Sussex County wins American Planning Association award for land use reform efforts

Georgetown, Del., Dec. 9, 2025: Sussex County's efforts to re-think land use have earned the local government top honors from a professional planning organization.

The American Planning Association-Delaware Chapter this month presented its Outstanding Planning Project award to Sussex County for the work of the Land Use Reform Working Group, a 10-member body appointed by County Council in early 2025 to consider ways to address the pace and intensity of development in southern Delaware.

The panel - comprising farmers, developers, environmental and community advocates, housing specialists, engineers, and state agencies - held 10 meetings this year to discuss a range of topics. In the end, the body drafted 20 recommendations that form a roadmap for guiding new development, channeling growth to designated areas through zoning reform, increasing housing diversity and affordability, strengthening resource protections in rural and environmentally sensitive areas, and improving transparency and predictability in the development process.

Council will begin considering the recommendations in early 2026, as the County embarks on its State-mandated update of the comprehensive plan, which must be adopted by 2028.

"We're pleased the County has earned this distinction from the APA-Delaware Chapter and appreciate the support of these respected land use professionals and experts," County Administrator Todd F. Lawson said. "But the hard work awaits us. The greatest reward will be in the eventual outcome, one that balances the needs of our community, today and in the future."

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