WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor John Carney on Thursday announced a statewide public engagement strategy focused on Delaware’s economic reopening and recovery effort due to COVID-19. 

Visit de.gov/economy to learn more and to help shape Delaware’s economic recovery effort.

Starting on Monday, the Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will host virtual Recovery Town Halls with members of the General Assembly, small businesses, and local Chambers of Commerce, to begin collecting feedback from small business leaders about Delaware’s economic reopening. 

• Small Business Recovery Town Hall – Monday, April 27 – 2:00 p.m. – Eastern Sussex
• Small Business Recovery Town Hall – Tuesday, April 28 – 6:00 p.m. – Southern New Castle
• Small Business Recovery Town Hall – Thursday, April 30 – 10:00 a.m. – Western Sussex
• Small Business Recovery Town Hall  – Thursday, April 30 – 6:00 p.m. – Western New Castle County
• Small Business Recovery Town Hall – Monday, May 4 – 2:00 p.m. – Kent County
• Small Business Recovery Town Hall – Tuesday, May 5 – 6:00 p.m. – Wilmington Area 
• Small Business Recovery Town Hall – Wednesday, May 6 – 6:00 p.m. – Northern New Castle County

Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long will host similar, virtual town hall meetings with members of the public to collect feedback that will inform Delaware’s recovery effort. 

• Recovery Town Hall – Wednesday, April 29 – 6:00 p.m. – Kent County 
• Recovery Town Hall – Monday, May 4 – 6:00 p.m. – Northern New Castle County
• Recovery Town Hall – Wednesday, May 6 – 7:30 p.m. – Sussex County 
• Recovery Town Hall – Thursday, May 7 – 6:00 p.m. – Southern New Castle County

 

MEDIA: Reporters interested in covering the Recovery Town Halls should RSVP directly to jessica.borcky@delaware.gov with the meetings you would like to attend. 

Additionally, Governor Carney has assigned S.W.A.T. teams from state government to work with industries most hard-hit by the COVID-19 crisis, including the restaurant industry, tourism, retail, and the arts community. 

“We’re still seeing increased infections of COVID-19, so this fight is far from over,” said Governor Carney. “At the same time, we need to look forward. We need to plan for safely reopening our economy under a new normal. I encourage all Delawareans and Delaware small businesses to lean into this process. Visit de.gov/economy to learn more about Delaware’s plan, and to offer ideas on how to safely restart our economy. Help get Delaware through this difficult time. Most importantly, continue to stay home. Stay safe. And stay informed.”

“To successfully reopen will require all communities and sectors of our economy to participate,” said Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “I look forward to hearing from Delawareans and gathering their recommendations to keep people safe, and able to return to work, and make our state stronger and healthier.”

“While any effort to reopen our state has to be driven by science, we also have to begin the process of mapping out how to restart our economy in a smart, safe manner. Getting input from all corners of our state is an important part of that process,” said House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf. “Having our business leaders at the table will ensure that their voices are heard and their thoughts, ideas and concerns are taken into account as we move forward through this challenging time.”

“I am glad the administration is seeking out the input of small business operators and that these meetings are starting quickly,” said House Minority Leader Danny Short. “We need a plan to put Delawareans back to work as soon as possible.”

“Our small business community is being hit hard by this public health crisis and they need our support more than ever,” said Senate President Pro Tempore David McBride. “I’ve spent hours talking to business owners in my district who are facing incredible challenges that are impacting them and their workers. I’m hopeful these virtual town halls will give us an opportunity to learn from their struggles and ensure we are attentive to their concerns as we plan to reopen our state and address the economic recovery ahead.”

“This pandemic has had a terrible impact on our small business community. Given the seasonal nature of the economy here in eastern Sussex County, a lot is on the line over the coming weeks and months,” said Senate Minority Leader Gerald Hocker. “I look forward to joining with the Governor and my fellow legislators to hear directly from local business owners and to plot a course forward for all Delawareans.” 

“This is an important first step in getting our economy restarted,” said Damian DeStefano, Director of the Division of Small Business. “The Governor’s plan to address the complex task of reopening by focusing on customized plans for individual industries is the right approach to determine how to safely and effectively do so. We look forward to helping in this effort.”

“To safely and successfully reopen businesses throughout Delaware requires us to listen to the experiences, ideas and opportunities employers and businesses have. Hearing directly from CEOs, owners and site and operations leaders will not only help us to have a successful Phase 1 launch, but may also lead to new opportunities,” said Kurt Foreman, President & CEO of Delaware Prosperity Partnership.

