AURORA | There are three candidates vying for an open city council seat in Ward I.

Encompassing northwest Aurora, the ward includes the city’s oldest and, often, most troubled neighborhoods. While the three candidates for the ward seat being vacated by two-term Councilmember Crystal Murillo disagree on a variety of issues, they all agree that a proposed Downtown Development Authority would make real progress in solving long-term problems.

That proposal — which would create a sort of local government focusing on the East Colfax corridor — will go before a select number of Ward I voters and business owners along with the Nov. 4 city election.

Two unaffiliated voters and a Democrat are seeking the seat.

The Sentinel’s city council ward election reports comes from reports of issues that make the city council dais and recent questions posed to candidates. Major issues include public safety, police reform, affordable housing and homelessness.

Aurora is currently under a consent decree imposed by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser in 2021. It was the result of investigations into allegations of the Aurora Police Department’s excessive use of force and discriminatory practices, particularly against people of color. Triggered in part by the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, who died at the hands of police and rescuers after being stopped, unarmed, the decree mandates broad reforms in training, accountability, use-of-force policies, data systems and community engagement.

This year, four people have died so far in police-involved shootings, and three were unarmed. Critics have concerns about whether the city is making changes to the police department quickly enough and whether the city should implement an independent police oversight structure, a long-standing issue that has regularly drawn resistance from police and police allies.

Homelessness is also a compelling issue for many voters in Aurora, amid the city’s two-year-old camping ban, which was upheld by a Supreme Court decision last year. For about three years, the city has increasingly made the ban more restrictive. Although the city is not required to offer shelter for the homeless people, while ticketing homeless scofflaws, the city is about to open the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus. That center will offer a three-tier “work-first” approach to homelessness. Some shelter services will be available to anyone on a space-available basis. But transitional housing and some other services will be provided only to those who enter addiction programs and agree to work. The idea has been controversial because almost all national, credible studies point to the greatest short-term and long-term success for permanent housing and rehabilitation being linked to some variation of “Housing First” policies. Candidates were asked whether they would keep the policies as they are or make changes.

Other questions concerned affordable housing and how candidates might utilize policy or their position as a city council member to create more affordable and workforce housing for groups of all income levels.

Ward I — 3 candidates for 1 seat in northwest Aurora

Reid Hettich

The Rev. Reid Hettich is an unaffiliated, community leader and pastor in Aurora. He brings more than 20 years of service to the area, including community and church work. His focus is on community revitalization, equity and public safety.

In regards to the city’s police-reform consent decree and excessive-force-related issues, Hettich said he believes the police have made progress in the past few years. Hettich is a member of the Community Advisory Council for the Consent Decree, and he in-depth knowledge of the progress the police department has made in relation to it. He said progress has been made, particularly in training and policy development.

Hettich said he is unsure whether the police department needs additional oversight. He said the current process for investigating officer-involved shootings, which involves judicial districts and outside agencies, is sufficient. Still, he acknowledges that the process can be slow and challenging for families and the community.

“I think we can basically trust that system that is going to be investigated thoroughly, professionally and without a bias to it,” Hettich said.

Outside of the judicial reviews of police involved shootings, Hettich said the oversight should be continued with a monitor, and that could take on different potential models. He said he would be interested in strengthening the model and ensuring “true” independence and effectiveness.

“I spoke just the other day to (City Manager) Jason Batchelor, and there were some high-level folks going to different cities and investigating different models for the independent monitor, and we’ll have to keep an eye on that to make sure that it has some teeth and that it is truly independent,” Hettich said.

Community engagement and input were another aspect, he said, that is crucial for proper oversight, while technical oversight and legal requirements should also be considered. He said he is hopeful that the community will be able to provide some input for the next monitor, and he thinks it should be essential. Hettich also said that creating community-driven suggestions for changes to police policy or a community-driven oversight would not be as ideal in his opinion because police work is technical.

He said that state laws, the Constitution, and even court cases determine legality in some instances. He said he agrees that there should be community engagement, but experts should drive police decisions.

At the end of the day, the consent decree is not going to end all uses of force and officer-involved shootings, he said

“It’s just not,” he said. “That is the world we live in, that’s going to take place. But hopefully, a consent decree will put the right kind of policies in place, can make sure that officers are adequately trained and that there is some sort of monitoring and a transparent system of evaluating whether you know that training and those policies are hitting the street.”

Aurora’s developing approach to homelessness is something Hettich said he mostly agrees with and thinks could have a lot of success. He said he “thinks it is a piece,” of the puzzle, but there should be continued resources throughout the city, as it is unlikely that a single solution will solve the problem as a whole.

“I’m advocating a ‘people first’ plan, where it’s complicated and people are different and unique, and their situations are different,” he said.

It’s like issuing a ticket to someone who will probably lose it and have to pay a fine, and it will likely not turn their life around, he said. Having additional nonprofits and other organizations can help fill the gaps left and ensure that they are more involved in individualized case management. This could also help ensure that these organizations work together effectively, preventing duplication of services and ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.

