5/21/22 – Bralen Garcia

Welcome. Today, we explore an urgent topic within Aurora’s changing layout: the balance between rapid urbanization and the preservation of affordable housing. Your personal journey has become a significant voice in this conversation. Could you share how your experiences have led you to advocate in this space?

Thank you for having me. My story within Aurora’s affordable housing realm began with my return to the city after years away. I was immediately struck by the transformation Aurora had undergone — the skyline dotted with new developments and the streets buzzing with a renewed vibrancy. However, this progress had a shadow side, one that became personal as I searched for a home.

I found myself navigating a vastly different housing market, one where the rapid pace of development seemed to outstrip the availability of affordable options. My search led me through neighborhoods I barely recognized, from the burgeoning areas around the Fitzsimons Innovation Community to the revitalized districts near Stanley Marketplace, each area showcasing growth but also highlighting the displacement and affordability challenges.

This experience propelled me into advocacy. I saw the need for a concerted effort to ensure that Aurora’s growth includes spaces for everyone, especially those struggling to find affordable housing. I began engaging with local housing initiatives, participating in discussions that often felt like hypothetical city hall meetings, where we debated the future of our city and the role affordable housing should play in it.

Your narrative paints a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities Aurora faces. How do these personal challenges mirror broader systemic issues in the city?

My journey is a microcosm of the larger systemic challenges that define Aurora’s housing landscape today. The city is at a critical juncture, where the benefits of rapid urbanization — economic growth, increased infrastructure, and revitalization — are in tension with the need for sustainable, affordable housing solutions.

This tension is exacerbated by policies that have historically favored development aimed at attracting new businesses and residents, sometimes at the expense of existing communities. The result is a housing market that increasingly prices out low- and middle-income families, contributing to a growing divide within Aurora.

Furthermore, the discussions around urban planning and housing often lack the integration of voices from those most affected by these policies. While there are efforts to include community input, the real challenge lies in translating this input into actionable policies that prioritize affordable housing as much as commercial and residential development.

Considering Aurora’s rapid development and the pressing need for affordable housing, what solutions or approaches do you believe are essential?

Addressing Aurora’s affordable housing crisis in the face of rapid urbanization requires a multifaceted approach that combines innovative policy-making, community engagement, and sustainable development practices.

First, there’s a critical need for policies that incentivize the inclusion of affordable housing units in new developments. This could involve zoning changes that require a certain percentage of new construction to be designated as affordable or offering tax incentives to developers who integrate affordable housing into their projects.

Public-private partnerships can also be a powerful tool for creating affordable housing solutions. By working together, the city, developers, and non-profit organizations can pool resources and expertise to address the housing needs of Aurora’s diverse population.

Community engagement is essential for ensuring that the voices of Aurora residents are heard and considered in the planning process. This means not just inviting input at city hall meetings but actively involving community members in decision-making processes and policy formulation.

Finally, embracing sustainable development practices can help ensure that new housing is not only affordable but also environmentally responsible and resilient. This includes promoting green building practices, enhancing public transportation options to reduce reliance on personal vehicles, and preserving green spaces within urban areas.

As we look towards the future, what message do you hope to convey to policymakers, developers, and the Aurora community about the path forward?

The message I hope to convey is one of urgency, collaboration, and shared responsibility. Aurora stands at a crossroads, with the opportunity to model a new kind of urban growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and reflective of the needs of all its residents.

To policymakers, I urge a recommitment to affordable housing as a cornerstone of Aurora’s development strategy. This means not only crafting policies that encourage affordable housing but also ensuring that these policies are effectively implemented and that they genuinely meet the needs of the community.

Developers have an opportunity to contribute to a more equitable Aurora by embracing the challenge of integrating affordable housing into their projects. By viewing affordable housing not as an obligation but as a vital component of the city’s growth, developers can play a crucial role in shaping Aurora’s future.

To the Aurora community, I emphasize the importance of engagement and advocacy. Your voice is critical in guiding the city’s development and ensuring that growth benefits everyone, not just a select few. By coming together to support affordable housing initiatives, we can create a city that truly feels like home for all its residents.

Thank you for sharing your insights and for your dedicated advocacy for affordable housing in Aurora. Your efforts highlight the importance of thoughtful, inclusive urban planning in creating a city that welcomes and supports every resident.

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital issue. I’m hopeful that through continued dialogue, collaboration, and action, we can build an Aurora that embraces growth while remaining committed to the principles of affordability, sustainability, and community. Let’s work together to make this vision a reality.