The City of Aurora was recognized on Apr. 15 as a winner of two national honors in the 15th Annual Granicus Digital Government Awards, receiving recognition in the Total Government Experience category and seeing Communications Manager Jon Zaghloul named as a Changemaker.
The awards highlight advancements in digital service delivery, operational efficiency, community engagement, and public transparency by government organizations. This recognition underscores Aurora’s efforts to improve how residents interact with their local government through technology.
Aurora implemented a broad digital transformation that unified its website, 311 service, and communication platforms into one connected system for residents. The city redesigned how people access information and engage with their government by creating what it calls a modern digital ecosystem focused on clarity and accessibility.
Zaghloul led this initiative over thirteen months by launching an updated city website, developing the Your Voice platform—which hosts more than fifty projects—and introducing Aurora’s first weekly newsletter now reaching over 160,000 subscribers. His work has been described as reshaping citywide communication and serving as a model for other municipalities.
Charlotte Lee, Director of CX & Innovation at Granicus said: “What sets Aurora apart is the relentless focus on making government easier for people. From finding information to reporting an issue to engaging with city projects, residents move through one seamless experience without friction or confusion. Behind the scenes, staff now work within clearer standards and more consistent tools, making updates faster and service more predictable. The city didn’t just modernize its tools, it re-imagined how a city stays connected with its community.”
Luke Norris, Granicus Vice President of Platform Strategy & Digital Transformation added: “Jon led a citywide leap forward — unifying Aurora’s website, engagement hub, and communications into one connected resident experience that feels modern, intuitive, and welcoming. He guided the shift from fragmented tools to a cohesive ecosystem where people can find information, ask questions, and participate without friction… His leadership represents the kind of thoughtful innovation that strengthens trust and brings a city closer to its residents.”
The Digital Government Awards recognize organizations globally that show measurable impact through digital solutions aimed at strengthening public trust.
