Delaware's comprehensive five-year planning document setting state spending and program priorities, originally expected to be finalized by July, may now be delayed until the end of the year. 

The delay comes as Sussex County undertakes a deeper review of its development policies amid concerns about housing & population growth.

Why the Delay?

At the May 1st meeting of Sussex County’s land-use reform working group, David Edgell, director of the Office of State Planning Coordination, announced that the cabinet committee handling state planning will meet May 9th to discuss a new timeline.

• The governor has approved an extension through the end of 2025
• Officials say more time is needed to:
  • Bring new cabinet members up to speed
  • Engage and educate the public
  • Align the plan with the state’s Climate Action Plan

What’s at Stake

The plan, known as the Strategies for State Policies and Spending, isn’t a land-use plan, but rather a strategic guide for how state agencies invest in infrastructure and public services. 

It works in coordination with local comprehensive plans to support growth and community development.

Edgell emphasized the importance of aligning this state plan with ongoing changes in Sussex County, where a surge in residential development has strained public resources:

• Roads, schools, healthcare, and the environment have all felt the impact
• Recent elections brought in council members advocating for slower, more controlled growth
• A 10-member working group is reviewing the county’s zoning rules and development priorities

A Shift in Local Planning

County Administrator Todd Lawson welcomed news of the potential delay. 

He pointed out inconsistencies between the county’s future land-use map, comprehensive plan, and the state strategy document.

"They’re not aligned, and we need to get them more closely aligned," Lawson said. "There’s a lot of activity in Sussex to take a hard look at how we’re implementing these plans."

As most of Delaware’s housing growth continues in Sussex County, the goal is to coordinate more effectively between county and state efforts.

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Source: Cape Gazette