Wilmington, DE

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission met to review and vote on two rezoning requests. Both items were approved by a 6-0 vote.

• Rezoning of 1.76 acres at 524 S. College Road from Office and Institutional to Community Business for retail and fuel pumps
• Rezoning of 0.45 acres at 1415 & 1417 42nd Street to modify existing Regional Business (Conditional District) to include additional uses

City Council

The Wilmington City Council passed the FY27 budget (General Fund appropriations) by a 4-3 vote and capital projects fund by 5-2. They also adopted the Greater Downtown Plan as an amendment to the comprehensive plan, approved a new fee schedule, and passed a consent agenda including contracts for pool management, police gear, and ShotSpotter renewal. Several ordinances were amended, including domestic animal waste rules and accounting compliance.

• FY27 General Fund budget approved 4-3; Capital Projects Fund approved 5-2
• Greater Downtown Plan adopted as amendment to Create Wilmington Comprehensive Plan (7-0)
• Resolution to apply for $2,000,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant with $200,000 local match
• Renewal of ShotSpotter gunshot detection system lease for FY27
• Interlocal agreement renewed to assign three Wilmington Police Officers to Housing Authority property

City Council Agenda Briefing

City Council Agenda Briefing

The June 15, 2026 City Council meeting agenda contains only procedural boilerplate; no ordinances, contracts, or public hearings are listed. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 PM at City Hall, Skyline Center, 929 N. Front Street, Wilmington, NC.

Vote Cast Web Training Session with Manny - 6-9-2026

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a request to rezone 6.69 acres at 320 Military Cutoff Rd from Office and Institutional (Conditional District) and Regional Business to Office and Institutional. The meeting also includes approval of draft minutes from May 6, 2026, and other business from the commission and staff.

• General district rezoning for 6.69 acres at 320 Military Cutoff Rd (Parcel IDs R04400-006-001-000 and R04300-005-010-000) from O&I (CD) and RB to O&I

City Council

The City Council decided on appropriations for the General Fund, Capital Projects Funds, and the city fee schedule for the upcoming fiscal year. The body also voted on several ordinances regarding city bonds, fund amendments, and street acceptances.

• Appropriations for General Fund, Grant Projects, and other funds for FY beginning July 1, 2026
• Appropriations for Capital Projects Funds for FY beginning July 1, 2026
• Amended City of Wilmington Fee Schedule for FY beginning July 1, 2026
• Supplemental appropriation of $12,011 for Cando St. improvements
• 25 MPH speed limit established on Awendaw Court, Musket Bay Drive, and Old Titanium Court

The City Council adopted multiple resolutions via the consent agenda, including rejecting a bid for downtown alley improvements. The council also approved the minutes from May 18 and May 19, 2026.

• Rejected bid for Downtown Alley Improvements Project (unanimous)
• Designated official depositories for City funds (unanimous)
• Adopted comments on proposed program agreement regarding NC transportation (unanimous)
• Approved May 18 and May 19, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Budget Work Session - May 29, 2026 Part 1

City staff provided responses to Council questions regarding the FY27 Budget. The document details proposed tax rate adjustments, property tax appeal data, and the costs of hiring emergency personnel.

• Proposed FY27 tax rate options ranging from 32.12 to 34.00 cents per $100 assessed value
• Estimated cost to hire and equip a police officer: $192,285
• Estimated cost to onboard and equip a firefighter recruit: $37,359
• Report of $5.59 billion in total excluded property values from taxation
• Property tax appeal data showing 54 active cases representing $68.9 million in potential value changes

City Budget Work Session - May 29, 2026 part 2

The City Council is holding a budget work session to discuss FY27 budget strategies, including a review of tax rate adjustments, the impact of reducing the living wage cap from $15,000 to $12,000, and property tax appeal trends. Staff provide responses to council questions on property tax exemptions, police and fire personnel costs, and the film partnership's economic impact. No final decisions are scheduled; the session is for deliberation and feedback.

