The city of Aurora operates under a council/manager form of government, combining the political leadership of elected officials with the managerial expertise of a professionally trained, local government manager appointed to the position. Council members are the city's policy makers, elected by popular vote to be responsive to citizens' needs and wishes. They focus on:
As the council members serve at the pleasure of Aurora citizens, the city manager serves at the pleasure of the mayor and council. The manager can be replaced at any time by a majority vote of city council.
Council-Manager Form of Government FAQs |
Duties of the City Manager:
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Ensures that the policy direction set by the city council is carried out
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Sees to it that the city's delivery of public services is of high quality and provided in an efficient and cost-effective manner
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Prepares a recommended budget for the city council
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Recruits, hires and supervises city of Aurora staff
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Provides the city council objective information and recommendations regarding the issues and decisions before the city council.
Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes of Aurora city government?
While we're all busy running our lives, our City Manager is busy running our city, with a focus on going from good to great. Take a look at the type of work that goes on behind the scenes each day in Aurora.
Jason Batchelor |
City Manager
Jason Batchelor
Jason Batchelor was sworn in as the permanent city manager in December 2023 after serving for several months in the interim role following Jim Twombly's retirement.
Batchelor, a 1996 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, holds a master’s degree in engineering and master’s degree in public administration from the University of Texas. He has led the city in many capacities during his 15 years here. He first joined the city as the budget officer and three years later promoted to the role of finance director. For the last eight years, Jason has been a deputy city manager overseeing a number of departments. Batchelor also served as the interim city manager from October 2017 to August 2018.
Batchelor directly oversees police, fire and Aurora911 in addition to managing overall city operations.
Executive Staff
Laura Perry, Deputy City Manager
Oversees Public Works; Parks, Recreation and Open Space; Library and Cultural Services; Development Services; and Planning and Business Development.
Roberto Venegas, Deputy City Manager
Oversees Finance; Housing and Community Services; Communications and Marketing; Human Resources; and Information Technology.
City Manager Organization Chart
Mayor Council Appointee Chart
City Management Roster