Bio
Introduction
Hi! I am Stephen Elkins, and I am running to be your Councilmember for Aurora's Ward I. ​I have lived in the Morris Heights and Jewell Heights neighborhoods. I have lived in many places in my life, with family across the country, however, I was drawn to Aurora because of its friendly people, affordability, and tight-knit community.
Background
My first job was in a restaurant bussing tables between the summer of my senior year of high school and my freshman year of college. I learned the value of hard work--especially the hard work of the people in our service industry. I carry that experience with me every day. I have my dad to thank for it because he insisted I get that job to know the value of a hard-earned dollar.
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I took that lived experience of working for others when I decided to be a community planner. My community planning career included positions in transportation and community planning. I was fortunate to work for a variety of agencies and departments over 10 years. I was able to see under the hood of government in a way that is only possible by working in it.
After over 10 years working in government, I joined the fast-paced data center industry whose charge is to ensure that the technology we rely on can be delivered efficiently and effectively. My work focuses on the development process as an applicant. I work with communities nationwide to ensure that our projects can be built quickly and efficiently. This experience broadens my understanding of the development process specifically where local government can improve. I am also a proud member of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Leadership Aurora class. This program has been an incredible opportunity to understand what makes Aurora special. ​​​​
Neighborhood Advocacy
Last fall, I attended a Ward I town hall meeting where people were not being heard. The public safety crisis at the Edge at Lowry apartments and repeated violent burglaries of a local business were not being addressed. I was invited to be part of the Mabry Safety Collective where we organized to get solutions to the public safety issues in Ward I. I advocated for and connected with my neighbors to ensure their voices were heard. From knocking on doors to working with City officials, the Mabry Safety Collective worked to resolve our pressing safety issues. I found a passion in connecting my neighbors with their government. That passion drives my campaign to be your Ward I Councilmember. ​​​​
I ♡ Ward I
I love the people of our Ward. I love our small business community who shows up every day to give us their very best. Whether it is a family restaurant or a barbershop, our small businesses make our Ward special. I love that our Ward is where hardworking people come home after a hard day's work to be with their families. Our region could not make it without the hardworking people of our Ward showing up to do the important work to keep our region moving forward. I love that people of all backgrounds can come together to call Ward I their home.​​​​
CONTACT
Paid for by Stephen Elkins For Ward I - 1355 Scranton St., Aurora, CO, 80011