• Three alternative tax rate scenarios presented, with proposed FY27 rates ranging from 32.12 to 34.00 cents per $100 assessed value
• Reducing the living wage cap from $15,000 to $12,000 would lower the tax rate adjustment by about 0.14 cents and disproportionately affect higher-paid employees
• Active property tax appeals total 54 cases accounting for $68.9 million in potential assessed value changes
• Total exempt property value in Wilmington is approximately $5.59 billion, led by government-owned ($2.83B) and charitable hospital ($1.25B) properties
• Estimated cost to hire and equip a police officer is $192,285 per employee; firefighter recruit costs total $37,359

City Council Agenda Briefing

The Wilmington City Council agenda for June 1, 2026, contains only procedural boilerplate. No specific legislation, contracts, or public hearings are listed. The meeting is a routine agenda briefing without actionable items.

• No substantive agenda items provided in the document.

The Council reviewed a resolution to reject the single bid received for improvements to Quince, Henderson, and Wilkinson Alleys. Staff intends to revise the project scope to reduce costs before putting it back out to bid. The project includes historic brick paving and underground utility connections.

• Resolution to reject Downtown Alley Improvements Project bid discussed

Vote Cast Web Training Session with Manny - 5-18-2026

City Council

At its May 19 meeting, Wilmington City Council held a public hearing on the proposed FY2027 budget and approved a consent agenda including a $32.95 million multifamily housing revenue bond, a $2 million Microsoft enterprise agreement, and a $1.86 million stormwater infrastructure contract. The council also passed an ordinance amending criminal history background check requirements for applicants and employees (5-2) and accepted a Great Trails State Grant for Lions Bridge replacement.

• Public hearing on FY2027 budget appropriations
• Approval of $32.95M multifamily housing revenue bonds
• Approval of $2M Microsoft Enterprise Agreement renewal
• Approval of $1.86M stormwater infrastructure contract with NU-Pipe, LLC
• Passage of ordinance on criminal history background checks (5-2)

The City Council unanimously adopted the consent agenda items. This included authorizing a $116,900 hydraulic modeling contract, a up‑to‑$2 million Microsoft Enterprise renewal, a $1.86 million stormwater contract amendment, an alcohol permit for the Hammerheads Soccer Club, and approval of a multifamily housing facility financing not to exceed $32,950,000. The minutes from the May 4, 2026 meeting were also approved.

• Approved $116,900 hydraulic modeling services contract (unanimous)
• Approved up to $2,000,000 three‑year Microsoft Enterprise renewal (unanimous)
• Approved $1,860,000 amendment to stormwater infrastructure contract (unanimous)
• Approved alcohol service permit for Hammerheads Soccer Club event (unanimous)
• Approved multifamily housing facility financing up to $32,950,000 via revenue bonds (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the regular council meeting on May 4, 2026 (unanimous)

City Budget Work Session - May 15, 2026 Part 1

This memo from city staff responds to council questions from a prior budget work session, providing details on the proposed FY27 budget. It covers the 5.75-cent property tax rate increase, a living wage proposal affecting city employees, and the potential impact of tax rate changes on sales tax distributions. The document also includes information on tax abatement programs, property tax impacts for sample home values, and data on municipal golf course operations.

• Proposed 5.75-cent tax rate increase, from $0.2825 to $0.3400 per $100 assessed value
• Full living wage implementation estimated at 4.01 cents ($14.2M); phased options at 75% and 50%
• Wilmington appeals loss reached 5.1% of tax base ($1.7B assessed value), exceeding projected 3.5%
• Impact on a median-value home ($445,000): $256 annual increase (city-only portion)
• Sales tax redistribution gain for Wilmington estimated at $3.7M annually if rate increased 6.26 cents

City Budget Work Session - May 15, 2026 Part 2

The Wilmington City Council held the second part of its FY27 budget work session, reviewing responses to prior questions about a proposed 5.75-cent property tax increase to fund a living wage. Staff presented data on salary compression, tax abatement programs, golf course usage, and capital project costs. No final decisions were made; the session was for discussion and follow-up.

