October 14, 2021
The redistricting process in the Delaware General Assembly is now underway
The once-per-decade process of redrawing all 62 state legislative districts is underway.
 
To ensure all citizens receive equal representation, federal law requires every state in the nation to redraw its legislative districts following the U.S. Census. This process is known as redistricting or reapportionment.
 
In Delaware, redistricting is entirely controlled by the political parties holding majorities in the General Assembly’s two legislative chambers. Democratic legislators hold a 14 to 7 advantage in the Senate and a 26 to 15 edge in the House of Representatives. 
 
House and Senate Democrats have created separate reapportionment plans for their respective chambers. House Republicans are also offering a plan, but this proposal will require significant Democratic support to be considered.
 
The draft maps are posted on the General Assembly's redistricting web page for the public to review. The House will hold a virtual public hearing at 6 p.m. on Monday, October 18 to present proposed legislative redistricting maps to the public and solicit comments. The hearing will be a hybrid meeting taking place in-person in the House Chamber and simultaneously live streamed online. To register for virtual participation, please click here.

The Senate will be holding similar meetings next week, as well. A virtual hearing will be held on Tuesday (October 19th) at 6:00 p.m. and an in-person hearing will take place on Thursday (October 21st) at 6:00 p.m. in the Senate Chamber.
 
The process will ultimately conclude with the finished plans/maps being converted into one bill detailing the boundaries of all the districts. The General Assembly will convene a special session on Monday, November 1st to consider the measure. Once it has been approved by a simple-majority vote in the House and Senate, it will go to the Governor for his signature.
 
The new legislative districts will be observed for the 2022 general election. Candidates running in those races must reside in the new districts, which will take effect immediately following Election Day (November 8, 2022).
Safely dispose of old prescription medicines as part of National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 23rd
The 2021 Report on State Planning Issues is released
The Office of State Planning Coordination has released the 2021 Report on State Planning Issues.

The report - in accordance with state law - was issued earlier this month on behalf of the Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues. The Cabinet Committee serves as an advisory body and includes leaders of state agencies whose missions intersect with land use planning in the state. Their role is to promote orderly growth and development, and to align the state’s provision of infrastructure and services with local governments' land use decisions.
Community Investment Recovery Fund is announced for Delaware nonprofits
Governor Carney has announced the Community Investment Recovery Fund, which will provide nonprofits with one-time funding to support major capital projects in Delaware communities hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The application for funding is available now and can be accessed by clicking here. Applications must be fully completed and submitted by November 30, 2021.

The Community Investment Recovery Fund is funded with $100 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA was signed into law by President Biden on March 11.
 
The Community Investment Recovery Fund announced last week will provide support for major nonprofit capital projects statewide. 

To answer additional questions, please email arpa@delaware.gov.
A mobile food pantry will be held on Monday (October 18th) in Georgetown
To contact Ron: Ronald.Gray@delaware.gov