News
Register your child in this FREE kindergarten readiness program and you may be eligible for a free computer and internet service
WILMINGTON– Wilmington City Council President Hanifa Shabazz and Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy are encouraging families to take advantage Waterford UPSTART, a FREE in-home program designed to prepare preschool-age child for kindergarten, using fun approached to reading, math and science. Space is extremely limited – only 100 spots available this year – so families are encouraged to […]
NEW DATE: Health fair to bring awareness to Teen Pregnancy and HIV
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WILMINGTON –According to the National Center for Health Statistics, Delaware ranks 26th in the country for teen pregnancy. With regard to the rate of those living with HIV in the First State, the number is nearly 22 per 100,000 residents. On Saturday, July 21st, I Am My Sister’s Keeper, Inc. (MSK) will […]
Morning Mosquito Fogging Planned for Southbridge
WILMINGTON – The State of Delaware’s Mosquito Control Section is planning the mosquito fogging to reduce adult mosquito populations in the Southbridge area of Wilmington. Weather permitting, the fogging will occur between 4 a.m. through 5:15 a.m. on Friday, July 13 and on Monday, July 16, 2018. If the spraying is not completed on Friday […]
Council sponsors youth participation with Kalmar Nyckel on upcoming Pirate Festival
WILMINGTON – The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation and Wilmington City Council President Hanifa Shabazz are encouraging citizens to grab their pirate gear and bring the family out to the annual Wilmington Pirate Festival on Saturday, July 7, 2018. The FREE festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard Campus and […]
More than 300 participate in Wilmington Job and Opportunity Fair
WILMINGTON – The lobby of the Wilmington City/County Building, today, was abuzz with job seekers and employers engaged in energetic exchanges over employment opportunities at the Job and Opportunity Fair. More than 350 members registered to participate in the fair, hosted by Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver and Mayor Mike Purzycki’s office of Economic Development and featured […]
City Council to have Public Hearing on July 12, 2018
Pursuant to Resolution Nos. 18-044, 18-045, and 18-046 City Council public hearings are scheduled to take place on July 12, 2018 at 6:30pm in Council Chambers on the proposed amendments to the Neighborhood Comprehensive Development Plans for Browntown/Hedgeville and South Wilmington and proposed annexation and rezoning of the properties located at 800 South Market Street, […]
Nominations are Open for the 16th Annual Wilmington Awards
The City of Wilmington is soliciting nominations for two separate and distinct awards—the 16th Annual Wilmington Awards and the Access Wilmington Awards. The Access Wilmington Awards recognize individuals in Wilmington who help to open doors and create opportunities for people living with disabilities and their families. The program recognizes individuals in the categories of accessibility to […]
Council President Shabazz releases state audit results of discretionary fund
Wilmington – Wilmington City Council President Hanifa Shabazz this week released the results of an audit conducted by the State of Delaware Auditor of Accounts of the council’s discretionary fund. President Shabazz called for the audit after questions had been raised about a perceived “conflict of interest” surrounding a disbursement made to the Police Athletic […]
Odyssey Charter School celebrates raising $16k for heart health awareness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WILMINGTON – In recognition of Odyssey Charter School students raising more than $16,800 in an effort to to bring awareness to heart health by raising, the school will be hosting a “Healthy Heart Exercise Extravaganza” later this month. “This is one of those easy projects to support and get behind – when […]
CITY COUNCIL TO HAVE PUBLIC HEARINGS ON JULY 2, 2018
Pursuant to Resolution Nos. 18-033 and 18-034, City Council public hearings are scheduled to take place on July 2, 2018 at 6:30pm in Council Chambers on the proposed amendments to the Neighborhood Comprehensive Development Plan for the East Side Analysis Area and the proposed rezoning of two blocks (seven parcels) of land bounded by Front, […]
Wilmington’s Fiscal Year 2019 Budget is Approved
The balanced budget includes no property tax increase and a 4% water/sewer rate increase; there are no changes from the original budget proposal submitted by the Mayor to Council in mid-March A Fiscal Year 2019 Operating and Water/Sewer Budget was approved tonight by Wilmington City Council by a vote of 9 to 4. The approval […]
Traffic Restrictions Announced for Wilmington Grand Prix on May 18, 19 and 20, 2018
Motorists are advised that traffic restrictions will be in place beginning Friday, May 18 and continuing through Sunday, May 20 as the 12th Annual Wilmington Grand Prix is held. The event, which will be held rain or shine, is the culmination of a weeklong series of events that Mayor Mike Purzycki has proclaimed as ‘Wilmington […]
Cancellation of the previously scheduled public hearings
The previously scheduled hearings (May 17, 2018) has been canceled on the following: Proposed amendments to the Browntown/Hedgeville Neighborhood Comprehensive Development Plan, the proposed amendments to the South Wilmington Neighborhood Comprehensive Development Plan, and Ordinance No. 18-018, which proposes to annex and rezone eight (8) parcels of land.