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SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY TOWN HALL – EASTERN SUSSEX

WHAT:         The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will collect feedback from small business leaders and members of the public about Delaware’s economic reopening. Delaware businesses interested in participating should contact their local legislator. 

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Monday, April 27, 2020

2:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video Call

 

 

SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY TOWN HALL – SOUTHERN NEW CASTLE

WHAT:         The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will collect feedback from small business leaders and members of the public about Delaware’s economic reopening. Delaware businesses interested in participating should contact their local legislator. 

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Tuesday, April 28, 2020

6:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video Call 

 

 

RECOVERY TOWN HALL – PUBLIC – KENT

WHAT:         Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long will host a virtual town hall meeting with members of the public to collect public feedback that will inform Delaware’s recovery effort. Links for joining these town halls will be shared on social media.

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Wednesday, April 29, 2020

6:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video

 

 

SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY TOWN HALL – WESTERN SUSSEX

WHAT:         The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will collect feedback from small business leaders and members of the public about Delaware’s economic reopening. Delaware businesses interested in participating should contact their local legislator. 

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Thursday, April 30, 2020

10:00 a.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video Call

 

 

SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY TOWN HALL – NEWARK

WHAT:         The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will collect feedback from small business leaders and members of the public about Delaware’s economic reopening. Delaware businesses interested in participating should contact their local legislator. 

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Thursday, April 30, 2020

6:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video Call

 

 

SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY TOWN HALL – KENT

WHAT:         The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will collect feedback from small business leaders and members of the public about Delaware’s economic reopening. Delaware businesses interested in participating should contact their local legislator. 

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Monday, May 4, 2020

2:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video Call

 

 

RECOVERY TOWN HALL – PUBLIC – NORTHERN NEW CASTLE

WHAT:         Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long will host a virtual town hall meeting with members of the public to collect public feedback that will inform Delaware’s recovery effort. Links for joining these town halls will be shared on social media.

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Monday, May 4, 2020

6:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video

 

 

SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY TOWN HALL – WILMINGTON

WHAT:         The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will collect feedback from small business leaders and members of the public about Delaware’s economic reopening. Delaware businesses interested in participating should contact their local legislator. 

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Tuesday, May 5, 2020

6:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video Call

 

 

SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY TOWN HALL – NORTHERN NEW CASTLE

WHAT:         The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will collect feedback from small business leaders and members of the public about Delaware’s economic reopening. Delaware businesses interested in participating should contact their local legislator. 

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Wednesday, May 6, 2020

10:00 a.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video Call

 

 

RECOVERY TOWN HALL – PUBLIC – SUSSEX

WHAT:         Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long will host a virtual town hall meeting with members of the public to collect public feedback that will inform Delaware’s recovery effort. Links for joining these town halls will be shared on social media.

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Wednesday, May 6, 2020

7:30 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video

 

 

RECOVERY TOWN HALL – PUBLIC – SOUTHERN NEW CASTLE

WHAT:         Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long will host a virtual town hall meeting with members of the public to collect public feedback that will inform Delaware’s recovery effort. Links for joining these town halls will be shared on social media.

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Thursday, May 7, 2020

6:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video

 

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Delawareans with questions about COVID-19, related to medical or social service needs, should call 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. Questions may also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

 

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, visit: de.gov/coronavirus.       

 

Council Will Include One Health Expert, One Economic Development Expert and Respective Chiefs of Staff from Each State

Council Will Develop a Fully Integrated Regional Framework to Gradually Lift the States’ Stay at Home Orders While Minimizing the Risk of Increased Spread of the Virus

New Effort Builds on the States’ ongoing Regional Approach to Combatting COVID-19

WILMINGTON, Del. – Recognizing that their states have one integrated regional economy, Delaware Governor John Carney, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, and Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo today announced the creation of a multi-state council to restore the economy and get people back to work. This announcement builds on the states’ ongoing regional approach to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coordinating group – comprised of one health expert, one economic development expert and the respective Chief of Staff from each state — will work together to develop a fully integrated regional framework to gradually lift the states’ stay at home orders while minimizing the risk of increased spread of the virus.

Delaware’s representatives will include:

• Sheila Grant, Chief of Staff, Office of Governor John Carney
• Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
• Kurt Foreman, President and CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

The council will create this framework using every tool available to accomplish the goal of easing social isolation without triggering renewed spread – including testing, contact tracing, treatment and social distancing – and will rely on the best available scientific, statistical, social and economic information to manage and evaluate those tools.

