Aurora’s special census begins as city seeks to recover more than $2 million

Aurora’s targeted 2026 special census is underway in selected occupied new-construction areas, giving eligible households until August 24, 2026, to respond as the city seeks potential future funding tied to population.

The count began July 23 and is expected to cover about 3,945 housing units and an estimated 10,705 residents within designated parts of Aurora. It is not a citywide recount. Residents should use the city’s special census information page and address lookup tool to determine whether their home is included.

How eligible residents can respond

The U.S. Census Bureau is sending two letters and two postcards to households in the targeted area. Each mailing contains a unique, 12-digit personal identification number needed to complete the online response.

The online self-response period runs through August 24. After that period, Census Bureau field enumerators are expected to follow up at homes that have not responded.

Residents who need assistance can visit Santori Public Library, 101 S. River St. A city assistance session is scheduled for 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, August 3, according to local reporting. City staff and community-engagement personnel also plan to provide information and help within the targeted census areas.

Who is included

The special census focuses on occupied housing built between the 2020 and 2026 censuses. Not every Aurora household is part of the count, so residents should verify their address rather than assume they are included.

Why Aurora is conducting the count

Aurora officials say the 2020 census count reduced the city’s annual revenue by more than $4.3 million. The city also says waiting until the regular 2030 census could produce approximately $43 million in cumulative lost revenue.

Those figures are the city’s stated estimates. Aurora says the population-based funding loss has affected services and operations including road maintenance, transportation projects, street-salt purchases, public safety, public works, community services and special events.

Potential funding would not be immediate

Aurora estimates that a successful targeted count could restore more than $2 million in future funding. That money is not guaranteed: the result would depend on household participation, Census Bureau certification and the applicable funding formulas.

The city expects certification to take about a year, with additional funding potentially beginning in 2028. Because this is a targeted count of selected areas, Aurora does not expect it to recover the full annual loss cited by city officials.

What households should do next

Residents who receive the Census Bureau mailings should use the identification number provided and respond online by August 24. The city says responses are anonymous, private and protected by law, and the special census does not ask about citizenship status.

The effort could affect future population-based resources for roads, public safety, public works and community services, but it will not produce an immediate payment or promise a citywide population correction. Households that do not respond online may receive a visit from a Census Bureau field enumerator during the follow-up count.

Sources

• City of Aurora: 2026 Special Census
• City of Aurora: Special Census Begins
• Patch: Special Census Count Begins In Aurora As City Hopes To Recoup $2M In Federal Aid