Accolades and Rankings – Aurora, Colorado
(Updated February 2024)

2024

• Truth in Accounting: No. 6 for Fiscal Health in the U.S.

2023

• Fitch: Upgrades City’s Credit Rating from AA to AA+, reflecting continued diversification of city’s economic base and strong revenue growth prospects, modest debt burden and operating performance
• Truth in Accounting: No. 5 for Fiscal Health in the U.S. (and No. 5 among Top 5 Sunshine Cities, meaning enough assets to cover the city’s debt)
• ENR Mountain States: Best Projects Award for Sports/Entertainment (Colorado/Wyoming/Dakotas): Southeast Recreation Center
• American Water Works Association’s Rocky Mountain Section: 1st Place Regional Water Taste Test Competition: Aurora Water
• National Emergency Number Association: Colorado NENA/APCO 2023 911 Center of the Year: Aurora911
• 3CMA (City-County Communications and Marketing Association)
o AuroraTV, Savvy Award: Aurora Now: Video News Programming Category
o City of Aurora, Savvy Award: Build Up Aurora: Community Engagement Plan Category
o City of Aurora, Award of Excellence: Aurora Eats: Publication Guide Category
• James Beard Foundation: Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY): Annette
• Trust for Public Land ParkScore: No. 33 Best Park Systems in the United States
• American Home Shield: No. 2 Among Top 10 U.S. Cities with the Largest Average Home Size
• SmartAsset: Top 15 Best Cities for Woman in Leadership
• WalletHub: No. 14 Best Large City to Start a Business
• Lawnstarter: No. 28 Best Cities to Own a Vacation Rental
• WalletHub: No. 33 Most Ethnically Diverse City in the U.S. (No. 12 for Large Cities)
• Niche: No. 30 Most Diverse Cities in America

2022

• Government Finance Officers’ Association
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2022 Budget Book
o Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• Truth in Accounting: No. 5 for Fiscal Health in the U.S. (and No. 5 among Top 5 Sunshine Cities, meaning enough assets to cover the city’s debt)
• Livability: No. 91 in Top 100 Best Places to Live in America
• James Beard Foundation: Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY): Annette
• Trust for Public Land ParkScore: No. 33 Best Park Systems in the United States
• American Home Shield: No. 2 Among Top 10 U.S. Cities with the Largest Average Home Size
• University of Colorado Hospital ranked No. 1 hospital in Colorado, and nationally ranked in five specialties and high performing in five adult specialty and 17 procedures/conditions in 2022-23 by U.S. News & World Report
• University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus ranked No. 8 (tie) for primary care and No. 26 (tie) for research in 2022-23 by U.S. News & World Report’s Medical School Program Rankings (also ranked #7 (tie) for Family Medicine and #8 (tie) for Pediatrics for Medical School Specialty Rankings)
• Children’s Hospital Colorado ranked No. 7 on the Best Children’s Hospital Honor Roll from U.S. News & World Report in 2022-23 and ranked nationally in 10 pediatric specialties
• U.S. News and World Report Best Elementary and Middle Schools List (2022-23): Aurora Quest K-8 No. 1 in Colorado Middle Schools and No. 2 in Colorado Elementary Schools
• National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
o News Series – Award of Excellence – “Aurora Now”
o Parks & Recreation - Award of Excellence - "Train Like A Ninja Warrior"
o Community Awareness - Award of Excellence - "Youth Violence Prevention"
o Profile of a Person, Business or Organization - Award of Excellence - "Blending Culture at Jade Mountain"
o Overall Excellence ($500,000 to $1 million budget) – Award of Distinction
o Live Community Event Coverage – Award of Distinction – “Global Fest 2021”
o Election Coverage – Award of Distinction – “Aurora Elections 2021”
o Profile of a City/County Department or Employee – Award of Distinction – “New Nose Joins APD”
o Profile of a City/County Department or Employee – Award of Distinction – “Un-fore-gettable Athlete”
o Military – Award of Distinction – “Light Their Way Home”
o Edited Community Event Coverage – Award of Distinction – “Southlands Holiday Hometown Parade”
o Storytelling – Award of Honor - “Un-fore-gettable Athlete”

2021

• J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study
o Aurora Water: #1 Among Midsize water Utilities in the West
• Government Finance Officers’ Association
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2021 Budget Book
o Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• Trust for Public Land ParkScore: No. 25 Best Park Systems in the United States
• GoBankingRates: No. 12 of the 50 Cities Best Prepared to Reignite Their Economy and Job Market
• Livability: No. 36 in Top 100 Best Places to Live in America
• Niche: No. 32 in Most Diverse Cities in America
• SmartAsset: No. 6 (tie) Cities Where More Young Residents Are Buying Homes
• SmartAsset: No. 6 of Top 15 Cities for Women in Tech
• Realtor.com: No 7 of Top 10 Cities with the Most Affordable Mansions
• WalletHub: No. 15 Most Dog-friendly City Nationwide
• WalletHub: No. 15 Hardest Working Cities in America
• WalletHub: No. 19 Most Caring Cities in America
• WalletHub: No. 34 Happiest Cities in the U.S. (No. 1 in Colorado)
• WalletHub: No. 35 Most Ethnically Diverse Cities in the U.S. (No. 1 in Colorado)
• WalletHub: No. 36 Best Large Cities to Start a Business
• WalletHub: No. 41 Greenest Cities in America
• WalletHub: No. 49 Most Vegetarian- and Vegan-Friendly Cities
• WalletHub: No. 53 Best-Run Cities in America (No. 2 in Colorado)
• U.S. News and World Report Best Children’s Hospital List (2021-22): Children’s Hospital Colorado No. 6 on Best Children’s Hospital Honor Roll and ranked nationally in 10 pediatric specialties
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2021-22): University of Colorado Hospital No. 1 Hospital in Colorado, with eight nationally ranked specialties and three high-performing specialties and 15 procedures/conditions
• U.S. News and World Report Best Elementary and Middle Schools List (2021-22): Aurora Quest K-8 No. 1 in Colorado Middle Schools and No. 2 in Colorado Elementary Schools
• National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Heartland Chapter
o Emmy, AuroraTV, Health/Medical – News, “Victory for Victoria”
• National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
o Overall Excellence, Aurora TV (operating budget $500,000 to $1 million)
o Award of Excellence, AuroraTV, News Series, “Aurora Now”
o Award of Excellence, AuroraTV, Public Health (non-COVID), “Victory for Victoria”
o Award of Distinction, AuroraTV, Video Journalism
o Award of Distinction, AuroraTV, Performing Arts Program (Long Form), “Aurora Holiday Sparkle”
o Award of Distinction, AuroraTV, Edited Community Event Coverage (budget over $350,000), “Honoring a Hero”
o Award of Honor, AuroraTV, PSA (non-COVID), “#StopAsianHate”