Free Scholarships for Philadelphia 76ers Youth Basketball Camp Announced
Mayor Mike Purzycki announced today that FREE scholarships are available for ten Wilmington children between the ages of 7 and 13 so they can attend one of two upcoming basketball camps sponsored by the Philadelphia 76ers. The Mayor today also congratulated the 76ers for their recent playoff win and their quest for the NBA Championship. […]
Traffic Restrictions Announced for Delaware Marathon and Running Festival on April 28 and 29, 2018
Traffic restrictions will be in place this Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 as the 15th Annual Delaware Marathon Running Festival is held. The event, which will happen rain or shine, includes a full- and half-marathon, as well as a 4-person relay, twilight 5K run, and a kid’s fun run. Participants will gather at […]
Wilmington’s Beautiful City Initiative Continues with a Special Tree Limb Collection Event on Saturday
Mayor Mike Purzycki, Public Works Commissioner Kelly Williams and Director of Parks and Recreation Kevin Kelley announced today the continuation of Wilmington’s Beautiful City initiative with a tree limb collection event to be held this Saturday, April 28. Beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, the Departments of Public Works and Parks and Recreation will team […]
City of Wilmington departmental budget hearings begin next week
Wilmington, Del. (April 6, 2018)–Next week the Wilmington City Council will begin holding public hearings to review budget proposals from each of the city’s departments, which are scheduled to continue throughout the month and into May. The proceedings will kick off Monday, April 9 at 4 pm with reviews of proposed budgets from the Mayor’s […]
WITN-22 Staff Honored by Delaware Press Association and The Photography Gala Awards for Television Productions, Photograph
Wilmington, Del. (March 29, 2018) – Council President Dr. Hanifa Shabazz announced today that several members of the staff of WITN-22, the City’s public television station, will receive honors both from the Delaware Press Association and The Photography Gala Awards. WITN Senior Producer Yesenia Taveras was recognized with the 2018 Best Television Talk Show honor […]
Council Encourages Public to Attend Wilmington Community Advisory Council Launch of 2017 Annual Report and P.O.W.E.R. Campaign
Wilmington, Del. (March 20, 2018) – Council President Dr. Hanifa Shabazz and Council Member Nnamdi Chukwuocha, chair of Council’s Education, Youth and Families Committee, today invited and encouraged members of the public to attend a community mixer being hosted by the Wilmington Community Advisory Council. The gathering will take place on Friday, March 23, from […]
Education, Youth and Families Committee to Receive Presentation on WCAC annual report
Wilmington, Del. (March 12, 2018) – Members of City Council’s Education, Youth and Families Committee will receive a presentation on the 2017 annual report of the Wilmington Community Advisory Council during the committee’s meeting on Wednesday, March 14. The Wilmington Community Advisory Council, formerly known as the CDC Community Advisory Council, is a body comprised […]
City Council expresses sympathy to the family of Wilmington Police Captain Stephen Misetic
Wilmington, Del. (March 4, 2018) – City Council President Hanifa Shabazz, today, expressed sympathy on behalf of City Council to the family of Wilmington Police Captain Stephen Misetic, as well as his entire WPD family. “Throughout his career, Captain Misetic worked hand-in-hand with Council Members and community leaders on numerous initiatives,” said President Shabazz. “He […]
COUNCIL FACILITATES ‘BLACK PANTHER’ SCREENINGS FOR Council partners with City schools to organize special showings of hit film
Wilmington, Del. (February 27, 2018) – City Council this week is partnering with schools throughout Wilmington to facilitate special showings of the critic-acclaimed film ‘Black Panther,’ the newest iteration of the Marvel comic series that carries a powerful message that is resonating with youth and adults alike across the country. Council sponsored private screenings at […]
COUNCIL CONVEYS TRANSIT REQUESTS TO DART OFFICIALS Council Members issue letter to State officials requesting enhanced security and marketing, benches and shelters, and the relocation of some stops
