FIRST STATE PLANNING – Office of State Planning (OSPC) Newsletter

Please see the following information newsletter from the OSPC:

Welcome to First State Planning, the official newsletter of Delaware’s Office of State Planning Coordination (OSPC). Our mission is to improve the coordination and effectiveness of land use decisions across Delaware, ensuring a high quality of life for all residents. Through our newsletter, we aim to keep you informed about the latest developments in state, county, and municipal planning efforts, while also providing insights into important land use changes and planning initiatives. Join us as we share updates on projects, policies, and the tools that shape Delaware’s future.

STATE OF DELAWARE – CABINET COMMITTEE ON STATE PLANNING ISSUES

The Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues (CCSPI) met on June 8, 2026, to review one application for a Downtown Development District (DDD) 5-year renewal. The Town of Smyrna presented its renewal application to the Committee and successfully demonstrated the need to extend its DDD for another 5 years. The CCSPI voted to approve the request, which extends Smyrna’s district until 2031. The Office of State Planning Coordination (OSPC) and the CCSPI are eager for Smyrna’s next 5 years of downtown revitalization! This action represented another milestone as all 5 districts eligible for 5-year renewals in 2026 have been approved by the CCSPI. The next districts eligible for 5-year renewals in 2029 are Clayton, City of New Castle, Delaware City, and Middletown.

In addition, the CCSPI continued its review of a comprehensive plan amendment request from the City of Milford for a property in a Level 4 area, according to the 2025 State Strategies. OSPC provided committee members with follow-up data on potential housing density scenarios, wastewater infrastructure scenarios, and details about the future traffic entrance to the site. After a discussion that involved Milford’s Planning Director, the CCSPI ultimately decided not to act on the amendment until the city’s planning commission and council have a chance to provide initial feedback on the amendment to the state.

The CCSPI advises the Governor on land-use planning and includes leaders from key state agencies. By analyzing population trends, climate data, and economic goals, the committee ensures sustainable, long-term planning. The next CCSPI meeting is scheduled for July 13th at 10:00 A.M. The agenda will be posted in advance of the meeting. Click below for more information about the CCSPI.

Local Government Spotlight: Harrington Comprehensive Plan Update and DDD Renewal

The City of Harrington is having a very productive year in long-range planning as evidenced by the certification of its comprehensive plan and 5-year renewal of its Downtown Development District (DDD). The city continues to make progress toward several of the priorities identified in its comprehensive plan and its DDD district plan, particularly in the areas of housing, economic development, and sustainability.

As presented in its comprehensive plan, recent annexations such as the Ryan and Bonneville properties, are expected to support the development of approximately 750 new homes. Combined with ongoing residential projects such as Harrington Meadows and the approved Harrington Gardens apartment development, these efforts will expand housing opportunities and help accommodate future growth while strengthening the city’s tax base.

Harrington has also continued to build upon its economic foundations through investments in healthcare, industry, and commercial development. The Bayhealth facility, completed in 2022, transformed a vacant parcel along U.S. Route 13 into a healthcare asset serving the region. Additional economic development activity includes continued buildout of the city’s industrial park, where Matrix Coating is expected to create new employment opportunities, as well as commercial reinvestment projects such as the recently completed Dairy Queen restaurant.

Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, Harrington approved a 16-acre solar farm in 2024 that will include nearly 10,000 solar panels, representing a significant local investment in renewable energy. Looking ahead, the comprehensive plan outlines additional goals focused on green infrastructure, resilient stormwater management, water quality improvements, and the preservation of natural resources.

The plan also emphasizes continued support for a variety of housing types and affordability options, helping ensure that residents at different stages of life can find housing opportunities within the community. Additional priorities include enhancing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, expanding recreational opportunities, and supporting continued growth within the DDD and industrial park.

Congratulations to the City of Harrington on its continued efforts to balance growth, economic opportunity, housing choice, and environmental stewardship.

Read Harrington’s comprehensive plan here. And invest in Harrington’s DDD here.

JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator Now Accepting Applications

Launched through Executive Order 18, JobsFirst is reforming Delaware’s permitting systems starting with the Delaware Permitting Accelerator, designed to make government work at the speed of the economy. It assists state agencies in coordinating around shared timelines, puts a single point of contact in front of every major project, and tracks every decision publicly. Projects eligible for selection into the Accelerator process include categories like housing, mixed use, energy, water/sewer, and broadband infrastructure, with additional category-specific requirements.

The JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator application is now LIVE at de.gov/jobsfirst. Applications are now being reviewed on a rolling basis by the Governor’s Office.

Questions on the Permitting Accelerator? You can email the team at jobsfirst@delaware.gov.

Delaware Geographic Data Committee (DGDC)

the Delaware Geographic Data Committee (DGDC) fosters collaboration among government, academia, and the private sector to improve GIS tools, data sharing, and standards in Delaware. The DGDC recently held a meeting on February 12th. Click below for more information.

https://us.list-manage.com/12oaE9ERhSn?e=19007aa65f&c2id=191ea6c9f11a7f3567a75f35f542fcc6

Preliminary Land Use Service (PLUS)

Delaware’s Preliminary Land Use Service (PLUS) brings state agencies and developers together early in the planning process to review major land use proposals. This coordinated approach speeds up reviews, promotes collaboration, and ensures projects align with state and local plans. PLUS has its next meeting on July 1st at 9:00 A.M. Click below for more information.

https://us.list-manage.com/12oaE9ERhSn?e=19007aa65f&c2id=191ea6c9f11a7f3567a75f35f542fcc6

Public Meeting Calendar

• Delaware Population Consortium (DPC) – June 25th at 10:00 A.M.
• June Preliminary Land Use Service (PLUS) – July 1st at 9:00 A.M.
• Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues (CCSPI) – July 13th at 10:00 A.M.

Click below for more details on upcoming state public meetings.

https://us.list-manage.com/Or309Py42zn?e=19007aa65f&c2id=191ea6c9f11a7f3567a75f35f542fcc6