• Proposed 5.75-cent property tax increase for FY27, up from 28.25 cents to 34 cents per $100 assessed value
• Full living wage implementation would cost $14.2M (4.01 cents), with phased options at 75% ($10.6M) and 50% ($6.9M)
• Salary compression concerns: raising only lowest-paid positions could narrow gap with supervisors, e.g., in Solid Waste
• Property tax appeals loss for FY26 actual 5.1% ($1.7B assessed value), higher than projected 3.5%
• Parks and golf: Muni course had 63,310 rounds in FY25; cart barn project to transition to electric carts discussed

City Council Agenda Briefing

This agenda for the Wilmington, NC City Council meeting on May 18, 2026 is purely procedural with no listed items for discussion or decision. The document only includes meeting logistics and an unofficial record notice. No ordinances, resolutions, or public hearings are scheduled.

The City Council met to review agenda items for the May 19 meeting and received updates on the Celebration Pop‑up Park. Staff described the park's features, timeline (May 22 launch, open through September), and future possibilities. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Planning Commission

The Wilmington Planning Commission will consider adopting a special area plan for the Greater Downtown neighborhoods and amending the Land Development Code. The agenda includes the approval of previous meeting minutes and other business items.

• Approval of April 1, 2026 Planning Commission minutes
• Adoption of Greater Downtown Plan as appendix to Comprehensive Plan
• Amendments to Land Development Code (LDC-6-526)
• Hearing impaired TDD number: 910-341-7873
• Meeting location: City Council Chambers, Skyline Center, 929 North Front Street

City Council

Wilmington City Council approved an ordinance allowing semi-permanent structures with conditions in the Central Business District. The council also received the City Manager's FY27 Recommended Budget presentation. Resolutions supporting Solly's Law (Tobacco 21) and a proposed medical school at UNC Wilmington were passed. A consent agenda included surplus equipment auction, the FY26-27 Annual Action Plan for CDBG/HOME funds, and on-call survey contracts.

• Ordinance amending Land Development Code Chapter 18 to permit semi-permanent structures with conditions in the Central Business District (LDC-5-426) — approved
• City Manager's FY27 Recommended Budget Presentation — discussed
• Resolution in Support of Solly's Law / Tobacco 21 to protect children from vaping and nicotine addiction — approved
• Resolution in Support of Proposed Medical School at the University of North Carolina Wilmington — approved
• Consent agenda: surplus SABLE equipment for electronic auction, FY26-27 Annual Action Plan for CDBG and HOME funds, and on-call survey contracts — approved

The City Council heard a presentation of the FY27 recommended budget, totaling $350,328,326 and reflecting a 14.3% increase over the prior year. The proposal includes a property‑tax increase to 34 cents per $100 to fund public‑safety and debt service needs. Several proclamations naming May 2026 as Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month, Bicycle Awareness Month, and Treatment Court Month were also read. Adoption of the budget is scheduled for June 2 and June 16, but no votes were taken at this meeting.

City Council

The City Council approved a $3,427,210 appropriation to prepay the remaining balance on the 2023B loan for the Skyline Center acquisition. It also rezoned 0.349 acres at 136 East Westwood Drive from manufactured housing to moderate-density single-dwelling district and awarded a $1,190,000 contract for emergency vehicle signal preemption. A $440,091 purchase to up-fit 25 police vehicles was authorized, and a public hearing on designating the Mary Etta Williams House as a local historic landmark was continued.

• Appropriated $3,427,210 to prepay the 2023B variable-rate loan for the Skyline Center (O1, passed 7-0)
• Awarded $1,190,000 construction contract to Terry Spell Mechanical Services for emergency vehicle signal preemption (C2, passed 7-0)
• Authorized $440,091 purchase from Mobile Communications America to up-fit 25 police vehicles (C4)
• Rezoned 136 East Westwood Drive from MH (manufactured housing) to R-15 (moderate-density single-dwelling) (PH2, passed 6-0)
• Continued public hearing on historic landmark designation for Mary Etta Williams House at 709 North 8th Street (PH1, passed 6-0)

The council voted unanimously to award a $1,190,000 construction contract to Terry Spell Mechanical Services for the Signal Preemption for Emergency Vehicles Phase II project. It also unanimously adopted a resolution to cancel the May 4 agenda‑briefing meeting and moved the May 5 council meeting to May 4. All items on the consent agenda were adopted without dissent.