2020

• Government Finance Officers’ Association
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2020 Budget Book
o Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• Trust for Public Land ParkScore: No. 24 Best Park Systems in the United States
• Outside Magazine: Aurora Among the 20 Most Livable Towns and Cities in America
• SmartAsset: No. 17 Cities Where Millennials are Moving
• WalletHub: No. 12 Hardest Working Cities in America
• WalletHub: No. 16 Most Caring Communities in the U.S.
• WalletHub: No. 62 Fastest Growing Cities in America
• U.S. News and World Report Best Children’s Hospital List (2020-21): Children’s Hospital Colorado No. 6 on Best Children’s Hospital Honor Roll and ranked nationally in 10 pediatric specialties
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2020-21): University of Colorado Hospital No. 1 Hospital in Colorado, with nine nationally ranked specialties and two high-performing specialties and six procedures/conditions

2019

• Moody’s
o This national credit rating agency upgraded the city of Aurora credit rating from Aa1 to Aaa stable, which is the top rating available and speaks to the city's financial strength and well-managed finances.
• American Planning Association Colorado Chapter
o APA Colorado Merit Award, General Planning Project: Aurora Places
• Colorado Theatre Guild
o Henry Award, Aurora Fox Arts Center, Outstanding Actress in a Musical: Mary Louise Lee, “Caroline, or Change”
• Government Finance Officers’ Association
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2019 Budget Book
o Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Heartland Chapter
o Emmy, AuroraTV, Short Format Program – Entertainment, “Obsessive Christmas Disorder”
o Emmy, AuroraTV, Photographer – Sports, “When’s the Best Time to Fish?”
o Emmy, Aurora Police Department, Community/Public Service (PSA) – Single Spot, “Driving Safely: A Message from a K9 and Singing Police Chief”
• National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
o Award of Excellence, AuroraTV, News Series, “Aurora Now”
o Award of Excellence, AuroraTV, Magazine Format Series, “Aurora Now” (operating budget over $300,000)
o Award of Distinction, AuroraTV, Overall Excellence (operating budget $500,000 - $1,000,000) for AuroraTV
o Award of Distinction, AuroraTV, Edited Community Event Coverage (short form) (operating budget over $400,000): “7/20 Memorial Dedication”
o Award of Distinction, AuroraTV, Edited Community Event Coverage (long form): “A Tribute to Mayor Hogan”
o Award of Distinction, AuroraTV, Profile of a City/County Dept. (operating budget $500,000 - $1,000,000): “Behind the Badge – Beakers and Handcuffs”
o Award of Distinction, AuroraTV, Profile of a Person, Business or Organization (operating budget $500,000 - $1,000,000): “Food with Soul – CoraFayes Café”
o Award of Distinction, AuroraTV, Community Awareness (operating budget $500,000 - $1,000,000): “Revisiting Stanley Marketplace”
o Award of Distinction, AuroraTV, Video Journalism: “AuroraTV – Excellence in Journalism”
o Award of Distinction, AuroraTV, Public Service Announcement (operating budget over $400,000): “Code Enforcement Weed Control”
o Award of Distinction, AuroraTV, Public Service Announcement Campaign: “Ride the R Line”
o Award of Honor, AuroraTV, Student/Intern: “Miette et Chocolat”
• 3CMA (City-County Communications and Marketing Association)
o Savvy Award, Video – Interview/Talk Show/News Programming (population 100,000 and up): Aurora Now
o Silver Circle Award, Digital Interactive – Electronic Newsletters (population 100,000 and up): City Scene Employee Newsletter
o Silver Circle Award, Video – Public Service Announcement (population 151,000 and up): Riding the RTD R-Line
o Award of Excellence, Promotional Video: This is Aurora Video
• ENR Mountain States Best Projects 2019: Best Sports/Entertainment: City of Aurora Central Recreation Center
• Trust for Public Land ParkScore: No. 23 Best Park Systems in the United States
• Truth in Accounting: No. 6 for Fiscal Health in the U.S.
• WalletHub: No. 1 Best-Run City in Colorado
• WalletHub: No. 7 Hardest Working Cities in America
• WalletHub: No. 21 Best Large Cities to Start a Business
• WalletHub: No. 21 Best Large Cities to Live In
• WalletHub: Nov. 42 Cities with the Best Public Transportation
• WalletHub: No. 45 Best-Run Cities in America (No. 2 in Colorado)
• Redfin: No. 3 Hottest Housing Market in the Country
• SmartAsset: No. 7 among Top 11 Cities to Buy a Family Home
• SmartAsset: No. 25 Best Cities for Young Professionals
• Niche: No. 24 Cities with the Best Public Schools in America
• Westword’s Best Neighborhood Retail District: Stanley Marketplace
• Cvent: No. 33 on Top 50 Meeting Destinations in the United States
• Food & Wine Magazine: Best New Chef of 2019—Caroline Glover of Annette
• National Bicycle Dealers Association: America’s Best Bike Shops—Bike Shop Girl Family Cyclery

