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Hollywood Casino in Aurora: Economic Boost for the City, But Residents Fear It Won't Help Due to Batavia School District Boundaries

Hollywood Casino in Aurora: Economic Boost for the City, But Residents Fear It Won't Help Due to Batavia School District Boundaries

Aurora Buzz

Posted On: March 20, 2025

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Aurora, Illinois, is taking a bold step toward economic growth with the ongoing construction of the new Hollywood Casino and entertainment complex. While the development has been underway for some time, with an anticipated completion in the first half of 2026, some Aurora residents remain concerned that the casino, being built within the Batavia School District boundaries, won’t benefit the city of Aurora.


However, the truth is that this $360 million project will have a profound and positive impact on Aurora, from job creation to increased revenue and infrastructure improvements. This new development will play a pivotal role in the city’s future, and residents should feel confident about the long-term benefits it will bring.


The new Hollywood Casino and entertainment complex, is located adjacent to the Chicago Premium Outlets off I-88, a key location that will help attract visitors from near and far. The casino will feature up to 1,200 slot machines and table games, an on-site sports book, a 200-room hotel, and a 12,000-square-foot event center for meetings and conferences. Additionally, the complex will include 1,700 parking spaces, ensuring easy access for patrons and employees alike.


While the casino is located in the Batavia School District, nearly all the financial benefits, including property taxes, sales taxes, and tourism-related revenue, will go directly to the City of Aurora. With construction progressing steadily, the Hollywood Casino is expected to be fully operational by the first half of 2026, marking a major milestone in Aurora’s economic growth.


Here’s a look at how the new casino will benefit the city of Aurora.


1. Revenue Boost for Aurora:


Even though the Hollywood Casino is located in Batavia’s school district, the tax revenue it generates will primarily benefit the City of Aurora. This includes property taxes, gaming and sales taxes, hotel taxes, and event-related fees. These revenues will contribute directly to the city's general fund, providing the necessary financial resources for public services such as road maintenance, public safety, and community programs. This influx of revenue will enable Aurora to reinvest in itself; improving the infrastructure, revitalizing neighborhoods, and funding urban development initiatives.


From enhancing city parks to upgrading roadways, the casino's impact on the city’s budget will improve the quality of life for all residents and support Aurora’s continued growth and development.


2. Job Creation and Economic Growth:


The Hollywood Casino is already a major job creator, with the new facility expected to employ around 700 people once it opens in 2026, nearly doubling the number of employees at the existing downtown casino. These positions will span various sectors such as gaming, hospitality, food service, management, and event coordination. The jobs created will offer Aurora residents new opportunities for employment and career advancement, reducing local unemployment and driving economic mobility. Moreover, the casino will support surrounding businesses as well. Increased tourism and foot traffic will boost local hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and other services. As more people visit Aurora to enjoy the casino and its amenities, local businesses will experience a rise in sales and demand for goods and services, creating a ripple effect that will support the entire city's economy.


3. Increased Tourism and Event Business:


The Hollywood Casino’s 12,000-square-foot event center is expected to play a key role in driving business tourism to Aurora. Hosting meetings, conferences, and events will attract visitors from outside the area, providing an economic boost to local hotels, dining establishments, and retail shops. Many of these visitors will spend money on food, lodging, and entertainment, further strengthening Aurora’s position as a regional hub for business and leisure travel. In addition, the casino's combination of gaming, entertainment, and hotel accommodations will make Aurora a prime destination for weekend getaways and extended stays. These diverse offerings will help boost tourism, enhance Aurora’s reputation, and contribute to the city's long-term growth.


4. Infrastructure Improvements:


With the development of the Hollywood Casino, Aurora will see significant infrastructure improvements. The city is already making upgrades to roads, utilities, and public services to support the increased traffic the casino will bring. With 1,700 parking spaces, the project is designed to ensure that visitors have easy access to the facility, reducing congestion and making it easier for residents and guests to move around the city. These improvements will not only support the casino’s success but will also benefit local residents, making the city more attractive and easier to navigate. Better roads, upgraded public transportation, and enhanced public spaces will contribute to the overall quality of life in Aurora and make it an even more desirable place to live, work, and invest.


5. Boost to Property Values:


The economic activity generated by the Hollywood Casino is likely to lead to an increase in property values in Aurora. As new businesses open in the area, demand for both residential and commercial real estate will rise, benefiting property owners. This could result in higher home values and increased equity for homeowners, while real estate developers may look to invest in and revitalize nearby areas. For those looking to sell or buy property, this growth presents an exciting opportunity. The casino’s presence is expected to drive long-term improvements in the local housing market, making Aurora an even more attractive place to invest.


6. Community and Social Impact:


Beyond the economic and infrastructural benefits, the Hollywood Casino will also have a positive impact on Aurora’s social fabric. The casino is expected to engage with the community through sponsorships of local events, support for charitable causes, and partnerships with civic organizations. This will help build a stronger sense of community and social cohesion in Aurora, as the casino becomes an active and responsible participant in local life. Additionally, the casino will help diversify the city’s entertainment offerings, providing residents with more recreational options. Whether they’re visiting for a night of gaming, attending an event, or staying in the hotel, the Hollywood Casino will make Aurora a more vibrant and exciting place to live.


It’s understandable that some Aurora residents may feel concerned about the casino’s location in the Batavia School District. However, the benefits to the City of Aurora are clear. The tax revenue from the casino, including property, sales, and hotel taxes, will flow directly into Aurora’s budget, funding essential services and infrastructure improvements that will benefit the whole community.


Furthermore, the casino’s job creation, tourism, and event hosting capabilities will drive economic growth in Aurora, providing opportunities for local residents and businesses. It’s important to recognize that, while the casino is located in Batavia’s school district, the project is ultimately an investment in Aurora’s future.


