News
Wilmington City Council Newsletter July 15, 2021
City Council’s Legislative Break (WILMINGTON, DE) – On July 8, 2021, Wilmington’s City Council held its last meeting before going on the annual legislative break. You can view the meeting on WITN’s YouTube channel here. While Council is in recess, we urge you to use this opportunity to catch up on all the meetings and legislation Wilmington City Council […]
Virtual Community Conversation Event offered to Wilmington Community Members to discuss the American Rescue Plan Act Funds
(Wilmington, DE) – Wilmington City Council President Ernest “Trippi” Congo held a virtual community conversation event for Wilmington community members on July 6, 2021 to discuss the roughly $55 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds Wilmington will receive. The ARPA was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden on March 11, […]
Council President to host virtual town-hall discussion at 6:00PM on July 6 re: American Rescue Plan Act funds
Please join us tonight as City Council President Ernest “Trippi” Congo, II will host a virtual community conversation to receive feedback from the community on how Wilmington’s $55 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds should be spent. Below are the links to tonight’s virtual conversation, which begins at 6:00pm. The conversation can be accessed […]
Salesianum School Announces $12 Million Gift from Jacklyn and Miguel Bezos (’63)
Wednesday, June 16, 2021 Mayor Purzycki Shares Announcement from Salesianum School About $12 Million Gift from Jacklyn and Miguel Bezos (’63) The historic gift will create 24 scholarships, with preference given to qualified applicants living in the City of Wilmington Mayor Purzycki is pleased to share the following announcement from Salesianum School regarding a $12 […]
Wilmington City Council President Congo and Council Members Condemn Gun Violence and Announce Support to Grassroots Organizations
Wilmington – Today, May 13 at 11:30am, City Council President Ernest “Trippi” Congo, II was joined by Council Member Zanthia Oliver (3rd District), Council Member Michelle Harlee (4th District), Council Member Bregetta Fields (5th District), Council Member Nathan Field (8th District), Council Member Rysheema Dixon (At-Large), Pastor Sandra Ben of Safe United Neighborhoods and Rev. H. Ward Greer of Churches Take A Corner […]
Kuumba Academy Students Meet With Council & Mayor
Wilmington – Today, May 7th at 10:00am students from Kuumba Academy, supported by teacher Salimata Linguer, peacefully marched from their school on 12th and N. French Streets to the Louis L. Redding City County Building to deliver letters they had written to elected officials on challenges facing our community. Credit: Saquan Stimpson, WITN Saliamata Linguer, a teacher […]
Mayor Purzycki Announces Wilmington Police Body-Worn Camera Program to Launch
Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Police Chief Robert Tracy today announced continued progress toward accountability and transparency in City policing and community engagement through the implementation of a Body-Worn Camera program for the Wilmington Police Department (WPD). Chief Tracy said today that groups of officers will begin training for the camera program next week and […]
Council President Ernest “Trippi” Congo and Wilmington City Council Offer Response to Mayor’s 2022 Budget Address
Wilmington – It has been one year since the pandemic closed schools and businesses and forced our community to shelter in place. The mandatory isolation of households combined with the rising medical crisis sent our economy into dramatic free fall that has caused irreparable harm to adults and children alike. Living through this once-in-a-century challenge […]
Council Members Fields and Spadola join Pastor Ben at Food and Clothing Giveaway in Wilmington’s S.U.N. Park
WILMINGTON – New Council Members Bregetta Fields (5th District) and James Spadola (At-Large) celebrated the significant contributions of Pastor Sandra Ben and the Safe United Neighborhoods (S.U.N.) organization on February 13th in Wilmington’s S.U.N. Park on 22nd & Lamotte Streets. On this cold Saturday, Pastor Ben, Safe United Neighborhoods (S.U.N.), and the NorthEast Civic Association […]
Wilmington City Council Passes Housing Ordinance in a 10-3 vote
Wilmington – Last night, Wilmington City Council passed Substitute No. 1 to Ordinance No. 21-006, An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 34 of the City Code to revise certain provisions of the civil fines for owners of rental properties. A majority of Council believes that now, more than, ever our city needs every landlord to take […]
Councilwoman Oliver Joined by State Sen. Brown to Celebrate New Townhomes at Historic Walt’s Way
