Milford economic development administrator outlines projects, small‑business outreach and events

Lauren Swain, Milford’s economic development and community engagement administrator, told the City Council that the city is pursuing multiple development projects, expanding small‑business outreach and planning a slate of community events.

Swain said the city’s “community profile” is “roughly 13,000 plus and approximately 10 square miles,” and that the city’s top industries are manufacturing, healthcare and retail. She described several active projects at the Milford Corporate Center and other sites, recent ribbon cuttings and partnerships with state and federal business support organizations.

The presentation summarized financial and project highlights: Swain said Milford has received $1,100,000 in site‑readiness funds for the corporate center and is applying for an additional $1,400,000; she also said the city has been awarded about $5,050,000 (she offered to provide the exact figure). She described a March 4 groundbreaking for the Milford Corporate Center and noted continuing construction at a First State Storage site and a Chipotle restaurant. Since January 2024, Swain said the city has held 17 ribbon cuttings.

Swain outlined the city’s small‑business outreach: partnerships with the Division of Small Business, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Small Business Development Center and SCORE Delaware; referrals to free business‑planning and grant assistance; and efforts to fill commercial vacancies. She said the city is coordinating an International Women’s Day event on March 8 to highlight women‑owned businesses and is working with the Chamber and DMI on joint ribbon cuttings.

On community engagement, Swain said she has included the mayor and council on press releases and cited the Riverwalk Wi‑Fi, which she said “exceeded 1,000 unique users.” She listed upcoming public events and dates the city is promoting or supporting: Milford Corporate Center groundbreaking (March 4), International Women’s Day (March 8), Slaughter Beach shared‑use feasibility study workshop (March 19), Community Expo and Affordable Housing Research Fair (March 27), Community Cleanup (April 12), Bug & Bud Festival (April 26) and the Riverwalk Farmers Market (opening in May). She said a community survey opens March 6 and closes March 20.

Swain requested council input on resident priorities and described outreach to disadvantaged business owners about federal procurement certification. She also raised a communications plan to address mixed public feedback on a proposed shared‑use path near Slaughter Beach, saying the city would produce materials to show how a path could benefit businesses and residents.

Council members who spoke during the discussion raised retail and recreation needs downtown — including requests from residents for a clothing store and winter activity options for children — and asked staff to notify council when prospective tenants (for example, national chains) are in active negotiation with landlords. Swain said she will notify council when she has confirmed news.

The presentation included multiple partnerships Swain emphasized for business recruitment and retention: Delaware Prosperity Partnership, the Division of Small Business, the Small Business Development Center, the SBA, SCORE Delaware, Kent County tourism, DMI and the Milford Chamber.

Swain concluded by asking council members for guidance on the city’s scope for promoting community events versus private business promotions; council members discussed applying a neutral standard and focusing on community‑sponsored events.

Ending: Swain invited further council questions and confirmed she would follow up with exact award numbers and tenant notifications when available.