ACCA Financial Facts & Community Impact
For more than 15 years, the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) has proudly partnered with the City of Aurora to revitalize downtown through the power of the performing arts. As we continue this partnership to foster growth in Aurora, we want to reflect on the progress that’s been made—and the role the arts play in strengthening our community.
Arts & Economic Impact
- In 2024, more than 630,000 patrons attended one of our more than 700 performances and events at Paramount Theatre, Copley Theatre, Stolp Island Theatre and RiverEdge Park.
- 83% of those patrons traveled from outside Aurora, bringing significant new spending into our community at entertainment venues, restaurants, gas stations, shopping and more.
- According to the 2022 national Arts & Economic Prosperity study, arts attendees spend an average of $38+ per person outside of ticket costs on dining, shopping, transportation and more.
- In 2024 alone, this equals an estimated $23 million in additional local economic activity in Aurora.
- Since the launch of the Paramount Broadway Series in 2011, downtown Aurora has welcomed 60+ new businesses, restaurants and residential developments, alongside major renovations—clear evidence of the power of the arts at work!
- In 2024, more than 1,300 students participated in programs at Paramount School of the Arts.
https://aep6.americansforthearts.org/resources/media/user/1696872054-AEP6_National_Findings_Full_Report-Proof_final-web.pdf
Funding Sources
Sustaining this progress requires significant financial investment. Before 2021, ACCA received no financial subsidies from the City of Aurora. Beginning in 2021, the City distributed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funds to support local organizations recovering from the pandemic. These funds are federal—not local tax dollars.
Specifically, from 2021 to 2024, ACCA received the following funds:
- 2021: $1.5 million (ARPA funds)
- 2022–2023: $5.5 million (ARPA funds)
- 2024:
- $4.5 million (ARPA funds)
- $1 million for Stolp Island Theatre renovations (City‑owned facility)
- $1.9 million for Riverwalk promenade repairs
- $10 million for the purchase of the ACCA downtown parking garage
In addition, ACCA receives a portion of a head tax paid by Hollywood Casino, as outlined in a longstanding intergovernmental agreement between ACCA, the City of Aurora and the Casino. This agreement was established when the casino was built on land formerly owned by ACCA.
ACCA is not funded by local property taxes.
Our operating budget has grown from $3.5 million in 2010 to $31 million in 2025. This is made possible in part by steady growth of ticket sales, donations, school registrations and rental fees.
Learn more about Aurora’s downtown revitalization and the economic impact of the arts:
