Welcome To Aurora
Tom Weisner is Mayor of Aurora, Illinois, the state’s second largest city with a population of nearly 188,000. Boasting a diverse population, various housing choices and easy access to multiple transportation options, Aurora was recognized by Money Magazine in 2006 and 2008 as a top 100 city in which to live, work and play.
In 2009, Mayor Weisner was re-elected as Mayor for a second term. Mayor Weisner earned nearly 60% of the vote in a three candidate race. Since taking office, Mayor Weisner has worked tirelessly to instill a spirit of teamwork and a “commitment to excellence” among city staff in order to fulfill his pledge to make Aurora “A City Second to None!”
Mayor Weisner reorganized city government in order to make it more efficient and responsive to businesses and residents with greater emphasis on economic development and neighborhood quality of life. He also formed a groundbreaking public/private partnership with the Franklin Covey organization in order to set measurable goals to ensure success.
As a major architect of the Rivers Edge Initiative, Mayor Weisner gained the recognition of his peers across the state. This program provides grant funding and significant tax incentives for cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield sites in three riverfront communities including Aurora. The revitalization of Aurora’s downtown has already gained momentum with the announcement of two major mix-use residential and commercial developments valued at more than a half billion dollars.
Although Aurora has more than doubled in population, 2008 marked the safest year in Aurora since 1978. Mayor Weisner’s commitment to Community Oriented Policing has helped improve the quality of life while dramatically reducing gun violence in neighborhoods. Thanks to the efforts of Mayor Weisner, the Police Department moved into a new modern police facility in 2010 after years of making do in an outdated building.
Former president of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, Mayor Weisner has pursued an ambitious plan to implement new technology solutions. The city has constructed one of the most advanced citywide fiber networks in the nation in order to make Aurora more attractive to mid- to large-sized businesses that are looking to relocate and have high-end technology requirements. This system will also improve the city’s efficiency on several fronts and saves hundreds of thousands of dollars per year upon our move to a “phone over IP” system in 2010.
Beyond his involvement with business development and neighborhood revitalization in his daily work, Mayor Weisner has a long history of contributing to Aurora. He worked as a volunteer to create educational, recreational and career opportunities for young people. He also actively supported efforts to build stronger families and encourage employment. Mayor Weisner has served as a local officer or board member for the following organizations in recent years: Quad County Urban League, Family Counseling Services, Boy Scouts of America, Study Circles, Aurora Cares Corporation, and the Fox Valley United Way as well as founded Aurora East Educational Foundation.
Mayor Weisner and his wife, Marilyn Hogan Weisner - who has herself held elective office twice - have made Aurora their home for 35 years. Together, they raised two sons. Thaddeus passed away in 2006 from complications of cerebral palsy. Foster son Tony lives in Aurora and is the father of their beautiful granddaughter, Olivia.
Prior to being elected Mayor, Mayor Weisner served the City of Aurora in a variety of management capacities for more than 18 years. From 1980 to 1985, Mayor Weisner and his wife, Marilyn, spent five years with the Peace Corps working to improve the lives of third-world natives on the Island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.
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