The 153rd General Assembly marked a transformative year for housing policy in Delaware, and the Delaware Association of REALTORS® (DAR) played a critical role in delivering two major victories that will have a lasting impact on housing affordability and property rights across the state.
The first breakthrough came through DAR’s relentless advocacy for increased investment in the Delaware Housing Development Fund (HDF). For years, the HDF’s annual allocation has hovered around $10 million, combining funding from the state’s Bond Bill and Operating Budget, including the Affordable Rental Housing Program, which operates in a similar manner. This year, however, following an aggressive multi-month campaign, the General Assembly doubled down on housing, boosting the HDF’s total final allocation to a historic $23 million. That’s more than double the prior year’s funding and represents a paradigm shift in Delaware’s commitment to addressing the state’s housing challenges.
The HDF provides essential financial assistance, including loans and grants, to both nonprofit and for-profit developers working to build, acquire, or rehabilitate affordable housing. It supports a wide range of housing types: multi-family rental units, single-family homeownership opportunities, and supportive housing for vulnerable populations. By prioritizing projects that serve low- to moderate-income individuals and families, the fund ensures that more Delawareans have access to safe, stable, and affordable homes. This investment will not only provide housing but also strengthen communities by revitalizing neighborhoods and creating opportunities for residents to live, work, and thrive.
For DAR members, the expansion of the HDF is more than just a budget win. It’s a commitment to increased affordable housing development and improved quality of life for Delaware families. DAR’s 1% for Housing campaign was a central force in achieving this result. With support from the REALTOR Party Issues Mobilization Grant and strategic execution by the team at GDAWins, DAR successfully positioned the campaign to resonate with policymakers, highlighting both the human impact and economic rationale for greater housing investment.
But funding wasn’t the only front where DAR led the charge. An equally important victory came in defense of property rights, as the Association mobilized to oppose rent stabilization policies at the state level. Following the introduction of rent control legislation in the prior legislative session, DAR anticipated renewed efforts in 2025. However, thanks
to a well-coordinated and proactive strategy, no rent stabilization bill was introduced during this session, a major shift from the previous year’s environment.
This win didn’t happen by accident. DAR launched a comprehensive campaign, powered by an REALTOR Party Issues Mobilization Grant. With critical research from Statara Solutions and the strategic insights of GMMB, DAR’s campaign combined data-driven messaging, targeted outreach, and ongoing dialogue with lawmakers to underscore the risks of rent stabilization, including its unintended consequences for housing supply and investment.
Though a rent stabilization ordinance was briefly considered at the city level in Wilmington, it failed to advance, further underscoring the effectiveness of DAR’s coordinated effort. By focusing on education, research, and coalition-building, the Association made a compelling case for why such policies would ultimately harm, not help, Delaware’s renters and housing providers. Importantly, by offering alternative solutions like the 1% for Housing campaign, DAR was able to head off detractors and solidify its position as a proactive advocate for increased affordable housing options, even for those experiencing rising rents.
Together, these two victories, the expansion of the HDF and the defeat of rent stabilization legislation, represent a turning point in Delaware housing policy. They reflect the growing recognition by lawmakers that strong, evidence-based housing solutions are essential to the state’s future, and that REALTORS® are key partners in making them a reality.
These wins also highlight the power of strategic collaboration. From GDAWins’ leadership on the 1% for Housing campaign, to Statara’s incisive analysis, to GMMB’s sharp communications guidance, the campaigns were powered by experts working alongside DAR’s staff. The result? Real policy change that will benefit Delawareans today and for generations to come.
To learn more about how the REALTORS® are working towards more affordable housing in Delaware, contact CEO Wes Stefanick at wes@delawarerealtor.com; or Government Affairs Director Joe Brennan at joe@delawarerealtor.com.
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