Source: Wilmington City Council
Wilmington, DE – During its Regular Meeting on Thursday, May 21, Wilmington City Council approved the City of Wilmington’s Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget following months of budget hearings, negotiations, and collaboration between Council and the Mayor’s Administration to prioritize the needs of Wilmington residents while maintaining the City’s long-term fiscal health.
The FY2027 General Fund Budget totals $213.5 million, reflecting a 5.82% increase over the previous fiscal year, while maintaining a 0% property tax rate increase for Wilmington residents.
The approved Water/Sewer Fund Budget totals $98.9 million, a 4% increase over the previous fiscal year. As part of the budget process, Council successfully worked to reduce the proposed water and sewer rate increase from the Utility Citizens Advisory Board’s recommended 11.6% increase and the Mayor’s proposed 9.95% increase down to 7%, saving residents approximately $1.3 million within the Water Sewer Fund Budget.
For the average residential customer using 4,000 gallons monthly, the increase equates to approximately $5.70 per month.
“This budget reflects the voices, concerns, and priorities of Wilmington residents,” said Michelle Harlee, Chair of City Council’s Finance & Economic Development Committee.
“Throughout this process, Council worked diligently to balance the City’s financial realities while continuing to invest in affordable housing, neighborhood stabilization, public safety, small businesses, and direct support programs that strengthen our communities.”
The budget process formally began on March 19, 2026, when Mayor John Carney presented the proposed budget to Council.
Over the following weeks, City Council conducted nine public budget hearings and reviewed 15 departmental budget presentations, held a Committee of the Whole discussion, and collaborated closely with the Administration to address Council priorities and constituent concerns.As part of the approved budget, Council authorized the strategic use of Tax Stabilization Reserve Funds to support critical community investments and maintain fiscal stability, including:
• $2.6 million to balance the General Fund Budget
• $4 million for the Economic Development Strategic Fund, including $1 million dedicated to the Small Minority Business Program
• $13.10 million for Neighborhood Stabilization initiatives
The FY2027 Budget prioritizes neighborhood stabilization and housing initiatives through the following investments:
• $8.4 million for an Affordable Housing Subsidy Program, with additional funding opportunities to be considered through future budget amendments
• $500,000 for a new Home Repair Program replacing the former Home Repair Lottery Program
• $1.5 million for a Housing Support Block Grant focused on eviction prevention and rental assistance
• $2 million for Vacant Site Lot Readiness
• $500,000 for the Wilmington Neighborhood Conservancy Land Bank
• $200,000 for architecture and engineering support
Council also prioritized direct community investments and public safety initiatives, including:
• $450,000 for the Community Public Safety Initiative (CPSI) to support boots-on-the-ground violence intervention efforts
• $350,000 for the Utility Assistance Program
• $100,000 for Traffic Calming Devices as part of Council’s continued efforts to improve roadway safety in Wilmington neighborhoods
• Continued funding for the Small Minority Business Program
• Funding support for the PS DuPont Pool summer operations
• $50,000 for Black Restaurant Week • Continued funding support for HBCU Week
• Funding support for a Thanksgiving Turkey Drive
The adopted budget also includes continued investment in the City’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations, including 12 new EMS positions added within the FY2027 budget, in addition to 12 EMS positions that were added mid-year to help strengthen emergency response capacity, reduce overtime demands on existing personnel, improve staffing levels, and enhance public safety services citywide.Additionally, Council approved Ordinance No. 26-034 implementing a recommendation from the City of Wilmington Pension Commission to provide a one-time $1,000 stipend to City pensioners who retired on or before December 31, 2019.
The one-time payment recognizes retirees who have not received a cost-of-living adjustment in approximately 20 years.
The total cost amounts to $969,000 for a one-time pensioner payment.
Council also approved the addition of a Legislative Research Aide position within City Council’s budget to strengthen legislative analysis and policy support capabilities.
The cost of the position was fully offset through internal budget reductions and reallocations within Council operations.
Finance Committee Chair Harlee noted that while Council remains committed to investing in Wilmington’s future, it also recognizes the fiscal challenges facing the City in coming years.
“The City is facing financial pressures where projected expenditures continue to outpace revenues over the next several fiscal years,” Finance Committee Chair Harlee said.
“It was important for Council to preserve a healthy fund balance while still making meaningful investments that directly impact Wilmington families, seniors, neighborhoods, and small businesses.”
City Council President Trippi Congo shared concerns about the long-term approach to affordable housing and economic inclusion within the City.”
I believe Wilmington must continue finding ways to invest more boldly in affordable housing, neighborhood development, and opportunities for the people who have long called this City home,” President Congo said.
“While I appreciate the collaboration and recognize several important investments included in this budget, I also believe we must continue challenging ourselves to think differently about how we support our seniors, youth, small local minority developers and homeless residents who need help the most. Ultimately, Wilmington must have a greater voice in education, quality job access, readiness and re-entry for our residents if we really want better outcomes.”
Council also emphasized that affordable housing remains a top priority moving forward.
Chair Harlee announced plans to sponsor legislation codifying an Affordable Housing Subsidy Program to ensure long-term investment and accountability in addressing Wilmington’s housing needs.
Council Vote Summary: Sub. 1 to Ordinance 26-025, As Amended, Adopting the Annual Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year Ord. 26-025 Beginning on July 1, 2026, and Ending on June 30, 2027 11-Yays: Council Members Coby J. Owens (1st District), Zanthia Oliver (3rd District), Michelle Harlee (4th District), Christian Willauer (5th District), Yolanda McCoy (6th District), Chris Johnson (7th District), Nathan Field (8th District), Latisha Bracy (At-Large), Maria D. Cabrera (At-Large), Alexander D. Hackett (At-Large), James Spadola (At-Large)1 – Nay: President Trippi Congo1 – Present: Shané Darby (2nd District)What’s Next:The approved budget now heads to Mayor John Carney for his signature.
The Fiscal Year 2027 Budget takes effect July 1, 2026.For more information about the FY2027 budget, visit https://wilmdebudget.org/