WILMINGTON – Saturday, February 13th, Third District Wilmington City Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver joined along with Senator Darius Brown and Mrs. Sheppard, the wife of Harry Sheppard officially cut the ribbon on Walt’s Way Townhomes. The housing complex was announced in 2016 to honor the memory of the late Harry Sheppard, the former owner of Walt’s […]
Wilmington City Council officials react to the passage of Senate Bill 31 and Senate Bill 32
WILMINGTON – Yesterday, Delaware’s General Assembly passed Senate Bill 31 (an equal rights amendment to Delaware’s constitution) and the Senate passed Senate Bill 32 (The CROWN Act), two initiatives supported by the Delaware Legislative Black Caucus. Councilwoman Michelle Harlee from Wilmington’s Fourth District says, “there is nothing more important than updating Delaware’s constitution to show […]
108th Session of City Council Assumes Office – Approves Staff and New Committee Assignments
WILMINGTON – Last night, during the 108th Session of City Council’s operational meeting, City Treasurer DeWayne Sims, Council President Ernest “Trippi” Congo, and the members of Wilmington City Council were sworn in. Mayor Purzycki addressed City Council and the City of Wilmington and City Council adopted its governing rules and committee structure and confirmed the […]
CITY COUNCIL TO SWEAR IN SHANE’ DARBY AS 2ND DISTRICT COUNCILMEMBER
On Tuesday November 10th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., Wilmington City Council will swear in Shane’ Darby as Wilmington’s 2nd District Councilmember. Pursuant to Section 2-101 of the City Charter, if there is a vacant seat, the newly elected Councilmember must take office the first Tuesday following the general election to complete the remainder of the current term. […]
Governor Carney Announces this week’s COVID 19 Testing Sites
WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), announced a substantial list of community testing sites this week. Testing locations include pop-up and Curative trailer sites. “Testing for COVID-19 is the best way to track the spread of the virus and respond […]
Mayor Purzycki Shares News from Delmarva Power to Customers Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Delmarva Power Urges Customers to Act Now to Establish Payment Arrangements, Secure Energy Assistance More can be done for customers who call now to discuss past due balances NEWARK, Del. (September 1, 2020) – Delmarva Power is urging customers who may have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to contact the company now to […]
Mayor Purzycki Announces Details of Wilmington’s 4th Annual HBCU Week & College Fair; Due to COVID, All Events Are Virtual Since 2017, participating HBCUs have granted over 2,000 admission opportunities to local students and have awarded more than $5.5 million in scholarships.
Mayor Mike Purzycki and Wilmington’s HBCU Ambassador, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, today announced details of Wilmington’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week [hbcuweek.org] activities, which includes the HBCU College Fair, expanded to two days. HBCU Week opens today and will continue through Saturday, September 26. The presenting sponsors of the 2020 HBCU Week are […]
THE CITY OF WILMINGTON, PETE du PONT FREEDOM FOUNDATION AND WILMINGTON ALLIANCE ANNOUNCE THE INTENT TO JOIN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES (NLC) CITY INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM PROGRAM
The City, PDFF and Wilmington Alliance select “Bringing informal entrepreneurs into the formal economy and providing them with resources to grow their businesses” as the yearlong project focus.” WILMINGTON, Del. (September, 17 2020) – To support small businesses citywide and to develop a system that levels the playing field for access to resources, Mayor Mike […]
Wilmington Releases Final Portions of the WPD Policy Manual
Wednesday, September 2, 2020 Wilmington Releases Final Portions of the WPD Policy Manual All eight chapters of the manual are now available online Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Police Chief Robert J. Tracy today released the final 22 directives from Chapter 6 of the Wilmington Police Department’s (WPD) Policy and Procedures Manual. With today’s release […]
News from Delmarva Power
Delmarva Power Urges Customers to Act Now to Establish Payment Arrangements, Secure Energy Assistance More can be done for customers who call now to discuss past due balances NEWARK, Del. (September 1, 2020) – Delmarva Power is urging customers who may have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to contact the company now to […]
News from Governor Carney: Governor Carney, DPH Release New Fall Sports Guidance
Delaware Governor John Carney Governor Carney, DPH Release New Fall Sports Guidance Guidance categorizes sports by risks, lists requirements around masks, social distancing WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday signed the 26th modification [governor.delaware.gov] to his State of Emergency Order, releasing updated guidance from the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) on playing fall sports safely […]
