Wilmington City Council Meeting - July 2, 2026

The Wilmington City Council met in regular session on July 2, 2026, with eight members present and five absent. The meeting included approval of minutes, committee reports, treasurer's report, recognition resolutions, public comments, and legislative action. The most significant item was a vote to override the mayor's veto of a housing trust fund ordinance, which failed by an 8-5 vote (needing 9). Several other ordinances and resolutions were adopted.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of June 18, 2026: Approved as written.
• Committee Reports: Reports from the Finance and Economic Development Committee (ordinance 26-039) and the Health, Environmental, Aging and Disabilities Committee (ordinances 26-042 and 26-043) were received, recorded, and filed.
• Treasurer's Report: Total investments $557,672,751.26; cash on hand $18,678,935.11; grand total $576,351,686.37. Received and filed.
• Non-Legislative Business: Accepted.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public comment was extended past 7:30 p.m. by motion. Several speakers addressed the council:

• Jamila Davy (5th District): Urged council to override the mayor's veto of the housing trust legislation, emphasizing the need for resources to address the housing crisis and community oversight.
• Deacon Earl Tate: Called for unity and preservation of life, referencing recent violence and urging collective action.
• Lawrence Brandon: Introduced himself as a new resident and law student, expressed desire to contribute to community engagement and second chance initiatives.
• Gene Messick (serves unhoused in Districts 4 and 6): Called for justice for Kadir Skinner, demanded release of body camera footage, criticized the mayor for lack of transparency, and urged council to pass the housing trust override. Also noted that the housing subcommittee would not create a permanent fund.
• Adam: Supported the override, criticized the mayor's veto, and called for all nine votes. Also criticized some council members for opposing the trust.
• Katie Kent (Food Not Bombs, DSA): Supported override, warned that those who vote against it will not be reelected.
• Cheyenne Miller: Called for justice for Kadir Skinner and police reform. Argued the housing trust would create a permanent fund and community board, and that the mayor's reasons for vetoing were flawed. Urged council to override.
• Mimi Sibelis: Supported override, criticized the mayor's veto as not addressing urgency, and called the trust a foundation for future funding.
• Jonathan Tate (1st Ward): Supported override, compared housing trust funding to police budget, cited political consequences of ignoring public will.
• Dora Williams: Called for override and police reform, urging council to act justly.
• Say: Quoted Hubert Humphrey, called for override and police reform, warned of high tensions in the city.
• Alex (At-large): Criticized the administration's handling of the Christina Park encampment and the killing of Kadir Skinner, called for release of body camera footage and justice.
• Helen: Expressed concerns that the housing trust might not address root causes, described homelessness and addiction in her neighborhood, and supported the mayor's veto.
• Lip (6th District): Called for justice for Kadir Skinner and police reform, shared a personal story of a friend facing eviction, urged override of the housing trust veto.
• Tony Dunn (2500 Civic Association president): Thanked council for their press release, called for justice for the Skinner and Dollar families, urged council to support poor residents and the housing trust.
• Abdul Hay: Spoke about his work with youth through "Voices Still Speaking," called for involvement in children's lives, urged collaboration.

Discussion Items

Housing Trust Veto Override (Ordinance 26-019, Substitute 2)

Councilmember Darby, the sponsor, presented the case for override: the ordinance creates a permanent housing trust fund and advisory board, ensures transparency and accountability, and codifies a framework for future funding. She noted that collaboration with the administration had occurred (meetings with Daniel Walker, emails) and that the legislation was the result of four years of work. She argued that the fund does not need to start with millions; it creates the legal structure to receive and grow investments.