• Approved $1,190,000 contract to Terry Spell Mechanical Services (unanimous)
• Cancelled 8:30 AM agenda‑briefing meeting on Monday, May 4 (unanimous)
• Rescheduled council meeting from Tuesday, May 5 to Monday, May 4 (unanimous)
• Adopted MOU with New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office for Justice Assistance Grant (unanimous)
• Authorized participation in additional opioid litigation (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of police vehicle equipment for $440,091 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of prior meetings (unanimous)
• Continued ordinance for Mary Etta Williams House historic landmark (unanimous)

City Council Agenda Briefing

The City Council meeting scheduled for April 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM in City Hall, Skyline Center, 929 N. Front Street, Wilmington, NC includes only the meeting notice and does not list any agenda items.

The City Council met to review the agenda for the April 21 meeting. No questions, discussion, or votes occurred. The meeting adjourned at 8:41 a.m.

City Council

Wilmington City Council met and voted on consent agenda items, public hearings, ordinances, and resolutions. Council denied two rezoning requests (910 S. 8th Street and 4118 Market Street) and approved a $17.5 million grant application for riverfront bulkhead replacement, along with multiple contracts for sidewalk and roadway maintenance.

• Denied rezoning of 4118 Market Street from RB to MD-17 (CD) for a 76-unit development
• Denied rezoning of 910 S. 8th Street from R-5 to UMX
• Authorized applying for a $17,500,000 grant from U.S. Economic Development Administration for Riverfront Bulkhead Replacement (requires $3,500,000 local match)
• Approved $1,500,000 contract amendment with JYMCO Construction Co. for annual sidewalk maintenance
• Approved $3,000,000 contract amendment with Highland Paving Co. for annual roadway maintenance

The council unanimously adopted several consent‑agenda resolutions, including authorizing the city manager to apply for a $17,500,000 U.S. Economic Development Administration grant (with a $3,500,000 local match) for the Riverfront Bulkhead Replacement Project. It also approved contract amendments totaling $4,500,000 for sidewalk and roadway maintenance, a professional services agreement with CIGNA Health, and adoption of the 2026 Southeast North Carolina Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. A motion to deny a rezoning amendment for 910 S. 8th Street was made, but the minutes do not record the vote outcome.

• Unanimously adopted resolution to apply for $17.5 M grant for Riverfront Bulkhead Replacement
• Unanimously adopted resolution to amend $1.5 M sidewalk maintenance contract with JYMCO Construction
• Unanimously adopted resolution to amend $3 M roadway maintenance contract with Highland Paving
• Unanimously adopted resolution for professional services agreement with CIGNA Health
• Unanimously adopted resolution adopting the 2026 Southeast NC Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Unanimously adopted resolution to execute HVAC replacement contract with Odyssey Mechanical
• Unanimously adopted resolution to apply for a 2026 Multimodal Network Planning Grant from NCDOT
• Motion made to deny rezoning of 910 S. 8th Street from R‑5 to UMX (outcome not recorded)

City Council Agenda Briefing

This agenda contains no items for decision or discussion; it is purely procedural. No rezonings, contracts, or ordinances are scheduled.

• No items listed on agenda

The Wilmington City Council met on April 6, 2026 to review items scheduled for the April 7 meeting. An update on the National Opioid Settlement funds was presented, and Councilmember Lyle asked for a full‑size site plan for a zoning amendment at 4118 Market Street. The meeting adjourned without any votes or formal actions.

Planning Commission

The Wilmington Planning Commission approved the March 4, 2026 minutes and passed a motion to approve the Draft Minutes. The body also approved a General Rezoning for a .349-acre property at 136 E Westwood Drive from Manufactured Housing to R-15 Moderate density.

