Wilmington City Council Meeting – May 7, 2026

The Wilmington City Council held its regular session on May 7, 2026, starting at 6:34 p.m. with 11 members present and 2 absent. The meeting included recognition of local champions, public comment on criminal justice reform, and several legislative actions, including a contentious resolution regarding a councilmember's party affiliation change.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes of the April 10, 2026 meeting were approved as written.
• The City Treasury Report for May 7, 2026 was received and filed: total investments $565,202,756.38, cash on hand $17,327,223.66, grand total $582,529,980.04.
• All non-legislative business was accepted on a single motion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elijah Quinnell (freshman, Charter School of Wilmington) spoke about the high incarceration rate in Wilmington, noting that 917 residents (over 1% of the city’s population) are incarcerated, with a rate of 1,299 per 100,000. He cited that black residents are nearly four times more likely than white residents to be arrested for low-level offenses and account for 80% of Wilmington Police Department arrests. He criticized the closure of the Plummer Center, which provided work release and re-entry programs, and urged the council to develop a transparent plan with residents to restore re-entry services.

Recognition Resolutions

• Silesian Wrestling Team (2025-2026 D1 State Champions): Councilmember Owens presented a resolution honoring the team for an undefeated dual meet record and a 59-9 victory over Caesar Rodney High School. The team won five individual state championships. Coaches and school administrators were thanked.
• City Council Interns (Spring 2026): Councilmember Dotson recognized interns Rajula Bakar, Nasir Judkins, Nadia Camoto, Mara, and Maria Sanchez Torres. One intern spoke of the transformative experience and thanked the council. Several councilmembers praised their work.
• Youth in Government Day – Elected Youth Officials: Councilmember Bracey and Hackett recognized 14 youth council members from various schools. The youth council presented a resolution declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month and calling for a mental health app, safe spaces, and more resources. The youth council members introduced themselves, including their schools and aspirations. Nicole Torrance from Parks & Recreation was credited for organizing the program.
• Other Recognition Resolutions (listed but not read in full): Dr. Sidney R. Jacobs (literacy event), Mildred Holmes (100th birthday), Tri Transit Initiative (Earth Day 2026), Wilmington High School Class of 1976 (50th reunion), Teacher Appreciation Week at Barrett School, Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, and Cure Violence Global.
• Sympathy Resolutions were presented for multiple individuals.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 26-038 – Councilmember Spadola’s Party Affiliation (Agenda 0226): Councilmember McCoy presented a resolution declaring that Councilmember Spadola’s change of political party affiliation violates city charter qualifications, rendering his seat vacant. Council President Congo noted that a court ruling that day had stayed implementation; if passed, the resolution would have no immediate effect. Councilmember Spadola stated that Chancellor McCormick had expressed surprise the council would vote before the court ruled on the merits. He characterized the vote as a “show vote.” The resolution passed 8-1 (with one present and two absent), with Spadola voting no.
• Resolution 26-039 – Community Police Accountability Board Appointments (Agenda 0227): Appointed Alexandra Copich Wright (civil rights community) and Deshaun Elliott (mental health treatment community) to the board. Councilmember Johnson supported the appointments, noting the board should have been established years ago. Councilmember Owens voted present due to a conflict of interest. Passed 10-1-2.
• Resolution 26-040 – African American Sites Brochure (Agenda 0228): Councilmember Darby presented a resolution to accept $5,000 from the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau to create a brochure and interactive digital map highlighting African American historical sites, timed with the 250th anniversary of American history. Passed unanimously (11-0-2).
• Ordinances Introduced (First and Second Readings):
  • 26-031: Mandatory inclusionary zoning program for low-to-moderate income residents (referred to Planning Commission and Community Development & Urban Planning Committee).
  • 26-032: Landlord engagement advisory board (referred to Community Development & Urban Planning Committee).
  • 26-033: Removal of Mabel Street from the official city map (referred to Community Development & Urban Planning Committee).
  • 26-034: One-time stipend for city retirees in FY2027 (referred to Finance & Economic Development Committee).
  • 26-035: Security deposit and first month’s rental assistance pilot program for emerging talent (referred to Community Development & Urban Planning Committee).
• Resolution 26-041 – Grant Awards to Roberto Clemente Baseball League (Agenda 0233): Councilmember Johnson ($4,999) and Councilmember Willower ($1,000) awarded grants totaling $5,999 from discretionary funds. Councilmember Johnson noted the league’s upcoming trip to Puerto Rico. Passed unanimously (11-0-2).
• Resolution 26-042 – Grant to Delaware Center for Horticulture (Agenda 0235): Councilmember Field ($2,500) and Councilmember Owens ($1,088.01) awarded grants for beautification projects on Delaware Avenue and in the first district. Passed unanimously (11-0-2).

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 26-038 adopted (8-1-1-2) declaring Councilmember Spadola’s seat vacant, but the vote is stayed pending court resolution.
• Community Police Accountability Board appointments confirmed (10-1-2).
• $5,000 grant accepted for African American sites brochure (11-0-2).
• Five ordinances introduced for first and second readings and referred to appropriate committees.
• Two grant resolutions approved totaling $5,999 to Roberto Clemente Baseball League and $3,588.01 to Delaware Center for Horticulture.
• Youth in Government Day recognized 14 youth council members and their mental health resolution.

Petitions & Communications

Councilmembers made announcements about upcoming events: District 1 neighborhood cleanups; job fair on May 12 (partnership with WHA); first-time homebuyer workshop on May 30; a salute to graduates video tribute; the Creative Hub ribbon cutting; Southwest Civic Association planning meeting in Mac Park; Flyers playoff tour at Charlie Square; Wilmington Flower Market in Rockford Park; and gratitude to police and fire departments for response to a recent tragic fire.