“We still have a situation in Delaware that is getting worse. Infections of COVID-19 and hospitalizations are rising. Delawareans should stay home. Don’t go out in public unnecessarily. Don’t visit Delaware unless you need to see a doctor, or care for a family member. You’ll only increase everyone’s risk,” said Governor John Carney. “At the same time, we need to look forward. We need a consistent approach for moving our states out of this crisis, when that day comes. I’m grateful for the partnership of my fellow Governors in the region. They are all working around-the-clock to prevent surges in COVID-19 cases, protect hospital capacity for the most critically-ill patients, and save lives. We’ll get through this by working together.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo said, “We have been collaborating closely with our neighboring states to combat this pandemic through a uniform approach to social distancing and density reduction and it has been working well. Now it is time to start opening the valve slowly and carefully while watching the infection rate meter so we don’t trigger a second wave of new infections. This is not a light switch that we can just flick on and everything goes back to normal – we have to come up with a smart, consistent strategy to restart the systems we shut down and get people back to work, and to the extent possible we want to do that through a regional approach because we are a regional economy. New York is partnering with these four states to create a multi-state council that will come up with a framework based on science and data to gradually ease the stay at home restrictions and get our economy back up and running.”

Governor Phil Murphy said, “No one has given more thought or is more eager to restart our economy than I am, but if we don’t get the sequencing right, we put more lives at risk. The only path to a sustainable economic recovery is through a strong healthcare recovery. Then, and only then, do we position ourselves to fully ignite our economy and get the residents of our state back to work while minimizing the danger of this disease. A coordinated, regional approach, informed by a multi-state council of experts, will help us avoid a major setback with potentially disastrous consequences. I look forward to the day when the facts on the ground allow us to ease our restrictions and move our regional economy forward.”

Governor Ned Lamont said, “One thing that’s undeniable is that this virus does not stop at the border of any county, state, or country, but the impact is the same when it comes to our respective economies and healthcare systems. Working as a regional coalition to make the right decisions will lead to the best public health results for all of our residents. We must solve these problems together.”

Governor Tom Wolf said, “Our highest priority remains protecting the health and safety of Pennsylvanians. While my administration continues to take critical steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, I also recognize that we must look ahead and take a measured, careful approach to prepare for the future while ensuring that we don’t undo all of our efforts. Pennsylvania will work collaboratively with our partners both in state and in surrounding states to develop a comprehensive strategy that first focuses on health but also addresses the need to gradually restore our economy.”

Governor Gina Raimondo said, “States are taking the lead as we fight to slow the spread of coronavirus and save lives. I’m proud of the steps we’ve taken, and I’m constantly thinking about what it will take to safely reopen our economy. But we know that this virus does not recognize borders, and it’s clear we need a strong, coordinated regional approach to avoid a second wave of this disease. I’m grateful to my fellow governors for their leadership during this crisis and I’m confident that this new partnership will support our efforts to get Rhode Islanders — and all Americans — back to work safely.”

Delawareans with questions about COVID-19, related to medical or social service needs, should call 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. Questions may also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, visit: de.gov/coronavirus.

 

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Dover, Del. – Delaware tourism experienced a record-breaking year as the state welcomed 9.2 million visitors who accounted for $3.5 billion in economic impact.

Gov. John Carney highlighted those impressive numbers in discussing Delaware’s thriving tourism industry as part of his State of the State address on Thursday.

According to data for 2018 released today by the Delaware Tourism Office, visitors paid $545.1 million in state and local taxes and fees, without which each Delaware household would have had to pay an additional $1,562 in taxes.

“Tourism is a multibillion-dollar industry in Delaware, our fourth-largest private employment sector and a vital part of the state economy,” Gov. Carney said. “By supporting tourism, we also enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans by offering recreational and cultural activities and making sure there’s even more cool stuff to do in Delaware.”

“Delaware benefits from a strong tourism industry,” Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock said. “More than 44,000 people work in the industry in Delaware, which includes hundreds of small businesses and nonprofit organizations.”

For visitors to Delaware, the most popular activities in 2018 were, in order, tax-free shopping, dining and beaches. Visitors spent an average of $346 during their stay in 2018.

More than two-thirds of visitors came from nearby metropolitan areas in the mid-Atlantic and northeast with Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York and Washington, D.C., being among the most popular origination markets.

