Assistant City Attorney

City of Aurora launches myAurora 311 Open Data Portal. The City of Aurora's Data and Analytics Division, in partnership with the City's Customer Service Division, has unveiled a new open data portal, designed to provide residents with an in-depth look at myAurora 311 operations, service requests, and call traffic. The myAurora 311 Open Data Portal features multiple dashboards that update in real-time, tracking inbound and outbound calls, average call duration, and requests that have been completed by myAurora 311 staff. The Portal also showcases the top five City Divisions that have received requests for service and the top five types of requests that have been logged. The City's Open Data Portal is a centralized hub for data published across City departments, where residents and community members alike can download and analyze data in the name of accessibility and transparency. "The myAurora 311 Open Data Portal will help Aurora residents to further utilize our new 311 service," Customer Relations Manager, Rikki Benjamin, said. "The portal will greatly assist the community in analyzing key customer service performance metrics, while at the same time, streamlining the request process, and enhancing transparency surrounding our customer service operations." The Portal also boasts a new, interactive map that depicts where requests for service come from throughout the City, plus furnishes an interactive dashboard that compares the number of requests closed by myAurora 311 staff in 2025 versus 2026. The launch of the myAurora 311 Open Data Portal comes exactly one year after the launch of the City's new customer service software, dedicated to providing a smooth, cohesive experience for Aurora residents to access non-emergency City services, information, and assistance. Since its inception, myAurora 311 has sustained a 128 percent increase in inbound calls between 2024 and 2025, along with a 56 percent increase in online requests submitted. To access the new myAurora 311 Open Data Portal, you can visit myaurora311.com. - City of Aurora government

Regional greenway expansion project advances with corridor acquisition. The Headwaters Connector Greenway project will create a linear park that supports healthier communities, local economic development, green transportation options, and more. SOLON, OH (March 3, 2026) - The Open Space Institute (OSI), West Creek Conservancy, the City of Solon, and the City of Aurora are celebrating the purchase of more than seven miles of unused rail corridor that stretches across Cuyahoga, Portage, and Geauga Counties outside of Cleveland, OH. The acquisition sets the stage to create the Headwaters Connector Greenway: a multi-use, universally accessible greenway corridor connected to a growing network of greenways in the region. The purchase of the corridor is the latest win in the City of Solon's long-term goal of developing a world-class outdoor amenity that connects Cleveland Metroparks' Emerald Necklace to the city's eastern suburbs and beyond. When complete, the Headwaters Connector Greenway will deliver significant environmental, transportation, and health benefits to surrounding communities. "The Headwaters Connector Greenway is an exciting, once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide local communities with a new, welcoming place to connect to nature and each other. After years of hard work and leading strategic collaborations between multiple governmental and nonprofit organizations, OSI is so proud of the role we played to make this project a reality," said Erik Kulleseid, OSI's president and CEO. The project had long been a regional priority for local stakeholders and the City of Solon, but navigating the complexities of rail line acquisition made moving forward a challenge. OSI advanced the project from aspiration to reality by leveraging more than five decades of land transaction expertise and its deep skill set in acquiring rail lines. Once engaged in the project, OSI negotiated a successful purchase-and-sale agreement, completed the required due diligence, and ultimately ensured the corridor's protection. OSI's work to protect the corridor was generously supported by the Thomas L. Kempner Jr. Foundation. "The headwaters Connector Greenway represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will enhance our community's health, connectivity, and economic vitality," said Solon Mayor Edward Kraus. "The City of Solon is proud to be a key partner in transforming this former rail corridor into a vibrant greenway." The City of Solon is currently in discussions with project partners and regional stakeholders regarding the planning and development of future trail improvements now that the acquisition is complete. The City of Solon requested the assistance of West Creek Conservancy, which provided local, technical expertise and experience in similar acquisitions. West Creek works as a catalyst for communities and partners, operating with the flexibility required to achieve project success in support of the goals of its partners. "West Creek is extremely grateful for the opportunity to assist with this critical greenway connector," said Joe Leslie, director of real estate for West Creek Conservancy. "Conservation of the corridor preserves wildlife habitat and provides many ecological benefits, while ensuring future accessibility to the public as a recreational greenway. This is a great example of what can be accomplished through collaboration and partnerships that come together for the benefit of the region." West Creek will work with the City of Solon and City of Aurora to provide invasive species treatment, reforestation, and future public access infrastructure improvements, linking the greenway to a multi-county, multi-state trail network. While the