Wilmington City Council Newsletter August 27, 2021

Wilmington City Council holds
First Redistricting Committee/Public Hearing meeting

The Wilmington City Council Redistricting Committee met for the first time on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, which can be viewed here. The Committee is tasked with preparing a report that contains a recommended plan for adjusting the councilmanic district boundaries of districts one through eight. To find a complete list of procedures the City Council Redistricting Committee must follow, visit the following link here. All upcoming Redistricting Committee Meeting/Public Hearings will begin at 5pm on the following dates:

• Thursday, September 23, 2021
• Thursday, October 28, 2021
• Monday, November 22, 2021

Members of the public can attend the redistricting meetings either online, or in-person in Council Chambers located at the Louis L. Redding City/County building at 800 N. French Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. To stay up to date with the latest information visit www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com/redistricting

Wilmington Launches First Disparity Study

Wilmington is launching its first disparity study to review the City government’s procurement system. The Disparity Study is a powerful tool that will help make the changes needed in the way the City awards contracts to businesses. It will assess whether any barriers exist that make it harder for minority- and woman-owned businesses to compete for City contracts and procurements. The City has contracted $250,000 with the national consulting firm Miller3 to conduct the study and to review the City’s efforts.

Currently there’s a lack of data collection in the areas of disadvantaged businesses and individuals, and that’s why Wilmington City Councilwoman At-Large Rysheema Dixon sponsored a resolution urging the City to conduct the study.

“Without the proper data collection, it is difficult to advance research and decisions regarding equitable business. Consistent data collection is needed to authorize and commission various studies, and that’s where the Disparity Study comes into practice,” said Councilwoman Dixon. “We are taking the necessary steps to increasing equitable access to city contracts and growing business opportunities for the minority- and women-owned business community. This has been a truly collaborative effort and I appreciate the Mayor, his team, and my Council colleagues for getting us this far.”

For a full description of the work to be conducted by Miller3, please visit the press announcement here. You can visit the link here to view the final resolution that was adopted by Wilmington City Council on March 4, 2021.

5th District News

Have you watched 5th District Council Member Bregetta Fields latest 2 Minute Drill? The television program, produced by WITN22, is packed with amazing opportunities for our inner city youth. Council Member Fields announces the Y.E.S.S Program Community Clean-up Day, book bag and food giveaway event happening this Saturday, August 28th, from 10am to 1pm at Helen Chambers park at 6th and Madison Streets in Wilmington, DE; a trip to Dorney Park for the first 40 registered children; and a college essay scholarship contest. For more information on the Y.E.S.S Program events and opportunities, please call 302.494.6603 or email ameniaw@me.com.

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Media Contact: 
Yesenia Taveras, Legislative & Public Affairs Director
302-576-2585 | ytaveras@wilmingtonde.gov
City Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com