DELAWARE - State leaders are renewing efforts to address the state's ongoing affordable housing crisis following the release of a comprehensive report from the Affordable Housing Production Task Force. The task force, established in August 2024 via House Bill 442, outlined objectives aimed at boosting housing production across the state.
The final report, submitted Monday to Governor Matt Meyer and the General Assembly, presents a series of recommendations focused on increasing the supply of housing affordable to families across the income spectrum. The recommendations are based on 71 proposals developed through months of work by five subcommittees.
Among the nine objectives are expanding funding for affordable housing, streamlining the permitting processes, reforming local zoning laws, adopting a statewide building code, and incentivizing developers.
Other priorities include strengthening comprehensive planning requirements, developing the construction workforce, assisting residents in purchasing manufactured home communities, and improving existing housing programs.
Delaware Housing Director Matthew Heckles says the report highlights a fundamental mismatch between the supply and demand of housing in the state — and that change is needed.
“The type of development, the type of density, the type of housing supply that we want our new system, as we recreate it, as we re-envision it, to produce for us, is different than what they've seen over the past several decades," said Heckles.
Heckles also noted that inaction poses serious risks to the state’s economy and quality of life, and is optimistic the state and local municipalities will consider their recommendations urgently,
“The proposition that our housing market is going to become more expensive over the next several years because of inaction is a really significant threat to our ability to attract jobs and employers, and the quality of life to families in Delaware that we think they deserve," he added.
The report arrives amid growing concern from community leaders and service providers on the front lines of the housing crisis.
“Living behind the steering wheel of your car is the new affordable housing in Delaware,” said Jim Martin, director of The Shepard’s Office, a Georgetown-based charity that serves the homeless. Literally living in your car is the next best thing they can find because there are no affordable housing units available anywhere and there's a waiting list two to three year waiting list.”