Despite concerns over the casino’s location in the Batavia School District, the Hollywood Casino will be a major asset for Aurora. With ongoing construction set to be completed in the first half of 2026, this $360 million development will provide a significant economic boost, including job creation, increased tourism, and enhanced infrastructure. The city’s revenue will grow, property values will rise, and Aurora will be better equipped to support its residents and future development.


For those still unsure about the casino’s impact, it’s important to remember that this project will benefit Aurora in a big way. By offering new opportunities for businesses, creating jobs for local residents, and contributing to the city’s growth, the Hollywood Casino will help shape a brighter future for Aurora for years to come.

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Most people have heard the phrase “shop local.”Fewer people understand why it matters, how it works, or what actually happens when a dollar is spent locally instead of online or at a national chain.This article breaks down the real economic mechanics behind local spending, shows how communities across the U.S. have used it to strengthen their economies, and explores what actually convinces people to change their buying behavior, not through guilt, but through value and belonging.What Happens When You Spend $1 Locally vs. ElsewhereThe Local Multiplier Effect (Proven, Measured, Real)According to multiple studies by Civic Economics, MIT, and the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA):$1 spent at a local business recirculates 2–4× more in the local economy than $1 spent at a national chainLocal businesses return 48–68% of revenue to the local economyNational chains return 13–40%Online retailers return often less than 10%This is called the local multiplier effect.A Tangible Aurora Example: How One Dollar MovesLet’s walk through a realistic Aurora scenario.Step 1: A Resident Spends $25 at a Local RestaurantThat money:Pays local wagesPays rent to a local or regional landlordCovers utilities, maintenance, food supplyStep 2: The Restaurant Pays Local VendorsA local produce supplierA local linen serviceA local HVAC or plumberStep 3: Those Vendors Spend LocallyGroceries at a neighborhood marketHaircuts, childcare, auto repairDining at other local restaurantsStep 4: Taxes Stay LocalSales taxProperty taxFood & beverage taxThese support:SchoolsRoadsLibrariesPublic safetyParks and cultural institutionsResult:That original $25 can realistically generate $50–$100+ of local economic activity.Compare that to:Amazon → warehouse → national logistics → shareholder → out of stateWhy This Matters for Aurora SpecificallyAurora is:A mid-sized cityWith independent restaurants, service businesses, cultural institutions, and nonprofitsWith multiple commercial corridorsWith strong but uneven economic growthCities like Aurora benefit disproportionately more from local spending than major metros because:Dollars travel shorter distancesBusiness owners often live locallyCommunity relationships are denserOne business closing has ripple effectsCommunities That Do This Well (U.S. Examples)Asheville, NCInvested heavily in “buy local” campaignsSupports independent food, arts, and tourismResult: higher small-business density and strong civic identityGrand Rapids, MIStrong local business alliancesEmployer-driven local procurementDowntown revitalization tied directly to independent businessesBoulder, COLocal-first policiesVisible local brandingResidents identify buying local as part of civic pridePortland, OR (pre-pandemic data)One of the highest local recirculation ratesStrong food, retail, and maker ecosystemsThese cities didn’t rely on slogans, they made local spending visible and social.The Psychology Behind Why People Don’t Spend Local (And How to Change It)What Doesn’t WorkGuilt-based messaging“Save small businesses” without contextAbstract economic argumentsMoral pressureWhat Does Work (Backed by Behavioral Science)1. VisibilityPeople change behavior when they can see the impact.Example:“This purchase helped pay a local employee”“This business supports 3 local nonprofits”2. IdentityPeople spend locally when it aligns with who they believe they are.“I’m the kind of person who supports my city.”3. Convenience FramingLocal spending succeeds when framed as:SimpleFamiliarHabitualNot heroic.4. Social ProofPeople follow people.If trusted local voices model local spending, others follow.5. ReciprocityWhen businesses visibly give back, customers reciprocate.Proven Ways Communities Increase Local Spending1. StorytellingHighlight:OwnersWorkersFamiliesCommunity impact2. Local Gift Card CultureStudies show gift cards:Lock money into the local economyAre spent fully more often than cashAre especially effective during holidays3. Events That Connect Commerce to CommunityMarketsFestivalsFundraisersCollaborative promotions4. Third-Party ValidationPeople trust independent voices more than businesses promoting themselves.5. Habit-Based CampaignsSmall Business Saturday works because it’s ritualizedMonthly or seasonal reminders outperform one-off pushesWhy This Matters Beyond EconomicsCommunities with strong local economies consistently show:Higher civic participationStronger neighborhood tiesLower business turnoverMore resilient recovery after economic shocksLocal spending is not charity.It’s infrastructure investment — just decentralized.Highlights & Data SnapshotKey FindingsLocal businesses recirculate up to 4× more moneyIndependent businesses create more local jobs per dollarCommunities with strong local economies recover faster from downturnsKey SourcesCivic EconomicsAmerican Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA)MIT Local Multiplier ResearchFederal Reserve Bank community studiesUSDA Local Food Systems reports(These can easily be linked or turned into infographics.)The Opportunity for AuroraAurora already has:The businessesThe peopleThe cultureWhat’s needed is visibility, storytelling, and consistency.When residents understand that supporting local:Strengthens schoolsPreserves cultureKeeps dollars circulatingBuilds resilienceBehavior changes not overnight, but sustainably.Final ThoughtSpending local isn’t about avoiding Amazon.It’s about choosing to invest where you live.Strong communities are built one transaction at a time.

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City Debates Proposed APD Training Contract and Cellular-Scanning Technology

City Debates Proposed APD Training Contract and Cellular-Scanning Technology

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