Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wilmington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in development
Housing Subcommittee formation
Council is poised to seat nine members on a new Housing Subcommittee that must deliver recommendations on Wilmington's housing challenges within a year — a potential first step toward new housing policy and funding strategies.
Rebuilding Mother African Union Church
The historic Mother African Union Church burned down in May 2026. Council chipped in $11,650 from members' discretionary funds toward its rebuilding through the Peter Spencer Family Life Foundation.
Plummer Center Demolition Correspondence
Tony Dunn of the 2500 Civic Association submitted correspondence about the $760,000 state-funded demolition of the Plummer Center at 38 Todd's Lane, which the City Clerk read into the public record.
Five City Properties Redeveloped for Affordable Housing
Wilmington now has a housing trust fund governed by a community advisory board, meant to give Council and community a real voice in how affordable housing dollars are spent. Funding comes later — through grants, inclusionary zoning and future legislation.
Housing conditions and landlord accountability
A self-described well-educated resident described renting from a slumlord with rodents, black mold and flooding, and repeatedly facing eviction, asking whether people like her are allowed housing and equal opportunity in Wilmington.
Vacant property fee relief for small developers (held)
The proposal would wipe out delinquent vacant-property registration fees for small developers who commit to building affordable housing — removing a barrier that can stack up to big lien amounts. Held, no vote.
Eviction prevention using Neighborhood Stabilization Funds
The Department of Real Estate and Housing can now spend Neighborhood Stabilization Funds on one-time payments (up to $1,500-type amounts) to help tenants in eviction proceedings settle and stay housed. Community Legal Aid testified 7,141 of the state's 10,495 eviction filings last year were in Wilmington.
Downtown Business Improvement District extension
Downtown Visions, funded by business fees rather than city money, gets its district extended to 2039 — supporting cleaning, safety outreach and small-business programs downtown.
Online Rental Property Registry
Landlords will soon be able to register rental properties and get business licenses online rather than traveling to city hall — a quality-of-life upgrade meant to improve landlord engagement and rental housing safety.