2018

• Colorado Business for the Arts Committee
o Business for the Arts Award: RTD and the City of Aurora
• Denver Regional Council of Governments
o Outgoing Chair Award: Bob Roth
o Way to Go Community Champion Award: Brenden Paradies, Bike Share Permit Program
• Government Finance Officers’ Association
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2018 Budget Book
o Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• Wyland Foundation
o Third Place (300,000 to 599,999 Population): National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation
• Truth in Accounting: “B” Grade (among 12 U.S. cities) for Fiscal Health
• SmartAsset: No. 1 Best City to Buy an Investment Property
• SmartAsset: No. 5 among Top 10 Rising Housing Markets
• SmartAsset: No. 7 among Top 10 Best Cities for Living the American Dream
• SmartAsset: No. 7 among Top 10 Best Cities to Sell a House
• WalletHub: No. 4 Best Real Estate Markets (among large cities)
• WalletHub: No. 8 Hardest Working Cities in America
• WalletHub: No. 20 Best Real Estate Markets (overall out of 300)
• WalletHub: No. 22 Best Large Cities to Live In
• WalletHub: No. 27 Most Caring Cities in America
• WalletHub: No. 38 Best College Towns & Cities (among large cities)
• WalletHub: No. 40 Most Ethnically Diverse Cities in America
• WalletHub: No. 49 Best-Run Cities in America (No. 1 in Colorado)
• Niche: No. 29 Cities with the Best Public Schools in America
• Niche: No. 32 Most Diverse Cities in America
• Trust for Public Land ParkScore: No. 15 Best Park Systems in the United States
• Realtor.com: No. 8 America’s Fastest-growing Suburbs
• American College of Sports Medicine/Anthem Foundation: No. 22 Most Fittest Cities in the United States
• Redfin: No. 3 Hottest Housing Market in the Country
• 5280 Magazine: Stanley Marketplace – Top of the Town 2018 Place to Go Shopping (Editors and Readers’ Choice)
• MSN: Glazed and Confused: Colorado’s Best Doughnut Shop
• Westword: Infinite Monkey Theorem Urban Winery: The Fifty Best Bars We Can’t Live Without
• National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
o AuroraTV, First Place, Programming Excellence
o AuroraTV, Second Place, Best Overall Government Station
o AuroraTV, Third Place, Clinton Street Mural: Arts and Entertainment Category (operating budget over $400,000)
o AuroraTV, First Place, Stanley Marketplace: Community Awareness Category (operating budget $500,000 to $1,000,000)
o AuroraTV, Third Place, Aurora in 1:25: Public Information Series Category
o AuroraTV, Second Place, AuroraTV: Excellence in Video Journalism: Videography Category
o AuroraTV, Honorable Mention, Aurora Places: Public Service Announcement Category (operating budget over $400,000)
• 3CMA (City-County Communications and Marketing Association)
o AuroraTV, Savvy Award: Aurora Worth Discovering Marketing Campaign Art: Graphic Design Category
o AuroraTV, Savvy Award: Aurora Fire Rescue Recruitment Video: Video, Promotional Video Category

2017

• US Water Alliance: Aurora Water: US Water Prize for Prairie Waters system
• American Water Works Association Partnership for Safe Drinking Water: Aurora Water: Phase IV “Excellence in Water Treatment” designation for Peter D. Binney Purification Facility
• Wyland Foundation: First Place (300,000 to 599,999 Population): National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation
• Esri: Special Achievement in GIS: GIS and Homeless Point in Time Census
• Denver Regional Council of Governments: Metro Vision Award: Aurora Natural Helpers
• Government Finance Officers’ Association
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2017 Budget Book
o Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• Colorado Government Association of Information Technology: Excellence Award: GIS and Homeless Point in Time Census
• Sister Cities International: Best Overall Award (for Cities with Population Between 300,000 and 500,000): Aurora Sister Cities International
• SolSmart (Program funded by U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative): Bronze Designation: City of Aurora (for efforts to encourage solar energy growth)
• National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
o AuroraTV, First Place, Best News Series
o AuroraTV, Second Place, Best Overall Government Station
o AuroraTV, Third Place, Clinton Street Mural: Arts and Entertainment Category (operating budget over $400,000)
o AuroraTV, First Place, Stanley Marketplace: Community Awareness Category (operating budget $500,000 to $1,000,000)
o AuroraTV, Third Place, Aurora in 1:25: Public Information Series Category
o AuroraTV, Second Place, AuroraTV: Excellence in Video Journalism: Videography Category
o AuroraTV, Honorable Mention, Aurora Places: Public Service Announcement Category (operating budget over $400,000)
• 3CMA (City-County Communications and Marketing Association)
o AuroraTV, Savvy Award: Dateline Aurora: Our First Responders: Video category
o AuroraTV, Silver Circle Award: Aurora News Weekly: Video category
o Associated Builders and Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter
o Moorhead Recreation Center/Pinkard Construction: Excellent in Construction Award
• Zillow named City Center North and Centretech respectively the No. 1 and No. 2 fastest appreciating neighborhoods in the Denver metro area, which was ranked the country’s ninth hottest real estate market.
• New York Times: 10 Places to See Public Art in 2017
• Trust for Public Land ParkScore: No. 15 Best Park Systems in the United States
• Truth in Accounting: No. 7 for Fiscal Health in the U.S.
• SmartAsset.com: No. 4 among Top 10 Best Cities for Living the American Dream
• SmartAsset.com: No. 3 Best Cities to be a Homeowner
• SmartAsset.com: No. 5 among Top 10 Best Cities to Buy a Family Home
• RewardExpert.com: No. 7 Safest Big City in the U.S.
• WalletHub: No. 4 Best Local Real Estate Market (Among Large Cities)
• WalletHub: No. 5 Best Places to be a Real-Estate Agent
• WalletHub: No. 5 Best Cities for People with Disabilities
• WalletHub: No. 12 Best Local Real Estate Market (Among Cities of Every Size)
• WalletHub: No. 17 Best Big Cities to Live In
• WalletHub: No. 23 Hardest Working Cities in America
• WalletHub: No. 29 Happiest City in America
• WalletHub: No. 38 Most Diverse Cities in America
• GoBankingRates.com: No. 2 Hottest Housing Market This Summer
• GoBankingRates.com: No. 4 Hottest Neighborhood in the U.S. – Heather Gardens
• GoBankingRates.com: No. 13 Best Cities to Find Your Dream Job
• Zillow: City Center North (No. 1) and Centretech (No. 2) Fastest Appreciating Neighborhoods in the Denver Market
• MillennialPersonalFinance.com: No. 23 Among Top 150 Cities for Millennials
• Bon Appetit: Annette named one of the 50 finalists for America’s Best New Restaurants 2017
• James Beard Foundation: Annette named semifinalist for the 2018 Restaurant and Chef Award and chef/owner Caroline Glover named semifinalist for the Best Chef: Southwest
• Zagat: Annette named one of the 30 most important restaurant openings of 2017 around the U.S.
• Zagat: Stanley Marketplace cited in ranking of Denver No. 4 among 30 most exciting food cities in America in 2017
• Zagat: Annette: 10 unexpectedly romantic restaurants and bars in Denver
• Eater Denver: Annette voted Restaurant of the Year for 2017, one of the Hottest New Brunch Spots in Denver, the 37 essential Denver restaurants and Denver’s best tourist-friendly restaurants
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals (2017): University of Colorado Hospital No. 15 on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll, No. 1 hospital in Colorado, and nationally ranked in 11 specialties and high performing in eight procedures/conditions
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals (2017): Medical Center of Aurora No. 4 best hospital in Colorado and high performing in four procedures/conditions
• U.S. News and World Report Best Medical Schools (2017): University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus ranked No. 11 for primary care and No. 35 for research
• U.S. News and World Report Best Children’s Hospital List (2017-18): Children’s Hospital Colorado ranked nationally in nine pediatric specialties

