DOVER, Del. — Governor Matt Meyer today announced the designation of Claymont, Newport and Millsboro as Delaware's three newest Downtown Development Districts, expanding the program to the full 15 districts allowed under state law. The Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues unanimously recommended the three communities for designation following the 2026 application process.
“The best investments we can make are in the communities, businesses and people already here in Delaware,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “Downtown Development Districts give communities another tool to create housing, support local businesses and bring new life to properties that have been overlooked or underused. By expanding this program to Claymont, Newport and Millsboro, we're creating vibrant hubs in the communities Delawareans already call home and giving private investment a reason to follow.”
“Millsboro is delighted to be selected as a Downtown Development District. Since its inception in 2014, this program has achieved notable success, and our team is prepared to advance its goals in downtown Millsboro,” said Jamie Burk, Millsboro Town Manager. “Our key project, the 1930s-era Millstone Theater, will expand access to the performing arts for residents and the broader region. This designation provides the catalyst needed for downtown Millsboro to become a regional destination, supporting local businesses and creating housing opportunities through mixed-use development. We have already engaged developers eager to submit concept plans. On behalf of Mayor McKee, the Town Council, and myself, I thank Governor Meyer and his cabinet secretaries for this selection.”
"We are excited and grateful to be selected as a Downtown Development District,” said Wendy King, Newport Town Manager. “This is an important first step in the redevelopment of our downtown. We look forward to working with our community partners in seeing our collective dream of revitalization come to life."
“New Castle County is proud and excited to learn that Claymont has been selected for a Downtown Development District,” said New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry. “This marks the first time an unincorporated area has received this designation, recognizing that downtowns exist in a variety of settings, not just traditional towns. New Castle County has partnered with the Claymont community, including the Claymont Renaissance Development Corporation, for over 30 years to drive revitalization, and we look forward to working with the State and all our partners to encourage continued redevelopment and keep Claymont vibrant. We would like to thank Governor Meyer and Councilman Cartier for their efforts in Claymont’s growing success.”
The Downtown Development District program is designed to encourage private investment in Delaware communities by providing state and local incentives for qualifying residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use development. Private construction projects within designated districts can qualify for rebates offsetting up to 20% of eligible capital construction costs, along with other state and local incentives.
New Downtown Development Districts
Claymont will become Delaware's newest Downtown Development District in New Castle County, allowing qualifying investments within the designated district to access Downtown Development District incentives.
Newport will receive a Downtown Development District designation, expanding the program's investment and redevelopment incentives to qualifying projects within the town's designated boundaries.
Millsboro will become Sussex County's newest Downtown Development District, making qualifying projects within its designated district eligible for state and local development incentives.
The three communities were selected following a competitive application process opened by Governor Meyer earlier this year. Five communities submitted applications for the three available designations. The Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues reviewed the applications and unanimously recommended Claymont, Newport and Millsboro to the Governor.
The program was created in 2014 to spur private capital investment, stimulate job growth, strengthen commercial districts, improve housing opportunities and help municipalities revitalize their communities.
Since its creation, 495 residential, commercial and mixed-use projects have been completed through the program, with $47.4 million in state investment leveraging approximately $693 million in private investment.
Claymont, Newport and Millsboro join the 12 existing Downtown Development Districts in Clayton, Delaware City, Dover, Georgetown, Harrington, Laurel, Middletown, Milford, New Castle, Seaford, Smyrna and Wilmington.
The new districts will work with the Office of State Planning Coordination to finalize their district boundaries and incentives, appoint district administrators and complete other requirements associated with their designations.
