Residents Protest After Council Rejects Rent Stabilization In Narrow Vote

The Wilmington City Council voted down a controversial rent stabilization ordinance, triggering outrage from residents and a brief disruption of the meeting. (Photo: WITN Channel 22)

WILMINGTON — The Wilmington City Council on Thursday narrowly voted down a controversial rent stabilization ordinance after a tense debate and emotional public comment period, triggering outrage from residents and a brief disruption of the meeting.

The ordinance, introduced by Council Member Shané Darby, would have capped annual rent increases at the greater of 5% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for most non-exempt residential properties. After months of advocacy and revisions, including floor amendments to address landlord concerns, the final vote failed 6–5, with one member voting “present” and one absent.

“This was really a community bill,” Darby said before the vote. “It is vital, it is important that we pass rent stabilization. Wilmington is standing up, because the state is watching us. If this passes in Wilmington tonight, it will happen on the state level—and that’s what they are afraid of.”

Council Members Maria Cabrera, Latisha Bracy, James Spadola, and Nathan Field voted against the bill, while Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy abstained by voting “present.”

Though the council had earlier adopted Darby’s amendment package in a 9–1 vote, the final legislation did not receive enough support to be enacted.

Immediately following the rejection, anger erupted inside the council chambers. Protesters shouted at council members and were eventually escorted out by security so the meeting could continue. The frustration spilled into the hallway, where residents pounded on the chamber doors so forcefully that the building began n to shake.

The council was forced to call a five-minute recess as the banging and chants echoed through the building.

The ordinance’s defeat marks a major setback for tenant advocates who have argued that rent stabilization is necessary to prevent further displacement and homelessness. Opponents warned it would discourage investment and reduce housing availability, even after Darby revised the bill to include exemptions and procedural safeguards.

Darby dismissed those arguments in her closing comments, saying, “L&I [Licenses and Inspections] is currently being reformed and is capable. We are able to do rent stabilization.”

While the ordinance failed, Darby indicated she would continue to push for housing justice measures through other legislative avenues, including a proposed referendum.