Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wilmington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in public safety with high priority
Police State Grant Applications for Crime Reduction
Council backed the police department's application for about $36,900 in state Special Law Enforcement Assistance Funds for a forklift and entry saws — no city matching funds needed.
Opioid settlement grants for overdose response
Five grant applications totaling roughly $339,000 fund AEDs in patrol cars, peer support specialists and victim services — all replacing expiring ARPA money, with no local match.
Community response to recent gun violence
Council recognized Moms Demand Action and Gun Violence Awareness Month — Wilmington had 64 shootings in 2025, down 21%, but advocates say more prevention work is needed.
Senior High-Rise Living Conditions Forum
Council is holding a special session next Wednesday at 5:30 pm to hear from seniors living in high-rise buildings about their living conditions. Police, Licenses and Inspections, and the housing authority will be there, and buses will be provided for seniors who need rides.
City Cybersecurity Grant Funding
The IT department gets to apply for $196,000 in federal pass-through money to buy new hardware and hire outside security monitoring. That means better protection of city systems and no hit to local taxpayers since no match is required.
Police accountability after the shooting of Khadir Skinner
Council unanimously urged the administration to fund an independent audit of WPD — something it has passed before but the administration never carried out. Sponsors cited data showing Black residents make up 57% of the city but 80% of arrests.
Kadir Skinner Police Shooting and Calls for Police Reform
Multiple speakers urged Council to demand public release of body camera footage in Kadir Skinner's police-involved shooting and to support a July 12 Rodney Square rally led by his family.