Jason Batchelor, who has served as interim city manager since April 2023, was sworn in as the permanent city manager at the Dec. 18 City Council regular meeting.

Aurora City Council members announced in September that Batchelor was the sole finalist for the permanent position following an interview with them. The council unanimously approved his appointment at the Nov. 27 City Council regular meeting.

Batchelor has been serving in the role of interim city manager since Jim Twombly’s retirement earlier in the year. 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.