Free Covid Test Sites: Week of August 31
The Wilmington test sites are: Tuesday, September 1: P.S. DuPont Middle School, 701 West 34th Street, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register in advance at delaware.curativeinc.com [delaware.curativeinc.com] Tuesday, September 1: Kingswood Community Center, 2300 Bowers Street, 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. Appointment recommended. Call 302-428-6586. Wednesday, September 2: Kosciuszko Park, 601 South Franklin Street, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Walk-Up Only) Register in […]
Morning Mosquito Spraying Planned for Southbridge Community, Saturday, August 29
Friday, August 28, 2020 Morning Mosquito Spraying Planned for Southbridge Community, Saturday, August 29 The spraying process is scheduled to take place between 5:00 – 6:00 a.m. The Delaware Mosquito Control Section [dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov] will conduct mosquito spraying to reduce adult mosquito populations in the Southbridge area of Wilmington tomorrow, Saturday, August 29, 2020. Weather permitting, the spraying […]
Morning Mosquito Spraying Planned for Southbridge Community, Friday, July 31
The spraying process is scheduled to take place between 4:00 – 5:00 a.m. The Delaware Mosquito Control Section will conduct mosquito spraying to reduce adult mosquito populations in the Southbridge area of Wilmington on Friday, July 31, 2020. Weather permitting, the spraying will occur between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on Friday morning. Application of the insecticide Sumithrin […]
Members of the public are invited to join the next virtual Public Safety Committee Meeting
Members of the public are invited to join the next virtual Public Safety Committee Meeting July 6 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Agenda A Resolution Encouraging the Delaware General Assembly to Repeal the Law Enforcement Bill of Rights (LEBOR) Ord. 20-032 Authorize the Wilmington Police Department to Publish a Public Version of the Wilmington Police Officer’s […]
Wilmington Police Body-Worn Camera Funding Moving Forward Mayor Purzycki, Chief Tracy, Council President Shabazz, and Six Other Members of Council Support Budget Amendment to Fund the Local Match for the Program
NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR AND WILMINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT As part of a pledge by City leaders to support police and racial justice reforms, Mayor Mike Purzycki said today his Administration will introduce a $942,000 budget amendment on July 9 to fund a police body-worn camera program. The budget amendment will provide $400,000 in […]
Morning Mosquito Spraying Planned for Southbridge
Morning Mosquito Spraying Planned for Southbridge Community Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 23 The spraying process is scheduled to take place between 4:00 – 5:00 a.m. The Delaware Mosquito Control Section [dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov] will conduct mosquito spraying to reduce adult mosquito populations in the Southbridge area of Wilmington on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Weather permitting, the spraying will occur between 4:00 a.m. […]
Wilmington City Council Unites to Address Racial Disparities Council is Dedicated to Take Immediate Action to Put Forth Policy Changes in the City of Wilmington
WILMINGTON – Today, Wilmington City Council announced that they are immediately taking action to address racial disparities in the community and to address the requests of community leaders. “The community, especially our youth, has made their voices heard through peacefully protesting injustice. We can not ignore them. We will not ignore them,” said Council President Hanifa Shabazz. “We […]
CITY COUNCIL PASSES FY 2021 BUDGET
Wilmington, DE (May 28, 2020) — Today, Wilmington City Council approved the City’s proposed Fiscal Year 2021 budget. “One of City Council’s most important responsibilities is to adopt an annual operating budget,” said President Shabazz. “This is the taxpayers’ money, and it’s their right to know that we are being fiscally responsible with their dollars. […]
Mayor Mike Purzycki, City Council President Hanifa Shabazz and Councilman Chris Johnson will Work with Community Leaders to Address the Coronavirus Pandemic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 17, 2020 WILMINGTON- Wilmington City Council will be working with the Administration, community, and nonprofit leaders to coordinate efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. City government leadership will work in tandem with the Wilmington COVID 19 Community Mobilization Group (C19CMG), a consortium of community-based organizations that is collaborating under the leadership of […]
THE NEXT VIRTUAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING IS THURSDAY APRIL 16.
