[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6094316,"mediaKeyId","2844447-4e5facf6320d0e8e2eaab9927fa30c14","parentId",2844447,"title","Wilmington staff outline reparations task force recommendations, urge continued state coordination","audioSeconds",1265,"startMs",435000,"endMs",1700000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844447-4e5facf6320d0e8e2eaab9927fa30c14&start=435&end=1700","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844447-4e5facf6320d0e8e2eaab9927fa30c14/thumbnail_435000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6094316/Wilmington-City/New-Castle-County/Delaware/Wilmington-staff-outline-reparations-task-force-recommendations-urge-continued-state-coordination","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094316-8870af03b9c153af4228a3df51cd4cad/orig.mp4?Expires=1776690876&Signature=cJM~miHevRiLMO4NNzuJneOa3UZzeVM~iG5FtNJFTYopjZ19LIYVKzkAQlujR-g~17X~YsszShrCj59NVRCSVkH2LxVY6aKKAg0Yo0Dz9vWsz8On-UvkItrzR1eSmrkQ1lkh8X2KYBD0Gp04yvhyPcVh0d47nnZiI3uviy906nz-2euafXd1nPywet6bRexn6nEzSkC5PB0fkPIu6jRU~c6xEmuu4bvueNCHMuCRE5qN4UgGId-nLG8hb5XSZT7x82bcsVSAv47p-2~x0BnlL9treQKw6v0FMX5MnnUNEhHYbznYjw0YtgI0QaNG2VnQatG8SEz6j-qzflg9NwkmYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Wilmington, DE","date","2025-03-24T00:00:00Z","article","Wilmington City Council staff presented an update on the Reparations Task Force final report during the Committee of the Whole on March 24, summarizing the task force’s recommendations and the council staff’s suggested next steps for city action and state coordination.

The presentation, led by policy fellow Alyssa Goddard Richardson and Legislative Research and Policy Director Phil Nwanga with additional remarks from Dr. Kendra, reviewed the task force’s findings and four “critical pain points” identified in the approved report: education, housing and economics, health and environment, and legal and civil rights. “In the report that was approved by council, it summarized historical injustices faced by African Americans, and it identified 4 critical pain points,” Alyssa said.

Why it matters: council accepted the task force’s final report in 2024 and staff said several recommendations could be advanced by council action or by coordinating with state initiatives already under way. Council members asked for more detail on actions the city can take now — especially on policing and housing — and for continued engagement with state bodies that are pursuing related racial equity work.

Most immediate recommendations and staff notes

- Public apology and continued racial dialogue: staff reiterated the task force’s recommendation that the city issue a public apology as part of broader racial reconciliation efforts and support ongoing public listening sessions targeted to the four pain points.

- Policing: the report recommends mandated policies and training on bias‑free policing and expanded routine trauma‑informed training for officers. Staff noted the Wilmington Police Department currently provides bias training and crisis intervention training but said trauma‑informed training — which treats interactions as if an individual may have experienced chronic trauma — was not yet routine. Council members asked whether the training recommendations had been discussed with WPD leadership; staff said they had shared sample materials and continued informal outreach with Chief Campos.

- Community violence intervention and police accountability: the task force recommended increased investment in community violence intervention programs, strengthening community‑police relations, and establishing appointments for a Wilmington Community Police Accountability Board. Staff suggested maintaining and potentially expanding the existing Community Public Safety Initiative.

- Criminal‑justice reforms: the task force recommended prohibiting cash bail and compensating people who are acquitted or exonerated. Staff described pending state activity: Senate Bill 12 (Senate Amendment 1) was described as adding transparency to pretrial release and detention decisions; a Senate substitute for Senate Bill 169 was said to be under consideration with a proposed process for compensating wrongfully convicted individuals. Staff said the city could facilitate public engagement about racial disparities in custody and advocate for additional quality‑of‑life indicators to be included in state reporting.

- Corrections and racial disparity monitoring: staff recommended city‑led public engagement and suggested coordination with the Governor’s Council on Corrections or similar state entities to monitor racial disparities in adult and juvenile correctional facilities.

- Legal education and workforce equity: the task force recommended eliminating barriers for African American prospective attorneys by funding legal education and outreach. Staff referenced House Bill 380, a state law establishing a student loan repayment program for public attorneys, and said additional, targeted funding for prospective Black attorneys is not currently funded at the city level.

