DOVER, Del. — Delaware has allocated $5 million from the state’s latest Bond Bill to launch a Workforce Housing Program designed to tackle the growing shortage of affordable housing for middle-class working families. The program, established by legislation passed in 2024, aims to expand affordable housing options across all three counties. Affordable housing challenges are widespread, with rising rents pushing many workers farther from their jobs. In Milford, Mayor Todd Culotta stressed the need for housing that supports essential workers such as teachers, hospital staff, and service industry employees, who are vital to the community’s functioning. Since the pandemic, rental prices have surged significantly. According to NeighborGood Partners, the average rent in Delaware rose from $950 in 2018 to $1,482 last year, forcing many residents to relocate farther from workplaces. The Workforce Housing Program seeks to alleviate these pressures by encouraging development close to jobs and community amenities. Delaware State Housing Authority’s Matt Heckles emphasized that dense, nearby housing can reduce traffic congestion and strengthen local schools and services. Senator Russ Huxtable, sponsor of the bill, hopes the program will mirror the success of Delaware’s Downtown Development District initiative, which leveraged $40 to $50 million in state funds to attract private investments exceeding $500 million. Officials are finalizing the program’s logistics and expect to have it operational by year-end, aiming to improve affordability and community resilience statewide.
