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40 Town of Aurora What We Heard Throughout the planning process, residents and stakeholders of Aurora were continuously engaged to ensure the plan reflects their desires and vision for the community. Engagement opportunities included a public survey, stakeholder interviews and focus groups, and two public workshops. Regarding Public & Municipal Services, community feedback emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality public services while addressing infrastructure gaps and preparing for future needs. • Internet & Cell Service Gaps: Many residents, especially in the southern and more rural areas, reported poor internet and cell service. Expanding high-speed broadband was a top priority for improving access to work, education, and emergency services. • Desire for Sustainable Services: There is interest in expanding recycling, e-waste drop-off, and composting programs to improve environmental sustainability. • Protecting the Tree Canopy: Utility upgrades have resulted in significant tree loss, prompting calls for a coordinated tree management and preservation plan. • Senior Services in High Demand: With a growing senior population, residents called for enhanced transportation, health services, and community programming to support aging in place Key Issues & opportunities “Opportunities” represent existing strengths or assets in the Town that can “Issues” represent either existing needs be further leveraged and supports the or gaps in the Town that limits to future potential for new development, business development or the Town from achieving creation, or achieving the plan’s vision the plan’s vision statement and goals. statement and goals. Broadband Expansion to Enhance Connectivity Aging Road and Stormwater Infrastructure: in Rural Areas: While some areas have high-speed With a significant amount of road maintenance internet, rural parts of the Town still rely on DSL or responsibility, ongoing repairs and stormwater satellite services. Expanding broadband access, management will require investment. Flooding and particularly fiber-optic networks, could attract erosion concerns may increase with more extreme remote workers, support small businesses, and weather events. improve digital access for residents. Tree Canopy Loss Due to Infrastructure Upgrades: Enhancement of Senior Services and Community Broadband and utility installations have led to Programming: With a growing senior population, significant tree trimming, impacting the Town’s there is an opportunity to expand programs at the natural character and environmental benefits. Senior Center, such as transportation services, Implementing policies for responsible tree health screenings, and technology training to management alongside infrastructure expansion improve digital literacy and social connectivity. could help mitigate this issue. Sustainable Waste Management Initiatives: The Town already offers some waste and recycling services, but opportunities exist for expanding composting programs, hazardous waste collection, or educational initiatives to promote waste reduction and environmental sustainability.