Builders Celebrate Major Housing Win in Delaware
Builders in Delaware marked a legislative milestone with the passage of the Housing for Every Delawarean Act. The landmark legislation addresses the state’s housing shortage by creating a more predictable framework for housing development while continuing to respect local planning and community standards.
“This legislation is about creating opportunity,” said Jon Horner, president of the HBA of Delaware (HBADE). “Whether someone is buying their first home, renting an apartment, downsizing after retirement, or looking for workforce housing near their job, every Delawarean deserves access to housing they can afford. Delaware has taken an important step toward making that vision a reality.”
For years, Delaware has faced a widening gap between housing supply and demand. Limited inventory, rising construction costs, population growth, and lengthy approval processes have combined to make homeownership and rental housing increasingly out of reach for many residents.
The legislation:
- Encourages communities to plan for a broader range of housing types in appropriate growth areas,
- Supports development that connects to existing infrastructure, and
- Helps reduce unnecessary delays that can increase the cost of housing.
Importantly, projects developed under the act remain subject to local zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, design standards, environmental protections, infrastructure requirements and adopted comprehensive plans.
The act is the result of months of collaboration among lawmakers, housing advocates, builders, business leaders, local governments and community stakeholders who recognized that Delaware's growing housing shortage demands thoughtful, bipartisan solutions.
“The Housing for Every Delawarean Act is an important beginning, not the end of the conversation,” said Katie Gillis HBADE executive officer. “As Delaware continues to grow, we must remain committed to expanding housing opportunities, improving affordability, and ensuring that future generations can continue to live, work, and raise families here.”