Wilmington City Council Meeting – June 4, 2026

The Wilmington City Council met on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 6:34 p.m. with President Trippi Congo presiding. The meeting included recognitions, public comment on homelessness, and several legislative actions. Seven members were present at roll call; six were absent.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from May 21, 2026, were approved as written.
• Committee reports from the Community Development and Urban Planning Committee (May 14, 2026) on Ordinance 26-008 (rental property registry) and Ordinance 26-019 (housing trust) were received, recorded, and filed.
• City Treasurer's Report (June 4, 2026) showed total investments of $563,636,990.83, cash on hand of $20,417,330.96, and a grand total of $584,054,321.79. The report was received, recorded, and filed.
• Non-legislative business was accepted en bloc.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Deacon Earl Tate urged people to vote and called for using vacant land with trailers for the homeless.
• Kim Vallejo (former resident) appealed to stop the June 15 eviction of the Christina Park encampment, citing dignity and Matthew 25:40.
• Joe Connor (District 8) criticized the artificial deadline and lack of continuity, asking council to pass the resolution.
• Philly Simmons (resident of Christina Park) described unsafe conditions, lack of lights, and danger, accusing the mayor of not caring.
• Connor Brofe (near resident) urged support for the resolution, alleging lies from the administration and that the eviction would scatter people, costing more.
• Carmina Taylor praised the Wilmington Raptors and called for community drug/alcohol education, noting 39% of middle/high school students misuse marijuana/edibles/vaping.
• Amber Patty (via representative) supported Darby's resolution and the housing trust, calling the eviction a “temper tantrum” and demanding specifics.
• Mimi (District 1) argued the eviction is cruel, noted insufficient beds, and accused the mayor of caring about aesthetics over people.
• Coritas Kirby (Elsmere, Delaware) supported the resolution and housing trust, calling herself a socialist and proud social worker.
• Adam (virtual) supported the resolution, warned of consequences, and criticized council members who voted against it.
• Andre James Taylor Simmons (Christina Park resident) said he has been up for three days looking after the park, accused the mayor of being in office for money.
• “Say” (anonymous) warned of upcoming actions and urged council to protect the encampment.
• Emma Leeshak (lifelong Delaware resident) supported the resolution, said the city's alternatives are not serving people's needs.
• Lip Bettley (District 6) criticized the mayor’s faith, called the treatment “morally reprehensible,” and urged support for Darby's resolution.
• B (socialist, Delaware resident) supported the resolution and housing trust, called the mayor’s actions shameful.
• Alex Palermo urged council to condemn the eviction and support the resolution.
• Katie (Lilac) (Delaware socialist) shared her weekly visits to the park and supported the resolution.
• Anna Villess (District 8) cited research on homeless sweeps, argued they cause more harm, and supported the resolution.
• Anna Shields (District 2, member of homelessness subcommittee) read a letter to the mayor opposing the eviction, noting no response.
• Tony Cerzega (chair of homelessness subcommittee) criticized the mayor’s arbitrary deadline and lack of plan, supported the resolution.
• Aidan L (District 6) supported the resolution, called for long-term housing.
• Tony Dunn (District 2) urged council to use its power to stop the eviction, asked for support of Darby's bill.
• Cheyenne Miller (District 7) supported the resolution, pointed out that over 600 homeless are not at Christina Park, urged redirecting $1.3 million in CDBG funds from street improvements to homelessness.
• Rev. Dr. Lyle Dykstra (First and Central Presbyterian) urged support for the resolution, citing all major religions’ call to love your neighbor.
• Gene Messick (works with unhoused in District 4) shared his uncle’s death from heat exhaustion, urged support for the housing trust, eviction protection, and stopping the sweep.
• Jeanne Kambara (volunteer at Christina Park) supported the resolution, said people cannot be treated like trash.
• Gavin Ferris (Pennsylvania native, Delaware resident) said he knows the residents by name, urged council to consider who knows the story.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 26-045 (Darby) – Humane transition for Christina Park: Councilmember Darby presented the resolution calling for a stop to the June 15 eviction, a comprehensive plan, funding for Springboard Project, a homelessness response coordinator, and a written timeline. She criticized the mayor for not consulting council and for concentrating homelessness in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Councilmembers McCoy, Owens, Willower, and Oliver expressed support, with McCoy noting loss of shelter beds over the years. President Congo urged council to exercise its power and be disruptive. The resolution passed 9-0-4 (9 yes, 4 absent).

• Ordinance 26-019 (Substitute 2) – Affordable Housing Trust and Community Advisory Board: Councilmember Darby introduced the ordinance to establish a housing trust with a community advisory board, funded through various sources. Councilmembers asked about funding mechanisms; Darby clarified it would be established first, with future inclusionary zoning and other revenues. The ordinance passed 7-2-4 (7 yes, 2 no – Oliver and Bracey, 4 absent).

• Ordinance 26-008 (Substitute 1) – Online Rental Property Registry: Councilmember Darby explained the registry would allow online registration of rental properties, reducing administrative burdens. Councilmember Johnson asked about funding for software costs. The ordinance passed 8-0-5 (8 yes, 5 absent).

• Other ordinances and resolutions:

  • Ordinance 26-037 (Rental Dwelling Improvement Program) received first and second reading, referred to committee.
  • Resolution 26-046 (Housing Subcommittee) passed 8-0-5.
  • Ordinances on physician services, PFAS bonds, BID extension, and paid parental leave introduced and referred.
  • Resolution 26-047 (Ethics Commission appointments) passed 8-1-4 (Darby voted no, citing distrust of mayor’s appointments).
  • Resolution 26-048 (CDBG amendment) passed 9-0-4 after debate on using CDBG funds for street improvements versus housing.
  • Resolution 26-049 (Annual Action Plan) passed 9-0-4.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 26-045 (homelessness transition) was adopted (9 yes, 4 absent).
• Ordinance 26-019 (affordable housing trust) was adopted (7 yes, 2 no, 4 absent).
• Ordinance 26-008 (rental property registry) was adopted (8 yes, 5 absent).
• Resolution 26-047 (ethics commission appointments) was adopted (8 yes, 1 no, 4 absent).
• Resolution 26-048 (CDBG amendment) was adopted (9 yes, 4 absent).
• Resolution 26-049 (Annual Action Plan) was adopted (9 yes, 4 absent).
• Several ordinances were introduced and referred to committee.
• Council recognized Delaware State University (135th anniversary), Wilmington Raptors (national football championship), Senior Corporal Lavette Williams (first Black female K9 handler in Delaware), Moms Demand Action (Gun Violence Awareness Month), and Councilman Penrose Hollins (Order of the First State).
• Public comment emphasized opposition to the June 15 eviction of the Christina Park encampment and support for long-term housing solutions.