“At the Delaware Tourism Office, we share Delaware’s ‘Endless Discoveries’ with out-of-state travelers each year,” Delaware Tourism Office Director Liz Keller said. “From launching award-winning marketing campaigns to embracing innovative technology, we are proud to share what makes Delaware an ideal destination and help create a positive economic impact for our state.”

In 2018, the Delaware Tourism Office launched several initiatives to drive visitation, including a national, multimedia ad campaign, a 360-degree virtual reality tour of Delaware attractions and attendance at national consumer and travel industry trade shows where DTO highlighted Delaware’s “Endless Discoveries” in conversations with potential travelers.

The Delaware Tourism Office, 99 Kings Highway in Dover, Del., is part of the Delaware Division of Small Business. DTO promotes tourism and economic growth in Delaware. For more information, visit the official Delaware Tourism website at www.visitdelaware.com or call toll-free (866) 284-7483.

Sources: D.K. Shifflet & Associates and Rockport Analytics. For the 2018 Delaware tourism industry report, visit http://www.visitdelaware.com/industry/tourism-statistics.

Media Contact
Michael Chesney
Director of Communications
Division of Small Business
Michael.Chesney@state.de.us
(302) 577- 8472 (office)
(302) 943-9508 (cell)

Online portal to streamline business licensing, registration, employer requirements

NEWARK, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday officially launched a new online tool to help streamline documentation and reporting requirements for new businesses. The new Delaware One Stop, available at onestop.delaware.gov, allows businesses to interact with core state agencies whether they are starting out or ready to grow.

Delaware One Stop is a convenient, centralized transactional platform created to help business owners work through the necessary steps to begin operation in Delaware. Using one website, businesses can apply and pay for a Delaware business license, make required filings with the Department of Labor, and create formation documents for a legal entity with the Division of Corporations.

“One of the things we hear all the time from small businesses is how hard it can be to figure out what you need from the state in order to open your doors. We know that entrepreneurs just want to take care of those things quickly and get to work, but state government doesn’t always make it easy,” said Governor John Carney. “Today we’re taking a big step in that direction and bringing many of those functions together on a single portal – Delaware One Stop.”

One Stop is the product of a collaborative effort among multiple state agencies and real-world entrepreneurs that allows users to access many services via a single login. This offers a clear road map to ensure continuous engagement between businesses and various state agencies.

“We want to make it easier for businesses to succeed in Delaware,” said Secretary of Finance Rick Geisenberger. “With the new Delaware One Stop portal, we’re partnering among multiple state agencies to leverage technology that makes registering a business seamless, faster, and more efficient.”

The core functions of the new site include business license registration via the Division of Revenue, hiring reporting through the Division of Unemployment Insurance, and coverage verification with the Office of Workers’ Compensation. 

“We’re excited about the launching of Delaware’s new One Stop portal,” said Secretary of Labor Cerron Cade. “Leveraging technology to create better efficiencies in business creation and compliance only continues to reinforce Delaware’s position as a premier destination for businesses, entrepreneurs, and their workers.”

New to One Stop is a step-by-step guide to creating business entity formation documents for submission to the Division of Corporations, helping users on the path to organizing a Delaware corporation, partnership, or LLC.

“Delaware’s world-leading corporate franchise isn’t just for the Fortune 500; our home-grown small businesses have the same access to the services of the Division of Corporations when it comes to forming their own legal entities,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “One Stop will absolutely change the way Delaware entrepreneurs think about dealing with state government.”

The new site is a significant rebuild of the original One Stop portal, launched in 2005. Designed and built by vendor Breakline Digital in cooperation with the Delaware Government Information Center (GIC) and the Department of Technology and Information (DTI), the modern design prioritizes user experience and revolves around an account dashboard that tracks and saves progress. The new One Stop is hosted in cloud-based architecture built on the trusted Salesforce platform.

“The Delaware Business One Stop portal is the initial iteration of our new unified citizen engagement platform,” said Delaware Chief Information Officer James Collins. “We’re striving for all citizens and businesses to have access — anywhere, anytime and from any device — to an array of secure digital government services through a single point of entry. We couldn’t be more proud of this initiative to ease the process of doing business in Delaware.”

One Stop also features an integrated survey that takes the pulse of users who seem stuck on one screen for an extended period of time, allowing for real-time feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Before launch, members of the business community tested One Stop for its real-world usability.

