EXECUTIVE ORDER
NUMBER FORTY-TWO
TO: HEADS OF ALL STATE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
RE: DELAWARE STRATEGIES FOR STATE POLICIES AND SPENDING

WHEREAS, land use policy plays a critical role in building strong local communities, supporting diverse economic opportunities and providing a high quality of life for residents and businesses today and those considering whether to locate in Delaware in the future; and

WHEREAS, the State has a responsibility to the taxpayers of the State of Delaware to ensure that each tax dollar is appropriately utilized; and

WHEREAS, private businesses base their long-term investment decisions on transparent, predictable, sustainable growth strategies in areas with high quality communities and adequate infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, all Delaware counties and incorporated municipalities must prepare comprehensive plans to encourage appropriate uses of physical and fiscal resources and to coordinate growth, development, and infrastructure investment actions with those of other local governments and the State; and

WHEREAS, State government plays a critical role in supporting the implementation of these comprehensive plans through its capital investment program, funding of schools, allocation of grants and loans, purchase of open space and development rights, and distribution of state resources; and 

WHEREAS, the Delaware Strategies for State Policies and Spending are found in the adopted and certified comprehensive plans of local governments in Delaware and are intended to provide coordination of expenditures of tax dollars in support of the implementation of these comprehensive plans; and

WHEREAS, the investment of State taxpayer dollars should be strategically and purposefully directed to areas that maintain or enhance economic opportunity and community well­being while protecting and restoring the natural environment upon which citizens and economies depend; and

WHEREAS, Delaware’s cities and towns have significant capacity for growth and opportunities for the redevelopment of brownfields, greyfields, and other sites near existing infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, Delaware is continuously working to create greater economic opportunities in our communities, while protecting the health of our residents, maintaining clean air and water, and preserving quality open space; and

WHEREAS, agriculture is a vital part of Delaware’s economy and should be supported to remain viable and profitable; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to expand the array of housing and transportation, provide infrastructure more cost-effectively, and enable older citizens to live independently; and

WHEREAS the Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues released draft 2020 Strategies for State Policies and Spending and accompanying maps for public review and comment on April 1, 2020 on the Office of State Planning Coordination’s website and held two online public workshops attended by representatives from local governments and the public; and

WHEREAS, on June 1, 2020, the Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues approved the updated Strategies for State Policies and Spending to ensure efficient, rational and cost-effective investment in necessary infrastructure.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN C. CARNEY, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby DECLARE and ORDER the following:

1. The Office of State Planning Coordination shall publish online, the updated Strategies for State Policies and Spending document (the “Strategies document”) and maps, including geospatial data (with full metadata) representing the various Investment Level areas recommended in the Strategies
2. All state departments and agencies shall use the Strategies document and maps as a guide for making relevant decisions on policy, infrastructure and other investments, and resource
3. The Office of Management and Budget shall use the Strategies document and maps as a guide in developing and reviewing state department and agency spending
4. The Strategies document and maps shall be made available to all county and municipal government agencies for use in their planning-related endeavors, including, but not limited to, comprehensive plan development and strategic
5. The Strategies document and maps shall be used in the Preliminary Land Use Service (PLUS) process as a tool for helping developers, landowners, and local governments create efficient, rational and complete communities or smart-growth development options in those areas most ready to receive and serve new
6. The Office of State Planning Coordination shall, in conjunction with the Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues, plan for and complete an update of the Strategies document and maps no later than five years from the effective date of this
7. Executive Order No. Fifty-Nine signed by Governor Markell on April 14, 2016 is hereby rescinded.

 
APPROVED this 23rd day of July 2020.

John C. Carney
Governor

ATTEST:
Secretary of State

PDF of Executive Order

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