“I am not convinced that we’re going to end homelessness in Aurora,” Hettich said. “That will be a persistent problem that we’ll have to deal with on some level, no matter what, because no one else has figured it out yet, and I think it’s naive to think that somehow we have it figured out.”

Some examples he gave were a person who might have a large amount of stuff they don’t want to haul out to the northeast corner of the city. Someone like that would be less likely to take services because they don’t want to lose their belongings, or haul them there and risk losing them at the Navigation Campus. Hettich also mentioned people who get anxious in groups and might feel very uncomfortable in shelter settings.

“That’s why I just don’t see that as being a one-stop shop for everybody,” Hettich said.

When it comes to creating affordable or attainable housing for residents through city council, Hettich said he would want to look into a variety of housing types, but he would not be interested in anything like a moratorium.

Promoting homeownership by building more condominiums and affordable housing, working with developers to push for affordable options through early communication, and collaborating with reputable developers to include a percentage of affordable options are all tools he said he could utilize.

“I don’t think builders and developers are our enemies, but they have to play by our rules, and working with them in good faith, being good partners in this process, is the right way of doing that, and I think in the end, it benefits everyone in that process,” Hettich said.

Community engagement for development that meets local needs, which can prevent conflict later, was also an aspect he said he would want to keep in mind, along with utilizing tools such as land trusts and affordable financing, and adopting successful practices from other regions.

“One of the things I talk about quite a bit in a bunch of areas is cooperation, listening, talking to everybody involved, seeing if there are solutions we can come up with together, rather than a confrontational lawsuit-driven process to get things done,” Hettich said.

Meet Reid Hettich

The Rev. Reid Hettich, an unaffiliated voter, is a well-known pastor and community leader in Aurora, and he brings more than 20 years of community and church service to Aurora, focusing on community revitalization, equity and public safety. According to Hettich’s campaign website, he plans to “focus on community-driven leadership and delivering real results.”

Hettich is executive director and founder of Mosaic Unlimited, a church-based organization, co-owner of the Dayton Street Opportunity Center, chairperson of Aurora’s Key Community Response Team, a member of the Community Advisory Council for Aurora’s Consent Decree, and a host of other community boards and programs.

One notable point of pride for Hettich was the work he did with Aurora Public Schools to connect mentors with at-risk students, helping to improve their chances of graduation. The mentors he helped connect the students with led to an 80% on-time graduation rate for participants.

Reid Hettich Q&A

Q: Why should Aurora voters choose you as their next at-large representative?

I have deep roots in this community, having lived in Aurora for 40 years — the last 15 in Ward One. Throughout that time, I have demonstrated my commitment to our city by serving in a variety of leadership roles. Building trusted relationships across political, ethnic, and economic lines has always been a priority for me, because strong connections are the foundation of real progress.

My focus has consistently been on bringing people together, finding common ground, and working collaboratively toward practical solutions. I am eager to represent and serve everyone in our ward. I will continue the work I have long been doing for our community, drawing on both my experience and the relationships I have built, to create positive, community-centered, and collaborative change in Ward One.

Q: What will be your top three legislative priorities if elected?

Public Safety: While overall crime rates have declined, too many residents still feel unsafe. I will prioritize a comprehensive, community-focused approach to public safety—one that delivers real results. Strong, thriving communities are the best defense against crime. That’s why I support proactive measures such as job training, youth programs, and pathways to homeownership, which strengthen families and build a safer Aurora for everyone.

Economic Revitalization: Our neighborhoods deserve vibrant streets, thriving businesses, and a renewed sense of pride. I am committed to working with local leaders, business owners, and residents to breathe new life into our commercial corridors—starting with Colfax Avenue. By tackling boarded-up buildings and creating space for small businesses to flourish, we can spark growth and opportunity while ensuring current residents are not displaced.

Community Building: A strong future for Original Aurora begins with bringing people together. I will champion innovative ways to celebrate our diversity, strengthen connections, and restore community pride. The people of Ward 1 are our greatest asset, and I believe our best days are ahead. When we support each other and work together, we all thrive together.

Q: What critical issue in your
ward would you champion as a city lawmaker?

Responsible Development: Our community is changing, and with that change comes development. I am committed to ensuring that new growth brings fresh energy to Ward 1 while preserving its history, character, and soul. Responsible development must serve everyone—not just the wealthy. By supporting local entrepreneurs, partnering with community-based organizations, and prioritizing thoughtful, inclusive planning, we can create progress that uplifts the entire community.

Q: What sort of working relationship do you want to develop with council members who don’t share your political views?

These are important issues that matter to everyone, though people often disagree on the best path forward. My approach is to build relationships rooted in trust and respect—listening carefully, being honest, and working to find common ground so we can move together toward real solutions.

Q: During the past few years, Aurora’s City Council has responded to the p by banning camping on public property and stepping up sweeps of encampments. In addition, the city will open a “work-first” regional homeless Navigation Center next year.