“The new streamlined process brings an efficient solution to form a new business in Delaware. The State Chamber applauds the Governor’s initiative to make the new One Stop website a reality,” said Mike Quaranta, president of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, which assisted with reviewing and testing the One Stop site prior to launch.

Delaware One Stop Tips

• The Division of Revenue Business License is $75 per year and is pro-rated (renew by the end of December for the next calendar year).
• You can print a temporary business license from the One Stop; you will receive your official copy in the mail in about a month if all looks good.
• After you register your business, you will need to pay gross receipts tax.
• Businesses that hire employees need to register with Department of Labor – with both the Division of Unemployment Insurance and the Division of Worker’s Compensation. You can do this from One Stop under “Report Hiring” as soon as you know you’ll have employees.
• Other licenses, such as professional licenses, environmental permits, and local/county licenses, are not yet included in the One Stop system. You need to apply for these separately.

Governor Carney designates new districts in Delaware City, Middletown, New Castle and Clayton 

DELAWARE CITY, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday announced the latest cities and towns receiving a Downtown Development Districts (DDD) designation. The program significantly builds on the state’s efforts to redevelop Delaware’s commercial business districts and drive private investment in towns and cities.   

Governor Carney officially designated four new Downtown Development Districts – in Delaware City, Middletown, New Castle and Clayton. Investors who make qualified improvements to residential, commercial or industrial properties in those districts now may qualify for state and local development incentives, including a rebate of up to 20 percent of eligible costs upon completion of the project.

“The Downtown Development Districts program is already bringing significant private investment to the eight currently designated cities and towns, and I am thrilled to welcome these four new designations to the program,” said Governor John Carney. “This expansion continues our commitment to revitalizing our downtown business districts and surrounding neighborhoods.”

Established in May 2014, the DDD program was created to spur private capital investment in commercial business districts and other neighborhoods; stimulate job growth and improve the commercial vitality of our cities and towns; and help build a stable community of long-term residents in our downtowns and other neighborhoods.

Since the first reservation awards in April 2015, the DDD program has been a catalyst for private investment in the eight Delaware downtowns previously designated. Those districts are: Dover, Georgetown, Harrington, Laurel, Milford, Seaford, Smyrna and Wilmington. To date, $31.6 million in rebates through the program has leveraged $597 million in private investment in those designated downtown districts.

Governor Carney made the announcement in downtown Delaware City on Monday morning, joined by local officials representing the new districts.

“We are excited about the transformation that will occur in downtown Delaware City thanks to this program. We want our residents to be able to live, work and enjoy themselves in our downtown, and this designation will go a long way to helping us achieve that,” said Delaware City Mayor Paul H. Johnson, Sr.

“The City of New Castle is honored to accept the Governor’s Downtown Development District designation, and we are excited to see the positive changes this program can have for our community,” said New Castle City Mayor Michael J. Quaranta. “Investors looking to make improvements in our city now have another incentive to help further strengthen our community.”

“The Town Council and I are committed to continuing the economic growth in Middletown, particularly within the main commercial district,” said Middletown Mayor Ken Branner. “We firmly believe this designation, combined with significant local incentives, will encourage private investment in the downtown areas that have been left out of current development.”

“This Downtown Development Districts designation provides a wonderful opportunity for the Town of Clayton to jump start our revitalization,” said Clayton Vice Mayor Alex Dias. “By participating in the program, our downtown is certain to prosper, maintain its character, and be the center of our community.”

The DDD program is administered by the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA). In October, DSHA will launch a new funding round for large projects in each of Delaware’s Downtown Development Districts. Nearly $8 million in funding will be available for projects statewide. Applications to fund small projects are accepted on a rolling basis.

“We’re thrilled to work with homeowners, developers, and small business owners to drive investment in all of the newly-designated districts,” said Anas Ben Addi, Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority. “This program is already successful in the eight current districts, and we look forward to even more progress statewide.”

Governor Carney announced in February that the DDD program would expand through new district designations. Delaware’s Office of State Planning Coordination led the process to review the applications and designate the new districts. Applications were scored based on the town or city’s need for Downtown Development District incentives, the jurisdiction’s downtown revitalization plan and the creativity of its incentive package.

“All of Delaware’s towns and cities are unique, and I am so pleased that we were able to expand this program to the four diverse communities being recognized today,” said State Planning Director Constance Holland. “The best part of this program is that it supports such a wide range of redevelopment activities so each town can thrive. This program demonstrates that the state supports all of our local governments and their visions of economically vibrant, healthy, and complete communities.”

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