Aurora Regional Navigation Campus

The city of Aurora and its government and nonprofit partners celebrated the substantial completion of the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus at a special event on Nov. 6, marking a bold step forward for homelessness resolution in Colorado’s third-largest city.

Featuring space enough for 600 participants at full capacity, the innovative facility located at 15500 E. 40th Ave., will open for operations on Nov. 17.

Utilizing an approach to homelessness resolution developed through a public-private partnership between Aurora and the facility’s nonprofit operator, Advance Pathways, the campus will employ a unique, tiered system to provide shelter to people experiencing homelessness in Aurora and across the region. The multiple tiers provide incentives to participants to work with service providers, make progress on critical life goals and achieve the maximum amount of self-sufficiency possible.

The first tier is a low-barrier shelter that offers immediate access to a safe, warm place to sleep for those in urgent need. From there, participants who engage with case managers and make progress in areas of emphasis, including housing, mental health and employment, will have the opportunity to move into the second and third tiers of shelter in the facility, each offering them more privacy and privileges. Participants living in private rooms in the third tier of the facility must be working and contribute a third of their income back toward the program.

“The Aurora Regional Navigation Campus is a culmination of years of planning and work by Aurora city leaders to address homelessness with compassion but also with a focus on accountability,” Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman said. “I believe that the incentive-driven approach that Aurora and Advance Pathways have developed will benefit both participants and the entire community, providing a blueprint for effective homelessness resolution.”

The city selected Advance Pathways to be part of a public-private partnership to operate the facility through a competitive bid process in part because the organization brings a holistic, people-focused approach to its work.

“The opening of the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus represents a major step forward in how communities address homelessness,” said Jim Goebelbecker, CEO of Advance Pathways. “This campus gives people the stability, resources, and relationships they need to rebuild their lives. It’s not just about housing — it’s about restoring hope and purpose.”

The campus is the result of a $40 million project to purchase and renovate the former Crowne Plaza Hotel just off Interstate 70 and Chambers Road in Aurora.

Mayor Coffman and city leaders expressed their thanks at the event for the support the campus has received from federal, state and local partners. Funding for the campus project came, in part, from the following sources:

• $15,360,852 – Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)
• $5,000,000 – Aurora American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funds
• $3,734,741 – Department of the Interior HOME-ARP Funds
• $5,000,000 – Adams County ARPA Funds
• $3,270,861 – Adams County HUD HOME-ARP Funds
• $5,000,000 – Arapahoe County ARPA Funds
• $1,125,000 – Douglas County ARPA Funds
• $1,500,000 – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) COVID Funds

Ongoing funding for the operations of the facility will rely on private sector support. Aurora will contribute $2 million annually to support ongoing maintenance and the Tier 1 shelter. Advance is required to raise the remainder of the funding. The organization has received support from the Daniels Fund, Anschutz Foundation and other regional partners as it continues to fundraise for the campus.

Governor Jared Polis and Lieutenant Governor of Colorado Dianne Primavera toured the facility on Thursday.

“We are focused on creating more housing for every Coloradan, and this type of support can help make that possible for more people in our communities. I appreciate the partnerships that helped make this possible and the state is proud to support this important work,” Gov. Polis said.

“The Polis-Primavera administration is focused on helping make housing more accessible for everyone. The Aurora Regional Navigation Campus is more than a building—it’s a lifeline. And together, we are creating a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” Primavera said.

Members of the public are invited to get a closer look at the facility during a community open house event on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Doors open at 3 p.m. with a short program beginning at 3:30 p.m. Mayor Coffman, Mayor Pro Tem Steve Sundberg and other local officials will be in attendance. The open house concludes at 6 p.m.

At that event, the city will also dedicate a mural in the building’s “day room” painted by Colorado artist Mario Miguel Echevarria. The mural, titled “Weaving Together Improves the Pattern” was commissioned by Aurora’s Art in Public Places program and features a variety of birds, including a variety called "sociable weavers." Sociable weavers build enduring communal nests not unlike the work Aurora and Advance will be carrying out at the campus.

To learn more, please visit the project page at EngageAurora.org/NavigationCampus. For services, visit AdvancePathways.org.

For an inside look at the campus, visit AuroraTV.org.

As of March 6, 2025, the campus remains on track to be fully operational by the end of the year, though an official opening date has not yet been set. Here are the latest project updates:

Winter Activation at the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus

If you live or work near the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus, you may have noticed recent activity on site. In January, the city of Aurora and Advance, the campus operator, began a soft launch opening of the facility as a cold-weather overnight shelter. This activation is limited to the convention portion of the building and is planned to continue until further notice. By utilizing the space, the city can shelter more individuals during the winter months.