Homelessness is a complex and persistent challenge facing cities across the country, including ours. The Regional Homeless Navigation Campus is a step in the right direction and will make a positive difference, but there is no single solution to this issue. We must ensure that mental health care and addiction recovery services are accessible throughout the city. At the same time, it is essential to support organizations that provide individualized assistance and programming to meet people’s unique needs.

Q: To discourage criminal behavior, should the city invest more in social programs (education, job training, etc.), or should it invest more in policing and impose tougher criminal penalties?

Our community must invest in both strong criminal justice efforts and meaningful social programs. Persistent crime challenges require a comprehensive approach. When communities thrive, crime naturally declines. That’s why I support partnerships that expand job training, youth programming, and opportunities for homeownership—proactive measures that build stronger families, healthier neighborhoods, and a safer Aurora for all.

Q: After the death of Elijah McClain and other incidents of excessive police force, Aurora’s Police Department agreed to implement a list of reforms to address what the Colorado Attorney General’s Office described as a pattern of racially-biased policing and excessive force. How much progress have Aurora police made toward reform? Have calls for reform gone too far, or are they not ambitious enough?

I have been deeply involved in reform efforts, and we have made meaningful progress, including:

Developing stronger, clearer policies

Reworking officer training

Significantly improving data collection and monitoring

Updating hiring, promotion, and disciplinary practices

Increasing transparency through accurate, up-to-date public data

While these are important foundational steps, much work remains to ensure they deliver real results in our neighborhoods. It is essential that we establish an ongoing independent monitor and keep the community actively engaged to make sure these reforms bring lasting, measurable change.

Q: Aurora is grappling with a shortage of affordable housing, with some state officials seeing a need for thousands of additional affordable units to meet demand. What specific steps would you like to see the city take to expand its inventory of affordable housing, or is this an issue best dictated by market forces?

There are clear steps we can and should take to expand the supply of affordable housing: Require developers to include a percentage of affordable units in their projects where appropriate. Support builders who prioritize affordability by assisting them as they seek financing and approvals. Ensure that our zoning, planning, and related ordinances do not place unnecessary barriers on affordable housing developments.

Q: Grade the performance of President Donald Trump: A, B, C, D, or F.

No response

Q: Grade the performance of Gov. Jared Polis: A, B, C, D, or F.

No response

The lighter side of Reid Hettich

If you had a superpower, what would it be? To clearly see and seize the opportunities in every challenge

Did you have any New Year’s resolutions? What were they? No

What was the last movie you watched? The old Morgan Freeman movie “Chain Reaction”

What is your least favorite household chore? All of them… they are called “chores” for a reason.

What fun fact about you would most surprise people who know you? I played college baseball and basketball — not especially well

Stephen Elkins

Stephen Elkins, who is unaffiliated, said has lived in Aurora and Colorado for more than a decade, working as a city planner for Denver for seven years.

He said police involved shootings do impact the entire community and that they are always tragedies that require thoughtful conversation. He suggested community conversations and open houses to allow the community to discuss possible changes with the police.

He said that police should always be pursuing the least-lethal options, and at the same time, officer-involved shootings are complex and not one-sided. In our “chaotic society,” police are trained to have people follow their commands, so when they don’t, consequences happen, Elkins said.

“I think that’s really important, getting that message out there that you know if you’re not following those commands, then unfortunately, this can happen, and it’s not great, it’s not ideal, but it’s something that I think about, and it’s not something that I dismiss callously as an officer involved shooting,” Elkins said.

Elkins said he supports the work and decisions of Chief Todd Chamberlain and that Aurora needs this stability.

“He’s brought a lot of stability to the department,” Elkins said about Chamberlain. “People were, are and continue to be frustrated with the department, but as long as we have a revolving door in the department, we can’t make changes. We’re just triaging.”

While he’s been on the campaign train, Elkins said he has continuously heard that people want more police and more safety.

“We have to engage,” he said

An independent oversight committee was not something Elkins said he was currently interested in committing to. He said he preferred the idea of full community engagement instead.

When it comes to the city’s handling of homelessness, Elkins said he favors the “work first” approach over the “housing first” approach. Drawing on personal experiences from working for the City of Denver, he said he processed group-living applications for sober homes and observed numerous complexities in homelessness, which led him to support more structured solutions in his campaign.

“I like that there are steps that if you show that you’re on a pathway to recovery and you’re engaged, that there is a pathway to eventually become self-sustaining,” Elkins said.

He said that homelessness can involve many other factors like mental health, substance abuse and/or living paycheck to paycheck and that he thinks the Navigation Campus will benefit people in those situations.

“I think there is no silver bullet for homelessness,” Elkins said. “I think if there was, every municipality in the nation would have shot it a long time ago. But I think I want to see how the Navigation Campus goes forward.”

Periodic updates and community conversations about the progress, as well as any potential impacts, would also be required, he said.

Living within walking distance of a large encampment near Morris Heights and under the Peoria Street bridge, Elkins said, he has seen the aftermath of where a fire broke out and the damage it caused. He said that people can’t sleep outside because it’s not dignified or healthy, and it’s not a way to live.

“I see how much money the City of Denver has spent on housing first, and that they can’t continue to spend it,” Elkins said. “I think that has been really crucial, is that the city just doesn’t have those resources, and neither does Aurora.”

