PRESS RELEASE: Wilmington City Council Announces Community Budget Town Halls to Discuss Fiscal Year 2028 Budget Process
Monday, October 12, 2026
Wilmington City Council Announces Community Budget Town Halls to Discuss Fiscal Year 2028 Budget Process
Residents are invited to learn about the City’s budget, financial priorities, and long-term fiscal outlook during four community meetings.
Wilmington, DE – Wilmington City Council will host a series of City Council Budget Town Halls beginning Tuesday, October 20, 2026, to provide residents with an overview of the City’s budget process, financial priorities and long-term fiscal outlook as discussions surrounding Fiscal Year 2028 begin.
The four town halls will take place across Wilmington’s eight Council districts, providing residents with opportunities to learn about the City’s finances, ask questions, and engage directly with Council Members about the budget process.
Several Wilmington City Council Members will participate in the meetings, including 4th District Council Member Michelle Harlee, Chair of Council’s Finance and Economic Development Committee.
“Understanding how our City’s budget works is an important part of being an informed and engaged resident,” said Councilwoman Harlee. “These town halls are an opportunity to bring the budget process directly into our neighborhoods, explain how funding decisions are made and help residents better understand the financial challenges and priorities facing Wilmington. We want our community to be informed, engaged, and part of the conversation.”
City Council Budget Town Hall Schedule
All meetings will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at the following locations:
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 1st and 2nd Districts
NOMA Library
3905 N. Market St.
Wilmington, DE 19802
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 3rd and 4th Districts
People’s Settlement
408 E. 8th St.
Wilmington, DE 19801
Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 5th and 6th Districts
William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center
501 N. Madison St.
Wilmington, DE 19801
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 7th and 8th Districts
Joseph Johnson Elementary School
2100 Gilpin Ave.
Wilmington, DE 19806
Understanding Wilmington’s Budget Process
Each town hall will provide residents with a high-level overview of the City’s budget process, including:
- City Budget Funding Categories: An overview of how the City’s budget is organized and how funding is allocated across municipal services and operations.
- City Council’s Role: An explanation of Council’s responsibilities in reviewing, considering and adopting the City’s annual budget.
- Current City Budget: A summary of the City’s existing budget and major funding areas.
- Fiscal Concerns and Five-Year Projections: A discussion of financial challenges, anticipated needs, and the City’s long-term fiscal outlook.
- Council’s Budget Priorities: An overview of budgetary items City Council has advocated for inclusion in the City’s budget.
- Citizen’s Guide to the Budget Process: Information to help residents better understand the budget process and opportunities for public participation.
By hosting meetings in neighborhoods throughout Wilmington, City Council aims to increase public awareness of the budget process and strengthen transparency, accountability, and community engagement in municipal government.
Residents from all Wilmington neighborhoods are encouraged to attend, regardless of Council district.
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MEDIA CONTACT:Yesenia TaverasDirector of Communications, Wilmington City CouncilOffice: (302)576-2585
Mobile: (302)757-5748Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.govCity Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com