Wilmington City Council

08/11/2026

Many came out to recognize local youth pursuing college and vocational training as Councilman Alexander Hackett hosted his 2nd Annual College Scholarship Celebration in City Council Chambers. The event highlighted 46 Wilmington students who received a scholarship through Councilman Hackett’s College Scholarship Program. Recipients received awards ranging from $250 to $1,000 towards their college and career endeavors. This year, a total of $22,000 was awarded.

08/10/2026

In this Two Minute Drill, 3rd District Council Member Zanthia Oliver invites you to the 6th Annual Millie Cannon Summer Concert! This event is FREE and open to the public and will be held on Saturday, August 22nd from noon-7:00pm at Brown-Burton-Winchester Park (Prices Park) located at 26th & Locust Streets.

08/10/2026

🍽️ CALLING ALL FOOD VENDORS 🍽️

Wilmington Black Restaurant Week returns September 20–27, 2026, Experience the Flavor. Celebrate the Culture. Save the date.

We're looking for restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and pop-up chefs to be part of our celebration. Promote a week-long special, host a Restaurant Week pop-up, or set up at the Black Food Festival at The Queen. All great ways to showcase your cuisine across the city.

📅 Applications due Friday, August 14th. Link in bio to apply.

08/10/2026

The City of Wilmington has launched a new Rent Escrow Program designed to provide additional protections for renters throughout the city. Established through Ordinance 25-068 and sponsored by Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy, the program will be administered by the First State Community Action Agency (FSCAA). The initiative is intended to help safeguard tenants’ rights while promoting safe, habitable housing and providing support when landlord-tenant disputes arise.

Renters can visit: https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/government/city-departments/licenses-and-inspections/rent-escrow-program

FSCAA can be contacted via phone at (302) 856-7761.

Read Ordinance:https://www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Ord.-25-068-0139-Ordinance-Amending-Chapter-34-to-Authorize-a-Voluntary-Rent-Escrow-Program-AATF.pdf

08/10/2026

🏠 WILMINGTON RENTERS: A NEW RESOURCE IS NOW AVAILABLE! Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy is encouraging Wilmington residents to learn about and take advantage of the City’s new Voluntary Rent Escrow Program, established through Ordinance 25-068, legislation sponsored by Councilwoman McCoy.

The program provides eligible renters with a fair and lawful process when serious housing conditions involving essential services, such as heat, hot water, or electricity, are not corrected by their landlord.

💡 HOW DOES IT WORK?

If you are experiencing a qualifying housing issue:

📞 Call 311 to report the problem.

🏠 The City of Wilmington Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) will inspect the property.

⏰ If a qualifying life-safety violation is confirmed, the landlord is given the required 48 hours to correct the issue.

💰 If the issue is not corrected, eligible tenants may participate in the Voluntary Rent Escrow Program. Instead of simply withholding rent, payments can be placed into a secure escrow account administered by the First State Community Action Agency (FSCAA) while the violation is addressed.

“Every Wilmington resident deserves to live in a home that is safe, healthy, and meets basic living standards,” said Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy. “This program is about accountability, fairness, and ensuring people have access to safe housing.”

📢 If your home lacks heat, hot water, electricity, or you are experiencing another qualifying life-safety issue, don’t wait. Call 311 to learn what assistance may be available to you.

For additional information, contact the First State Community Action Agency at (302) 856-7761 or visit the City of Wilmington’s Rent Escrow Program webpage here: https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/government/city-departments/licenses-and-inspections/rent-escrow-program

🎥 Watch our video featuring Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy and FSCAA Executive Director Bernice Edwards to learn more about how the program works and how it can benefit Wilmington residents: https://youtu.be/-h_TS1aDuS0?si=PKx4MvAbHPlCScac

To read the full press release announcement, visit the link here: https://www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com/press-release-councilwoman-yolanda-mccoy-announces-wilmingtons-voluntary-rent-escrow-program-is-now-available-for-residents/

08/10/2026

🎓 WELCOME, DR. BRITTANY C. POWELL! 🎓 Wilmington City Council is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Brittany C. Powell, Ph.D., as Director of the Office of Educational Advocacy (OEA)! 📚✨ The Office of Educational Advocacy was created to help strengthen the connections between Wilmington students, families, schools, community organizations, educators, service providers, and other education partners.

Under Dr. Powell’s leadership, the OEA will work throughout Wilmington to:

📚 Connect families with educational resources and opportunities
🤝 Build stronger partnerships between families, schools, and community organizations
🗣️ Elevate the voices of Wilmington parents and students
🏘️ Host community listening sessions, family engagement events, and neighborhood conversations
💡 Bring people, resources, and ideas together to help Wilmington’s children succeed

Dr. Powell brings extensive experience in education, literacy, research, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. She is the founder of Read & Represent, co-founder of NOIR Edu, and author of the children’s book The Perfect Lunch.

“It is an incredible honor to step into the role of Director of Educational Advocacy,” said Dr. Powell. “What excites me most is the opportunity to bring people together around a shared belief: that every child deserves a village. Education doesn’t begin and end in our schools; it is strengthened by families, community, and meaningful partnerships. I look forward to working alongside our community to build stronger connections, expand opportunities, and ensure every student and family has the support they need to thrive.”

Wilmington City Council looks forward to working alongside Dr. Powell and our community to create stronger connections, expand opportunities, and ensure Wilmington students and families have the support they need to thrive.

🔗 Learn more about the Office of Educational Advocacy by visiting the link: https://www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com/oea/

🔗 Read the full press release announcement by visiting the link: https://www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com/press-release-wilmington-city-council-appoints-dr-brittany-c-powell-as-director-of-the-office-of-educational-advocacy/

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

In this Two Minute Drill, At-Large Council Member Latisha Bracy talks about the Wilmington Youth Advisory Council.

08/06/2026

In this Two Minute Drill, 3rd District Council Member Zanthia Oliver invites you to the 6th Annual Millie Cannon Summer Concert!

This event is free and open to the public and will be held on Saturday, August 22nd from noon-7:00pm at Brown-Burton-Winchester Park (Prices Park) located at 26th & Locust Streets.