Issue 11.13

April 4, 2025

THE TRENDS SHAPING DELAWARE'S FUTURE

DEMOGRAPHIC & LABOR FORCE SHIFTS THAT WILL

IMPACT ECONOMIC GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

Delaware, like the rest of the nation, is undergoing a period of significant transformation—arguably the most profound since the 1960s. Currently, we are witnessing a wave of political, geopolitical, technological, and environmental transformations that dominate daily headlines.

It is essential for the state to anticipate these changes and develop strategies to sustain and strengthen both the economy and the standard of living for all Delawareans. The Delaware State Chamber recently commissioned consulting firm Economic Leadership LLC to perform research and identify demographic trends likely to have significant impacts on Delaware and its economy in the coming decade. Read more >

WHITE PAPER AREAS OF FOCUS:

DEMOGRAPHICS & WORKFORCE SHIFTS

Delaware's population has grown by 21% since 2006, driven by an aging demographic and migration, but faces workforce challenges due to declining labor force participation and talent shortages.

ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS & BUSINESS CLIMATE

Delaware's economy is growing slowly, with low employment growth and future job increases in healthcare, finance, and transportation, while facing challenges in labor force alignment, high business costs, and regulatory inefficiencies.

HOUSING, MIGRATION & AFFORDABILITY

As an in-migration state, rising home prices in Delaware—up 56.2% in four years—threaten workforce attraction and require regulatory adjustments to maintain affordability.

TECHNOLOGY &

INNOVATION

Artificial intelligence and automation will impact Delaware's workforce, requiring adaptation in key industries and stronger support for research, development, and innovation.

DELAWARE HAS A REGIONAL COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE FOR MIGRATION

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR GROWTH

To maintain economic strength and competitiveness, Delaware’s leaders must prioritize:

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• Workforce Development: Expanding training programs, attracting skilled workers, and retaining graduates
• Business Climate Improvements: Streamlining regulations, enhancing tax policies, and improving infrastructure
• Housing & Affordability: Addressing housing shortages and cost-of-living concerns
• Technology & Innovation Investment: Supporting AI adoption and fostering a robust startup ecosystem
• Public-Private Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships to drive economic development

Download the full white paper >

Delaware Business Now

• Cook to remain as River and Bay Director after successor withdraws
• Meyer, Labor Secretary vow to fix problems with jobless insurance system

Delaware Business Times

• Artesian Resources names Nicholle Taylor as CEO
• Delaware’s next largest warehouse could be coming to Middletown
• Avenue North campus sees strong demand

Delaware LIVE

• FSE to host school board candidate forums again to better inform public ahead of elections

Delaware Online

• With no judge decision yet, Delaware hospital review board continues operations
• Meyer presents budget reset; corporate law restructure bill passes: The Press Room
• Wilmington mayor, City Council kick off budget hearing meetings: What to watch for

Spotlight Delaware

• Sussex Land Use Reform Working Group debates housing stock, density
• Delaware approves $5M taxpayer grant for Aldi distribution center 

WGMD

• Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Releases White Paper on the Trends Shaping Delaware’s Future

Own Your Future: Navigating Work and Wealth for YPs

Wednesday, April 9

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Mill Space

221 W. 10th St., Wilmington

Superstars in Business Hybrid Application Workshop

Wednesday, April 23

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Weiner Benefits Group

2711 Centerville Rd., Wilmington

Navigating Delaware Pathways Summit

Tuesday, April 29

8:00 am - 2:30 pm

Bally's Dover Casino Resort

1131 N. DuPont Hwy.,

Dover

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