Elkins said that he believes addressing affordable housing requires everyone to work together, including the government, residents and developers.

“We need policies that actually will get us there,” Elkind said. “We need to ensure, number one, what is the government going to slow down affordable housing? What processes, expenses, fees, and staff are in the way?”

Ideas and solutions for affordable housing could include creating policies that actually increase the availability of affordable housing, Elkins said. This could include reducing regulatory barriers, such as reconsidering material standards and extensive landscaping requirements, which can drive up costs. He said he would want to look into what government processes, fees, and regulations might be slowing down development.

Although he said he received some negative responses, he also suggested making the city’s planning department more accessible and efficient, as delays in permitting and meetings can hinder new housing construction.

He said people should live closer to their work, and there should be a variety of housing types from single-family to multifamily and apartments.

“We need more of everything,” Elkins said.

Elkins said he is also more supportive of local control over housing policies, such as accessory dwelling units and parking requirements, and is skeptical of state mandates that may not take into account local infrastructure or needs.

“We need to start understanding who the users are of affordable housing, what their needs are, and how do we meet them where they are, rather than just thinking we can figure it out without actually engaging with them,” he said.

Meet Stephen Elkins

Stephen Elkins, an unaffiliated voter and a former planner for the City of Denver, is a resident of the Jewell Heights neighborhood. He regularly attends city council meetings, making frequent public comments.

He currently works for a data center company, which he says frequently collaborates with local governments on permitting and project management. He held various positions as a city planner for the City of Denver for more than seven years.

He said his experience working with municipal bureaucracy will help him effectively represent Ward I residents and improve communication between city officials and the public.

Elkins said, if elected, he would focus on public safety, economic development and government accountability.According to his campaign website, he plans to focus on public safety, putting Ward I first and accountability of local government.

Stephen Elkins Q&A

STEPHEN ELKINS – Unaffiliated

Q: Why should Aurora voters choose you as their next at-large representative?

I believe Ward I voters should choose me as their representative on City Council because I want to get it done for Ward I. I want to show up for you, be present in the community, answer your phone calls and emails, and make city government more accessible, transparent, and accountable to you. Unfortunately, for the last 8 years, residents have had to chase our current representative, often to no avail, to be heard or access core city services. We need a change in Ward I. I want to work with people of all backgrounds and perspectives on our pressing issues of public safety in our neighborhoods and along the Colfax corridor, revitalization of the Colfax corridor and Lowry, and making city government more transparent and accountable. During the Edge at Lowry apartment complex public safety crisis, I worked with Del Mar Parkway neighbors to not only close the complex but to re-house residents in safe, dignified housing. I advocated for them by connecting them with the city government to ensure their voices were heard and action was taken. I want to take the leadership skills I gained and put them to work for you on the City Council.

Q: What will be your top three legislative priorities if elected?

My top three legislative priorities will be public safety, including supporting our police officers and firefighters. We must continue to focus on retention and recruitment so that when residents need our public safety officers to respond they can do so quickly and effectively. I want to focus on economic development, specifically revitalization of the Colfax corridor and the redevelopment of Lowry. I want to partner with Mayor Coffman to revitalize these areas with residents at the table to ensure that they help guide and benefit from revitalization. I also want to ensure that city government is accessible, accountable, and transparent. Whether it is bringing permitting staff back in office 5 days a week to ensure that housing is reviewed as quickly and efficiently as possible or opening city hall 5 days a week for 8 hours a day without an appointment, we must continue to center residents as we think about how we provide city services.

Q: What critical issue in your
ward would you champion as a city lawmaker?

I will champion accessible and community-oriented public safety. I have heard from so many residents that safety is their top priority. I am proud to be endorsed by Aurora’s police unions because I want to partner with rather than oppose our police officers who put their lives on the line every day for our citizens. I want to restore bike and foot patrols to Ward I because I want to continue to build trust and communication between residents and the police. I believe effective policing is when our officers can get out of their cars and see and understand what we as residents see every day. I have heard too often that “It’s Northwest Aurora, it’s always been that way.” We deserve to be safe in our homes and neighborhoods so that we can feel comfortable to live, work, and play anywhere in our community.

Q: What sort of working relationship do you want to develop with council members who don’t share your political views?

Politics at all levels has become polarized for a variety of reasons. I believe our Councilmembers are passionate about their policies and positions, and when people are passionate, they can come into conflict with others. I believe it is the responsibility of all elected officials to treat each other and the community with respect. Any relationship requires work to build and maintain it. It is my commitment to current and future colleagues to work with them on issues where we can find common ground and to treat

them with respect when our views diverge. Our City Council must continue to work for people of all opinions and backgrounds. It is my commitment to Ward I to be respectful, engaging, and represent all people in Ward I, not simply residents I agree with.

