Colfax Community Vision and Action Plan Award

The city of Aurora earned a 2026 Colorado Downtown Excellence Award this week from Downtown Colorado Inc. in the Best Plan Large Community category for its Colfax Community Vision and Action Plan.

Downtown Colorado Inc. recognized the city's plan at its DCI's IN THE GAME Vibrant Downtown Event in Grand Junction, noting that it is a "highly actionable and inclusive plan that engages diverse stakeholders and lays the groundwork for long-term investment through the creation of key funding and development entities."

In 2025, the city-in partnership with its consultant, Progressive Urban Management Associates-worked collaboratively with the community to create the Colfax Community Vision and Action Plan, which will serve as a long-term roadmap for revitalizing East Colfax Avenue and the surrounding areas of Northwest Aurora. The plan was created following 24 public events engaging more than 870 attendees, and with feedback gathered from conversations with more than 100 residents, business owners, property owners and organizations in the area.

Voters within the boundaries of the Aurora Downtown Development Authority approved the creation of the authority last November, which is tasked with helping bring about a new vision for the stretch of East Colfax Avenue often referred to as "Original Aurora."

The DDA board, which is being formed, will be responsible for adopting this draft plan as its legally required plan of development, with approval by the Aurora City Council. More information on the board is available at AuroraGov.org/DDABoard.

The plan also sets the stage for creating a nonprofit Community Development Corporation (CDC) that would use different funding streams and cover a larger area. Together, these organizations will help create public improvements, support local businesses, and protect the area's character while promoting economic growth that benefits everyone. The draft plan is available at EngageAurora.org/ColfaxPlan.

Downtown Colorado Inc. is a nonprofit membership organization that aims to build better communities by assisting downtowns, commercial districts and town centers in Colorado. Visit DowntownColoradoInc.org/DTExcellenceAwards for more details.