City staff presented a draft ordinance on May 29 that would formalize how Wilmington holds referendums and how charter amendments move forward.

Kendra (city staff) explained that the ordinance would create two pathways to amend the city charter: a city‑council‑initiated resolution (requiring at least three‑quarters support of council) or a public‑petition process in which 10% of the city’s qualified voters must sign to trigger formation and election of a charter commission. The City Clerk would validate signatures within 30 days and, if valid, council would set an election date no sooner than 60 days after validation. A referendum on proposed charter amendments would be scheduled no fewer than 90 days and no more than 180 days after approval of the amendments or tied to a scheduled municipal election.

Staff said the draft ordinance draws on Delaware Code Chapter 22 (§802 and §811) and on charter‑amendment practice in other municipalities. City staff estimated costs related to referendums (machine rental, poll volunteer training and room rental) and said referendums are used infrequently in Delaware but do appear for bond questions and other charter issues in some municipalities.

Councilwoman Darby said she sees the referendum tool as appropriate for large policy questions — she explicitly mentioned rent stabilization as one item that could be referred to voters — and noted the tool gives residents a direct vote on charter or ordinance questions. Council members asked procedural questions about the scope of referendums and whether certain matters (for example, vacancy/appointment procedures) could be addressed through charter amendments and referred to voters.

Staff said they would provide additional detail on signature counts and timing as the draft moves through legal review and council discussion.