Debate Over Aurora Residency Rule for Department Heads Intensifies

Some officials in Aurora are considering reducing or removing the requirement for city department leaders to live in Aurora. Michele Clark, Aurora’s chief human resources officer, suggests that the rule limits the applicant pool and affects staff diversity. Conversely, Alderman Shweta Baid of the 10th Ward wants leaders to be familiar with the city.

The proposed change debated in August, but sent back to committee, would permit department heads to live in nearby areas. The City Council Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee discussed the proposal, with some members advocating for eliminating the rule entirely. This would alter the existing proposal, which allows living in nearby towns.

Clark stated, “I don’t think your address dictates how committed or invested you are into the community.” The committee plans further discussion on October 20. Proponents suggest listing Aurora residency as a preference, a more advanced approach than a recent ordinance letting police and fire chiefs reside within 15 miles of Aurora.

Alderman Daniel Barreiro of the 1st Ward supports some residency requirement for chiefs due to emergency response needs but sees no need for it among other officials. He emphasized that eliminating the requirement is key to reducing turnover among department heads. Barreiro recalls working under four leaders in five years in the Human Resources Department, and he described the enforcement of residency rules as challenging.

Currently, 53% of department heads and 29% of city employees live in Aurora, per city officials. Barreiro recalled the “mass exodus” when residency rules were relaxed years ago, concerned that requiring relocation might deter potential leaders.

Clark argued that removing the requirement could aid in finding candidates for specialized roles and speed up hiring. She noted that 66% of applicants for full-time positions reside outside Aurora, emphasizing the need to cast a wider net.

Alderman Carl Franco of the 5th Ward labeled the rule “archaic” during an August meeting and felt its removal could help fill vacancies like the fire chief position. “We always want the best. It’s unnecessary to make someone move if they can do their job from where they are,” he said.

Baid proposed requiring department heads to have two years of Aurora work experience, aiming to aid employee promotion. “Leadership candidates should connect to the city,” she stated.

Alderman Ted Mesiacos of the 3rd Ward emphasizes senior staff must maintain an active local presence. However, Clark cautioned against perpetuating staff diversity issues, mentioning that only 25% of employees are women compared to 47% in the national workforce.

The city has debated residency requirements since 1993, when it was first dropped for full-time employees. Proponents argue that it could improve safety response times. In 1997, residency concerns were linked to crime rate concerns by a mayoral candidate.

Last year, Aurora passed a measure excluding department heads needing professional licenses or specialized training from the residency requirement.