Richard C. Irvin: 2025 candidate for Aurora mayor

Bio

Office sought: Aurora mayor

City: Aurora

Age: 54

Occupation: Aurora mayor since 2017

Previous offices held: Alderman At-Large

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? Also, what makes you the best candidate for the position?

I am running for re-election for mayor of the city of Aurora. I have eight years of experience as a mayor, I have proven success. I want to continue to concentrate on my three pillars of success: safety, education, and economy, which make Aurora the best city that it is now.

What is the most serious issue your community will face in coming years and how should leaders respond to it?

The most serious is how to attract responsible economic development and affordable housing. We address that by identifying developers with a track record of community focused projects, while working with our state and federal agencies that provide funding and support for affordable housing to facilitate development of diverse housing options.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

The community finances are excellent, we have had 8 years of balanced budget, we have increased the equalized assessed value by $2 million, we have decreased the property taxes by 20%, and following the balancing of our budget in 2024, the city had a surplus of $12 million.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

Rebuilding Broadway, using federal funds and grants to finance.

Describe your leadership style and explain how you think it will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your city council.

My leadership is an inspirational leader; I inspire others by leading by example, communicating a clear vision, fostering collaboration, actively listening to the team, and recognizing achievements.

What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

I have implemented many ideas over the last eight years and we will continue to implement more.