R. Christian Smith

Christian Smith reports on Aurora city government for The Beacon-News. He grew up in Charleston, S.C., and graduated from Winthrop University in 2022. Previously, he has reported for The Citizen Times in Asheville, N.C., and The Morning News in Florence, S.C.

Three interim leaders at Aurora City Hall get permanent appointments

February 27, 2026 at 1:24 p.m.

On Tuesday, Michele Clark was approved as Aurora's next chief human resources officer, Theodore Van De Sampel was approved as Aurora's next emergency management coordinator and Josue Alcaraz was approved...

The main entrance to Aurora's Del Webb community, Lincoln Prairie, as seen on Feb. 26, 2026. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora City Council OKs continued development of Del Webb community despite resident concerns

February 26, 2026 at 4:11 p.m.

Despite calls from residents of the Del Webb community in Aurora for its developer to address existing issues before further construction, Aurora has approved plans for the project's next phase.

The city of Aurora is hiring a company to design a new sound wall along Orchard Road to replace the wooden fence currently along the road. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Design contract approved for Orchard Road sound wall in Aurora: ‘This has been a long time coming’

February 26, 2026 at 9:01 a.m.

Aurora is moving forward with hiring a company to design a new sound wall for Orchard Road, which is a project that has been in the works for many years.

Aurora's water tower on Church Road stands behind a nearby industrial building on Feb. 10, 2026. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora City Council approves nearly $1.9 million renovation of water tower

February 25, 2026 at 11:58 a.m.

Aurora is moving forward with a nearly $1.9 million renovation of the water tower near the corner of Church Road and Bilter Road in the city.

A sign on Jericho Road in Aurora stands last fall on the site of Habitat Green Freedom, a “smart neighborhood” being developed through a partnership between Nicor Gas and Habitat for Humanity.
The Aurora City Council on Tuesday will look at giving that project a grant for $560,000 to build four of the neighborhood's homes. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora City Council considering nearly $4 million in grants to local groups

February 23, 2026 at 3:42 p.m.

The Aurora City Council is set to vote on nearly $4 million in grants to various community organizations for projects focusing on housing, opioid use prevention and more.

At a public forum in Aurora on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, Aurora Mayor John Laesch speaks before his Public Transition Committees gave their recommendations to the Mayor's Office. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora committees make recommendations on public safety, housing and more

February 22, 2026 at 9:58 a.m.

Aurora Mayor John Laesch's transition committees are making recommendations across topics like finances, sustainability, housing, public safety and education.

Aurora Chief Development Services Officer John Curley answers residents' questions during an open house on Feb. 12, 2026, about new regulations the city is considering on data centers. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora considers new data center regulations around noise, water and power

February 19, 2026 at 4:31 p.m.

The city of Aurora is considering putting in place new regulations around data centers as its moratorium on these types of developments nears its end.

A new soul food restaurant called Vibez on the River is at 29 W. New York St. in downtown Aurora. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

New restaurant looks to bring different ‘Vibez’ to downtown Aurora

February 19, 2026 at 1:56 p.m.

Vibez on the River, a new restaurant coming to downtown Aurora, plans to serve soul food with a twist.

Aurora's water treatment plant is at 1111 Aurora Ave. in the city. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora to put new chemical in drinking water to reduce lead levels in certain homes

February 18, 2026 at 3:03 p.m.

The chemical, called dipotassium orthophosphate, reacts with lead pipes to seal in the lead and prevent it from leaching into the water, according to Aurora Superintendent of Water Production Bob...

Aurora launches program offering expanded financial assistance to homebuyers

February 17, 2026 at 3:14 p.m.

Aurora will soon be offering those looking to buy a home within city limits up to $26,000 in grants and deferred loans towards the purchase.

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