Delaware home builders’ advocacy efforts have paid off. On Feb. 26, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer signed an Executive Order to streamline state permitting regulations. Members of the HBA of Delaware (HBADE) were invited by the Governor to attend the signing.

“Housing is having its moment in Delaware, and the executive order signing represents a big, bold step to meeting that moment,” said Katie Gillis, Executive Officer of the HBA of Delaware. “We’re turning policy into progress, and the building industry is sending a message that when it comes to housing affordability, we’re committed to achieving that goal.”

Executive Order 18 creates a permitting accelerator, a statewide strategy to reduce unnecessary delays in permitting critical infrastructure projects while fully preserving environmental protections, public health standards, and local land use authority.

The accelerator will aim to reduce the time it takes to move a project through seven state agencies, currently 18-24 months, to a targeted 120 days. This parallel review process will fast track projects with infill or growth areas that address affordability and density.

HBADE members regularly engage with policy makers. They advocate for pro-housing policies by attending state house meetings, submitting comments, and by serving as the voice of the residential construction industry. These sustained advocacy efforts positioned HBADE members as a key partner in shaping the Executive Order, ensuring the policies reflected their industry expertise and insights. 

“Ultimately, the Executive Order will help deliver more housing units for more Delaware families,” said Gillis.