To ensure safe and efficient access, Advance transports individuals to the campus from the Aurora Day Resource Center each evening and returns them the following morning.

Below are some frequently asked questions about the winter activation of the facility.

Interior renovations at the facility are also underway.

Aurora Regional Navigation Campus Winter Activation FAQs

Operations and Services

Q. Who manages and operates the campus during winter activations?

A. Advance, the official operator of the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus.

Q. What services are provided during winter activations?

A. Services include:

• Overnight shelter
• Meals
• Transportation to and from the navigation campus

Q. Who is eligible to use the center?

A. Adults 18 and older.

Q. What are the operating hours?

A. 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. (overnight shelter only).

Q. If someone arrives at the center seeking assistance, will they be turned away?

A. No. Any adult (18+) in need of shelter will be accommodated.

Safety and Security

Q. Is security present at the center?

A. Yes, on-site security is in place.

Q. What measures are in place to address disturbances or emergencies?

A. The Aurora Police Department is aware of the campus operations, conducts regular patrols and maintains communication with Advance staff.

Q. How does the city prevent loitering or illegal activities near the center?

A. Clients engaging in illegal activities are asked to leave and offered transportation elsewhere. On-site security monitors loitering and, if necessary, contacts the Aurora Police Department and Aurora's abatement team for additional support.

Q. What steps does Advance take to minimize disruptions for local residents and businesses?

A. Advance works closely with the Aurora Police Department, including its Police Area Representatives, to maintain safety and minimize the impact on the surrounding community.

Communication and Community Involvement

Q. Will there be opportunities to volunteer or support the center?

A. Yes, but not at this time. Volunteer opportunities will be available once the campus is fully operational in late 2025.

Q. Are there job opportunities available?

A. Advance is hiring. Check out their open positions.

Q. How can residents or business owners provide feedback or report concerns?

A. There are two ways to provide feedback or report concerns:

• Visit EngageAurora.org/NavigationCampus or
• Contact Access Aurora at AuroraGov.org/AccessAurora (using the facility address if contacting outside of city boundaries) or call 303.739.7000

We will continue to provide updates throughout the year.

In partnership,

City of Aurora Homelessness Division

Calling all artists! The city of Aurora’s Art in Public Places program seeks a talented artist to create a holistic vision for the Day Room at the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus that reflects the project’s mission and intention.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 15. To learn more information and to apply, visit AuroraGov.org/PublicArt.

For questions, email publicart@auroragov.org.

As the city of Aurora moves forward with preparations for the Regional Navigation Campus, slated to open in late 2025, Advance Inc. has been selected as the facility’s operator to help transition individuals from homelessness to permanent housing.

"Advance’s prior experience and holistic approach to helping individuals transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency will be an asset to the campus," said Jessica Prosser, Aurora’s Director of Housing and Community Services. "Their expertise will be invaluable as we work to deliver comprehensive support and services to those experiencing homelessness in Aurora and the region."

Advance was selected through a competitive request for proposal process, emerging as the top candidate among three non-profit applicants. The contract, approved by the Aurora City Council at the regular meeting on Sept. 23, includes an initial term of three years with the option to extend.

“We are excited to partner with the city of Aurora to operate the navigation campus and to reach our goal of reducing homelessness in Aurora by 50%,” said Jim Goebelbecker, Advance’s Executive Director. “We look forward to creating pathways for people experiencing homelessness to achieve their highest personal level of self-sufficiency and a sense of hope for the future.”

The selection panel, which included representatives from the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties, as well as city staff, evaluated the proposals based on a set of criteria, including experience on similar projects, data gathering capabilities, proposed timing of occupancy and programming, and experience on operations fundraising.

The $2 million operations agreement, funded by Aurora’s general fund and marijuana tax revenue, covers shelter and case management services, among other services for the unhoused in the region. Advance will also be responsible for securing additional public and private funding to sustain campus services.

Beginning Oct. 1, Advance will take over the Aurora Day Resource Center’s operations from Mile High Behavioral Healthcare. This handover will ensure uninterrupted services as Advance prepares for its expanded role at the navigation campus. Services at the center, such as employment assistance and cold-weather emergency shelter, will remain unchanged during this transition.

The city will host another round of community engagement events later this fall to introduce Advance to local business owners and residents near the navigation campus and provide project updates. The public is encouraged to sign up for project updates at EngageAurora.org/NavigationCampus.

In January 2024, Aurora City Council approved the purchase of the property at 15550 E. 40th Ave. in Aurora (formerly the Crowne Plaza Hotel) for its regional navigation campus to support individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability using a “work first” approach.

View and download presentation slides (PDF)

Watch the recording of the presentation

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March 12 Update: Due to inclement weather, the meeting on March 14 will now only occur virtually and not in person.

