Newsroom
Media Contact
Linda Jaster
720 .251 .2067ljaster@aurorahousing.org
AURORA HOUSING AUTHORITY HOLIDAYS
June 28, 2010 - Aurora Housing Authority will be closed Friday, July 2nd, through Monday, July 5th in observation of both Independence Day and our annual "floating holiday." Additional closures are expected on schedule for Monday, September 6th, representing Labor Day, Thursday, November 11th in recognition of Veterans' Day, Thursday the 25th and Friday the 26th of November for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Friday, December 24th in recognition of the winter holidays, and Friday, December 31st for New Years. We apologize for any inconvenience, and do try to leave ample signage on our doors to inform our patrons.
AN EVENING OF JAZZ ON THE LAWN
September 16, 2009 - The Aurora Housing Authority organized an evening of jazz on the lawn for the residents of Buckingham Gardens. The concert featured saxophonist Dana Singleton and trumpeter Marcus Hampton. The musicians played old standards from John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis and many others. Residents were able to enjoy the concert from seating set up on the lawn or from the comfort of their own patio. In addition, many Aurora Housing Authority staff members attended. Thank you to Dana Singleton and Marcus Hampton for a wonderful evening.
AURORA HOUSING AUTHORITY WINS NATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 – The Aurora (Colo.) Housing Authority (AHA) has won a national award honoring superior assisted housing and community development programs. The AHA won in the Program Innovation: Community Revitalization category for the Aurora Community Reinvestment Plan.
The 2008 Award of Excellence comes from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), and will be officially presented on Oct. 28 at NAHRO’s National Conference and Exhibition in San Antonio, Texas. The AHA is one of 23 programs nationwide to receive the 2008 award, out of an original pool of 188 applicants.
Beginning in 2004, the AHA set out to address the need for multi-family construction in Aurora. According to a Housing Needs Assessment, no new multi-family construction occurred between 1960 and 2001. The study also indicated that 4,000 new units of housing per year would be needed. The AHA began a systematic approach to acquiring, renovating, preserving or building affordable housing. The AHA began by reinvesting in its own properties and by creating opportunities for building or acquiring other affordable developments. By breaking away from its role as an 'old fashioned' public housing authority, the AHA preserved 271 units of project-based Section 8 housing; built 68 new tax credit units; entered into limited partnerships with for-profit developers to newly construct or renovate 359 tax credit units; reinvested in its own properties through tax credits partnerships and grants to upgrade 210 units; and formed alliances with other non-profits to preserve 140 units of special needs housing.
"Dreams have become reality through commitment, passion and innovation of NAHRO professionals who are increasing opportunities in their communities," said NAHRO President Renée Rooker. "Our Awards of Excellence program recognizes their accomplishments as the best across our nation and they are truly making a difference in communities and the people who live there."
Aurora Housing Authority wins "People's Choice" award at AAMD Chili Cook-off
October 11, 2008 – Aurora Housing Authority, participating with Resident Data (http://www.residentdata.com/) won the People’s Choice award for red chili at the Apartment Association of Metro Denver’s 9th Annual Chili Cook-off. The booth presented a “Zorro” theme, complete with black masks and swords. Green and red chili were prepared by award-winning cooks and AHA employees Steve Garceo and Roberta Olmos, respectively. Also participating were Meera Dane and Esmeralda Garcia with AHA, and Amy Johnson of Resident Data.
This family-friendly event was held from noon to 4 p.m. at RediCarpet in Aurora. In addition to the many fun-themed individual booths there was also a Kids Zone including a Jumping Castle, a Haunted Path, a professional Fire Eater, Face Painters, Clowns, and a Stilt Walker.
In addition to the “Best Red” and “Best Green” chili categories voted on by participants were the “Most Unusual but Edible,” and “Hottest.” Examples of “Most Unusual” macaroni and cheese chili as well as a “Philly Cheesesteak” chili. AHA’s winning red chili revealed an unusual velvety sauce with tasty pork and orange, whereas the crowd-favorite green had an endorphin-rush of heat and flavor. Also popular were the special recipe “orange margaritas” available to the adult public.
Click the following link to see pictures from the event http://www.flickr.com/photos/aamd. Check page 3 for a picture of the award winning team and chili.
Congratulations on the award!
AURORA HOUSING AUTHORITY RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD OF MERIT FOR PROGRAM INNOVATION-COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
Aurora, CO August 8, 2008 – Aurora Housing Authority has been named a 2008 recipient of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Award of Merit for its work in Program Innovation – Community Revitalization. The award was presented at the NAHRO Summer Conference in Nashville, TN, July 25, 2008.
The award recognizes outstanding achievement in housing and community development programs through the nation. Program Innovation-Community Revitalization includes innovative use of programs in areas such as economic development, neighborhood preservation, and creative financing.
Between 2004 and 2006 AHA created, preserved, and reinvested in 1,048 units to provide decent, safe, and sustainable housing available to the lowest income residents of the community (those at ≤ 30% AMI). Over 40% of the 1,048 units house those at ≤ 30% AMI and overall over 3,500 people were affected. AHA participation in the community’s revitalization efforts increased the City’s portfolio of affordable units by 745 within the 3-year period.
“NAHRO members have been innovative in their solutions to address resident services, operations, housing development, and economic development in their communities,” said NAHRO President Renee Rooker. “They have taken advantage of opportunities and we are proud to recognize their achievements.”
The 2008 NAHRO Awards of Merit recognize outstanding achievement in housing and community development programs in five categories: Administrative Innovation, Program Innovation-Affordable Housing, Program Innovation-Community Revitalization, Program Innovation-Resident and Client Services, Project Design.
The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials is a 74-year-old membership organization of 3,200 housing and community development agencies and 19,500 professionals throughout the United States whose mission is to create affordable housing and safe, viable communities that enhance the quality of life for all Americans, especially those of low-and moderate-income. NAHRO ensures that housing and community development professionals have the leadership skills and education to serve communities; advocates for appropriate laws and policies; and foster the highest standards of ethical behavior, service and accountability.