• Approval of March 4, 2026 Planning Commission Minutes
• Land Development Code Amendment: CBD district-specific standards (Chapter 18)
• General Rezoning: 136 E Westwood Drive (.349ac) from MH to R-15

City Budget Work Session - March 27, 2026

The Wilmington City Council will hold a work session to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, focusing on a projected revenue gap and potential property tax rate adjustments. The session will address ongoing costs, workforce needs, and capital improvement projects.

• Discussion of a $20.4M revenue gap for FY27
• Review of property tax rate options ranging from 0.40 to 0.746 cents per $100 valuation
• Analysis of a $14.2M living wage increase for city employees
• Presentation of a $61.4M Capital Improvement Program funding scenario
• Update on a $9.75M park acquisition project

The Wilmington City Council met on March 27, 2026 for a special budget work session. City Manager Becky Hawke presented revenue trends, tax rate projections, staffing gaps, and cost drivers for FY2027. Council members discussed bridge projects, the golf fund transfer, and potential tax adjustments, but no votes or formal approvals were recorded. The next budget presentation is scheduled for May 5, 2026 with a public hearing on May 19.

City Council

The City Council is deciding on several high-cost equipment purchases and financing agreements. The body is also addressing infrastructure acceptance and speed limits for William Booth Drive.

• Public hearing for an installment financing contract amendment up to $75,000,000 for city projects
• Purchase of 25 pursuit-rated Tahoes from Capital Chevrolet, Inc. for $1,325,175
• Contract amendment of $461,840 with JENNS, LLC for annual brick street maintenance
• Issuance of up to $15,000,000 in Storm Water Fee Revenue Refunding Bonds
• Establishment of a 25 mph speed limit on William Booth Drive

The council withdrew a resolution to fund a police shotgun‑to‑rifle transition. It adopted the consent agenda, including a $461,840 contract amendment for brick‑street maintenance and a $5,000 grant application. The council unanimously approved the purchase of 25 pursuit‑rated Tahoes for $1,325,175 and added two at‑large members to the Housing Affordability Advisory Committee. It also approved a $75 million amendment to an installment financing contract for city projects and amended City Code Chapter 1.

• Withdrawn Resolution Funding Police Shotgun‑to‑Rifle transition (unanimous)
• Adopted contract amendment with JENNS, LLC for $461,840 brick‑street maintenance (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 Governor’s Highway Safety Program BikeSafe grant application (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 25 pursuit‑rated Tahoes for $1,325,175 (unanimous)
• Amended Housing Affordability Advisory Committee bylaws to add two at‑large members (unanimous)
• Approved $75 M amendment to installment financing contract for city projects (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance amending City Code Chapter 1, General Provisions (unanimous)
• Adopted donation of 52 surplus Motorola radios to Town of Holly Ridge and New Hanover County (unanimous)

City Council Agenda Briefing

This agenda briefing for the March 23, 2026 City Council meeting contains only procedural boilerplate: the date, time, and location (City Hall, Skyline Center, 929 N. Front Street, Wilmington, NC). No ordinances, resolutions, public hearings, or other substantive items are recorded.

The council held a briefing to review agenda items for the March 24 meeting. Members discussed Item C4 (funding for the police department’s transition from shotguns to rifles) and suggested postponing it. Item C5 (purchase of 25 pursuit‑rated Tahoes) was queried, and a councilmember said he could not vote until a timeline is provided. An ordinance amendment (Item O1) was also reviewed, with a request to resend attachment details. No formal votes or approvals occurred.

Planning Commission

The Wilmington Planning Commission will approve two rezoning requests. One changes 1.26 acres at 4118 Market Street from Regional Business to a high‑density residential district for a 76‑unit development. The other changes 0.125 acres at 910 S. 8th Street from a medium‑density residential district to an Urban Mixed‑Use District. Minutes from the February 4, 2026 meeting will also be approved.