Wilmington, Del. (February 7, 2018) – Several members of City Council sent a letter, today, to the Delaware Transit Corporation conveying requests on behalf of Wilmingtonians related to the recent bus service changes made by DART. “The service changes that were recently implemented by DART have led to some confusion and frustration across Wilmington,” said […]
COUNCIL ANNOUNCES KICK-OFF OF BUDGET REVIEW SEASON President Shabazz and Finance Chair Freel announce public engagement website, departmental hearings and return of hearing for Council budget
Wilmington, Del. (February 5, 2018) – City Council President Dr. Hanifa Shabazz, today, announced the steps City Council is taking to prepare for the review of the proposed Fiscal Year 2019 annual budget, to include a virtual citizen participation platform and budget hearings open to the public and aired live on WITN 22. One of […]
COUNCIL TO AMEND CITY CODE TO REINSTATE AND STRENGTHEN THE CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION
Wilmington, Del. – City Council President Dr. Hanifa Shabazz, today, announced efforts to protect human rights and address gender-based discrimination in Wilmington by proposing an amendment to the City Code that will reinstate and strengthen the Civil Rights Commission as well as mandate that it uphold the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights […]
COUNCIL’S HEALTH, AGING & DISABILITIES COMMITTEE TO MEET ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24TH
Wilmington, Del – Wilmington City Council President Dr. Hanifa Shabazz and Councilman Ernest “Trippi” Congo, Chair of Council’s Health, Aging & Disabilities Committee, invites and encourages residents to attend the next meeting Wilmington City Council’s Health, Aging & Disabilities Committee. The Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at 5 p.m. in the Council […]
Women of Council Wear Black in Support of #MeToo and #TimesUp Movement
Wilmington, Del. – Council President Dr. Hanifa Shabazz, today, announced that the women of Council, supported by their male counterparts, will wear black for tonight’s regular meeting of Wilmington City Council. The gesture is meant to show support for the anti-sexual harassment #MeToo and #TimesUp movement, sexual assault survivors, as well as to condemn misconduct […]
Wilmington City Council Promotes Literacy and Donates Books as Guest Readers for Wilmington Head Start
WHO: Wilmington City Council President Dr. Hanifa Shabazz, Councilman Nnamdi Chukwuocha (1st District), Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver (3rd District), Councilwoman Michelle Harlee (4th District), Councilman Va’Shun (Turner 5th District), Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy (6th District), member of Council staff, Gina Adams, Executive Director Wilmington Head Start, Kim Winer, Center Manager, Stephanie Burks, Center Manager, Carol Thomas, Center Manager, […]
Council Leadership to Address Outdated Provisions, Language, and References in the City Code
Wilmington, Del. – Today, two of Wilmington City Council’s highest ranking members announced the first in a series of Ordinances designed to clean up the City Code. President Hanifa Shabazz and President Pro Tempore Loretta Walsh will introduce the first of such legislation at the December 7th Council meeting to amend sections of the Code […]
President Shabazz and Wilmington Featured in National Discussion Regarding Public Health Approaches to Reducing Crime
Wilmington, Del. – Last week, during National League of Cities’ (NLC) 2017 City Summit in Charlotte, NC, Wilmington City Council President Dr. Hanifa Shabazz was a featured panelist for a national discussion regarding crime reduction strategies. President Shabazz presented to more than 150 local leaders, from across the country, at a workshop entitled A Public Health […]
President Shabazz Elected to National League of Cities’ Board of Directors; Concludes Term as President of National Black Caucus
Wilmington, Del. – At the National League of Cities’ (NLC) 2017 City Summit, held this past week in Charlotte, NC, Wilmington City Council President Dr. Hanifa Shabazz was elected to a two-year term as an At-Large member on the League’s Board of Directors. President Shabazz’s board nomination was endorsed by all five NLC Constituency Groups: Asian Pacific […]
