On behalf of Delaware’s three counties and 57 chartered municipalities, we are writing to express our support for the principle of home rule in local zoning decisions — something we feel is under attack based on recent legislative actions and bills introduced during the 153rd General Assembly.
Local governments have long served as the most responsive and knowledgeable authorities when it comes to land use and community development. Preserving local control is essential to ensure that zoning decisions reflect the unique needs, values and priorities of the residents they directly affect.
Zoning is not simply a bureaucratic process — it is a key tool that shapes how our communities and neighborhoods grow, how traffic flows, where businesses operate and how housing is developed. Local leaders and planning boards are far better positioned than state or federal entities are to assess the on-the-ground realities of infrastructure capacity, environmental impact and community character. They also provide opportunities whereby residents can voice their concern and contribute to the decision-making process in a meaningful way.
While broader infrastructure, housing and economic issues may require state-level coordination, overriding local zoning authority risks undermining democratic participation, weakening community trust and encouraging one-size-fits-all solutions that will not work in diverse local contexts.
Effective governance relies on subsidiarity — the idea that decisions should be made at the most immediate or local level consistent with their resolutions. Home rule honors that principle.
As our communities face pressure to accommodate growth, improve housing access and preserve environmental and historical resources, local control remains essential. Empowering localities through home rule enables thoughtful, balanced development that respects both individual property rights and the collective good.
We urge the legislature to protect and confirm the authority of municipalities in zoning and land use decisions. Strong local governance is a cornerstone of accountable, transparent and effective democracy.
Nick Smith
President, Delaware League of Local Governments
Mayor, town of Clayton
Bill West
Vice president, Delaware League of Local Governments
Mayor, town of Georgetown
Ken Branner
Mayor, town of Middletown
Robin Christiansen
Mayor, city of Dover
Ron Belinko
Mayor, town of Millville
Jeff Hall
Commissioner, Kent County Levy Court
Jason James
Vice mayor, city of Milford
Ron Calef
Mayor, town of Bethany Beach
Paul Bauer
Commissioner, town of Dewey Beach
Doug Hudson
President, Sussex County Council
Dr. Corrine Upshur
Vice mayor, town of Smyrna
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
