PRESS RELEASE: Wilmington City Council Advances Housing Stability, Neighborhood Revitalization, and Affordable Energy with Four Measures Sponsored by Council Member Christian Willauer
Friday, July 10, 2026
Wilmington City Council Advances Housing Stability, Neighborhood Revitalization, and Affordable Energy with Four Measures Sponsored by Council Member Christian Willauer
Legislation Creates New Programs to Help Residents Stay in Their Homes, Improve Properties, Revitalize Vacant Buildings, and Calls for Long-Term Energy Relief
Wilmington, DE – Wilmington City Council took significant steps toward strengthening neighborhoods, expanding housing stability, and advocating for more affordable utility costs by approving one resolution and three ordinances sponsored by Council Member Christian Willauer during its Regular Meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
The legislation takes a comprehensive approach to Wilmington’s key challenges: rising electricity costs, housing insecurity, aging homes, and vacant properties.
The measures approved include:
- An Ordinance allowing Neighborhood Stabilization Funds to help prevent qualifying residents from being evicted.
- An Ordinance establishing a new Homeowner Repair Program.
- An Ordinance creating a Vacant Property Rehabilitation Assistance Program.
- A Resolution Encouraging the Governor of the State of Delaware and the Delaware General Assembly to develop a long-term strategy for affordable energy.
Together, these initiatives represent a significant investment in Wilmington’s neighborhoods by helping families remain housed, preserving existing homes, encouraging property improvements, reducing neighborhood blight, and advocating for lasting relief from rising utility costs.
“Strong neighborhoods begin with stable housing, affordable living, and investments that allow residents to thrive where they already live,” said Council Member Christian Willauer. “These measures are about giving people practical tools to remain in their homes, helping homeowners protect the investments they’ve worked so hard to build, bringing vacant properties back into productive use, and standing up for Delaware families who continue to struggle with rising electricity costs. Every resident deserves the opportunity to live in a safe, stable community, and this legislation moves us closer to that goal.”
Helping Families Stay Housed
To help prevent displacement and strengthen neighborhood stability, City Council approved legislation authorizing the City’s Department of Real Estate and Housing to use Neighborhood Stabilization Funds to provide one-time financial assistance to qualified tenants facing eviction proceedings.
The program is intended to help residents experiencing temporary financial hardship remain in their homes before a housing crisis results in eviction, benefiting both families and neighborhoods by reducing housing instability.
Investing in Homeowners
Council also established a new Homeowner Repair Program that will provide financial assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income homeowners for necessary property repairs.
Many homeowners face costly repairs that, if left unaddressed, can threaten both the safety of their homes and their ability to remain homeowners. By assisting residents with critical maintenance and repairs, the program aims to preserve housing, improve neighborhood appearance, and support long-term homeownership throughout Wilmington.
Bringing Vacant Properties Back to Life
A third measure approved by Council creates a Vacant Property Rehabilitation Assistance Program, providing financial assistance to owners of vacant residential properties to make necessary repairs that return those properties to occupancy-ready condition.
The initiative seeks to reduce neighborhood blight, increase available housing, improve public safety, and encourage reinvestment in Wilmington communities by transforming vacant buildings into livable homes.
Supporting Long-Term Solutions to Rising Energy Costs
Recognizing the growing financial burden that increasing electric bills have placed on Delaware families and small businesses, City Council adopted a resolution urging Governor Matt Meyer and the Delaware General Assembly to pursue long-term policy solutions to lower electricity costs across the state.
The resolution highlights the significant increases in utility costs experienced by Delmarva Power customers in recent years and acknowledges that while temporary bill credits have provided short-term relief, lasting solutions are needed to address the underlying causes driving these higher costs. It also encourages state leaders to examine reforms that improve affordability, strengthen energy reliability, and protect residents from future price volatility as Delaware’s energy demands continue to grow.
Council Member Willauer said each piece of legislation was developed with one goal in mind: ensuring that Wilmington residents have access to the resources needed to build stronger neighborhoods and more stable futures.
“These initiatives recognize that healthy communities require more than one solution,” said Council Member Christian Willauer. “When we help prevent evictions, preserve homeownership, rehabilitate vacant properties, and advocate for affordable energy, we’re investing in people, strengthening neighborhoods, and creating opportunities for families to succeed for generations to come.”
Residents interested in learning more about these programs should visit the Department of Real Estate and Housing or the Wilmington City Council website as implementation details and eligibility information become available.
For more information about the legislation, visit:
• Ordinance Allowing Neighborhood Stabilization Funds for Eviction Prevention: https://www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/0221-An-Ordinance-to-Amend-Ch-2-of-the-City-Code-Eviction-Proceedings-1.pdf
• Homeowner Repair Program Ordinance: https://www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Ord.-26-029-0222-An-Ordinance-to-Create-Homeowner-Repair-Program.pdf
• Vacant Property Rehabilitation Assistance Program Ordinance: https://www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Ord.-26-030-0223-Ordinance-to-Amend-Chapter-8-of-the-City-Code-to-Create-a-Vacant-Property-Rehabilitation-Assistance-Program.pdf
• Resolution Encouraging Sustainable, Affordable Energy Strategies: https://www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/0234-Rev.-1-A-Resolution-Encouraging-the-Governor-and-DGA-to-Develop-a-Long-Term-Affordable-Energy-Strategy-Willauer.pdf
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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