YOUR NEWS: Aurora is one of six cities in the U.S. to receive cultural diversity

AURORA |  The National League of Cities last month recognized Aurora as one of six cities in the U.S. to receive a City Cultural Diversity Award, according to a news release from Senior Public Information Officer Michael Bryant.

The award honors municipal programs that encourage citizen involvement and cities that develop creative and effective programs to improve and promote cultural diversity through a collaborative process with city officials, community leaders and residents, according to the release.

Aurora’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs was recognized with second place among cities of 200,001 to 500,000 residents. Aurora Councilman Brad Pierce received the award on the city’s behalf during the National League of Cities’ Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C.

“Aurora is a diverse and international city, with one in five of our residents having been born outside the United States,” said Ricardo Gambetta, manager of the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs. “We are honored to be recognized for the efforts we’ve already made and the plans we have for the future to recognize the strength of that diversity and create a welcoming and productive community for all our residents.”

The city of Aurora’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs was created to facilitate integration of immigrants and refugees into Aurora’s civic, economic and cultural life. It oversees the coordination of the Aurora Immigrant and Refugee Commission, Aurora International Roundtable, Aurora Global Fest and the Aurora International Cabinet. In addition, the office leads international efforts focused in the establishment of strategic global partnerships, manage official protocol activities and events, and serves as a liaison to the international community.

“The strength of our nation lies in the diversity of our cities and towns,” said National League of Cities President Matt Zone. “Across the country, municipal officials are taking the lead on creating policies that are more accessible to and more inclusive of their diverse residents.”

The National League of Cities is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.