Aurora City Council members announced that Interim City Manager Jason Batchelor will move forward as the finalist for the permanent position following an interview Monday, Sept. 25.
Batchelor has been serving in the role of interim city manager since Jim Twombly’s retirement in April 2023. Council members have expressed their confidence in Batchelor’s leadership, experience and successful performance in his many responsibilities during his tenure at the city. They cited his proven management and guidance for the organization—especially during his two stints as the interim city manager—as some of the reasons for his selection as the finalist.
The city manager ensures that the policy direction set by the mayor and city council is carried out; recruits, hires, and manages city staff; prepares and recommends a balanced budget to city council for their consideration; and oversees the city’s day-to-day operations and delivery of quality services to residents and businesses in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The city of Aurora has a budget of $1.3 billion in all funds and more than 3,400 full-time employees.
Batchelor is a 1996 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and holds master’s degrees in engineering and public administration from the University of Texas. He began his career with the city more than 15 years ago, first as the budget officer and later as the finance director and then a deputy city manager. Batchelor, who previously served as interim city manager several years ago, has led many significant projects for the city, and overseen various departments including those focused on planning and development, development assistance, information technology, and public safety during his time in Aurora.
State open meetings law requires that the city make public the finalist or finalists under consideration for the city manager’s position no later than 14 days prior to appointing or employing a finalist to fill the position. The appointment of the city manager requires a majority vote of the Aurora City Council. The vote is scheduled to take place at an upcoming regular City Council meeting.