2016

• American Water Works Association Partnership for Safe Drinking Water: Aurora Water: Phase IV “Excellence in Water Treatment” designation for Peter D. Binney Purification Facility
• Interactive Media Council: City Website: Best in Class for Government
• Wyland Foundation: First Place (300,000 to 599,999 Population): National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation
• Government Finance Officers’ Association
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2016 Budget Book
o Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• Associated Builders and Contractors
o Excellence in Construction National Award: City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center/Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture
o Excellent in Construction Rocky Mountain Chapter Award: City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center/Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture
o ENR Mountain States
o Public Safety Training Center (CAPSTC): Best Government/Public Building in Colorado/Wyoming & Plains States
• National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors
o Aurora TV: First Place for News Series – Aurora News Weekly
o Aurora TV: Third Place – Election and Military Coverage
o Aurora TV: Honorable Mention – Public Health, Public Education and Video Journalism
• City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA)
o Savvy Award, Printed Publications – Other: “The A-Book”
o Silver Circle Award, Marketing and Tools – Best Use of a Promotional Item: “Hashtag Promotion”
o Award of Excellence, Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars Spent: “Hashtag Promotion”
o Emergency Services Public Information Officers of Colorado Association
o PIOs of the Year – Aurora Police Officers Diana Cooley and Crystal McCoy
o Best Digital Content – Aurora Police Department Media Relations Unit
• Denver Regional Council of Governments: Metro Vision Award: WISE Partnership
• Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council: Excellence in Community Inclusion Award – Aurora Police Department Special Victims Unit
• American Water Works Association – Rocky Mountain Section
o Treatment Plant of the Year: Griswold Water Purification Facility
o Outstanding Water Laboratory Award: Aurora Water Quality Control Laboratory
• Zagat named Stanley Marketplace the sixth most anticipated restaurant opening in the U.S.
• Trust for Public Land ParkScore: No. 13 Best Park Systems in the United States
• Trust for Public Land ParkScore: No. 16 Best Park Systems in the United States
• Truth in Accounting: No. 5 for Fiscal Health in the U.S.
• Redfin named Hoffman Town (Hoffman Heights), No. 14; Highline Villages, No. 17; and Horseshoe Park, No. 27 among the country’s 30 most competitive neighborhoods for homebuyers.
• MSN Money: No. 2 among 25 Coolest Places to Retire in the World
• SmartAsset.com: No. 5 among Best Cities for Living the American Dream
• Redfin-Match: No. 7 Best City for Dating if You Don’t Want Kids
• Livestrong.com: No. 25 Among Top 25 U.S. Cities for Fit Millennials
• WalletHub: No. 5 Fastest Growing Large Cities
• WalletHub: No. 8 Best Large Cities for First-Time Homebuyers
• WalletHub: No. 14 Best Large Cities to Live In
• WalletHub: No. 21 Hardest-working Cities in the U.S.
• WalletHub: No. 22 Best Real-Estate Markets
• WalletHub: No. 31 Most Diverse Cities in America
• WalletHub: No. 35 Best Cities for Families
• WalletHub: No. 36 Best Cities to Find a Job
• Del Mar Parkway, Highline Villages, Centretech, Laredo Highline, City Center North, North Aurora, Sable Ridge, Sable-Altura Chambers and Southeast Crossing named among the top 10 “hottest” neighborhoods in the Denver market by Zillow, which named the Denver metro area as the hottest housing market in the country for 2016
• Milagros Barsallo, co-founder of Aurora-based nonprofit organization RISE Colorado, named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list
• U.S. News and World Report Best Children’s Hospital List (2016-17): Children’s Hospital Colorado No. 9 on the best children’s hospital honor roll, with 10 nationally ranked pediatric specialties
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2016-17): University of Colorado Hospital No. 1 best hospital in the state and the metro area, with 10 nationally ranked specialties and nine high performing procedures/conditions
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2016-17): The Medical Center of Aurora rated high performing for three procedures/conditions
• U.S. News and World Report Best Medical Schools (2016): University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus ranked No. 8 for primary care and No. 35 for research

2015

• National Association of Clean Water Agencies
o Aurora Water: Excellence in Management Platinum Award
o Sand Creek Water Reclamation Facility: Platinum Performance Award
o National Accreditation Honors
o Re-accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International: Aurora Fire Department (accredited since 2000)
o Re-accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies: Aurora Police Department (accredited since 2000)
o Re-accreditation from the International Accreditation Service: Building Division (accredited since 2009)
o Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Local Government Award
o Bronze – Planning for Economic Development: Aurora Line, Phase 1
• Government Finance Officers’ Association
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2015 Budget Book
o Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• Aurora Chamber of Commerce: Man of the Year Award: City Manager George (Skip) Noe
• Wyland Foundation National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation: No. 1 for Cities 300,000 – 599,999 in Population
• Better Doctor: No. 1 Fittest City on its Fit Cities Index
• Trust for Public Land ParkScore: No. 13 Best Park Systems in the United States
• ApartmentList.com: No. 10 Best Colorado Cities for Families
• Walk Score: No. 15 Most Bikeable City in the U.S.
• WalletHub: No. 13 Most Diverse City in America
• WalletHub: No. 16 Hardest Working Cities in America
• WalletHub: No. 18 Best Cities to Start a Career
• WalletHub: No. 29 City with the Most Diversified Economies
• WalletHub: No. 31 Best Cities for 4th of July Celebrations
• The Hollywood Reporter named The Colorado Film School at Community College of Aurora’s Lowry campus as one of the top 25 film schools in the U.S., and both Variety and Backstage cited it as a top U.S. film school
• U.S. News and World Report Best Children’s Hospital List (2015-16): Children’s Hospital Colorado No. 5 on the best children’s hospital honor roll, with nine nationally ranked pediatric specialties
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2015-16): University of Colorado Hospital No. 1 best hospital in the state and the Denver metro area, with 11 nationally ranked specialties
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2015-16): The Medical Center of Aurora rated high performing in one adult procedure/condition (heart failure)
• U.S. News and World Report Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs (2016): American Sentinel University ranked No. 98

