Wilmington City Council Newsletter December 17, 2021
Redistricting Ordinance 21-060 gets voted out of Committee
On Thursday, December 16, 2021, City Council’s Redistricting Committee voted the Report (Redistricting Ordinance to Amend Chapter 2 of the City Code to Redistrict the Councilmanic Districts of the City of Wilmington Pursuant to Section 2-102 of the Wilmington City Charter) out of committee which can be read here and the meeting can be viewed here. To view the Redistricting Ordinance Proposal 3 Map visit the link here. To view the Wilm-020 Proposal 3 map with district lines one through eight according to legislative district maps that reflect how local populations have changed over the past 10 years, based on U.S. Census data, visit the link here.
For the first time, prisoners are being counted according to their last known addresses, rather than their prison address. Council has worked diligently to complete the redistricting process of districts one through eight according to legislative district maps that reflect how local populations have changed over the past 10 years, based on U.S. Census data from 2020. Council will meet again next year on January 6, 2022, during the Regular City Council meeting to present the 3rd and Final Reading of the Redistricting Ordinance. Council must prepare a report by February 2022. Members of the public can view all past public hearing and redistricting meetings here. We are committed to remaining transparent during this process and we encourage the public to get involved.
Delaware’s School Choice Program Application Window Ends January 12, 2022
As a parent of a school age child, 6th District Council Member Yolanda McCoy is faced with the same concerns regarding education in our city. In this Two Minute Drill, Councilwoman McCoy talks about the School Choice Program in Delaware, which allows families living in Delaware to enroll their children in any Delaware public school district, charter school or vocational-technical school, regardless of their home address.
Choice Application Timeline
- Monday, November 1, 2021 – 8:00am – Online Choice Application Opens
- Wednesday, January 12, 2022* – 11:59pm – Online Choice Application Closes
- Monday, February 28, 2022 – Final Day for District/School to Notify Parent of Invitation Status
- Friday, March 18, 2022 – Final Day for Parent to Notify District/School of Acceptance Decision
*Charter Schools, Vocational-Technical School Districts and Magnet schools may continue to accept applications after 1/12/2022 to fill remaining availability. Those holding a lottery will include applications received by 1/12/2022. Kindergarten applications can be submitted until the first day of school.
Reach Gospel Radio 89.1FM to host Christmas Festival of Hope on December 18, 2021
In an effort to celebrate the Christmas season with lots of joy, smiles, love and hope, Reach Gospel Radio 89.1 FM will be hosting a Christmas Festival of Hope on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 12 Noon at the William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center located at 501 N Madison St, Wilmington, DE 19801. There will be free toys and grocery giveaways with free coats, free sneakers and free socks. The event is free and open to the public. View 5th District Councilwoman Bregetta A. Fields 2 Minute Drill program here to learn more.
The Annual Mercedes M. Fields Community Christmas Breakfast returns to West Center City
5th District Council Member Bregetta A. Fields will continue her mother’s legacy of serving our community on Christmas Day with The Mercedes M. Fields Community Christmas Breakfast, which is named after her mother who lived in West Center City for more than 40 years. Mercedes M. Fields worked at the center for many years where she started a Santa Workshop handing out toys, clothing and donated goods. As the needs of the community changed, she decided to turn the event around to a community breakfast where members of the community can enter the William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center (WHACC) to receive a free breakfast, free haircuts, free clothes, and the homeless had the opportunity to take free showers. Due to Covid-19, this year’s breakfast will be a grab-n-go holiday breakfast event. Councilwoman Fields is encouraging individuals, families, and residents of West Center City to attend the event on December 25, 2021, from 8am to 11am at the WHACC at 501 North Madison Street to receive a free meal. This event is sponsored in part by Mayor Mike Purzycki, Wilmington’s Department of Parks and Recreation, and 5th District Council Member Bregetta A. Fields. For more information, please contact WHACC at 302-571-4266.
Wilmington City Council is Hiring for a Legislative Policy Analyst
WE ARE HIRING: Join our team as a LEGISLATIVE POLICY ANALYST
This position will remain open until Thursday, December 30, 2021.
Apply online today by visiting the following link here.
Wilmington City Council is Hiring for a Producer with WITN22
Do you love getting lost in the world of storytelling, video, video editing, capturing the right shot, or thinking creatively? Then surely, this is an opportunity for you.
WE ARE HIRING: Join our Government Access Television Station WITN22 team as a PRODUCER
This position will remain open until Thursday, December 30, 2021.
Apply online today by visiting the following link here.
Upcoming HOPE for the City – Employment and Workforce
The HOPE Commission is committed to serving justice-involved individuals, their families and residents of impacted neighborhoods. As part of our HOPE for the City initiative, FREE job training programs are provided for residents.
The HOPE Commission will host a *Free* Flagger Training Class for DE, MD, VA. (Must bring picture ID)
Date: Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Time: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Location: The HOPE Commission, 38 Vandever Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19802
To register for the class, contact Dr. Debra Mason at 302.407.3397 or by sending an email to dmason@wilmhope.org by noon on December 20, 2022
The HOPE Commission hosts “Word and Workforce” Training Program
The HOPE Commission is actively enrolling for their January 4th to January 28th, 2022 cohort “Word and Workforce” Training Program, which is open to the public.
When: Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12noon-2pm
What: Classes will focus on Computer and Internet Basics, Microsoft Suites (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), Resume Building, Interview Skills, and Job Search Strategies.
Participants will receive Industry Skills Certifications, Program Stipends, and Job Placement Assistance in an industry-related field. There’s no prior education requirement and all are welcome to apply, including those whose background may be a barrier to employment!
Please call (302) 407-3397 to enroll or apply using the form here.
City Government Offices Closed for the Holidays
Happy Holidays! Wilmington Government Offices will be closed on Friday, December 24, 2021, in observance of Christmas Day and on Friday, December 31, 2021 in observance of the New Year’s holiday.
As we celebrate the holidays, please remember to self-care. Your mental and emotional health is just as important. Also, let us not forget that our seniors may feel increasingly isolated and unhappy this time of year. Include them in the spirit of the season. Engage with them either through technology or safely in-person. To all our residents and community groups, business developers and entrepreneurs, activists and advocates, small businesses, religious leaders, homeowners, renters, and students, this holiday season City Council and City Council Staff would like to thank you for your input, your collaboration, and your partnerships in working to make the City a great place. Merry Christmas and happy Kwanza. May we all have a season of warmth and love, and may we all have a prosperous new year.
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Media Contact:
Yesenia Taveras, Director of Communications
302-576-2585 | ytaveras@wilmingtonde.gov
City Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com