DELAWARE- The Delaware League of Local Governments is calling on lawmakers to protect home rule, which means giving local governments the power to make their own zoning and land-use decisions. The group says recent legislation threatens that authority.
In a letter sent on behalf of the state’s three counties and 57 chartered municipalities, the league expressed support for preserving local authority over land use. The group said recent legislation introduced during the 153rd General Assembly, such as Senate Bill 159, threatens that authority.
According to the league, local governments have long been the most responsive and knowledgeable when it comes to zoning, land use and community development. The letter argues that zoning decisions should reflect the unique needs of residents and that local officials are better equipped than state or federal agencies to evaluate factors such as infrastructure, environmental impact and community character.
“Overriding local zoning authority risks undermining democratic participation, weakening community trust, and encouraging one-size-fits-all solutions that will not work in diverse local contexts,” the letter states.
The Delaware League of Local Governments urged lawmakers to protect municipal authority over zoning and land-use decisions, describing strong local governance as a key part of accountable and effective democracy.
The letter was signed by officials including Nick Smith, president of the Delaware League of Local Governments and mayor of Clayton; Bill West, vice president of the league and mayor of Georgetown; and other local and county leaders from across the state.