PRESIDENT SHABAZZ NAMED 2017 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Wilmington, Del. – The Nu Upsilon Chapter (Wilmington) of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will honor Wilmington City Council President Dr. Hanifa Shabazz as the 2017 Citizen of the Year. The award will be presented on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at 10am, during the fraternity’s 106th Founder’s Day Anniversary breakfast at the Clarion Hotel. “I […]
WILMINGTON CITY COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS REPORT (ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION 17-089)
Wilmington, Del. (November 13, 2017) – President Shabazz today released the draft report from Wilmington City Council’s Strategic Planning Process. The draft document represents the completion of the first phase of an intensive planning and strategic process to develop a framework that will serve as a blueprint and road map to guide council’s legislative, funding, […]
It’s Official: New Website, New URL Address, Greater Access
After a successful soft launch of Wilmington City Council’s newly released website, today President Shabazz announced that www.WilmingtonCityCouncil.com is now the official website for Council. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about Council news, meetings and agendas, events, legislative business or members there is only one website for residents, businesses, and visitors – www.WilmingtonCityCouncil.com. […]
COUNCIL PRESIDENT SHABAZZ ANNOUNCES WITHDRAWL OF TWO RESOLUTIONS FOR GRANT FUNDING
Wilmington, Del. (November 1, 2017) – Council President Hanifa Shabazz announced today that she is withdrawing two resolutions that would authorize proposed grant awards from City Council, which were previously included on the November 2 City Council meeting agenda: Regarding the proposed grant award for Student Disabilities Advocate, Inc., the applicant has chosen to withdraw […]
City of Wilmington and New Castle County Partner With NOR Enterprises on the 35th Annual Turkey Drive
Mayor Mike Purzycki and City Council President Hanifa Shabazz today announced they have joined with New Castle County Executive Matthew Meyer and the New Castle County Council to support NOR Enterprises 35th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Give Away Program. For more than three decades, Norman Oliver’s NOR Enterprises has fed thousands of Delaware families and seniors […]
COUNCIL TO REVIEW GRANT RECCOMENDATIONS UNDER NEW PROTOCOLS
Wilmington, Del (Monday, October 30, 2017) – President Hanifa Shabazz today announced that the first community grant fund recommendations, to be considered under Council’s new approval process, will be reviewed at tonight’s Wilmington City Council Finance & Economic Development Committee meeting. As part of the new process adopted by Council in September, all grant recommendations […]
WILMINGTON CITY COUNCIL JOINS EFFORT TO AID VICTIMS OF HURRICANE HARVEY
Wilmington, DE (September 29, 2017) Wilmington City Council, the City of Chester, and PHL2TEXAS organized a three-city response to the crisis in the Texas Gulf Coast area by collecting and deploying needed resources to individuals and families in Houston impacted by hurricane Harvey. Collection centers were established in each city and donations were received on […]
PRESIDENT SHABAZZ ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEWLY REDESIGNED WEBSITE
Wilmington, Del (Thursday, September 21, 2017) – As part of City Council’s efforts to serve, inform, and engage residents of Wilmington more effectively and efficiently, President Hanifa Shabazz today announced the launch of Wilmington City Council’s newly redesigned website. The new site, www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com, features significant changes to the visual design, organization and underlying technology of […]
All Hands on Deck to Address Crime and its After-effects on Wilmington’s Children, Youth and Families
The Wilmington News Journal recently published a very powerful, compelling series, “Growing Up Under Fire”, describing the epidemic of crime in our city. I was initially skeptical, indeed cynical, when I first heard that this series was being developed and might be critical of the work of the CDC Community Advisory Council (recently re-named “The […]