2014

• U.S. Conference of Mayors: Honorable Mention City Livability Award: A-GRIP
• Urban Library Council: Top Innovator Award in Operations: Aurora Public Library
• Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Metro Vision Local Government Awards
o Gold – Planning for Economic Development: Havana Corridor
o Government Finance Officers’ Association
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2014 Budget Book
o Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• Colorado Theatre Guild: Aurora Fox Theatre: Henry Award, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play, Karen Slack, “Painted Bread”; Outstanding Lighting Design, “Painted Bread”; Outstanding Sound Design, “Metamorphoses”; and Outstanding Scenic Design, “Metamorphoses”
• National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors Awards
o Aurora 8: Third Place for Election Coverage
o Aurora 8: Third Place for Public Education – I-225 Light Rail Construction
o Aurora 8: Honorable Mention for News Coverage – Aurora News Weekly
o Public Relations Society of America, Colorado Chapter
o Silver Pick Award, Publications (Single Issue Newsletters/Booklets/Calendars): “Advancing Aurora”
o Explorer Tactical Competition
o First Place, Incident Command System Competition (teamed up with Anaheim Police Department Explorers) – Aurora Police Explorer Post 2024
o Aurora Chamber of Commerce
o Community Leadership Award: Michelle Wolfe, Deputy City Manager
• Trust for Public Land ParkScore: No. 10 Best Park Systems in the United States
• NerdWallet Finance: No. 1 Best Large Cities for Women in the Workforce
• WalletHub: No. 10 Best Cities for Wallet Wellness
• WalletHub: No. 14 Most Recession-Recovered Cities
• WalletHub: No. 15 Best Places to Retire
• WalletHub: No. 19 Best Cities for Veterans
• WalletHub: No. 25 Best Cities for Recreation
• WalletHub: No. 34 Best Cities for First-Time Home Buyers
• WalletHub: No. 35 Best Cities for Pet Lovers
• WalletHub: Nov. 35 Best Cities for Hispanic Entrepreneurs
• WalletHub: No. 38 Best Cities for an Active Lifestyle
• Ranked No. 50 on Livability.com’s Top 100 Best Places to Live
• Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation: Aurora Reservoir No. 90 out of America’s Top 100 Family Fishing and Boating Spots
• The Hollywood Reporter named The Colorado Film School at Community College of Aurora’s Lowry campus as one of the top 25 film schools in the U.S.
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2014-15): University of Colorado Hospital No. 1 best hospital in Denver metro area and the state, with nine nationally ranked specialties
• U.S. News and World Report Best Children’s Hospital List (2014-15): Children’s Hospital Colorado No. 6 on the best children’s hospital honor roll, with nine nationally ranked pediatric specialties
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2014-15): The Medical Center of Aurora No. 4 best hospital in the Denver metro area, with high performance in 10 specialties

2013

• Colorado City & County Management Association: City Manager of the Year: George “Skip” Noe
• America’s Promise Alliance: 100 Best Communities for Young People (award program discontinued after this year)
• Solar Friendly Communities/Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association: Silver-level Solar Friendly Community
• Government Finance Officers’ Association
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2013 Budget Book
o Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• NG9-1-1 Institute
o Outstanding 9-1-1 Call Center Award: Public Safety Communications Department
o International Association of Chiefs of Police
o Outstanding Achievement in Law Enforcement Volunteer Programs: Police Department
• Colorado State Fire Chiefs: 2013 Disaster Humanitarian Award: Aurora Fire Department
• Partnership for Safe Water
o Phase IV Excellence in Water Treatment: Griswold Water Treatment Facility
o Phase IV Excellence in Water Treatment: Wemlinger Water Treatment Facility
o Phase III Directors Award: Peter D. Binney Purification Facility
• National Association of Clean Water Agencies
o Excellence in Management Gold Recognition: Aurora Water
o Platinum Peak Performance Award: Sand Creek Water Reclamation Facility
• American Water Works Association, Rocky Mountain Section: Outstanding Water Laboratory Award: Aurora Water’s Water Quality Lab
• City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA): Silver Circle Award, Printed Publications/Other Collaterals: “DIY and DIR: do it yourself and do it right Home Improvement Handbook”
• Aurora Chamber of Commerce
o Man of the Year Award: Mayor Steve Hogan
o Woman of the Year Award: Council Member Marsha Berzins
o Community Leadership Award: Police Chief Dan Oates
o Humanitarian of the Year Award: Fire Chief Mike Garcia (shared with David Patterson, Rural/Metro Ambulance)
o Special Chairman’s Award: City Manager George (Skip) Noe
• Prevention Magazine: No. 12 of 25 Healthiest, Happiest Cities in America
• The Hollywood Reporter named The Colorado Film School at Community College of Aurora’s Lowry campus as one of the top 25 film schools in the U.S.
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2013-14): University of Colorado Hospital No. 1 best hospital in Denver metro area and the state, with national rankings in five adult specialties and nine high-performing adult specialties
• U.S. News and World Report Best Children’s Hospital List (2013-14): Children’s Hospital Colorado No. 7 on the best children’s hospital honor roll, with 10 nationally ranked pediatric specialties
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2013-14): The Medical Center of Aurora No. 4 best hospital in the Denver metro area, with high performance in eight specialties
• Parents Magazine: Children’s Hospital Colorado No. 5 among the “10 Best Children’s Hospitals” and No. 1 for “Family Friendliness”

2012

• America’s Promise Alliance: 100 Best Communities for Young People
• Denver Business Journal’s 2012 Healthiest Employer Awards: Finalist: City of Aurora (X-large-sized businesses with 1,000 or more local employees category)
• National Accreditation Honors
o Re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies: Police Department
o Re-accreditation from the American Public Works Association: Public Works Department
• E911 Institute
o 911 Training Program Recognition: Public Safety Communications Department
o Partnership for Safe Water
o Phase IV Excellence in Water Treatment: Griswold Water Treatment Facility
o Phase IV Excellence in Water Treatment: Wemlinger Water Treatment Facility
• National Association of Clean Water Agencies
o Excellence in Management Gold Recognition: Aurora Water
o Gold Peak Performance Award: Sand Creek Water Reclamation Facility
• American Water Works Association, Rocky Mountain Section: Outstanding Water Laboratory Award: Aurora Water’s Water Quality Lab
• The Associated General Contractors of America: Marvin B. Black Excellence in Partnering Award: Peter Binney Water Purification Facility
• Digital Cities Survey’s Top Digital Cities in America (for cities with 250,000 or more population): Fifth Place
• Government Finance Officers’ Association
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
o Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• Colorado Lottery: Starburst Community Award: Beck Recreation Center renovation
• Denver Regional Council of Governments: Community Outreach/Public Education, Local Governments Award Program Category: Urban Coyote Safety and Awareness Program
• National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors Awards
o Aurora 8: Second Place for Election Coverage
o Aurora 8: Second Place for Public Service Announcements
o Public Relations Society of America, Colorado Chapter
o Gold Pick Award, Publications (Single Issue Newsletters/Booklets/Calendars): “Finding Balance”
• City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA): Savvy Award, Printed Publications/Reports: “Finding Balance”
• Aurora Chamber of Commerce: Business for the Arts Award: Aurora Fox Executive Director Charles Packard
• Humanitarian of the Year Award: Aurora Police Officer Jim Seneca, Cops Fighting Cancer
• Forbes Magazine: No. 9 in Top 10 Safest Cities in America
• Men’s Health Magazine: No. 9 best cities for men and No. 2 best city for heart health
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2012-13): University of Colorado Hospital No. 1 best hospital in Denver metro area and the state, with five nationally ranked specialties and nine high-performing adult specialties
• U.S. News and World Report Best Children’s Hospital List (2012-13): Children’s Hospital Colorado No. 7 on the best children’s hospital honor roll
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2012-13): The Medical Center of Aurora No. 4 best hospital in the Denver metro area, with high performance in 10 specialties

