Special Census Count Begins In Aurora As City Hopes To Recoup $2M In Federal Aid

AURORA, IL — Aurora has launched a Special Census recount in hopes of restoring some of the federal funding lost following the 2020 Census's findings of a decrease in population.

The 2020 Census determined Aurora lost nearly 17,000 residents from 2010 — a "significant undercount," the city said.

Subscribe

The count resulted in Aurora losing more than $4.3 million per year in revenue, "significantly affecting day-to-day operations and services." The funds went to road maintenance, transportation projects, purchases of street salt, public safety, public works, community services and special events.

The 2026 initiative targets new construction and development throughout Aurora. The count will cover an estimated 3,945 housing units that have an estimated population of 10,705, Director of Communications Jon Zaghloul told Patch in an email.

"Since this is not a full recount of the entire City, the City will not get $4.3 million back, nor is expecting to," he said.

The city is expecting to receive more than $2 million if the Special Census is successful. Results take a year to certify, so Aurora would receive the additional funding in 2028-2030.

If the city waited until the 2030 Census to recount the population, revenue loss would amount to about $43 million, officials said.

"The Special Census is such an important initiative for our City," Mayor John Laesch said in a statement. "By attaining an accurate population count, we can receive a restoration of critical federal appropriations funding, plus better understand our residents and strategically plan for future growth."

The Special Census was originally scheduled to begin Feb. 3, 2025, but was postponed due to a change in federal leadership.

Residents can check if their homes fall within the Special Census boundaries using an interactive tool on the city's website.

Those who live within the parameters will receive two letters and two postcards in the mail with instructions on how to complete the Special Census online. Each mailing will contain a 12-digit code that households will use to submit their information.

The Internet Self-Response Period will last from July 23 through August 24, after which the U.S. Census Bureau will send field enumerators to homes that did not respond.

For those who can't access the website or have trouble filling out the form, the city will host Self-Response assistance events at the Santori Library, 101 S. River St. City staff will be available from 9 a.m. to noon July 30 and from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Aug. 3 to help residents.

Community Engagement Division personnel also plan to go door-to-door within the Special Census tracts to keep residents informed and offer additional assistance on filling out the online Internet Self-Response form.