DSHA accepting applications for large project reservations

DOVER, DE –  The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) is pleased to announce that the Downtown Development Districts (DDD) Rebate Program is now open and accepting applications for the 2026 funding round. The DDD Rebate program is designed to spur private capital investment, stimulate job growth, improve the commercial vitality of our cities, and help build stable communities in our downtowns. Currently, there are 12 designated districts: City of New Castle, Clayton, Delaware City, Dover, Georgetown, Harrington, Laurel, Middletown, Milford, Seaford, Smyrna and Wilmington.

Approximately $3.5 million in rebate funding is available to qualified investors for Large Projects in this round.  To be considered for a Large Project Reservation, investors must make a Qualified Real Property Investment (QRPI) greater than $350,000 to commercial, industrial, residential, and mixed-use buildings or facilities and meet other eligibility requirements. Applications are due no later than 3 p.m. on February 26, 2026.

“The Downtown Development Districts Rebate Program is a proven success story for Delaware. By opening this new funding round for large projects, we are once again inviting public-private partnerships to join us in revitalizing our downtowns, creating jobs, boosting local businesses, and building stable neighborhoods that are essential to the future of every Delaware resident,” said DSHA Director Matthew Heckles. “Every $1 invested in DDD state funds brings a private investment of almost $15. But this is not just about dollars. It is about investing directly into the fabric of our communities.”

The DDD is a competitive process. DSHA anticipates receiving applications in excess of the funding available for this round; therefore, DSHA cannot guarantee a rebate reservation will be awarded or the rebate reservation will be granted for the amount requested. Reservations will be awarded to the top-ranked applications based on criteria and priority as outlined in the program guidelines.

The General Assembly passed legislation in 2014 creating the DDD program. Since its inception, $39.2 million in DDD rebates have leveraged $574.7 million in private investment in the 12 designated districts across the state.

For more information on the DDD Rebate program and how to apply, visit https://www.destatehousing.com/build/ddd-program/.

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