Downtown Development Districts

Downtown Development Districts The Downtown Development Districts Act was created to leverage state resources in a limited number of designated areas in Delaware’s cities and towns to: spur private capital investment in commercial business districts and other neighborhoods; stimulate job growth and improve the commercial vitality of our cities and towns; and help build a stable community of long-term residents in our downtowns and other neighborhoods. Under this Act, funding was allocated through the General Assembly to DSHA for the purpose of establishing and administering the DDD Rebate Program. Investors who make Qualified Real Property Investments (QRPI) to mixed-use buildings or facilities may apply to DSHA for a DDD Rebate. Contact DSHA’s Housing Development Section 18 The Green Dover, DE 19901 Housing Development Main Number Toll-Free (888) 363-8808 DSHA’s Housing Development (302) 739-4263 Eligibility The Qualified Real Property Investment (QRPI) must be made within the boundary of a designated DDD. The QRPI must be made in conformance with the approved District plan. The QRPI must be in excess of the required Minimum Qualified Investment Threshold (MQIT). The QRPI must be made after the date the real property location is officially incorporated within the boundary of a designated District. The Investor must meet site control requirements ( legal title, sales agreement, or owner’s consent). District Designations Dover (opens in a new tab) Seaford (opens in a new tab) Wilmington (opens in a new tab) Georgetown (opens in a new tab) Harrington (opens in a new tab) Laurel (opens in a new tab) Milford (opens in a new tab) Smyrna (opens in a new tab) City of New Castle (opens in a new tab) Clayton (opens in a new tab) Delaware City (opens in a new tab) Middletown (opens in a new tab) January 11, 2015 Dover (opens in a new tab) Seaford (opens in a new tab) Wilmington (opens in a new tab) August 10, 2016 Georgetown (opens in a new tab) Harrington (opens in a new tab) Laurel (opens in a new tab) Milford (opens in a new tab) Smyrna (opens in a new tab) August 19, 2019 City of New Castle (opens in a new tab) Clayton (opens in a new tab) Delaware City (opens in a new tab) Middletown (opens in a new tab) How to Apply Please download and review the documents below to learn more about the DDD Rebate Program, to obtain forms, and to determine if you qualify. DSHA Contact Person: [email protected] or (302) 739-0240 Application Deadlines Large Project Reservation Applications: February 26, 2026 by no later than 3:00 Small Project Rebate Applications: Accepted on a rolling basis, subject to funding availability. As of 03/18/2026, the FY26 Downtown Development District (DDD) Small Project set-aside rebate program is fully subscribed. DSHA will not be accepting small project applications until further notice. No exceptions or waivers will be made for applications received after the FY26 funds have been exhausted. DDD Rebate Program Guidelines and Applications Large Rebate Program Guidelines Large Project Reservation Application Checklist Large Project Reservation Application Scoresheet Large Project Rebate Application Checklist Small Rebate Program Guidelines Small Project Rebate Application Checklist Project Description Conformity to District Plan Form Additional Forms Qualified Real Property Investment Worksheet Certification of Application Multiple-Owner Form (includes Coordination Form) Tenant Owner Consent Form (includes Coordination Form) Blank Fillable W-9 Form Large Project Progress Report DDD Attestation of Costs Guidelines Large Project CPA DDD Attestation Report DDD Large Project Reservation Awards Funding Round 17, Fall 2024 – Awards Announced June 2025 (opens in a new tab) Funding Round 16, Fall 2023 – Awards Announced May 2024 (opens in a new tab)