Several council members spoke:

• Councilmember McCoy (yes): Supported the framework but noted funding is still a challenge.
• Councilmember Johnson (yes): Supported the framework, acknowledged the need for private and corporate involvement, and noted that the mayor could still make implementation difficult.
• Councilmember Hackett (yes): Co-sponsor, argued that the council has repeatedly said it needs a housing trust and that starting somewhere is better than going back to the drawing board.
• Councilmember Willower (yes): Cited the success of New Castle County's housing trust and the importance of transparency and community input.
• Councilmember Harley (no): Said she supports a housing trust but not this version; argued that the administration has already put parameters on $8.4 million and that council should collaborate on a new piece of legislation rather than override.
• Councilmember Cabrera (no): Supports a housing trust but wants to work with the administration to ensure implementation; noted that the override might not force implementation.
• Councilmember Bracey (no): Supports a housing trust but prefers to work across the hall as was done with a previous vetoed ordinance (rental escrow). She noted that the council already passed $13 million for housing and that a collaborative approach is needed.
• Councilmember Field (no): Agreed with Bracey and Cabrera, said more work is needed and that the mayor has vetoed legislation before which was resolved collaboratively.

Councilmember Darby rebutted, stating she had multiple meetings with the administration and that claims of lack of collaboration were false. Councilmember Hackett also defended Darby's efforts.

Vote on Override:

• Yeas (8): Councilman Spadola, Councilman Johnson, Councilwoman McCoy, Councilwoman Willower, Councilwoman Harley, Councilwoman Darby, Councilman Owens, President Congo.
• Nays (5): Councilwoman Cabrera, Councilwoman Bracey, Councilman Field, Councilwoman Oliver, Councilman Hackett? (Wait, Hackett voted yes? Actually transcript says Hackett voted yes? Let's re-check: The roll call: Councilman Spadola - no; Councilwoman Cabrera - no; Councilwoman Bracey - no; Councilman Field - no; Councilman Johnson - yes; Councilwoman McCoy - yes; Councilwoman Willower - yes; Councilwoman Harley - yes; Councilwoman Oliver - no; Councilwoman Darby - yes; Councilman Owens - yes; President Congo - yes. That's 8 yes, 5 no. Hackett not listed? Actually in the roll call Hackett was not called? The transcript says: "Councilman Spadola, no; Councilwoman Cabrera, no; Councilwoman Bracey, no; Councilman Field, no; Councilman Johnson, yes; Councilwoman McCoy, yes; councilwoman Willower, yes; Councilwoman Harley, yes; Councilwoman Oliver, no; Councilwoman Darby, yes; Councilman Owens, yes; President Congo, yes." That's 8 yes, 5 no. So Hackett was absent? Actually earlier Hackett was present and voted yes on other items. Possibly he did not vote? The roll call did not include Hackett. So 8 yes, 5 no, motion failed (needed 9).

Other Legislation

• Resolution 26-055 (agenda 0258): Extension of time for rezoning application (housing). Adopted 12-1 (one absent).
• Resolution 26-056 (agenda 0257): Expression of concern regarding federal Head Start grant cuts. Adopted 12-1.
• Ordinance 26-038 (agenda 0243): Physician services agreement with Innovative Work Health Solutions LLC. Adopted 10-3.
• Ordinance 26-042 (agenda 0251): Approve major subdivision plan for Christina Crossing and accept dedication of Howard Street. Adopted 11-2.
• Ordinance 26-043 (agenda 0252): First amendment to professional services agreement with Mullen and Lonegan Associates. Adopted 11-2.
• Resolution 26-057 (agenda 0259): Disposition of real property rehabilitated with CDBG funds for low/moderate income households. Adopted 11-2.

Key Outcomes

• Housing Trust Veto Override Failed (8-5): The ordinance to create a permanent housing trust fund and advisory board will not take effect. The mayor's veto stands. Several council members expressed willingness to work on a new version collaboratively.
• Moment of Silence: Council observed a moment of silence for Kadir Skinner and the Dollar family, at the request of Councilman Owens.
• Recognition Resolutions: Recognized Brendan Cook (Opera Delaware), World Sickles all day (by Councilmember Hackett), Donald Banks II (Fame Incorporated), and First State Alliance of Recovery Residences. Sympathy resolution for Nicole Laughlin.
• Adopted Ordinances/Resolutions: All other items on the agenda were passed with strong majorities.
• Public Comment Extended: Motion passed to extend public comment beyond 7:30 p.m.
• Council Announcements: Upcoming events including July 4th celebrations (Delaware 250), Play Streets block parties, movie nights, and Delmarva energy credit events.