Encouraging Investment in Downtown Wilmington & Adjacent Communities

The Downtown Development District (DDD) Program was established in 2014 by the Delaware General Assembly through Senate Bill 191. The program’s primary goals are to:

• Spur private capital investment in commercial business districts and nearby neighborhoods
• Stimulate job growth and improve commercial vitality
• Enhance housing opportunities
• Strengthen neighborhoods adjacent to downtown areas

Wilmington, along with Dover and Seaford, was one of the original participants in the DDD program. The program has seen several boundary amendments to include more properties and expand its impact. Over 10 years, the Wilmington District has leveraged $24.5M of DDD rebates into $436M in capital investment.

The DDD Program leverages state and local resources, offering various economic incentives to property owners and developers. The most significant incentive is a 20% rebate on construction costs for qualifying projects over $25,000 provided by the Delaware State Housing Authority.

The program envisions a collaborative effort between state incentives, local government incentives, and private investments to create a compelling package for real property investors. This approach fosters a vibrant downtown area with attractive, connected neighborhoods.

The City of Wilmington has continued actively participating, passing resolutions to expand its boundaries and extend its involvement throughout the District.