Coordination with state efforts

Staff urged council to continue partnering with the General Assembly’s African American Task Force and the Racial Equity Consortium (a state‑level consortium noted as active until August 2027) to avoid duplication and amplify work already in progress. Staff recommended the council coordinate with those state entities and consider inviting state subcommittee representatives to report to council committee meetings.

Council response and follow‑up requests

Council members voiced particular interest in housing follow up and in whether staff had reviewed pending litigation or state challenges to DEI‑related measures; staff said litigation was not an explicit focus of the summary presentation but was kept in mind when developing actionable recommendations. Councilmembers also asked for data updates on the city’s Partners in Care pilot (a police‑social worker co‑response program); staff said Partners in Care had issued progress reports and that the program is a limited‑hour pilot with periodic reporting.

Staff asked for council feedback on next steps and said they would return with more detailed implementation options and, where appropriate, suggested model language or ordinances for council consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Wilmington Committee of the Whole Meeting | 3/24/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Wilmington City Council staff presented an update on the Reparations Task Force final report during the Committee of the Whole on March 24, summarizing the task force’s recommendations and the council staff’s suggested next steps for city action and state coordination.","taxTitle","Wilmington City, New Castle County, Delaware","taxId",12638,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6094303,"Council considers rules to post agendas and presentations early, remove residency limits on public comment and restore item‑level comment",1832,4638000,6470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844447-4e5facf6320d0e8e2eaab9927fa30c14&start=4638&end=6470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844447-4e5facf6320d0e8e2eaab9927fa30c14/thumbnail_4638000.jpg","/articles/6094303/Wilmington-City/New-Castle-County/Delaware/Council-considers-rules-to-post-agendas-and-presentations-early-remove-residency-limits-on-public-comment-and-restore-itemlevel-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094303-22ae787abaeb5c2773af29043a764072/orig.mp4?Expires=1776690877&Signature=AlBO0pZQ7xKqP6FPwTY1sm7gfh76ZxjYocdMTzL9ttEte0IRGAaAeKP~OIxRgamd4e0hYMg7pucjv1FC72Un1VD4T6~MJyekEFd1gk~lM70Bt1A2~wGI716Yge5TTJTBVYFU0CDZ8KZUZvUuROkFPldami53hVhRo4zX1kKIyhGcWs~vyTk4cA7EJWhBq5SabnvtaGBgQdjOTjPbI4RgYdkK-DPGV4ulZRgn1h4z1IJp3CpTlBU9PKEpJKqBOphe5DscJzrZ5NI44MNmlby4asT9l4wPZrtk7r3trnarBo2MWqMa52fM-5cdSLd6twfsUuBLs46FAqSRluFz8Pus9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members discussed three related resolutions aimed at improving transparency and public participation during the Committee of the Whole on March 24: (1) require draft legislation and presentation materials be posted with agendas in advance, (2) remove a residency/taxpayer requirement for public comment and add a virtual sign‑up link for committee meetings, and (3) restore a practice that permits public comment on individual legislative items after presentation and debate.

Agenda materials and presentation postings

Councilmember Darby sponsored a resolution to amend council rules to require that draft legislation, and when applicable presentations or reports, be posted with the public agenda so councilmembers and the public have adequate time to review materials in advance. Staff and several councilmembers supported a standard practice to post materials ahead of committee and council meetings, while also seeking an exemption for true emergencies and recognizing practical constraints when presentations are finalized shortly before meetings.

Residency/taxpayer public comment requirement and virtual sign‑up

Darby said the residency/taxpayer requirement for public comment that appeared in the council rules during the prior session was found to be illegal by the law department and should be removed. The draft resolution would also require the posted agenda to include a virtual sign‑up link for committee meetings so councilmembers can follow up with commenters; staff clarified the link would be optional and would not prevent callers or late raised hands from speaking during a meeting.

Restore item‑level public comment

The sponsor also proposed restoring a second public‑comment period tied to each legislative item so attendees could testify specifically when an item is taken up. Supporters said item‑level comment gives residents the chance to respond after hearing debate or a presentation. Opponents and some long‑serving members cautioned that committee meetings already allow in‑depth examination, that item‑level comment had in past sessions sometimes lengthened floor meetings, and that chairs should retain discretion to manage agendas and timing. The sponsor agreed to add exemptions for emergencies and to work with staff on the number of days for posting presentation materials; the item was held for follow‑up and scheduled for a later committee meeting.