I believe in the City’s work first approach including the new Navigation Center. I believe people experiencing homelessness can leave homelessness through a work first approach, whereas a housing first approach disincentives exiting homelessness. I know that homelessness is a complex issue that is often made more difficult due to addiction, mental illness, and job loss. I do believe our camping ban has been effective to ensure that people experiencing homelessness can be placed into facilities, like the Navigation Center, where they can receive the support needed to exit homelessness. I do not believe there is a unilateral law, policy or program that can address homelessness. I think if there was such a policy, every municipality would have enacted it. Rather, I am committed to continuing to monitor and change our work first policy, including the operations at the Navigation Center, so it can effectively address homelessness now and into the future.

Q: To discourage criminal behavior, should the city invest more in social programs (education, job training, etc.), or should it invest more in policing and impose tougher criminal penalties?

Crime continues to affect our quality of life whether it is car or retail theft or more violent crime. I have heard from so many Ward I residents who want to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. I have advocated for the return of bike and foot patrols in Ward I so our residents can know our police officers better. Retail theft doesn’t just affect store owners–we are all tired of having to find someone to unlock a basic necessity behind a locked door. I believe rebuilding the Police Department under Chief Chamberlain as well as the policies City Council has enacted to lessen crime is the path forward to address retail and auto theft. However, addressing theft is not just the responsibility of our police officers. We need our retailers and their insurance companies to adjust their policies so staff can actively intervene and prevent retail theft. It will take partnership between the community, our retailers, and the police to reduce retail theft.

Unfortunately, the Aurora Police Department had multiple interim police chiefs so the Department was without stable leadership. I strongly believe in the leadership of Chief Todd Chamberlain. He has stabilized the Department and led the way on retention and recruitment efforts. I worked with the Chief on the closure of the Edge at Lowry apartment complex. He recognized the problems–that were brought to his attention by Del Mar Parkway neighbors, the media, and some of our local elected officials–and he took action to close the building. He has proactively addressed similar concerns in other apartment complexes before they rose to the level of the Edge at Lowry.

I believe our Chief is committed to reform. Any time a life is lost during an officer-involved shooting, it is a tragedy for everyone involved, especially the families who lose their loved ones. I want to continue to work with the Aurora Police Department and the community so we can use the least amount of force possible while ensuring that public safety is maintained. There will always be work to be done, and I am committed to partnering with the community and the Aurora Police Department on how we can build trust and communication.

Aurora has an important role to play to encourage housing construction for all income levels given its greenfield and infill development opportunities. I want to build on the progress our City has made as a welcoming city for new development. I want to see permitting staff return to the office 5 days a week to expedite the development review process, ensure that junior staff get the training and mentoring they need, and to be able to quickly respond to requests for meetings. We must continue to review and change our development review process as necessary to ensure that new housing can be built as quickly as possible. I strongly oppose construction defects laws because they are a barrier to the construction of entry level, for sale homes. It is not enough to simply recognize that we have a shortage of affordable housing–I will continue to work on this issue so that my commitment to address housing affordability is my compass as I pursue innovation and reform to ensure that new housing is permitted and built as quickly and safely as possible. I do not support state level intervention on local matters such as housing because I believe, as a home rule city, our local elected officials know what is best for our community.

Q: Grade the performance of President Donald Trump: A, B, C, D, or F.

As a previous question noted, politics continues to become increasingly polarized. Our country continues to face escalating political rhetoric that has turned violent. Whatever feedback I provide on the performance of other elected officials will only further divide people. I will leave it to Ward I residents to grade the performance of President Donald Trump. I am focused on winning my race to be Ward I Councilmember to be the community’s voice on local issues.

Q: Grade the performance of Gov. Jared Polis: A, B, C, D, or F.

See above.

The lighter side of Stephen Elkins

• If you had a superpower, what would it be? My superpower would be being able to teleport. We all have to spend too much time getting where we need to go so I would like to teleport to be able to get anywhere instantly.

• Did you have any New Year’s resolutions? What were they? ‘ My New Year’s resolution was to lose weight. I continue to focus on that resolution by getting out and walking our parks and open spaces whenever I can.

• What was the last movie you watched? The last movie I watched was “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.”

• What is your least favorite household chore? Weeding!

• What fun fact about you would most surprise people who know you? No response

Gianina Horton

Democrat Gainina Horton serves as the state’s coordinator for reducing racial and ethnic disparities. She previously served as a co-executive director for the Denver Justice Project and a project manager for the Denver Office of the Independent Monitor.

Horton received a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College in political science and government. She also served as a member of Aurora’s consent decree Community Advisory Council.

Horton’s background includes experience in police monitors and solutions for the use of force by police.

Her approach to police use of force and officer-involved shootings, if she were elected, centers on the need for independent, community-based oversight that could be voted in, she said.

“We need independent oversight,” Horton said. “We need oversight that is built into our city budget, that is right here at home, that’s not an outside agency coming in every quarter to give presentations, and that it is folks who live here in Aurora that will understand what we are facing when it comes to our police department.”

An independent oversight agency, established in the city charter and protected from political shifts, should have the ability to objectively review incidents involving the use of force and officer-involved shootings, she said. The agency should be composed of residents, operating transparently, with the authority to investigate, review and provide policy recommendations.

