For so many families in Aurora, the dream of owning a home has felt just out of reach. The biggest hurdle isn’t always finding the right house—it’s coming up with the down payment. That upfront cost has kept hardworking parents, young professionals, and even longtime residents from crossing the threshold into homeownership.
Now, Aurora is offering a fresh start. The city has launched the Aurora Down Payment Assistance Program, a new initiative backed by Colorado’s voter-approved Proposition 123, to help more residents finally step into homes of their own.
What makes this program special is its accessibility. Qualifying buyers can receive between 4% and 10% of the purchase price toward their down payment. The assistance comes as a “silent second loan,” meaning families don’t have to worry about monthly payments. Instead, repayment only happens when the home is sold, refinanced, or the primary mortgage is paid off. For many, that’s the difference between continuing to rent and finally building equity in a place they can call home.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to households earning up to 120% of the area median income—that’s as much as $168,120 for a family of four in Aurora’s three counties. This wide eligibility means the program isn’t just for a select few; it’s designed to reach the working families who keep Aurora moving forward, from nurses and teachers to small business owners and community advocates.
City leaders say the program is about more than numbers. “We are proud to launch the Down Payment Assistance Program to make homeownership more achievable for the families and individuals who call Aurora home,” said Sarah Pulliam, Aurora’s housing and community development manager.
Behind the scenes, the program is powered by a $720,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, drawn from a revolving loan fund created by Proposition 123. Voters approved the measure in 2022 to dedicate a portion of state sales tax revenues to housing initiatives across Colorado. For Aurora, that means real dollars invested in real families, ensuring that the city’s diverse communities—including many from immigrant and diaspora backgrounds—have a fair shot at stability and dignity through homeownership.
For residents, the process is straightforward. Applications and information are available by emailing brcarter@auroragov.org, calling 303-739-7900, or visiting AuroraGov.org/residents/home_improvement/down_payment_assistance. A full list of Aurora’s housing programs can also be found at AuroraGov.org/Housing.
At its heart, this program is about equity. It’s about recognizing that families who already contribute so much, working hard, paying taxes, raising children, and building community, deserve the chance to put down roots. For Aurora’s African and Black diaspora communities, and for immigrants who have long sought stability, this initiative is more than financial assistance. It’s an invitation to belong, to invest, and to thrive.
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