PRESS RELEASE: Wilmington City Council Seeks Nominations for Reintegration Subcommittee

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Wilmington City Council Seeks Nominations for Reintegration Subcommittee
Nominations must be submitted no later than Monday, August 25, 2025. 

Wilmington, DE –  The Wilmington City Council is now accepting nominations for the Reintegration Subcommittee, established under Resolution 25-041 as a subcommittee of City Council’s Community Development & Urban Planning standing committee. ​ Members will take part in the formulation of legislative recommendations that balance public safety, halfway house and group home rehabilitation services, and community stability.

The Subcommittee will consist of nine (9) Wilmington residents who have demonstrated an interest or expertise in reintegration and/or zoning. Members must not hold any other public office or paid public employment.

Nominations should include the nominee’s contact information and a resume or CV and must be submitted no later than Monday, August 25, 2025.

Purpose
The Reintegration Subcommittee will develop recommendations that ensure the effective placement and operation of rehabilitation services, such as group homes and halfway houses, while safeguarding public safety and strengthening neighborhoods.

Areas of Expertise Needed
Nominations are encouraged from professionals and community members with experience in:

• Law enforcement

• Social services

• Urban planning

• Housing advocacy

• Community engagement

Responsibilites

Members of the Subcommittee will:

• Meet monthly, with additional meetings as needed

• Review existing zoning laws, state statutes, and municipal ordinances governing halfway houses and sex offender group homes

• Evaluate best practices from other states on housing regulations for sex offenders and reentry programs

• Assess the public safety impact of current restrictions and their effectiveness in reducing recidivism

• Develop legislative recommendations that balance rehabilitation needs with community safety

• Host public hearings and forums with stakeholders, including law enforcement, housing experts, and neighborhood representatives

Deliverables

• A preliminary report to City Council by February 28, 2026

• A final report by July 3, 2026

Background
The City of Wilmington and the State of Delaware remain committed to public safety, offender rehabilitation, and community well-being. Resolution 25-041 was adopted in response to concerns regarding the placement and oversight of halfway houses and group homes for registered sex offenders, particularly in proximity to schools, childcare facilities, and residential neighborhoods.

The Reintegration Subcommittee will provide an evidence-based, collaborative approach to addressing these challenges by drawing from best practices across the nation while tailoring solutions to meet Wilmington’s unique needs.

Submission Information
To nominate yourself or another Wilmington resident, please submit contact information and a resume or CV by Monday, August 25, 2025 to: cablair@wilmingtonde.gov

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Yesenia Taveras
Director of Communications, Wilmington City Council
Office: (302)576-2585
Mobile: (302)757-5748
Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.gov
City Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com