Tag Archives: OSPC

Upcoming Events in IPA’s Planning Education Training Program

  March 10, 2017 ,

Delaware’s municipalities are increasingly being asked to focus much of their attention on the state’s expected new growth and development. Municipalities must make difficult decisions that can have long-lasting impacts on the community’s character, economy, and quality.

The Delaware Planning Education Program is a voluntary certificate program comprising an organized series of educational courses designed to meet the responsibilities of municipalities as partners in planning Delaware’s future. The program is offered in partnership with the Office of State Planning Coordination and the Delaware Chapter of the American Planning Association.

Advanced Land-Use and Development Administration

“Planning 203” is a new hands-on course designed to provide participants with table-top exercises to build their skills for administering and interpreting land-use regulations.

March 24, 2017 | 9 a.m. to noon | University of Delaware Paradee Center | Dover, Del.
Cost: $50 | Instructors: Linda Raab, AICP, and Ann Marie Townshend, AICP

Register now | download workshop flyerPDF icon | Registration deadline: March 23

Developing Your Strategy for Economic Development

Whether a formal report adopted by council or a back-of-the-envelope exercise worked out on-the-fly, an economic development strategy can work to guide municipal decision-making and encourage private investment in your community. “Planning 213” is a new session that advances concepts and principles for scoping, developing, and implementing your community’s economic development strategy.

April 28, 2017 | 9 a.m. to noon | University of Delaware Paradee Center | Dover, Del.
Cost: $50 | Instructors: Troy Mix, AICP; Maureen Feeney Roser; and Ann Marie Townshend, AICP

Register now | download workshop flyerPDF icon | Registration deadline: April 27

Creating a Flood Ready Community

This popular course returns for the fourth year. “Planning 201” reviews the multiple sources of flood risks to Delaware communities that can be addressed and mitigated through planning, codes, and ordinances. It covers floodplain requirements for municipalities and tools for adapting to flood risk. Sources of funding and technical assistance will also be presented. Catered lunch and networking session will immediately follow the training, from noon–1 p.m.

May 19, 2017 | 9 a.m. to noon | University of Delaware Paradee Center | Dover, Del.
Cost: $50 | Instructors: Phil Barnes, PhD; Danielle Swallow; and Greg Williams

Register now | download workshop flyerPDF icon | Registration deadline: May 18

A limited number of registration fee waivers are available for municipal officials, based on financial need. Fees will be covered by the Delaware Coastal Training Program. To request a fee waiver, please email Kelly Valencik, Coastal Training Program Coordinator at kelly.valencik@state.de.us.

Seaford, Dover, and Wilmington Designated as Downtown Development Districts

  January 15, 2015 ,

According to a January 11, 2015 press release, Governor Markell announced that the cities of Seaford, Dover, and Wilmington have been selected for designation as Downtown Development Districts (DDDs). Per DDD program guidelines, the first three DDDs must include one district in each county.

Markell said, “The Downtown Development District program has generated a high level of enthusiasm and interest, and I was impressed by the overall quality of the applications submitted. In addition to demonstrating significant need, each of the winning applicants submitted thoughtful plans with detailed strategies to strengthen neighborhoods, spur private investment, and improve housing opportunities for residents of all walks of life. On behalf of the state, I look forward to working in partnership with the winning applicants as they make their plans a reality.”

The DDD program was created by legislation proposed by the Governor in 2014. Senate Bill 191 was signed into law by the Governor on June 5, 2014 and was approved for a $7 million allocation by the Delaware General Assembly. The DDD Grant program is modeled in part after a Virginia program that has proven successful in leveraging significant amounts of private investment in under-served areas.

Under the program, designated districts will be entitled to receive significant development incentives and other benefits to spur investment and community development. Investors who make qualified real estate investments in DDDs will be entitled to receive grants of up to 20% of the cost of their investments. The Delaware State Housing Authority, which administers the program, has produced a DDD Grant Program FAQ information sheet for investors who may wish to apply for a grant in a designated district.

A total of nine local governments applied to have a portion of their city, town, or unincorporated area designated as a DDD.  The applications were evaluated in accordance with three main criteria: 1) need and impact, 2) the quality of the district plan submitted by the applicant, and 3) local incentives offered.

2014 Downtown Development District Application Period Closed

  November 6, 2014 ,

Received 10 Applications

On November 1, 2014, 10 local governments submitted applications to be considered for designation as a Downtown Development District. Applications were received from Clayton, Dover, Middletown, Milford, Milton, New Castle County, Newark, Seaford, Smyrna and Wilmington. The Office of State Planning Coordination is managing the review of these applications for eventual consideration by the Governor.

Public Comment Period

The public comment period is open for the “Guidelines Governing the Administration and Review of Applications for Designation as DDDs”.

For more information visit the Office of State Planning Coordination’s website, http://stateplanning.delaware.gov/ddd/.

Downtown Development Districts Application Now Available

  August 27, 2014 ,

Downtown Development Districts, authorized by Senate Bill 191 on June 5, 2014, establish economic development incentives that promote revitalization of Delaware’s downtowns.

The first step in becoming a Downtown Development District (DDD) requires the local government (municipality or county) to complete an application and create a District Plan. The DDD Application, Application Guidelines Booklet, and a Census spreadsheet are now available for download on the Downtown Development Districts website. Completed applications are due on or before November 1, 2014. The application process is being administered by the Office of State Planning Coordination.

Full program details are available on the Downtown Development Districts website. Additional background information is posted in our toolkit.

Guide to Master Planning

  July 2, 2014 ,

Master Planning is an integral component of the Complete Communities framework. It complements and integrates other planning activities. Local comprehensive plans articulate visions and formulate general guidelines for achieving desired land use patterns in counties and municipalities. Master Planning brings all stakeholders—state agencies, local governments, civic groups, and business leaders—together to “get it done” by spelling out the details of, and the responsibilities for, the provision of infrastructure services in an efficient, timely, and cost-effective manner.

In September 2012, the Office of State Planning Coordination introduced the Guide for Master Planning in Delaware. Visit the Master Planning and Complete Communities section of the toolbox for more information on master planning in Delaware.

A Delaware Guide to Form-Based Codes

  December 20, 2013 ,

Front cover of A Delaware Guide to Form-Based CodesThe Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination and the Institute for Public Administration recently developed a new tool for planners in Delaware.
A Delaware Guide to Form-Based Codes describes the four common factors of Form-Based Codes:

  1. Regulating plan (zoning map),
  2. Building type and location,
  3. Open space considerations, and
  4. Design and function of streets.

Check out this and many other resources in the Planning Tools section of the Complete Communities Toolbox.