Public and staff feedback

Members of the public who spoke during the meeting urged timely posting of materials and more accessible sign‑up methods (QR codes, simple links). Staff said they would work on outreach and on operational guidance, including a recommended timeline and an approach for handling presentations that arrive late.

Next steps

Sponsors said they will refine draft language to include emergency exemptions and a practical number of days for posting materials and will return the resolutions to committee for a vote.","Three linked rule changes were discussed: require draft legislation and presentation materials to be posted ahead of meetings, remove a residency/taxpayer requirement for public comment (counsel said it was illegal), and restore a second public‑comment option tied to each legislative item so speakers can comment when an item is debated.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6094308,"Council debates charter change, caucus status and lobbyist funding as lawmakers plan to seek state approval",1870,2600000,4470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844447-4e5facf6320d0e8e2eaab9927fa30c14&start=2600&end=4470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844447-4e5facf6320d0e8e2eaab9927fa30c14/thumbnail_2600000.jpg","/articles/6094308/Wilmington-City/New-Castle-County/Delaware/Council-debates-charter-change-caucus-status-and-lobbyist-funding-as-lawmakers-plan-to-seek-state-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094308-6fee7266dc7b2d1702d3565b82754d3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1776690877&Signature=gRovVf7E9GeatRqAq1gM99-n8aLyHkfuoQknRGNUuAjZ74wEkvJxzOTxoFZAVUBujNF50OtjG1wBWzVxTPN-Bj5wfbLkxFGXDMV9lIhRkyEviG5hiU-OrCR-t2A81VDWLC-cisvWzL65EP9BO8BmWTVB-4YwIZ0HnObFd0JOwuCGmAOPzmJlJv67014wrclNqZ1jKSduqF8hidBt6ziNOJTmERBuDg25lhF5zb6NCFKCqfp-pWHErel5~CiudZw4JOhe7DO84vSRnUhepky0jhLnjGbb42xmpP6BjpdiYsaDfQp275ODFHXkWpiAndIXsXEW9e1I1vZQp4TC~EPeQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members debated several procedural and intergovernmental measures during the Committee of the Whole on March 24, including a proposed charter amendment to exclude August and December from a twice‑monthly meeting mandate, draft legislation to permit the city to caucus under state statute, and plans to fund a council lobbyist.

Charter amendment to exclude August and December

Councilmember Michelle Harley introduced a resolution asking the General Assembly to amend City Charter section 2‑204 to exclude August and December from the twice‑monthly meeting requirement except when the mayor, council president, or a majority of council calls a meeting. Harley said the change would reduce unnecessary convenings during traditional recess months and save administrative costs, while preserving exceptions for urgent business. Several council members asked about prior attempts to carry the bill to Dover; Harley attributed earlier delays to the sponsor’s inexperience and inconsistent legislative timing and urged colleagues to contact state legislators when the bill goes into circulation.

Caucus authority at state level

Councilman Owens introduced draft legislation to add Wilmington’s legislative body to a state statute allowing formal caucusing among elected legislators. Owens and other members said city caucusing would permit private internal discussions among council members to coordinate positions without triggering FOIA concerns that currently limit informal group discussions. Several council members agreed to cosponsor the measure and said they would seek a sponsor in Dover.

Lobbyist funding and intergovernmental representation

Councilmembers raised a separate but related topic: whether council should fund its own lobbyist and how that lobbyist would interact with any lobbyist retained by the mayor’s office. Chief of Staff Elijah said a line item for a council lobbyist is in the council budget and staff would begin discussions about candidates; he also said he would confirm whether the mayor’s office has an executed lobbyist contract. Multiple council members said having a dedicated council lobbyist is important to pressing the council’s priorities in Dover and to improving the city’s state‑level advocacy.

Committee assignments

The committee also received a short procedural resolution updating standing committee personnel: Councilmember Xanthia Oliver and Councilman Johnson would be added to the intergovernmental standing committee, with Johnson named vice chair; Leticia Bracey would be removed from that committee at her request. The changes were presented without objection.

