Issue 11.40

October 10, 2025

HOW THEY VOTED 2025
EVERY VOTE COUNTS. SEE HOW THEY VOTED.

Understanding how your elected officials vote on key issues is essential for businesses, employees, and the public. How They Voted is a new tool from the Delaware State Chamber that highlights how members of the Delaware General Assembly voted on legislation that we've identified as important to Delaware’s economy, workforce, and overall growth.

This tool allows readers to explore the “why” behind our state’s rankings and see which legislators are supporting policies that promote shared prosperity—and which are casting votes that could hinder our growth potential. Download a copy >

DEVELOPING DELAWARE 2025

Nearly 250 business and policy leaders gathered in Dover for this year’s Developing Delaware conference. From national site selection trends to on-the-ground development shaping Delaware's communities, it was a packed event filled with insights from state and local leaders and forward-thinking ideas to keep the First State moving forward—a reminder, as Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson put it, that "without the business community, there is no community."

COMPETING FOR GROWTH:
LESSONS FROM THE NATIONAL MARKET

Delaware isn't on the list. Yet. While we aren't among the top 25 states for site selectors, keynote speaker Ron Starner of Conway Data and Site Selection magazine shared why Delaware is uniquely positioned for growth in the years ahead. Our secret weapon: talent.

Delaware now ranks No. 8 in the nation on Lightcast's 2025 Talent Attraction Scorecard, its highest-ever placement after climbing from No. 16 last year. Starner pointed to rising incomes, favorable taxes, low home prices, and a strong manufacturing base as key advantages.

FAST FACT: Delaware has the sixth largest income increase in the U.S. for residents ages 25–44 and the highest gain for those under 25.

FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE:

DNREC'S ONGOING REFORMS

DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson and Steven Smailer, director of the Delaware Division of Water, sat down with DSCC President Mike Quaranta to discuss the department’s ongoing reforms following HB 175's passage.

Updates to regulatory fees will bring in $5.3 million more annually, helping DNREC fill positions, improve technology, and speed up the approval process. With more resources, Sec. Patterson pledged that the department will continue to identify ways limit time and steps to deliver a better permitting experience.

LIGHTNING ROUNDS

This year's event featured two segments of lightning rounds, the first focusing on major projects happening around the state, and the second featuring leadership from all three counties who provided updates on the major initiatives in their respective jurisdictions.

ALOFT'S INNOVATION CENTER

Colby Hall explained ALOFT AeroArchitects' plans for a Innovation Center in Sussex County, designed to advance aircraft cabin systems through modular testing, open-architecture labs, and hands-on training. The initiative aims to drive aviation innovation while developing and retaining local talent to meet the industry’s growing workforce needs.

TRANSFORMING DOWNTOWN DOVER

Todd Stonesifer, board president of the Downtown Dover Partnership, shared the Capital City 2030: Transforming Downtown Dover! master plan to transform the state's capital with 98,000 SF of commercial space, upgraded roads and parking, a riverwalk, a multi-modal transit hub, and a $500 million investment.

PROJECT WASHINGTON DATA CENTER

Anthony Balestrieri, CEO of Starwood Digital Ventures, explored Project Washington, the proposed data center in Delaware City to be built over eight years. The project promises 3,500 construction jobs, 700 full-time positions, no disturbance to wetlands or residential communities, and a closed-loop air cooling system to minimize water use.

NEW CASTLE COUNTY

New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry gave a look at the county's comprehensive approach to economic development. Initiatives include the Route 9 Corridor revitalization, modernizing zoning for key industries, expanding public amenities, investing in infrastructure, and completing a housing gap analysis to align supply with workforce needs.

KENT COUNTY

Kent County Administrator Kevin Sipple highlighted major projects in Kent County, including the Harrington Industrial Park, Frito Lay Dover, Milford Corporate Center, and a new John Dickinson Plantation Visitors Center, while noting the need for funding, legislative support, and state and federal partnerships to further accelerate county growth.

SUSSEX COUNTY

Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson explored key developments in the county, including its growing healthcare sector, agriculture, Fisher's Popcorn's expansion, the Nylon Capital Center project in Seaford, and a wave of new business openings. He topped off his presentation with dessert courtesy of the Sussex County Kitchen Incubator.

THE NEXT UNICORN

DELAWARE'S PATH TO PROSPERITY

Governor Matt Meyer closed out the day with a keynote, followed by a fireside chat with Ron Starner. In his keynote, Gov. Meyer reminded the audience that innovation is deeply ingrained in Delaware's heritage as he shared DuPont's origin story. He called his vision for economic development "people-focused" because a high quality of life is always a winning strategy. With the right incentives, supports, legal structure, grit, and attitude, Gov. Meyer believes Delaware can get back to its roots and be an innovation hub in the country.

Starner closed out the day by asking how Gov. Meyer sees Delaware in the next five years. The governor said that he envisions a Delaware where life sciences and agriculture thrive, and a globally leading port opens doors to the world—all while preserving the spirit of innovation that made DuPont a national icon. He wants to ensure the "next unicorn," like DuPont, is born, grown, and stays right here in Delaware.