The New Castle County Economic Development Subcommittee convened on September 9, 2025, to discuss ongoing initiatives and future priorities aimed at bolstering the local economy. The meeting highlighted the importance of relationship building within the business community and the impact of these connections on job retention and economic stability.

A key update shared during the meeting was the successful retention of 205 jobs at Corteva, which chose to remain in Delaware. This achievement was attributed to the strong relationships developed with economic partners in Kent and Sussex County, as well as the City of Wilmington.

Looking ahead, the subcommittee outlined three cornerstone priorities for economic development: workforce development, small business support, and corridor redevelopment. Workforce development will focus on understanding the current labor force and future needs, ensuring that programming is in place to fill any gaps. Small business support will involve identifying the needs of local businesses and enhancing existing support programs, while also addressing any deficiencies in the current landscape.

To effectively implement these priorities, the subcommittee emphasized the importance of thorough research and collaboration with stakeholders. A partnership with the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce was established to extend the reach of their initiatives. The first deliverable from this partnership will be a workforce study, which is expected to provide insights into current and future workforce needs.

Additionally, the subcommittee plans to leverage the Chamber's small business incubator framework to enhance support for local businesses, aiming to repurpose existing infrastructure to better serve the community.

As the meeting concluded, members expressed anticipation for the upcoming workforce study and the potential it holds for shaping future economic strategies in New Castle County.