Next steps

Sponsors said they will circulate the charter amendment and caucus draft to state legislators and asked colleagues to sign on as cosponsors. Staff said they would follow up to confirm the mayor’s lobbying arrangements and bring recommendations for council’s lobbying position and candidate selection from the budgeted line item.","Council members discussed a package of procedural items: a resolution asking the General Assembly to let the city exclude August and December from the charter’s twice‑monthly meeting requirement, a proposal to add Wilmington to the list of legislative bodies eligible to caucus under state statute, and city council plans to fund its own lobbyist.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6094311,"Council members press administration on property tax reassessment, EMS and water‑rate plans in FY26 budget discussion",452,1708000,2160000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844447-4e5facf6320d0e8e2eaab9927fa30c14&start=1708&end=2160","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844447-4e5facf6320d0e8e2eaab9927fa30c14/thumbnail_1708000.jpg","/articles/6094311/Wilmington-City/New-Castle-County/Delaware/Council-members-press-administration-on-property-tax-reassessment-EMS-and-waterrate-plans-in-FY26-budget-discussion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094311-f100c7cd2c95e77c7cf3392976425a89/orig.mp4?Expires=1776690877&Signature=c9j8uyG6n8S~I-ehDNZ9ZR2kdNPpbQcbH90KzTNrlRy0MfQdV1ydLwiNmKqwYi1CogNl34gPecZTbpvu2NDOgkTfHZuPkb7cdWIaWRdU3S-pMu8RGALIB950uAW3j3LaYp4PFO16mvMWt6fktyRrmwbAsBQSaWV7uhXtNIvnS9i2yQAr76BcVNegd1Vl9AggWBqFryvbNXK1BGPByd1EWz9CCNW4KmA7WiIANixAf4~2GAX-x-pgPjVITLGj1p5b9wlWxjp2RR9481s8i~ciEr6xNA-FirL9P2xvdeBMqno6JJJAPC1yW3fa8H6BfunfJzNDJRAP5rkpsV41hYhOMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Wilmington council members used the Committee of the Whole on March 24 to press for more detail and coordination on the mayor’s proposed FY26 budget, focusing on property tax reassessment impacts, proposed utility rate changes and planning for emergency medical services (EMS).

Council members said the most urgent item for many residents is recent property tax reassessments performed by New Castle County and how those assessments could translate into higher bills for homeowners, even if the city’s total property tax revenue remains flat. Councilwoman Willower described the reassessment as a “big” issue for residents and urged the city to seek third‑party verification of the county’s new assessment numbers before the city takes any taxing action.

At the meeting council members noted these points:

- Property tax assessments: Councilmembers said county reassessments are changing the distribution of tax burden between commercial and residential taxpayers. Willower cited the mayor’s budget projection that commercial properties would drop from paying 42% to 29% of property taxes while residential shares rise from 47% to 57%. She urged a fair‑value fact check and additional outreach to help homeowners appeal assessments.

- Utility rates: Staff reported that the mayor proposed water and sewer increases that are lower than a UCAB recommendation. Chief communications staff noted UCAB recommended a 9% water/sewer increase and 6.5% for stormwater, while the mayor’s proposal included a smaller water/sewer increase and a 6.5% stormwater increase; council asked for clarification and said they would scrutinize any proposed increases during budget hearings.

- EMS planning and budget detail: Councilmembers asked that the mayor and administration provide more specifics about EMS implementation, including capital equipment spending, recruitment and retention. Councilmember Johnson said the “devil is in the details” and flagged potential personnel and equipment costs and staffing challenges for fire and EMS services.

Council members also used the item to reiterate shared priorities identified in the mayor’s address, including neighborhood stabilization and avoiding a city‑wide property tax increase; several members said the mayor’s high‑level priorities matched council priorities but that the hearings will be where the specifics must be vetted.

Next steps

Council members asked staff to return with more detailed budget information during scheduled budget hearings, to coordinate with New Castle County and the mayor’s office on public outreach about reassessments and appeals, and to seek clarity on the water/sewer and stormwater rate proposals before any final action.

No formal budget votes were taken at the March 24 committee meeting; members emphasized that the discussion was preparatory and directed staff to provide more granular information during the upcoming budget hearing process.","During a Committee of the Whole discussion of the mayor’s proposed FY26 budget, council members raised concerns about New Castle County reassessment impacts on homeowners, water and stormwater rate proposals, and the city’s EMS implementation plans and costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Wilmington staff outline reparations task force recommendations, urge continued state coordination

Council considers rules to post agendas and presentations early, remove residency limits on public comment and restore item‑level comment

Council debates charter change, caucus status and lobbyist funding as lawmakers plan to seek state approval

Council members press administration on property tax reassessment, EMS and water‑rate plans in FY26 budget discussion