“VIRTUAL” REGULAR MEETING OF WILMINGTON CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2020 @ 6:30 P.M. www.WilmingtonDe.gov or www.WITN22.org AGENDA I. Call to Order Prayer Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call II. Approval of Minutes III. Committee Reports IV. Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report V. […]
FY2021 BUDGET HEARINGS:
Wilmington City Council will hold budget hearings during the month of April and early May. Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 15, 2020 4:00 PM Finance & Economic Development Committee Meeting Budget Hearings Wilmington Police Department 4:00PM Wilmington Fire Department 5:45PM The public can access the meeting by click the following link: https://zoom.us/j/890441517 […]
VIRTUAL COUNCIL MEETING -THURSDAY 3/26/20 6:00PM
Our next virtual City Council meeting will be held Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 6:00 pm in which the Mayor will give his Budget Address. The Council meeting will be conducted using virtual video/teleconferencing technology that will permit the public and members of Council to hear the meeting and so that the members of the […]
COVID-19 UPDATE from Council President Shabazz 3/24/20
Hello Wilmington, Here are the most recent COVID-19 Updates: Governor Carney Declares Public Health Emergency (PHE) Governor Carney Closes Delaware Schools Through May 15 DNREC campgrounds and playgrounds to close March 24 Division museums closed; special programs postponed Food Bank Mobile Pantry sites Information on Unemployment Benefits State of Delaware’s COVID-19 daily updates Governor Carney […]
Updates from Council President 3/23/20
Hello Wilmington, On Sunday, March 22nd, 2020, Governor Carney issued a Stay at Home Order for Delawareans. All non-essential businesses are to close effective Tuesday March 24 at 8:00 AM. You can view Governor Carney’s video briefing here. To read the Governor’s Declaration or to view the list of essential and non-essential businesses you may […]
Message from President Shabazz- 3/20/20
Hello Wilmington, These are certainly unusual times, but we are all in this together. As a mother, grandmother and great grandmother, I can not stress enough the importance of everyone taking the necessary precautions to stay safe and well. In my capacity as your City Council President, I and the members of Council want to […]
CITY COUNCIL INVITES PUBLIC TO PARTICIPATE IN MARCH 19, 2020 VIRTUAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WILMINGTON –Today, City Council President Hanifa Shabazz along with members of Council announced final plans for hosting Thursday’s scheduled meeting. “I can not stress enough the importance of maintaining the health and safety of every resident in the City of Wilmington,” said President Shabazz. “Following the Governor’s amended State of Emergency order authorizing local governments […]
The Delaware Guide to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Delaware Division of Public Health Opens Coronavirus Call Center For any questions or concerns regarding COVOD -19 Please call the Delaware Division of Public Health’s call center at 1-866-408-1899, TTY at 1-800-232-5460 or email dphcall@delaware.gov Anyone who has returned from a country with a level 2 or higher travel alert – China, Italy, Iran, Japan, […]
Wilmington City Council Welcomes Nigerian Delegation
WILMINGTON – On Monday morning, members of Wilmington City Council welcomed a delegation of Nigerian leaders, University of Delaware professors and Chairman “Wale” Adelagunja of the Delaware African Caribbean Affairs Commission. City Council President Hanifa Shabazz along with Councilwomen Michelle Harlee and Yolanda McCoy welcomed Abike Dabiri Erewa, Chair of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission […]
Councilwoman Oliver and Lt. Governor Hall-Long to distribute Narcan in the 3rd District
WILMINGTON – On Wednesday, February 12th at 3:00 p.m., Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver will join Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long to distribute opioid overdose kits in the third district. They will meet at Brandywine Counseling & Community Services, 2713 Lancaster Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19805. “People are dying from this epidemic and we all have role to play […]
January 15, 2020: Solutions to Building Safer Neighborhoods Discussion
