Councilmember Darby proposes charter-amendment referendum on rent stabilization, staff estimate vote likely in 2027

Councilmember Darby presented a resolution asking the committee to place a proposed charter amendment on the ballot so Wilmington voters can decide whether to limit rent increases. Darby emphasized the distinction between council directly enacting rent stabilization and placing the question before voters via a charter amendment: "This resolution does not enact rent stabilization... it proposes that council exercise its authority under Delaware's home rule provision to place a proposed charter amendment before the voters for their consideration."

Staff said they met with the Department of Elections and discussed scheduling and technical constraints; the department indicated machines and calendar considerations likely delay any referendum until 2027. Darby and staff also discussed the wording of the referendum question; a condensed draft under consideration would read: "Shall the Wilmington City Charter be amended to limit annual rent increases for residential rental units within the city limits to the lesser of the 12-month average increase in the consumer price index for the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area or 3% of the current rent?"

Committee members asked about timing and whether the referendum could be placed on the 2026 general-election ballot; staff said machine availability and required steps with state authorities make 2027 the more likely window. The committee did not take a recorded vote; sponsors said they would refine question language with the law department and continue coordination with elections staff and the General Assembly as required by state process.