Councilwoman Shanae Darby spent the committee meeting detailing a proposed rent stabilization ordinance intended to limit annual rent increases, create tools for affordable‑housing funding and set up a review process to assess effectiveness.

Darby said the ordinance would limit annual rent increases to 5% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is greater; allow landlords to apply for higher increases when justified by increased operating costs, tax or insurance increases, or major renovations; and exempt newly built units for 10 years from stabilization. She said units being rented for the first time ever would not be stabilized during the first year to allow owners to set base rents for newly created units.

The proposal would also create a City of Wilmington housing trust to collect developer or other fees for affordable housing, and it would require inclusionary zoning for new buildings (Darby used a 30% example during discussion as a policy model) and set a process to evaluate and enforce those rules. The ordinance would create a housing‑stability subcommittee under the Council’s purview that would include two council members, representatives from planning and housing departments, tenant and landlord representatives, affordable‑housing developers and community advocates; the subcommittee would review the law’s effectiveness and recommend whether to sunset, extend or amend stabilization within four years.

Darby described multiple draft changes made after meetings with landlords, housing advocates and council colleagues. Among the changes she outlined were raising the prior proposed cap to 5% or CPI (from an initial 3% cap), exempting first‑time rentals for the first year, and expanding landlord and real‑estate representation on the subcommittee.

Public comment was extensive and divided. Supporters argued the policy would curb displacement and homelessness and protect working families. Brandon Fletcher, who said he spoke in support, cited national research and local rent increases and described the proposed ordinance as “modest” and data‑driven. Opponents—including small landlords and local real‑estate professionals—said the ordinance would punish long‑term landlords who keep rents below market and deter investment or rehabilitation of older housing stock. Jeff Sheraton, president of Greater Wilmington Housing Providers, said he and his organization oppose rent stabilization as bad public policy and warned it could deter investment in older or dilapidated properties.

Council members debated timing and process. Darby expected the legislation to return for formal consideration; she said she had reached out to all council members for input. Some members asked for more time; several speakers and council members urged that the June 5 council meeting remain the target date for a vote. City staff raised a legal concern that substantial floor amendments could require the measure to return to committee for a formal vote before being placed on the council agenda; the council president said he would consult city law and staff and expected to clarify agenda timing within 24 hours.

No formal council vote on the ordinance occurred at the committee meeting.