Wilmington, DE – In his weekly message, Governor Markell celebrates the launch of Delaware’s Open Data Portal, an interactive website that provides new access to public information that impacts the lives of Delawareans and their families. The site reflects his administration’s commitment to creating higher levels of openness and transparency in state government and empowers members of the public, researchers, and others to use this information to recommend solutions to the challenges we face and create new applications that will benefit our communities.

“To be effective, government must be transparent,” Governor Markell said. “Government can’t expect, and shouldn’t try to anticipate, all of the uses of open data. Instead, we are shifting our focus – instead of trying to anticipate the demand from the public and businesses, we are committing to make as much data as possible available to the public. And we actively encourage the private sector to work with the data we’re posting to help us solve challenge issues. In addition, I’m proud that we’re relaunching a revamped state checkbook, which is searchable, sortable, and interactive. By providing more information through interactive formats we’ll improve public trust in our government and engage new stakeholders to meet our challenges through better public policy. Please visit data.delaware.gov to check it out. And together, we will keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/IZDT5FEEsuY
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/governormarkell
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Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Providing New Access to Information that Impacts the Lives of Delaware Families

Wilmington, DE – In his weekly message, Governor Markell addresses expansion of and continued progress being made through the state’s Downtown Development District program. The program has spurred more than $200 million in private investment across all three counties to help sustain Delaware’s economic growth that has recently earned the state recognition as one of the top three economies in the country.

“Vibrant downtowns are crucial drivers of economic growth and they are central to our efforts to strengthen the quality of life,” said Markell. “Residential, commercial and industrial projects in our downtown districts may qualify for local and state development incentives, and I encourage you to visit stateplanning.delaware.gov/ddd for more information. Through this innovative program we will continue to drive investment in our downtown areas, create jobs, and build sustainable urban communities. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/ulncgy0OBJw
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Expanding Successful Downtown Development Program

Wilmington, DE – In a guest weekly message, Delaware Economic Development Officer (DEDO) Director Bernice Whaley reviews the state’s efforts to sustain Delaware’s strong economic growth through efforts to attract and retain employers who recognize the value in Delaware’s welcoming business climate, highly-skilled workforce, and high quality of life.

“Delaware’s economy today is strong, with the lowest unemployment rate in a decade and job growth that leads the region,” Director Whaley said. “But that doesn’t happen by accident. Businesses today can choose to locate just about anywhere, and the Markell Administration works tirelessly to attract and retain employers — from the largest corporations that hire thousands of Delawareans, to our small businesses who collectively employ more people than any other sector, to entrepreneurs and start-ups with the next great idea. Through these and other initiatives we will continue to seek innovative ways to attract new businesses on the cutting edge of technology, grow and educate our workforce, and sustain our strong economic growth. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Xp26WcOYaEA
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Sustaining Delaware’s Strong Economy through Employment Growth

Wilmington, DE – In a guest weekly message, Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf discusses the Markell Administration’s efforts to create employment opportunities for people of all abilities through initiatives like the Pathways to Employment program, and thanks employers who embrace the skills and talents of all of our people.

“Last week, Governor Markell and I joined young people with disabilities, their parents and advocates as we celebrated the success of Pathways to Employment. Pathways supports young people age 14 to 25 as they make their transition from school to the world of work,” Secretary Landgraf said. “As Governor Markell said last week, hiring people with disabilities isn’t about charity. It’s about maximizing everyone’s gifts and talents. That’s why you have our commitment to keep advancing employment opportunities for all individuals with disabilities as we keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/kaYqGckL65k
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Advancing Employment Opportunities for Individuals of All Abilities

Wilmington, DE – In his weekly message, Governor Markell encourages all Delawareans to take time now to prepare for natural disasters and other emergency situations, and reviews new resources available to assist them through the interactive website www.PrepareDE.org provided by state public health and emergency management agencies.

“Severe weather, natural disasters, and public health emergencies can threaten the safety of our people, homes, and communities,” Governor Markell said. “As Governor, I’ve observed how fortunate we are to have so many exceptional public servants hard at work keeping us safe during rain, wind, and snow events, as well as other emergencies. By preparing now, you will best position yourself and your loved ones to respond quickly and safely should an emergency occur. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/B3BTNVgp8gw
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Empowering Everybody to Prepare for Natural Disasters and Other Emergencies