BETTER MODELS FOR DEVELOPMENT IN DELAWARE
Ideas for Creating More Livable and Prosperous Communities
Forword • Purpose • Principles • Values
Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner has released a publication designed to provide guidance and inspiration to local government officials, citizen leaders, and developers as they consider development proposals throughout Delaware. Better Models for Development in Delaware was created for Governor Minner's Livable Delaware effort by The Conservation Fund, in partnership with the Livable Delaware Advisory Council's Community Design Subcommittee and the Office of State Planning Coordination. To request a copy, please contact The Office at (302) 739-3090.
Governor's Forword
Growing up on a farm near the Delaware Bay south of Milford, I have always known that Delaware was a special place. Our Livable Delaware agenda is a commitment to preserving those special qualities while recognizing that growth is inevitable because of those qualities.
This book is a product of our Livable Delaware Advisory Council. A subgroup focused on community design and adopted 11 values that they hope will guide local governments and developers as they make decisions. Does the next new development convey a sense of community? Does it respect the character of that community? Does it avoid sprawl? Does it promote walking and biking?
While this effort offers guidance and not a mandate, we hope communities will challenge conventional, sprawling patterns of development and demand innovation, excellence in design and respect for their unique character - before that character is extinguished forever. This guide is a helpful starting point.
Ruth Ann Minner
Governor, State of Delaware
