Aurora searching for new alderman at-large

Aurora is looking to appoint a new alderman at-large to the City Council, the city announced Wednesday.

The Aurora City Council has two alderman at-large seats, which unlike the other alderman seats represent the whole city rather than a single ward.

One of the current aldermen at-large, John Laesch, was recently elected to be the city’s next mayor, so applications are now open to fill his seat.

“This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated resident to help shape Aurora’s future as a member of its legislative body,” said a city news release sent out on Wednesday.

To be considered for the position, applicants must be at least 18 years old, be a registered city voter and have lived in the city for at least one year, according to the news release.

Interested residents can apply online at www.aurora.il.us/AldermanAppointee.

Applications will be open through noon on Friday, May 16. The mayor’s office will then review applications and select candidates for interviews.

As mayor, Laesch will then make an appointment to the position, which the Aurora City Council must confirm. That person will then serve out the rest of Laesch’s four-year term that started in 2023 and will end with the April 2027 election.

Laesch previously told The Beacon-News that he may use this opportunity to experiment with sharing more power with the City Council, which might mean bringing three names forward to the council to consider and vote on using a point-based system.

rsmith@chicagotribune.com

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/07/aurora-searching-for-new-alderman-at-large/