GEORGETOWN, Del. – Sussex County has received the Outstanding Planning Project award from the American Planning Association-Delaware Chapter for its 2025 land use reform initiatives, county officials announced in a statement on sussexcountyde.gov
The award recognizes the work of the Land Use Reform Working Group, a 10-member panel appointed by County Council in early 2025 to review development patterns in southern Delaware. The group included farmers, developers, housing specialists, environmental advocates, engineers, and representatives from state agencies. County officials say the panel held 10 meetings this year and drafted 20 recommendations. The proposals focus on guiding growth to designated areas through zoning changes, increasing housing diversity and affordability, protecting rural and environmentally sensitive lands, and improving transparency and predictability in the development process.
County officials report that County Council will begin reviewing the recommendations in early 2026 as part of the State-mandated update of Sussex County’s comprehensive plan, which must be adopted by 2028. County leaders say the award reflects professional recognition of the county’s efforts to balance growth with resource protection and long-term planning.
Photo: Sussexcountyde.gov