“I think that’s the hard part, a lot for community members to understand about oversight agencies, is that they’re not a conduit for advocacy,” Horton said. “They’re a conduit for accountability and transparency, and it is very much a reform effort when it comes to police and sheriff departments, depending on municipalities, and so I would always advocate for the independence from law enforcement, from the community, as well as from the politics and leadership of city council and city governance.”

She said that Chicago has five different types of oversight agencies, which can get extensive and convoluted.

Ideally, oversight should not be passive, but instead, it should have the power to examine the policies and their implementation within the police department, Horton said. Law enforcement can establish an oversight structure that involves the community and ensures all voices are heard, allowing trust to be rebuilt, she said.

“The hope that I have is that if there can be enough buy-in from police, from the community, then it could allow us to establish a really strong, independent civilian oversight agency that can have some true impact when it comes to the need for accountability and transparency,” Horton said.

Transparency in communication is also essential after an incident, but the police should avoid public relations approaches that justify shootings without addressing community concerns, she said. Horton said she did support the police department’s data-driven approach, and that she would want to push for more data-driven analysis and learning from other cities to inform policy changes that could reduce the frequency and harm of officer-involved shootings.

Horton said that community policing is also very important for the community and for officers to feel a connection and trust between each other. Community policing involves officers leaving their vehicles to conduct foot or bike patrols and engage with the community.

“When officers don’t live in the community, when they’re in cars, when they are not talking to residents, in a more holistic fashion that is outside of suspecting criminal activity, then I believe it facilitates a culture where a police department does not value community,” Horton said, clarifying from her perspective of working in police oversight.

Horton’s approach to homelessness, if she is elected, is not in favor of criminalizing homelessness. She said she would want to shift the narrative on homelessness to recognize unhoused individuals as people in need of tailored services, not as criminals. She said that these types of policies funnel people into the criminal justice system and do not address root causes.

“There needs to be, fundamentally, a narrative change that individuals experiencing homelessness are not pests to get rid of, but individuals and families who are in need of services,” Horton said.

Horton said she is excited to see what the Navigation Campus can offer, but she is not yet convinced it’s the right solution. She said she is currently opposed to the “work first” approach to homelessness, citing data that consistently shows the “housing first” approach to be more successful and effective when implemented well.

“The ‘work first’ approach is not the most effective approach to addressing homelessness, and that housing, yes, expensive, tends to be the one that, if done well, provides more safety and long-term stability,” Horton said.

She said she would be interested in advocating for policy changes to prevent forcing individuals into unwanted services, and she would want to ensure that the Navigation Campus collects and analyzes data transparently to assess its effectiveness and to adapt policies accordingly.

The approach to homelessness should be grounded in dignity, choice and evidence-based solutions, she said.

She compared it to offering the carrot or the stick, and said it’s like offering the carrot or the stick, which is jail.

“Individuals cannot be forced to get the resources they may not want,” Horton said. “That binary of a choice, do you want the resources or do you want the stick and go to jail, is not right, it’s not ethical.”

As many in the city continue to struggle with housing affordability, Horton said she is focusing on “housing dignity” for everyone, regardless of income. She said she would also want to focus on low-income residents since many in Ward I are less wealthy than in the other wards.

Her focus also includes housing for renters, young adults, families, immigrants, refugees, and public servants, as well as stronger renter protections, thoughtful increases in housing density, and equitable development that avoids stark socioeconomic divides between neighborhoods.

One tactic she said she would want to use is engaging with developers to find creative, mutually beneficial solutions, such as including affordable units and supporting local businesses in new developments.

“For me, it’s about: where’s that tug and pull?” She said. “What’s the win-win? I won’t know that until I have those conversations with developers around their interests, their vision, and whether there can be a bridge or compromise or creativity.”

Meet Gianina Horton

Gianina Horton, a Democrat, currently serves as the state’s coordinator for reducing racial and ethnic disparities. She previously served as a co-executive director for the Denver Justice Project and a project manager for the Denver Office of the Independent Monitor.

Horton received a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College in political science and government and went to high school at Denver Center for International Studies. She also served as a member of Aurora’s consent decree Community Advisory Council. Her campaign plans to focus on empowering communities by ensuring safe and accountable policing and alternatives, affordable housing and support and “embracing newcomers,” including offering more immigrant support such as providing education, job support and other outreach, according to her campaign website.

Gianina Horton Q&A

Q: Why should Aurora voters choose you as their next at-large representative?

I am running for Aurora City Council, Ward 1 because our community deserves bold, compassionate leadership that centers the lived experiences of its people. I’m running because I’m built to serve and fight with my community. I aim to ensure Ward 1 residents believe and trust in their representative to listen first, lead with integrity, and deliver tangible results.

My vision is rooted in service, and I will stand alongside my neighbors to build a growing Aurora where equity, safety, and opportunity are not just ideals, but our reality.

For more than a decade, I’ve dedicated my career to advancing racial equity, strengthening community engagement, and driving systemic change. I have worked in civilian oversight of law enforcement, led a nonprofit, and now focus on addressing racial and ethnic disparities in the youth justice system. These experiences have taught me that public safety and community wellbeing come from amplifying community voices in rooms where decisions and legislation is made.

