06/15/2026
Could anyone embody the phrase "As Goes Wilmington, So Goes Delaware" more than former Governor and current Wilmington Mayor John Carney?
After all, he has led Delaware from both the state level and now from City Hall.
The good news?
Wilmington is stronger than many people realize.
Speaking at the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce Mayoral Luncheon, Mayor Carney shared a message that was both simple and important:
Wilmington's future depends on strong partnerships among government, employers, nonprofits, and the people who show up every day to do the work.
Three takeaways stood out:
……….• Investment is working. More than $1 billion in private investment has followed public investment, transforming neighborhoods, housing, education, and the Riverfront.
……….• Employers matter. More than 42,000 people come to work in Wilmington every day. Those jobs support families, fuel small businesses, and help keep the city financially strong.
……….• Public safety drives everything. Attracting companies, retaining talent, and strengthening neighborhoods all start with people feeling safe.
As someone who spends every day helping companies evaluate location decisions, I left encouraged.
Wilmington certainly has challenges. Every city does.
But it also has momentum, committed leadership, significant investment, and a growing list of wins.
What do you believe is Wilmington's biggest opportunity over the next five years?
Yvonne Deadwyler, Renata Beata Kowalczyk, Jordan D. Spencer, Anthony Lunger, Dave Tiberi, Michael Vanderslice, Rick Deadwyler, Jeanne Kress