property is currently closed to the public for safety reasons, the completed Headwaters Connector Greenway will provide new recreational opportunities for walkers, cyclists, birders, and other nature lovers. The project will ease traffic congestion, create new off-road travel options for workers and residents, and strengthen connections between communities. It also offers the potential to boost economic activity for surrounding communities through place-based tourism. Finally, protecting the parcel preserves the land's natural ability to filter and recharge water as it flows toward the Ohio and Cuyahoga Rivers. These efforts also reduce stormwater runoff in nearby towns and help safeguard clean drinking water for countless communities. "Aurora is pleased to collaborate on such a regionally significant project," said Aurora Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin. "We opened another piece of the trail corridor in June of 2025, the first leg of the Aurora Trail, and will continue to work to complete the connection to the Headwaters Connector Greenway corridor." The Headwaters Connector Greenway will serve as a critical link between Cleveland Metroparks' Emerald Necklace and one of the largest shared-use trail systems under development in North America: the Industrial Heartland Trail Network (IHTN). The 1,500-mile IHTN traverses multiple states in the Northeast and will eventually link Cleveland to cities including Buffalo and Pittsburgh. The former rail corridor acquisition is the final step in advancing the Headwaters Connector Greenway. In March of 2025, OSI successfully negotiated the agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway Company to acquire the 87-acre rail corridor for $8.7M, an early win that prevented the corridor from being subdivided and enabled the subsequent acquisition. Multiple partners and stakeholders successfully fundraised to conserve the corridor, including the City of Solon, which contributed $6 million, and the City of Aurora, which contributed $670,000. West Creek Conservancy was awarded a $2.53 million Clean Ohio grant in August 2025. The Clean Ohio grant was instrumental in securing the remaining funds needed for the Headwaters Connector Greenway. The Norfolk Southern Railway Company has received federal approval to abandon the rail corridor, a necessary and critical step in transforming the newly protected property into the Headwaters Connector Greenway. About Open Space Institute The Open Space Institute is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. OSI's land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats the devastating impacts of extreme weather. As a leader with decades of experience in land transactions and trail planning, OSI has a track record of successful rail conversion projects. In New York, OSI's skill in negotiating complex land transactions and its park development expertise have led to the permanent protection, renovation, and construction of more than 50 miles of greenway trails, including an ongoing effort to create a 250-mile connected trail network in the Hudson Valley. OSI was also the architect of the 2021 agreement between Norfolk Southern and the State of New Jersey to purchase nearly nine miles of disused railbed to create the New Jersey Greenway - a $65 million deal that was the largest conservation investment in the state's history. Learn more about OSI at openspaceinstitute.org. About the City of Solon The City of Solon is a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking community dedicated to providing a high quality of life for all residents and businesses. Through superior services, essential infrastructure, and robust recreational and educational opportunities, Solon fosters growth, innovation, and connection. ~ The Open Space Institute, Inc. prioritize safety and security while supporting a pro-business atmosphere that encourages development and collaboration. Together, ~ The Open Space Institute, Inc. work, learn, and thrive as a community rooted in compassion and excellence. About West Creek Conservancy West Creek's mission is to enrich the lives of all people in Northeast Ohio by conserving natural habitats, restoring the ecological value of its region's lands and waters, and expanding opportunities to connect people from all cultures to experience nature and discover its great outdoors. The organization has protected thousands of acres in 16 counties throughout Northeast Ohio. Over 28 years, West Creek has remained a mission-focused, partner-centric organization, often playing a variety of roles moving regional sustainability forward. West Creek has readily accepted and stepped into roles where the need exists, supporting and assisting partners and communities with a variety of unique and challenging opportunities. West Creek envisions healthier and more vibrant communities through conservation and restoration of its natural areas and streams, and creation of greenways and recreational trails linking neighborhoods and uniting people throughout the region. About the City of Aurora Founded in 1799, the City of Aurora combines rural charm with the comforts of the 21st century. Aurora offers residents and visitors many amenities including parks, recreational options, shopping districts and some of the finest residential neighborhoods in the region. Whether a business looking to prosper or a family seeking a great hometown, Aurora provides the best in services, schools, and opportunities which have continued to keep Aurora one of Northeast Ohio's most desirable suburbs. What you can do. Donate to support OSI's work. Become a part of its mission to safeguard at-risk places through your tax-deductible gift. ~ The Open Space Institute, Inc. get in touch once a month with its most important news, stories, and updates.