Aurora is entering a new era of growth and transformation. As we face challenges around housing, safety, and opportunity, we need leadership that understands the issues at every level, and is unafraid to act boldly for the people most impacted.

My commitments are simple: to close the gap between community and council, and to make Aurora a city where everyone can thrive.

Q: What will be your top three legislative priorities if elected?

If elected, my top three legislative priorities will center on accountable policing and alternatives, protecting and supporting our immigrant neighbors, and ensuring dignified and affordable housing for all Aurorans.

1. Accountable Policing and Alternatives:

I will advocate for greater transparency and accountability within our police department, including developing a civilian oversight model and expanding community-based response models, like the AMRT. Investing in mental health professionals, crisis intervention teams, and restorative justice programs will allow us to prevent harm before it happens. I believe this will create trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, increase response times, and allow the Aurora Police Department to spend their time and resources tackling major issues facing Aurorans.

2. Protect and Support Immigrant Neighbors:

Aurora’s diversity is our greatest strength. I will work to make our city a place where immigrant and refugee families feel safe and supported, regardless of status. That means increasing language access for city services, expanding partnerships with local nonprofits, and opposing policies that criminalize or marginalize our immigrant neighbors. I’ll push for programs that help newcomers thrive from workforce development to civic engagement opportunities.

Lastly, Ward 1 houses Colorado’s GEO Detention Center and it’s a stain on our city – the most diverse in Colorado. With the ACLU reporting human rights violations within the detention center, I will work across sectors to help facilitate oversight and accountability for immigrants detained in this facility.

3. Dignified and Affordable Housing:

Every person deserves a safe, stable home. I’ll champion policies that expand affordable housing development, strengthen tenant protections, and incentivize mixed-income neighborhoods. We must also preserve existing housing and prevent displacement as our city grows in the community years and decades.

My priorities reflect a vision of Aurora that is compassionate, inclusive, and rooted in equity; That we are a city where all residents have the opportunity to live with dignity and hope for the future.

Q: What critical issue in your ward would you champion as a city lawmaker?

As I’ve been knocking on doors across Ward 1, I’ve heard a clear message from my neighbors: we need a city government that listens, responds, and acts fairly. The most pressing concerns I’m hearing have been speeding through our neighborhoods, humane solutions for stray cats, and inequitable code enforcement. This all points to a deeper need for accountability and responsiveness at City Hall to invest in addressing issues that residents face everyday.

First, residents deserve safe streets. I will champion traffic-calming measures from better signage and crosswalks to speed humps and improved lighting (particularly in residential areas and near schools). Public safety doesn’t just mean policing; it means ensuring our children, pedestrians, cyclists, elders, and all can move safely through their communities without fear.

Second, I will push for a barn cat program and expanded humane animal control solutions. Many residents care deeply about our stray and feral cat population but want compassionate, effective approaches. A barn cat initiative would humanely relocate and care for outdoor cats while helping control pests and reduce overcrowding at our shelter.

Finally, I will advocate for an audit of our code enforcement practices to ensure fairness and consistency. Too many residents feel they’re being treated unequally. Accountability and transparency must guide every city department.

I’ll work to make Ward 1 a place where fairness, thoughtfulness, and compassion drive every decision.

Q: What sort of working relationship do you want to develop with council members who don’t share your political views?

Aurora deserves leaders who can work together, even when we don’t agree. Aurora deserves leaders who can make decisions that serve our whole city. My experiences have taught me that collaboration isn’t about always seeing eye to eye; it’s about listening deeply, finding shared values, and keeping our focus on the people we represent.

Through my years of work building bridges between law enforcement and youth, parents, and guardians, I’ve seen firsthand the power of honest dialogue and empathy. I’ve facilitated difficult conversations where trust was fragile, yet we found common ground through patience, respect, and a shared desire for safety and understanding. Those same skills of facilitation, consensus building, and patience are exactly what I will bring to the Aurora City Council.

I believe strongly that a willingness to build relationships must go both ways. Collaboration is a two-way commitment: every councilmember, regardless of political perspective, has a responsibility to engage in good faith for the betterment of Aurora. That means listening to one another, challenging ideas without personal attacks, and working through our differences to reach robust, thoughtful solutions that reflect the needs of all residents.

My approach will be rooted in respect, transparency, and a genuine desire to move our city forward together. Aurora’s strength lies in its diversity of people, perspectives, and ideas, and I’m committed to turning that diversity into our strength through consistent, principled collaboration.

I do not believe Aurora’s approach to homelessness has improved conditions for those experiencing it or for our broader community. The criminalization of homelessness is bad policy. It creates a pipeline into the criminal justice system that does nothing to address the root causes of housing insecurity. When we penalize people for being unhoused, we divert limited public resources away from solutions and into enforcement all while trapping individuals and families in cycles of instability rather than helping them find a path forward.