2011

• America’s Promise Alliance: 100 Best Communities for Young People
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: Colorado Environmental Leadership Program – Bronze Achiever Award
• American Public Works Association: Public Works Project of the Year – Peter D. Binney Water Purification Facility
• American Council of Engineering Companies: Honors Award – Peter D. Binney Water Purification Facility
• American Concrete Institute, Rocky Mountain Chapter: Project of the Year – Peter D. Binney Water Purification Facility
• Partnership for Safe Water: Directors Award – Griswold Water Treatment Facility
• Government Finance Officers’ Association (GFOA)
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
o Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting – Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• International City/County Management Association: Certificate of Distinction – Center for Performance Measurement
• Colorado Parks and Recreation Association: Columbine Award for Programming – Parks, Recreation & Open Space Neighborhood Circles Program
• Colorado Lottery
o Starburst Acquisition Award – Ponderosa Preserve
o Starburst Community Award – City Park
• Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education: Environmental Education Award for Excellence in Government – Girl Scout Water Badge Day
• United Veterans of Colorado: Meritorious Service Award – Sheila Anthony
• National Association of Government Communicators: Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Award – First Place in Conference Materials for Veterans Salute
• International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle Awards
o Gold Pinnacle – Best Media Relations Campaign (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Bronze Pinnacle – Best Press/Media Kit (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
• National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors Awards
o Aurora 8 – First Place in Community Awareness for “Aurora Center for Active Adults,” Second Place in Seniors for “Aurora Center for Active Adults,” Third Place in Profile of a City/County Department for “Aurora Center for Active Adults” and Honorable Mention in Public Information Series for “Down Syndrome Awareness”
• The Hollywood Reporter named The Colorado Film School at Community College of Aurora’s Lowry campus as one of the top 25 film schools in the world.
• Men’s Health Magazine: No. 8 best city in “The 10 Best and Worst Cities for Men”
• U.S. News and World Report: Ranked among the top 10 Winter Wonderlands for Retirement
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2011-12): University of Colorado Hospital No. 1 best hospital in Denver metro area and the state, with four nationally ranked specialties and 10 high-performing adult specialties
• U.S. News and World Report Best Children’s Hospital List (2011-12): Children’s Hospital Colorado No. 5 on the best children’s hospital honor roll, with five specialties ranking among the top 10.
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2011-12): The Medical Center of Aurora No. 5 best hospital in the Denver metro area, with eight high-performing specialties.

2010

• America’s Promise Alliance: 100 Best Communities for Young People
• National Accreditation Honors
o Re-accreditation from the National Institute for Senior Centers: Aurora Center for Active Adults
• Government Finance Officers’ Association (GFOA)
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
o Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporter for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• Partnership for Safe Drinking Water (EPA/AWWA) Awards
o Excellence in Water Treatment: Wemlinger Water Treatment Facility
o Director’s Award: Griswold Water Treatment Facility
o Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association
o Outstanding Collection System: Aurora Water Wastewater Division
• Denver Regional Council of Governments Community Outreach/Public Education Award: Third Place for Water Quality and Environmental Programs Public Outreach Initiative
• Digital Cities Survey’s Top Digital Cities in America (for cities with 250,000 or more population): Third Place
• National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors Awards: Aurora 8: Second place for 2009 election coverage and second place for News Series (Operating Budget Under $300,000) for “Aurora News Weekly”
• International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle Awards
o Gold Pinnacle: Best Media Relations Campaign (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Silver Pinnacle: Best Press/Media Kit (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Silver Pinnacle: Best Pin or Button (for an event) (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Silver Pinnacle: Best Promotional Poster (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Silver Pinnacle: Best Newspaper Insert/Supplement (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
• National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program: Certificate of Appreciation: Neighborhood Services Department’s Home Ownership Assistance Program
• Colorado Theatre Guild: Henry Award: The Aurora Fox's Little Foxes Summer Youth Theatre Program
• Channel 7 A-List Award: No. 1 Museum in the Metro Area: Aurora History Museum
• Aurora Chamber of Commerce
o Community Leadership Award: Community Relations Division Chief Barbara Shannon-Banister
o Chamber Leadership Award: Aurora 8 Producer Mark Isenburg
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2010-11): University of Colorado Hospital ranked in four specialties.
• U.S. News and World Report Best Children’s Hospital List (2010-11): The Children’s Hospital listed among best pediatric hospitals, with eight specialties ranking in the top 10.
• Women’s Health Magazine: No. 4 best city in “America’s Best & Worst Cities for Women”
• Men’s Health Magazine: No. 11 best city in “America’s Best & Worst Cities for Men”
• Redbook Magazine: One of six more affordable housing markets in the U.S.

