Aurora Plans Public Meeting On Recreational Cannabis Sales

AURORA, IL — The second biggest city in the state will be one of the next western suburbs to tackle the issue of recreational cannabis sales. Aurora officials are considering a public hearing to get feedback about whether or not to allow recreational marijuana businesses in the city and if so, how to zone and tax them.

Aurora's neighbor to the east, Naperville, recently opted out of allowing recreational cannabis to be sold, which means Aurora could see tax revenue coming in from residents in Naperville and surrounding areas if it permits cannabis sales.

The topic comes up for discussion as Jan. 1, 2020 approaches. That day marks the start of recreational cannabis being legal for adult use and sales throughout Illinois.

City officials presented a resolution to the Aurora Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee on Sept. 11 to propose a public hearing on the matter. Whether to have a public meeting about recreational marijuana sales will be up for discussion at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Sept. 17 and at a City Council meeting on Sept. 24.

If Aurora opts to have a public meeting about the issue, it will be held on Oct. 2 in Aurora City Hall. Next steps would be to have two subsequent meetings, one on Oct. 10 and one on Oct. 15, before a final vote is taken on Oct. 22.

Related: Naperville Opts Out Of Recreational Cannabis Sales

The city is ultimately weighing an ordinance that would "amend the Municipal Code by the addition of Chapter 44: Imposing a Municipal Adult Recreational Cannabis Retailer’s Occupation Tax." If Aurora moves forward with recreational cannabis sales, they would be able to charge up to 3 percent in excise tax.

That ordinance, which does not require the city to opt in, is up for a final vote on Sept. 24.