Real progress comes from harm reduction models that meet people where they are, build trust, and connect them to meaningful services. People are more likely to engage with local government and social services when they feel respected and safe, not when they fear punishment.

If I could unilaterally implement a policy, I would ensure that all city-funded homeless services include family- and gender-responsive resources as a mandatory component. The unique needs of children, single parents, and women can often be overlooked in housing and shelter systems. Supporting these populations with trauma-informed, wraparound care from childcare to workforce development would create long-term stability and help break the cycle of homelessness across generations.

Aurora must lead with understanding, compassion, and not punishment.

Q: To discourage criminal behavior, should the city invest more in social programs (education, job training, etc.), or should it invest more in policing and impose tougher criminal penalties?

Throughout my career, I have worked on police accountability, youth justice, and criminal justice reform, and I have seen firsthand that safety cannot be achieved through punishment alone. Decades of research, both qualitative and quantitative, show that more policing and tougher criminal penalties disproportionately target poor communities and communities of color while failing to address the root causes of crime. When we respond to complex social challenges with enforcement instead of empathy, we perpetuate cycles of instability rather than breaking them.

Aurora has an opportunity to lead differently. Instead of doubling down on outdated, punitive approaches, we can invest in people and prevention from education, job training, youth engagement, to mental health and addiction services. These are the investments that truly reduce crime by addressing its causes: poverty, lack of opportunity, and disconnection.

We should also expand restorative justice programs that repair harm, strengthen accountability, and rebuild trust within our community. These programs have proven effective in reducing recidivism and helping both victims and offenders find resolution and healing outside the traditional criminal system.

Aurora can set the tone for cities across Colorado by rejecting the false choice between safety and compassion. Real public safety comes from stability, fairness, and opportunity, not from fear. My commitment is to policies that make all Aurorans safer by investing in people, not punishment.

The tragic death of Elijah McClain was a defining moment for Aurora. It was one that exposed deep systemic issues within our police department and demanded lasting reform. Since then, the consent decree’s independent monitor has reported overall progress by the Aurora Police Department, and that should be acknowledged. However, progress on paper is not enough when we continue to see multiple officer-involved shootings every year and persistent community mistrust.

True reform requires more than new policies. It demands a transformation of culture. That’s why I believe Aurora must establish independent civilian oversight with real authority to ensure transparency and accountability. Civilian oversight should not be seen as a threat to good officers but as a partner in building trust and supporting a department that serves every community with fairness and respect.

We also need a police department that embraces community-based policing; one that builds relationships, listens to residents, and demonstrates commitment to reform even when the work gets difficult. Accountability and community connection must go hand in hand.

Calls for reform have not gone too far; in fact, we can and should be more ambitious. Aurora has the chance to become a model for equitable, community-centered policing. That will take courage, collaboration, and a shared belief that safety and justice are not opposing goals — they are the same goal.

Aurora’s affordable housing crisis cannot be left to the market alone, and we must take intentional, community-driven action to ensure everyone has access to a safe, stable, and dignified home. In Ward 1, we have a real opportunity to reimagine how we grow and redevelop our neighborhoods in a way that reflects our shared values.

We should be rethinking density and redeveloping Northwest Aurora to create mixed-income communities that are affordable for the large percentage of renters who call this area home. That means expanding affordable housing requirements in new developments, streamlining the permitting process for affordable projects, and prioritizing adaptive reuse of existing buildings to create more housing without displacing long-term residents.

But affordability isn’t just about rent — it’s about quality of life. I envision a city that is environmentally sustainable, supportive of small businesses, and designed for multi-modal transportation, where people can safely walk, bike, or take public transit to work and school.

Our housing strategy should also include strong tenant protections, incentives for affordable homeownership, and partnerships with nonprofit and community land trusts to keep housing permanently affordable.

Aurora must commit to building quality, dignified housing options that meet the diverse income needs of individuals and families. Everyone deserves the stability of a home and neighborhood, and we can achieve that through smart planning, community engagement, and a firm belief that housing is a human right, not a privilege.

Q: Grade the performance of President Donald Trump: A, B, C, D, or F.

Q: Grade the performance of Gov. Jared Polis: A, B, C, D, or F.

No Response

The lighter side of Gianina Horton

• If you had a superpower, what would it be? My super power would be to give individuals a mental rolodex of all their defining memories and experiences, especially the ones with family, friends, and places that gave them the most joy.

• Did you have any New Year’s resolutions? What were they? My New Year’s Resolutions were: Walk with purpose, and have many belly-shaking laughter moments. So far – I am accomplishing both!

• What was the last movie you watched? We had a family movie night and watched “The Book of Life”. Some made it to the very end of the movie, others fell asleep out about 20 minutes into the movie.

• What is your least favorite household chore? Sweeping and mopping! It’s the worst.

• What fun fact about you would most surprise people who know you? My first international travel experience was to the Amazon Rainforest. Talk about an eye-opening experience as a poor kid from Colorado. It’s a whole story – ask me about it sometime!

Ward I Aurora council candidates talk police reform, crime and homelessness

Ward I — 3 candidates for 1 seat in northwest Aurora