2009

• International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Center for Performance Measurement: Certificate of Achievement/Certificate of Distinction/Certificate of Excellence (one of only 20 U.S. jurisdictions to receive this): City of Aurora Performance Measurement Program
• ICMA: Honorary Membership: Dr. Jay Gershen, University of Colorado Hospital (nominated by Aurora City Manager Ron Miller)
• Government Finance Officers’ Association (GFOA)
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
o Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporter for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Capacity Development Office
o Coordination Honors Award – Original Aurora Renewal’s “Weed and Seed” Program
o Nicholas Sloan Valor Award for the late Rodney Morales – Original Aurora Renewal’s “Weed and Seed” Program
o Tenure Award for Site Director Dawn Barrett – Original Aurora Renewal’s “Weed and Seed” Program
• Digital Cities Survey’s Top Digital Cities in America (for cities with 250,000 or more population): Tied for Third Place
• ASIS International’s Denver Mile High Chapter: Officer of the Year: Aurora Police Sgt. Timothy Holt
• Colorado Attorney General’s Office: Inaugural Excellence in Law Enforcement Award: Aurora Police Sgt. Joe Young
• U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs: Amber Alert Law Enforcement Leadership Award: Aurora Police Sgt. Joe Young
• International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle Awards
o Gold Pinnacle: Best Press/Media Kit (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Gold Pinnacle: Best Media Relations Campaign (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Gold Pinnacle: Best Pin (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors Awards
o Aurora 8: Honorable Mention for “Nature Notes” and Honorable Mention for “Aurora News Weekly”
• National Emergency Number Association’s Colorado Chapter: Center of Excellence: City of Aurora Public Safety Communications Department
• Aurora Civitan Club: Citizen of the Year: Aurora City Manager Ron Miller
• American Water Works Association’s Rocky Mountain Section: Best of Show Regional Water Taste Test Competition: Aurora Water
• Partnership for Safe Drinking Water (EPA/AWWA) Awards
o Excellence in Water Treatment: Wemlinger Water Treatment Facility
o Director’s Award: Griswold Water Treatment Facility
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Environmental Leadership Program: Bronze Award: Wemlinger Water Treatment Facility
• National Association of Clean Water Agencies: Gold Peak Performance Award: Sand Creek Water Reuse Facility
• Colorado Parks and Recreation Association: Columbine Award for Maintenance: Parks, Recreation & Open Space Conservation Area Program
• National Accreditation Honors
o Full accreditation from American Public Works Association: Public Works Department
o Re-accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies: Aurora Police Department (accredited since 2000)
• Aurora Chamber of Commerce
o Chamber Leadership Award: City Manager Ron Miller
o Community Leadership Award: Police Officer Tim Huffman
• U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals List (2009-10): University of Colorado Hospital ranked in the top 25 in the nation in six of 16 medical specialties.
• U.S. News and World Report Best Children’s Hospital List (2009-10): The Children’s Hospital ranked among the nation’s 10 best pediatric hospitals.
• Salary.com: No. 2 city to build wealth in “Top 5 Cities to Build Wealth”
• Men’s Health Magazine: No. 7 best city in “America’s Best & Worst Cities for Men”

2008

• National Civic League: All America City Winner
• Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education Award: Excellence in Environmental Education: Water Conservation Office Education Program “Forests to Faucets”
• Government Finance Officers’ Association (GFOA)
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
o Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporter for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• Partnership for Safe Drinking Water (EPA/AWWA) Awards
o Excellence in Water Treatment: Wemlinger Water Treatment Facility
o Director’s Award: Griswold Water Treatment Facility
• American Water Works Association’s Rocky Mountain Section: Outstanding Water Laboratory Award: Aurora Water Quality Control Laboratory
• American Public Works Association’s Colorado Chapter: Environmental Design/Maintenance and Operation Award: Aurora Water Stormwater Division
• Rocky Mountain Water Environmental Association: Outstanding Collection System – Aurora Water Wastewater Division
• National Association of Clean Water Agencies: Gold Peak Performance Award: Sand Creek Water Reuse Facility
• U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Capacity Development Office: Best Practices Recognition: Original Aurora Renewal’s “Weed and Seed” Program
• National Association of School Resource Officers: Model SRO Agency Award: Aurora Police Department’s School Resource Officer Unit
• U.S. Secret Service: Certificate of Appreciation from Director Mark Sullivan for Supporting the Protective Mission During the Democratic National Convention: Aurora Police Department
• Digital Cities Survey’s Top Digital Cities in America (for cities with 250,000 or more population): First Place
• Colorado Association of Libraries Awards
o President’s Award: Patti Bateman, City of Aurora library services manager
• National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors Awards: Aurora 8: First Place for Excellence in Government Programming and “Aurora News Weekly” and Second Place for election coverage and the “Commuter’s Survival Guide”
• International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle Awards: Gold Pinnacle – Best Press/Media Kit (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
• National League of Cities Showcase
o Neighborhood Services’ Fence Replacement Program awarded participation
o Colorado Community Revitalization Authority (now Downtown Colorado, Inc.) Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence
o Paul Suss of Suss Buick Pontiac GMC named Downtowner of the Year for his work on Aurora’s Havana Business Improvement District
• National Accreditation Honors from the International Accreditation Service: City of Aurora Building Division (Colorado’s first and only building department to achieve accreditation)
• Aurora Chamber of Commerce: Man of the Year Award: Mayor Ed Tauer
• Men’s Health Magazine: No. 5 best city in “America’s Best & Worst Cities for Men”
• Women’s Health Magazine: No. 10 best city in “America’s Best & Worst Cities for Women”
• U.S. News and World Report Best Children’s Hospitals: The Children’s Hospital ranked No. 7 among the nation's 10 best pediatric hospitals

