WILMINGTON — Mayor John Carney announced proposed changes to Wilmington’s property tax rates and senior tax exemptions in response to the citywide property reassessment conducted by New Castle County. The updated property tax rates, which will take effect July 1, 2025, pending City Council approval, are based on a revenue-neutral model and are intended to offset the impact of reassessment …
After years of advocacy, Delaware passes End-of-Life Options Law
Delaware has become the latest state to legalize medical aid in dying, following the signing of House Bill 140 on Tuesday. The new law, titled the Ron Silverio/Heather Block End-of-Life Options Act, permits mentally capable, terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to request and self-administer life-ending medication. Named for two late advocates, the measure follows …
Joshua Sanderlin sworn in as Delaware’s Marijuana Commissioner
Joshua Sanderlin was officially sworn in as Delaware’s new Marijuana Commissioner, marking a key step forward in the implementation of the state’s adult-use marijuana program. Sanderlin will lead the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC), the regulatory agency overseeing the Delaware Marijuana Control Act, which took effect on July 5, 2023. The office is responsible for regulating both adult-use and …
Wilmington wraps FY 2026 budget hearings, final vote due by June 1
WILMINGTON — After five weeks of departmental hearings, Wilmington City Council has concluded its review of Mayor Carney’s proposed $201.6 million general fund and $95.4 million water/sewer utility budget for Fiscal Year 2026. READ: Mayor Carney outlines his $200 M budget at latest Town Hall meeting The Council must now finalize and adopt a balanced budget by June 1, or …
Heated debate erupts at Wilmington Council Committee meeting over rent control and tenant protections
WILMINGTON — Tensions flared at Wilmington City Council’s Community Development & Urban Planning Committee meeting on May 8, where councilmembers, administration officials, landlords, and tenants clashed over a pair of housing ordinances aimed at addressing affordability and landlord accountability. Rent Escrow Ordinance clears Committee, despite administration pushback 6th District Council Member Yolanda McCoy presented Ordinance 25-018, which would allow …
Wilmington Council considers funding for tenant eviction assistance program
WILMINGTON — As Delaware implements its new right to representation law for tenants facing eviction, Wilmington City Council heard from legal aid leaders on Wednesday, who outlined progress made under the law and requested city support for a $786,000 settlement assistance fund to prevent further displacement. At the Intergovernmental Committee meeting, Lisa Lessner, Right to Representation Coordinator, DE Legal Aid, …
Wilmington seeks authority to add 3% local tax on marijuana sales
WILMINGTON — Building on its recent vote to regulate where marijuana businesses can operate in the city, Wilmington City Council unanimously passed a resolution urging the Delaware General Assembly to authorize a local excise tax of up to 3% on recreational marijuana sales. The move follows Council’s earlier passage of Ordinance 25-013, which amended Chapter 48 of the City Code …
Wilmington approves ambulance fee increases as Fire Department prepares to resume EMS
WILMINGTON — City Council has approved an ordinance that significantly raises ambulance fees in Wilmington as the city prepares to take over emergency medical services from St. Francis Hospital. READ: Mayor Carney outlines his $200 M budget at latest Town Hall meeting Ordinance 25-012 passed unanimously among council members present at the May 1 meeting, with 10 votes in favor …
FBI approves fingerprint code for Delaware marijuana program applicants
The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) announced it has received a fingerprint service code from the FBI, allowing selected applicants in Delaware’s marijuana program to begin undergoing fingerprint-based criminal background checks. The development follows an earlier setback in April 2025, when the FBI denied Delaware’s request for a fingerprint code due to insufficient clarity in the state’s authorizing statute. …
Delaware secures $317M bond sale, maintains AAA credit ratings
Delaware has sold $317 million in bonds at a 3.836% rate, after once again earning top AAA/Aaa credit ratings from all three major agencies. “These bond sale results, and our continued triple-A credit ratings, are testaments to our stewardship of Delawareans’ tax dollars,” said Governor Matt Meyer. Delaware has now held a unanimous triple-A rating for 25 consecutive years. The …