to accommodate continued growth. As Aurora’s population increases, supporters maintain that updated infrastructure is necessary to ensure reliable and safe services for all residents.
Supporters also point to projects intended to improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, including traffic- calming measures, school crossings, traffic signals, roundabouts, and new sidewalks to address gaps in the pedestrian network. They say these investments would address long-deferred capital needs identified through extensive public engagement.
Argument against
Opponents argue that the proposal would address only part of Aurora’s infrastructure needs and call for a clearer long-term strategy, including efforts to expand the city’s retail tax base. They also question the scope and allocation of proposed spending, as well as the transparency of project selection and public input. Given rising household costs, critics say a new tax would place an additional burden on residents and question whether the City Council is managing existing funds effectively. They believe spending should be reduced and essential services prioritized before seeking additional revenue, with alternatives such as increasing developer capital expansion fees and reducing other government spending.
What supporters and opponents say — outside sources (not official ballot arguments)
Statements by campaigns, officials and news coverage, quoted with attribution and linked to the original. VoterDecoder did not write them and does not endorse either side.
Supporters say
No public statements in favor were found.
Opponents say
No public statements against were found.