Community Activists Demand Wilmington City Council Keep June 5 Rent Stabilization Vote

The Wilmington Committee of the Whole Meeting on May 29, 2025, focused heavily on the pressing issue of rent stabilization, with community members expressing urgent concerns about rising rental costs and their impact on vulnerable residents.

Hillary, a local advocate, highlighted the plight of an 84-year-old woman facing a $200 rent increase, which would raise her total rent to $1,700. She emphasized the emotional toll this situation takes on elderly residents living on fixed incomes, who may be forced to relocate away from their support systems. Hillary shared her own experiences with escalating rents, noting that her previous apartment's rent increased from $1,000 to $1,650 in just three years without any improvements made to the unit.

The meeting also featured Shanza McDowell, a community activist, who criticized the council's decision to postpone discussions on the rent stabilization resolution. She expressed frustration over the repeated changes to the meeting date, suggesting it undermines community efforts to engage in the process. McDowell called for the council to prioritize the needs of constituents over corporate interests, asserting that elected officials should be accountable to the people who voted them into office.

Both speakers urged the committee to maintain the scheduled discussion on rent stabilization set for June 5, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and involvement in the legislative process. The meeting underscored the ongoing struggle for affordable housing in Wilmington and the need for immediate action to address the challenges faced by residents.