City Council to Meet to Discuss Commission Report and Policy Improvements
Wilmington, Del (September 5, 2017) – Last week the Council Organization Commission submitted their final report to Council President Hanifa Shabazz. The report, which was delivered to Council’s office by the Wednesday, August 30th deadline, fulfills the Commission’s charge to “review Council’s structure and organization and make recommendations” as set forth by Resolution 16-060. The […]
5th District Hosts Community Conversation with Council Event
President Shabazz, Councilman Turner, and Chief Tracy Discuss Public Safety in 8th District WHO: Hanifa Shabazz, Wilmington City Council President; Councilman Va’Shun Turner (5th District); At-Large Members of Council; Robert Tracy, Chief of Police; Matthew Kurten, Sector Captain; District Officers, Residents of the 5th District and other stakeholders. WHAT: Wilmington City Council President Hanifa Shabazz […]
Statement by Wilmington City Council on Attempted Shooting of Officers
Wilmington, DE (August 25, 2017) Wilmington City Council issued the following statement in response to yesterday’s gun violence: “Yesterday evening, officers with the Wilmington Police Department and the State of Delaware Probation and Parole were met with gunfire while investigating a suspicious person. Fortunately, no officers were injured, though the suspect remains at large. City […]
Wilmington City Council Issues Statement on Recent Hate Crime in the 7th District
Wilmington, DE (August 24, 2017) Wilmington City Council issued the following statement in response to Wednesday’s hate crime incident in Woodlawn: “Yesterday’s incident of hate, intimidation, and vandalism was truly reprehensible. Wilmington City Council stands with residents across our City, State, and nation to denounce and repudiate this hate crime and others like it. Wednesday’s […]
President Shabazz Issued the Following Statement Regarding Attorney General’s FOIA Opinion
Wilmington, Del. (August 14, 2017) Wilmington City Council President Hanifa Shabazz issued the following statement in response to the Attorney General’s Office opinion regarding the “open meetings” provision of the Delaware Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): “We appreciate the guidance emanating from the Attorney General’s Office regarding its evolving interpretation of FOIA. We will take […]
Statement by Wilmington City Council Regarding FOIA Petition Opinion
Wilmington, Del. (August 11, 2017) Wilmington City Council President Hanifa Shabazz issued the following statement in response to today’s Attorney General opinion: “Today’s opinion from the Attorney General’s Office regarding a petition filed concerning Delaware’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), among other things, “declined to request remedial action” for votes cast during Council’s April 6th […]
Statement by Wilmington City Council on Veto of House Bill 85
Wilmington, DE (July 20, 2017) Wilmington City Council issued the following statement in response to Governor Carney’s veto of House Substitute 1 for House Bill 85: “On behalf of Wilmington City Council, I applaud Governor Carney’s decision to veto House Substitute 1 for House Bill 85 – a bill that gave all children in the […]
Statement by Wilmington City Council Regarding Transparency in Spending
Wilmington, Del. (July 18, 2017) Wilmington City Council President Hanifa Shabazz issued the following statement in response to a recent article in the News Journal regarding transparency and oversight of Council’s strategic fund allocations: “Wilmington City Council takes its fiduciary responsibilities very seriously. We reject the notion that the tax-payer dollars managed by Council – […]
Statement by Wilmington City Council on Decision to Hold Vote on Curfew Ordinance
Wilmington, DE (June 15, 2017) Wilmington City Council issued the following statement in response to yesterday’s gun violence: “It’s important that Wilmington Police and their law enforcement partners have access to as many tools as possible to curb gun violence and other criminal activities, and we believe strongly that enforcement of the City’s curfew will […]