On Aug. 30, the city of Aurora celebrated the graduation of 25 individuals (listed below) from its Civic Engagement Academy, an eight-week program that helps residents deepen their knowledge of the city and its operations. The program aims to develop and cultivate leaders in the community and provide insights into council's decision-making process.  

Topics covered in this year’s academy included Aurora’s form of government, the city’s budget and charter, planning and development, Aurora water, housing and community services, Aurora police, immigrant and refugee programs and more. 

Dates for the 2024 Civic Engagement Academy are to be determined and will be posted at AuroraGov.org/CivicAcademy and announced on city communication channels.  

Congratulations to the 2023 Civic Engagement Academy graduates: 

• Patricia Stephens
• Edna Arellano-Flores
• Matthew Moncada
• Talonnie Granger
• Lorraine Wiegand
• Julie Stewart
• Lindsay Lester
• Angela Chavez
• Jasmin Garcia
• Rachael Gentry
• Earle Anderson
• David Duchan
• Jameri Hartsfield
• Estela Conchas
• Leialoha Johnson-Hagmoc
• Ray Johnson
• Juliana Davis
• Yessenia Tostado
• Seth Watkins
• David Lee
• Jay Spencer
• Tanya Tabacheck
• Christine Maggio
• John Egbert
• Glen Wagner