Candidates Face Off in First Fox Valley Mayoral Forum of 2026

Eleven municipal candidates from Elgin, Aurora, and Batavia squared off Wednesday evening in the first major Fox Valley mayoral forum of the 2026 election cycle, hosted by the Fox Valley Chamber of Commerce at the Pheasant Run Convention Center.

Housing affordability dominated the first hour. Aurora mayoral candidates clashed over the city's use of tax increment financing for downtown projects, with challenger Maria Torres arguing the TIF districts have diverted funds from affordable housing for too long.

"We've been told for 15 years that TIF investment will trickle out to neighborhoods," Torres said. "I'm still waiting."

On public safety, Elgin candidates split sharply on whether to pursue a new collective bargaining agreement with the police union or wait for the results of an ongoing staffing study before negotiations resume.

The forum drew an audience of approximately 300. The Tribune's full candidate Q&A coverage will appear in Sunday's print edition and online at foxvalleytribune.com.