In July 28, 2025, the Aurora City Council approved placing both a question and an issue related to an Aurora Downtown Development Authority (DDA) on a Nov. 4, 2025, mail ballot election. People who live, own property, or represent a business within the proposed DDA boundary will be eligible to vote in this mail ballot election. This ballot will arrive separately from the Nov. 4 General Election ballot.
In November, eligible voters within the proposed DDA boundaries only will decide:
- Whether to form the DDA
- Whether to allow the DDA to use Tax Increment Financing under Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)
Proposed DDA Boundaries
The proposed boundaries for the East Colfax DDA stretch from Yosemite Street on the western end, East 16th Avenue to the north, the Fitzsimons Urban Renewal Area to the east and East 14th Avenue to the south.
What is a DDA and what would the Aurora DDA do?
A DDA is a governmental entity separate from the city and defined by state statute. A board appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the majority of the City Council would lead the DDA to oversee implementation of DDA programs. Board members would include one city council member and four to 10 members who are residents, landowners or business lessees within the DDA boundaries.
If approved, the DDA would have the authority to reinvest in East Colfax to support small businesses, housing, safety and neighborhood improvements outlined in the Colfax Community Vision & Action Plan.
How is a DDA funded? Will it increase taxes?
The DDA would be funded through tax increment financing (TIF). TIF would come from future tax revenue due to growth in property values and commercial activity in the DDA area over time. There would be no new taxes.
Confirm Your Eligibility to Vote
Basic Eligibility
-Must be an active registered Colorado voter
AND, either:
-Own real property, lease real property or live within the proposed Aurora DDA boundary
Determine Eligibility and Request a Form
You live and are registered to vote at an address within the DDA.
- Your DDA ballot will be mailed to you automatically.
- No additional action is required.
You own real property within the DDA in your own name.
Fill out a Ballot Request/Self-Affirmation Form.
You are affiliated with a legal entity that owns real property in the DDA.
Fill out a Designation of Elector Form to identify a person to vote on behalf of the entity. Forms may be returned by emailing an image/scan of the signed form to the Designated Election Official. Only one person may be designated by each entity, and each voter may only cast one vote in this election (multiple entities cannot designate the same person).
You lease property within the DDA in your own name
Fill out a Ballot Request/Self-Affirmation Form.
You are affiliated with a legal entity that leases real property in the DDA.
Fill out a Designation of Elector Form to identify a person on to vote on behalf of the entity. Forms may be returned by emailing an image/scan of the signed form to the Designated Election Official. Only one person may be designated by each entity, and each voter may only cast one vote in this election (multiple entities cannot designate the same person).
