Meet Marsha Berzins
Wife, mother, small business owner, public servant, and a proud resident of Ward III
Marsha has called Aurora, Colorado (Arapahoe County) home since 1979. She and her husband have five children, two sons-in-law, and two dogs, David and Goliath. Her children have studied in public schools, charter schools, private schools, video schools, and homeschooled. Marsha enjoys volunteering at her church, her children's schools, and various charitable events.
Professional Achievements
Aurora City Council Member, Ward 3
2009 - 2021
Career Highlights:
Policy-setter for 400,000+ Aurora citizens
Mayor Pro Tem, 2013 and 2018
Chamber Woman of the Year 2012 for Service in the Community
Chair, Transportation Policy Committee
Chair, Planning and Economic Development Policy Committee
Vice President, National League of Cities Military Communities Council (2015-2021)— Worked on strategies to help our veterans find housing and jobs.
Committee Member, National League of Cities Transportation and Infrastructure Policy Committee (2012-2021)— Worked with Department of Transportation on rail issues, funding of transportation projects, and multi-modal projects.
Financial Stewardship
Ensured an ongoing balanced Aurora City budget
Economic Development & Small Business Support
Work with Economic Development Council and Chamber of Commerce resulted in bringing thousands of jobs to Aurora and Arapahoe County.
Involvement in notable projects such as Gaylord of the Rockies Hotel and Conference Center and two Amazon centers.
Worked on several initiatives to support Aurora Small Business Owners.
Supported Havana Business District with issues related to crime and homelessness
Homeless Support
Approved Aurora Homeless Coordinator position.
Work on homeless programs and affordable housing for Aurora residents
Housing & Development
Worked with developers to provide strategies for new homes in all price ranges, retail and office buildings and infrastructure. Ex: Porteos, High Point, Metro Center, Majestic and Painted Prairie.
Approved drainage and infrastructure improvements including underground crossing at Alameda at Municipal Bldg.
Work with Metro Center property owner to develop site at Alameda/Sable
Implemented Aurora Clean Up Day and Colfax Clean Up
The Stanley Market and Entertainment District approval
Southlands Entertainment District approved
Created rules and approved Food Trucks to come into Aurora
Removal of old Fan Fare Building on Havana and begin redevelopment
Worked with Regional Water suppliers, approved WISE partnership and look for new possible reservoirs for a clean, safe water supply
Support Transportation & Infrastructure by presently serving on the National Transportation & Infrastructure Board and served as Chair of Aurora Transportation Policy Committee
Education
Work with our Public Schools systems
Law Enforcement, Safety, & Veterans
Approved the hiring of additional Police and Firemen to keep our community safe and provide outreach.
Support our Police and Firefighters by approving a new training facility and programs to assist them and our community.
Support Buckley Space Force Base by serving as Vice-Chair on the National Military Communities Council
Diversity in Our Community
Approved Office of Immigrant Affairs and Welcome Center, Int’l Refugee Commission, Aurora Sister City Int’l., International Cabinet, Homeless Coordinator
Approved the Office of Immigrant/Refugee Affairs and the Aurora Welcome Center
Funded and approved Ethiopian radio station - KETO
Community Outreach
Increased free community events Ex: GlobalFest, 4th of July celebrations, Food Trucks, Free Fridays at some recreation centers, MLK, Jr. events
Continued to work on pedestrian/trail/bike connections
Approved and funded with marijuana taxes two new Recreation Centers, homeless programs, and transportation needs
Why Marsha Berzins for City Council
Being the daughter of a Purple Heart decorated WWII Veteran, I have immense respect for our active duty and Veteran community. For without the sacrifice of the few, the many would not enjoy the great freedoms we hold so dearly to us today.