Aurora Builds Layered Emergency Systems Through Staged Upgrades

Aurora launched myAurora 311 in March 2025 as the main contact point for non-emergency requests such as street maintenance and garbage issues, handling roughly 400 calls each weekday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The new line sits alongside an earlier overhaul of the city’s 911 operations and the long-standing Aurora Alert notification network. Together these tools show how Aurora has added layers of access rather than replacing older channels outright.

Dispatch Center Foundation Set in 2024

The city opened its renovated 911 emergency dispatch center in February 2024 after a $1.4 million project. The space added twelve workstations, each with six to eight monitors, and new communication equipment meant to speed coordination among agencies.

That physical upgrade gave operators better tools before the later decision to route routine calls away from the emergency line. The Emergency Management Agency, which sits under the Public Safety department, continued its role of coordinating disaster response and community resiliency efforts during the same period.

Notification Tools Expanded in Tandem

Aurora Alert already let residents receive targeted messages by text, email, phone or TTYD devices, with address-based options. The city later promoted a simple sign-up method: texting AURORAIL to 888777 for abbreviated alerts. It also secured an FCC waiver that raised Emergency Radio Station 1650 AM power to 10 watts so warnings reach every part of the city.

Outdoor warning sirens were extended at the same time. These steps built on the dispatch renovation instead of standing alone.

Residents who want to use the full set of options can register for Aurora Alert at the city website or send the AURORAIL text. The myAurora 311 line accepts calls, app submissions and online requests during its weekday hours for any non-emergency service need.