2007

• Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Distinguished Service Award: Distinguished Service Award: Mayor Ed Tauer (shared with Denver and Lakewood mayors for their role in the 2006 Colorado Colfax Marathon)
• DRCOG Metro Vision and Local Government Innovations Award
o Gold – Planning With a Vision Category: City of Aurora Senior Housing Program
o Silver – Community Outreach/Public Education Category: Aurora Water Youth Education Program
• International City/County Management Association (ICMA): Program Excellence Award: City of Aurora’s “Nature as Your Neighbor: The Joys and Responsibilities of Living Next to Nature” program
• National Association of Clean Water Agencies: Gold Peak Performance Award: Aurora Water’s Sand Creek Reuse Facility
• Partnership for Safe Drinking Water (EPA/AWWA): Director’s Award: Wemlinger and Griswold Water Treatment Facilities
• Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education: PreK-12 Education Award: Water Conservation Office Education Program/Youth Water Festival
• American Council of Engineering Companies and the National Society of Professional Engineers’ Professional Engineers in Private Practice Division: National Qualifications-based Selection Award of Merit: Aurora Water
• Colorado Drinking Water Excellence Program: Bronze Environmental Achievement Award: Wemlinger and Griswold Water Treatment Facilities
• American Water Works Association’s Rocky Mountain Section: Ralph M. Leidholdt Water Treatment Plant Operator Award: Kevin Linder, Wemlinger Water Treatment Facility
• Water Environment Federation (WEF): Laboratory Analyst Award: Leah O’Connor, Aurora Water Quality Control Laboratory
• Western Resource Advocate: “Top Drop” Award (excellence in water conservation programs): Aurora Water Conservation Office
• Geospatial Information and Technology Association (GITA) Innovator Award
• Colorado Lottery 2007 Starburst Conservation Award: Land Stewardship of the Morrison Nature Center
• Digital Cities Survey’s Top Digital Cities in America (for cities with 250,000 or more population): First Place
• National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors Awards: Aurora 8: First Place for Asian Film Festival Coverage and Second Place for the station’s Library, Recreation & Cultural Services promotional piece
• Center for Resource Conservation Water Conservation Award: Excellence in Water Conservation
• Public Relations Society of America Colorado Chapter Silver Pick Award: Special Events (Events with Budgets of $25,000 or More): KidSpree
• International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle Awards: Bronze Pinnacle: Best Media Relations Campaign (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
• National Bond Buyer Southwest Deal of the Year: City of Aurora’s Prairie Waters Project Series 2007A Bond
• Government Finance Officers’ Association (GFOA)
o Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
o Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• Colorado Association of Libraries Awards
o President’s Award: Patti Bateman, City of Aurora library services manager
• Collaborative Project of the Year Finalist: Joint Aurora Public Library and Arapahoe Library District BIG READ 2007 project
• MetLife Foundation Community/Police Partnership Award: Original Aurora Renewal’s Weed and Seed Operation
• National League of Cities Showcase: Art in Public Places awarded participation
• Home Builders Association of Metro Denver: Community of the Year: Southshore, a waterside neighborhood in southeast Aurora
• Denver Parade of Homes: Southshore (also in 2000 at Tallyn’s Reach)
• U.S. News and World Report Best Children’s Hospitals: The Children’s Hospital ranked fourth among the nation's 10 best pediatric hospitals

2006

• Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Metro Vision and Local Government Innovations Awards
o Extraordinary Service Program
o Weed and Seed Program
• International City/County Management Association Program Excellence Awards
o Asian/Pacific Community Partnership
o Home of Our Own Program
• Digital Cities Survey’s Top Digital Cities in America (for cities with 250,000 or more population): Fourth Place
• International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle Awards: Silver Pinnacle: Best Media Relations Campaign (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
• National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors Awards: Aurora 8: First Place for Excellence in Government Programming, First Place for “Trial By Jury” and Second Place for “Aurora News Weekly”
• National Accreditation Honors: Re-accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies – Aurora Police Department (accredited since 2000)
• Aurora Chamber of Commerce: Humanitarian of the Year Award: Victim Assistance Supervisor Carole O’Shea
• Kiplinger Business Resource Center/Kosmont-Rose Institute Study: Named the country’s third most tax-friendly city for businesses

2005

• National Accreditation Honors: Full accreditation from the Commission of Fire Accreditation International – Aurora Fire Department
• Digital Cities Survey’s Top Digital Cities in America (for cities with 250,000 or more population): Tied for Fourth Place
• National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors Awards: Aurora 8: First Place for “Journey Through the Link,” First Place for an Aurora Senior Center promotional video and First Place for a New Hire Orientation video
• International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle Awards
o Gold Pinnacle: Best Press/Media Kit (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Silver Pinnacle: Best Media Relations Campaign (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Bronze Pinnacle: Best Pin (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
• Aurora Chamber of Commerce
o Business for the Arts Award: City of Aurora Art in Public Places
o Humanitarian of the Year: Firefighter Danny Wilcox

2004

• Sports Illustrated Award: Aurora named “50th Anniversary Sportstown USA” for the state of Colorado
• National Accreditation Honors: Accreditation from the National Institute for Senior Centers – Aurora Senior Center
• Digital Cities Survey’s Top Digital Cities in America (for cities with 250,000 or more population): Fifth Place
• International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle Awards
o Gold Pinnacle: Best Media Relations Campaign (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Silver Pinnacle: Best New Single Sponsorship Program (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
• National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors Awards: Aurora 8: First Place for election coverage and First Place for Excellence in Government Programming

2003

• Aurora Chamber of Commerce: Woman of the Year: Sheila Anthony
• International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle Awards
o Gold Pinnacle: Best Media Relations Campaign (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Gold Pinnacle: Best New Single Sponsorship Program (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Gold Pinnacle: Best Press/Media Kit (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Gold Pinnacle: Best Pin (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Gold Pinnacle: Best New Event (within an existing event) (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Bronze Pinnacle: Best Volunteer Program (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree

2002

• International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle Awards: Gold Pinnacle: Best Press/Media Kit (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
• Aurora Chamber of Commerce: Man of the Year Award: Council Member John Paroske

2001

• International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle Awards
o Gold Pinnacle: Best Press/Media Kit (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Gold Pinnacle: Best New Single Sponsorship Program (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Silver Pinnacle: Best Volunteer Program (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Public Relations Society of America Colorado Chapter Silver Pick Award
o Gold Pick: Best Media Relations Campaign –KidSpree

2000

• International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle Awards
o Silver Pinnacle: Best Press/Media Kit (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Bronze Pinnacle: Best New Event Within an Event (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
• Aurora Chamber of Commerce: Woman of the Year: Council Member Nadine Caldwell

1999

• Aurora Chamber of Commerce
o Woman of the Year Award: Council Member Barbara Cleland
o International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle Awards
o Gold Pinnacle: Best New Event Within an Event (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Silver Pinnacle: Most Creative/Effective News Stunt (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree
o Bronze Pinnacle: Best Press/Media Kit (Events with Budgets Under $250,000) – KidSpree

1998

• International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle Awards: Bronze Pinnacle – Best New Single Sponsorship Program (Events with Budgets Under $250,000): KidSpree
• Public Relations Society of America Colorado Chapter Awards
o Gold Pick: Best Single New Sponsorship Program – KidSpree
o Gold Pick: Best Event Photograph – KidSpree

1997

• Aurora Chamber of Commerce: Woman of the Year Award: Council Member Edna Mosley

1996

• Aurora Chamber of Commerce
o Man of the Year Award: Mayor Paul Tauer (also received as a council member in 1983)
o Woman of the Year Award: Council Member Ingrid Lindemann

1995

• Aurora Chamber of Commerce
o Man of the Year: Council Member Steve Hogan
o Humanitarian of the Year Award: Judge Loretta Huffine

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