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Community members and businesses interested in the progress of the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus are welcome to attend upcoming hybrid public meetings. Attendees will learn project updates and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Two meetings are planned, each tailored to address the concerns of different stakeholders, particularly those located near the campus. The intention is to allow ample time for questions from those the campus activity would directly impact.

• Meeting for Business Owners | Thursday, March 14 | 6 to 8 p.m.
• Meeting for Residents | Thursday, March 28 | 6 to 8 p.m.

The meetings will take place at the Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Paul Tauer Council Chamber. A virtual option is also available; meeting details are available at EngageAurora.org/NavigationCampus. Recordings of both meetings will also be viewable on the project website.

“Community outreach is a critical component in the development of the navigation campus,” said Jessica Prosser, Aurora’s Housing and Community Services Director. “These meetings are part of our “Good Neighbor” plan to keep stakeholders informed and engaged as the project progresses.”

Spanish interpretation will be provided at both meetings in person and virtually; additional language interpretation can be requested by the Monday before the meeting by contacting language@auroragov.org or calling 303.739.7521.

Fliers informing the public about both meetings are translated into English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin), Vietnamese, and Amharic to reach diverse community groups, and they are available on the project page.

Postcards in English and Spanish have been distributed to addresses within a 1.5-mile radius of the campus. Aurora city staff plans to contact Denver city staff and provide meeting materials for reference and, if they so choose, also help to promote the meetings.

In January 2024, Aurora City Council voted to purchase the property at 15550 E. 40th Ave. in Aurora for its regional navigation campus to serve those experiencing homelessness with various services. The city is expected to close on the property in May 2024.

To learn more or ask questions about the project, visit EngageAurora.org/NavigationCampus.

On Monday, Jan. 22, Aurora City Council approved 7-3 the purchase of the property at 15550 E. 40th Ave. in Aurora for its regional navigation campus to serve those experiencing homelessness. This purchase comes in lieu of previous plans to build a new center.

“The resources slated for the campus represent Aurora’s unique approach to addressing homelessness in a constructive, rehabilitative way using the work-first model we adopted," said Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman.

City staff have toured the site several times over the last several months and have determined, in consultation with city council members, that it has many of the amenities necessary for a fully operational navigation campus. Included are a convention center space to provide an emergency shelter and day shelter, an industrial kitchen, industrial laundry, congregate space, and space for service providers to do case management and offer other services and 255 rooms.

The current property owner is scheduled to wind down and end its business operations over the coming months. The city would close on the property in May 2024.

“By purchasing this existing facility instead of waiting for construction of a new center to complete, we are able to provide vital support for those experiencing homelessness in Aurora much more quickly and at a lesser cost,” said Jessica Prosser, Aurora's Director of Housing and Community Services. “Upon completing renovations, the facility would open as early as 2025.”

The facility's $26.5 million purchase price is based on an appraisal prepared by a third-party appraisal firm on Nov. 16, 2023. The city has gathered $39,991,454 in funding from various sources for the navigation campus project.

• $15,360,852 – Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)
• $5,000,000 – Aurora American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds
• $3,734,741 – Aurora Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME-ARP funds
• $5,000,000 – Adams County ARPA funds
• $3,270,861 – Adams County HUD HOME-ARP funds
• $5,000,000 – Arapahoe County ARPA funds
• $1,125,000 – Douglas County ARPA funds
• $1,500,000 – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) COVID funds

“We are grateful for all of our community partners, especially DOLA and the three counties that serve Aurora,” Prosser said. “We would not be able to do this work without their support."

Some of the services slated for the navigation center include:

• Transitional housing
• Employment services
• Workforce development
• Day shelter
• Emergency shelter
• Medical clinic
• Addiction counseling
• Mental health services
• Medical respite beds
• Housing navigation
• Case management
• Meals

City staff have already consulted with homeless service providers on programming and services the navigation campus would need to provide. They will also connect with nearby residents, businesses and other stakeholders in the area of the proposed navigation center, including those in nearby Denver to create good neighbor plans. Engagement with those experiencing homelessness will also be crucial and part of this project.

The action taken by City Council on Monday only represents the first step in this process, but is required before undertaking decisions regarding an operator, campus layout, specific uses and community outreach efforts. Details on topics will be shared in the coming months based on City Council’s ability to review and approve items related to the navigation center.

Staff have launched a webpage, EngageAurora.org/NavigationCampus, to provide frequent updates and resources throughout the project process. The site is also dedicated to taking questions from community members.

The city-owned land near E. 32nd Ave. and Chambers Road, where staff had previously planned to construct the navigation campus, will instead be used for other city services.