• Conditional rezoning of 1.26 acres at 4118 Market St to MD-17 (CD) for 76‑unit housing
• General rezoning of 0.125 acres at 910 S. 8th St to Urban Mixed‑Use District (UMX)
• Approval of February 4, 2026 meeting minutes (vote 4‑0)

City Council

The City Council held a public hearing and approved a zoning change for 0.38 acres at 5324 Wrightsville Avenue from R-15 (moderate-density single-dwelling) to R-5 (CD) (medium-density mixed residential conditional) for a residential development. The Council also approved a $140,300 supplemental appropriation and resolution to reallocate American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Salvation Army roadway reimbursement contract. A resolution authorizing loan forgiveness with Landmark Asset Services Inc. to preserve affordable housing passed unanimously. The consent agenda included acceptance of public streets and storm drainage at Spicetree Drive and Maple Avenue.

• Rezoning 0.38 acres at 5324 Wrightsville Avenue from R-15 to R-5 (CD) for residential development (passed 5-0, second reading waived 6-0)
• Supplemental appropriation of $140,300 from ARPA funds to reallocate funding (passed 6-0)
• Resolution adding $140,300 in ARPA funds to Salvation Army roadway reimbursement contract (passed 5-0)
• Resolution authorizing loan forgiveness agreement with Landmark Asset Services Inc. to preserve affordable housing (passed 6-0)
• Resolution accepting public streets and storm drainage facilities at Spicetree Drive and Maple Avenue (consent agenda, passed 4-0)

City Council Agenda Briefing

This agenda briefing for the March 2, 2026 Wilmington City Council meeting contains only procedural boilerplate and no specific items for discussion or decision. The document lists the meeting time and location but provides no ordinances, resolutions, public hearings, or other actionable agenda items.

At the March 2, 2026 briefing, the Wilmington City Council reviewed items scheduled for the March 3 meeting. Councilmembers asked questions about supplemental appropriation and a housing loan forgiveness resolution, but no votes or formal actions were taken. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 a.m.

City Council

The City Council is reviewing the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and approving several infrastructure and financial contracts. Key actions include funding for bridge rehabilitation and the reallocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds.

• Resolution authorizing an installment financing contract up to $75,000,000 for city projects
• Construction contract for Front Street Bridge Rehabilitation awarded to Saffo Contractors, Inc. for $2,449,650
• Supplemental appropriation of $140,300 for American Rescue Plan Act projects
• Interlocal Agreement with New Hanover County for Forensic Lab operation
• Application for North Carolina Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry grant

The council awarded the Front Street Bridge rehabilitation contract to Saffo Contractors, Inc. for $2,449,650 after recusing Mayor Saffo. It also approved an interlocal agreement with New Hanover County to fund the forensic lab, and moved a $140,300 supplemental ARPA appropriation to the Salvation Army roadway reimbursement contract. All actions passed unanimously.

• Approved Front Street Bridge Rehabilitation Contract to Saffo Contractors, Inc. for $2,449,650 (unanimous)
• Approved Interlocal Agreement with New Hanover County for forensic lab operation (unanimous)
• Approved supplemental ARPA appropriation of $140,300 for Salvation Army roadway reimbursement (unanimous)
• Adopted consent‑agenda items including minutes, annual financial report, forestry grant application, and on‑call landscape design contracts (unanimous)
• Recused Mayor Bill Saffo from voting on the Front Street Bridge contract (unanimous)
• Authorized City Manager to apply for NC Forest Service urban forestry grant (unanimous)
• Awarded on‑call contracts to five firms for professional landscape architecture services (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to continue the $140,300 ARPA supplemental appropriation at the March 3, 2026 meeting (unanimous)

City Council Agenda Briefing

The Wilmington City Council will hold a regular meeting at 6:30 PM at City Hall. The agenda includes a briefing on upcoming business items.

• City Council Meeting
• Agenda Briefing
• City Hall, Skyline Center
• February 16, 2026
• 6:30 PM

The Wilmington City Council held an agenda briefing on Feb. 16, 2026 to review items for the Feb. 17 meeting. Mayor Saffo announced he will request recusal from the Front Street Bridge Rehabilitation contract award (Item C6, $2,449,650). No votes or approvals were made. The meeting adjourned at 8:36 a.m.