Alderwoman · Aurora City Council
Patty Smith, alderwoman, Aurora's 8th Ward.
A neighbor you know and leader you trust.
Tell me what your neighborhood needs, and I will bring it to City Hall.
Meet Patty
Nearly four decades serving Aurora, as a mother, a paralegal, and an alderwoman.
all raised in the Oakhurst neighborhood.
Background
Advocacy came first
I have proudly called Aurora home since 1990. I raised my three children (Kathryn, Gregory, and Elizabeth) in the Oakhurst neighborhood, where our family put down roots and where I developed a deep love for this community.
My journey into community service began when my oldest daughter, Kathryn, was born with Down syndrome. Knowing that her future would depend on having a strong advocate, I stepped away from the workforce and became deeply involved in our schools and community. I volunteered, served on boards and committees, asked questions, built relationships, and worked to understand the resources and opportunities available, not only for Kathryn, but for other families as well.
What began as advocacy for my daughter became a passion for serving others. For nearly four decades, I have been actively involved in the Aurora community, building relationships with residents, community organizations, businesses, schools, and local leaders.
In 2008, I was honored to be recognized by the City of Aurora as its Volunteer of the Year, an award that reflected years of service to a community that has given so much to my family and me.
“Sometimes people simply need someone willing to listen, help them navigate a complicated system, and stand up for them when they need it most.”
Profession
Community and career of service
My commitment to helping others led me to Prairie State Legal Services, a nonprofit legal aid organization providing free legal services to low-income individuals and families throughout 36 counties in Illinois. I served as an American Bar Association-certified paralegal, helping people who often had nowhere else to turn.
Through my work, I assisted senior citizens, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, individuals experiencing homelessness, and families facing difficult circumstances. I worked on a wide range of issues, including landlord-tenant disputes, Social Security matters, education and disability concerns, family law, and other legal needs.
That experience reinforced something I had already learned through years of community advocacy: sometimes people simply need someone willing to listen, help them navigate a complicated system, and stand up for them when they need it most.
from Ward 8 residents.
On the council
Ward 8 Alderwoman
That same passion for service ultimately led me to serve as Ward 8 Alderwoman. To me, public service has never simply been about holding elected office. It is about being accessible, listening to residents, solving problems, keeping our neighborhoods informed, and standing up for the people I represent.
Aurora is more than the city where I live. It is the community where I raised my family, built lifelong relationships, and dedicated much of my life to serving others. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, and I remain committed to making Ward 8 and the City of Aurora an even better place to live, work, raise a family, and call home.
Service record
Community service
- Volunteer of the Year, City of Aurora 2008
- Director, Indian Prairie Education Foundation Board
- Commissioner, Aurora Public Relations Commission City
- Board member and parent advocate, GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley Board
- Chairman, Western Suburban NADS Board
- PTA President: Waubonsie Valley, Granger, Steck, Indian Prairie PTA
- Religious education teacher, Our Lady of Mercy Parish
Patty Smith, through her devotion to the welfare of our community, literally defines the meaning of the term community leader.Thomas J. Weisner
Former Mayor of Aurora, Illinois
On the council
Current priorities
Economic development
Working with schools, townships and counties to put together packages that bring businesses here, pushing the infrastructure improvements that make the area worth building in, and supporting Invest Aurora’s Science and Technology Corridor.
Fiscal responsibility
A balanced budget and no new taxes, a searchable city checkbook so residents can see exactly where the money went, and a Ward 8 Finance Advisory Committee that has a say in how ward funds get spent.
Communication
Residents should not learn about ward business after the fact. That means notices posted before work begins, clear answers about what is coming, and a ward office that responds.
Most of this work happens in committee. I am vice chair of Building, Zoning and Economic Development, and I serve on Public Health, Safety and Transportation.
Aurora Police and Fire
Public safety
Public safety remains one of my highest priorities as your Ward 8 Alderwoman. I have unwavering respect and support for the dedicated men and women of the Aurora Police and Fire Departments who work tirelessly to protect our community.
I meet monthly with our Ward 8 Community Oriented Policing (COP) officer to stay informed, address neighborhood concerns, and proactively improve safety.
Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home and neighborhood. I will never waver in my commitment to supporting our first responders, advocating for the resources they need, and making the safety of Ward 8 residents a top priority.
Veterans and Mutual Ground
Community service
Community service has always been an important part of who I am. As the daughter, stepdaughter, and aunt of family members who have proudly served our country, I hold a deep appreciation for our veterans and their sacrifices. I am honored to support Aurora’s veterans through my participation in and sponsorship of events that recognize their service.
As your Ward 8 Alderwoman, I believe community service also means reaching out to those who need a helping hand. Through the generosity and compassion of Ward 8 residents, we have proudly partnered with Mutual Ground to support women and children facing difficult circumstances. Together, we have collected hundreds of toys for their Winter Wonderland celebration and provided school supplies to help children begin the school year with confidence.
To me, community service is more than giving back. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors, lifting one another up, and making sure no one in our community feels forgotten. I am proud of the generosity of Ward 8 residents and the difference we continue to make together.
Get involved
Keep up with the campaign.
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Upcoming
Events
Open hours, neighborhood walks, and the community events I am showing up to. Everything on this list is somewhere you can find me in person and say what is on your mind.
No events are scheduled right now. Check back soon.