Community Discussion: Solutions to Building Safer Neighborhoods * MEDIA ADVISORY * WHAT: In an effort to address the increasing issue of gun violence in our communities, 4th District Wilmington City Councilwoman Michelle Harlee along with Corie Priest from the Attorney General’s office will facilitate a public discussion with the goal of identifying solutions to address […]
City Council Votes to Authorize New Police Academy Class
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 9, 2020 WILMINGTON – At Thursday’s Wilmington City Council meeting, Council voted to pass a resolution calling for the commencement of an academy class for the Police Department. The vote had been previously delayed amid concerns from several Councilmembers regarding the lack of diversity on the police force. Councilman Christofer Johnson […]
11/22/19 City Council Approves Code Change to increase penalties regarding commercial property maintenence
WILMINGTON – On Thursday November 21, 2019, Wilmington City Council approved a bill presented by Councilmember Zanthia Oliver that amends Chapter 13 of the City Code regarding commercial property maintenance. The vote was passed with 10 votes in the affirmative with 3 members absent. Chapter 13, section 13-4 of the City Code requires all owners […]
9/27/19 City Council’s Community Development & Urban Planning Committee Announces formation of Sub-Committee to Promote Healthy Communities
WILMINGTON – Today, City Council’s Community Development and Urban Planning Committee (CD&UP) announced the names of the “Healthy Communities” Sub-Committee. Healthy Communities is a sub-committee of the CD&UP and will be focusing on examining best practices and solutions to address housing issues and community revitalization. The first meeting was held on September 18th. The creation […]
9/5/19 Christofer Johnson Sworn in as 7th District Councilmember
SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 WILMINGTON – Today, Wilmington City Council has sworn in Christofer C. Johnson as Wilmington’s 7th District Councilman. He is filling the seat that was vacated when Councilman Robert Williams stepped down in July. “Council approved a new process for replacing members that step down and I am pleased to say that it […]
Committee of the Whole Meeting scheduled for Monday August 26, 2019 4:30 PM
WILMINGTON – Last week, Wilmington City Council announced the names of the qualified candidates for the City’s 7th Councilmanic District vacancy for the seat vacated by Councilman Robert Williams in July. Today, City Council President Hanifa Shabazz announced that the Committee of the Whole Meeting will be held Monday August 26th at 4:30 PM in […]
Council Announces Names of 7th District Candidates
WILMINGTON – Today, Wilmington City Council announced the names of the qualified candidates for the City’s 7th Councilmanic District vacancy for the seat vacated by Councilman Robert Williams in July. Pursuant to the City Charter, to qualify to fill the vacancy, an applicant must be twenty-five (25) years of age or older, affiliated with the […]
Reminder – City Council now accepting letters of interest for filling District 7 vacancy
WILMINGTON – – The Wilmington City Council is now soliciting letters of interest from residents affiliated with the Democratic Party of the City’s 7th District to consider filling the seat that has been vacated by Councilman Robert A. Williams. Pursuant to the City Charter, to qualify to fill the vacancy, an applicant must be twenty-five (25) years of age […]
Williams resigns, Council search for successor begins
WILMINGTON – – Today, Robert A. Williams today resigned his post as Councilman of Wilmington’s 7th District. “It has been a pleasure to serve the residents of the 7th District and the City of Wilmington as a whole,” wrote Williams in his resignation letter addressed to Council President Hanifa Shabazz. “Likewise, it has been a pleasurable experience working with this […]
Fogging Spraying Mosquitoes – Southbridge Community /Alert
The Delaware Mosquito Control Section will conduct mosquito spraying to reduce adult mosquito populations in the Southbridge area of Wilmington on Friday, June 14, 2019. Weather permitting, the spraying will occur between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on Friday morning. Application of the insecticide Sumithrin will be applied via a pickup truck. The insecticide, dose and […]