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Awards & Honors

Each year the city of Aurora is recognized for many accomplishments and achievements in professionalism, quality and dedication to excellence. Visit this link for a complete list. Highlights from 2017 and 2018 include:

  • No. 1 for Cities 300,000 - 599,999 in Population (2017) -- Wyland Foundation National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation (three consecutive years)

  • US Water Prize for Prairie Waters System -- US Water Alliance

  • No. 15 Best Park Systems in the U.S. -- Trust for Public Land ParkScore 

  • Excellence in Management Platinum Award (Aurora Water) and Sand Creek Water Reclamation Facility (Platinum Performance Award) -- National Association of Clean Water Agencies 

  • Colorado Business for the Arts Committee, Business for the Arts Award -- RTD and the City of Aurora

  • Best Overall Award (for Cities with Populations Between 300,000 and 500,000), Aurora Sister Cities International -- Sister Cities International

  • Denver Regional Council of Governments Way to Go Community Champion Award -- Brenden Paradies, Bike Share Permit Program

  • Bronze Award for Planning for Economic Development, Aurora Line, Phase 1 -- Denver Regional Council of Governments Local Government Award

  • Excellence in Community Inclusion Award, Aurora Police Department Special Victims Unit -- Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council

  • First Place for News Series, Aurora News Weekly -- National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors Awards

  • Aurora Water Phase IV "Excellence in Water Treatment" Designation for Peter D. Binney Purification Facility -- American Water Works Association Partnership for Safe Drinking Water

  • City Website, Best in Class for Government -- Interactive Media Council

  • Public Safety Training Center (CAPSTC), Best Government/Public Building in Colorado/Wyoming & Plains States -- ENR Mountain States

  • Outstanding Achievement in Law Enforcement Volunteer Programs for the Aurora Police Department -- International Association of Chiefs of Police

  • Phase IV Excellence in Water Treatment (Griswold Water Treatment Facility and Wemlinger Water Treatment Facility) and Phase III Directors Award (Peter D. Binney Purification Facility) -- Partnership for Safe Water

  • Excellence in Management Gold Recognition (Aurora Water) and Platinum Peak Performance Award (Sand Creek Water Reclamation Facility) -- National Association of Clean Water Agencies

  • Outstanding Water Laboratory Award (Aurora Water’s Water Quality Lab) -- American Water Works Association, Rocky Mountain Section

  • Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (2016 Budget Book) and Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report) -- Government Finance Officers' Association

  • Savvy Award, Printed Publications, "The A-Book" -- City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA)