AGP Executive Report

Housing Affordability: A new MoneyLion study finds mortgage debt is crushing households in 17 states, with 29 states topping $75,000 per household—another reminder that Delaware’s affordability fight is national, not just local. Business Expansion: Saval Foods broke ground on a new 230,000-square-foot headquarters and distribution center in Howard County, adding 107 jobs over four years—an example of how food logistics investment keeps creating work. Delaware Politics & Voting: Three courts sided with Delaware on election and campaign finance rules, including a Third Circuit denial tied to third-party advertiser disclosures and a USPS mail-voting fight that ended in a preliminary injunction. Legal & Public Safety: Delaware’s Supreme Court reinstated firearm restrictions for most adults under 21, reversing a lower-court ruling. Local Community: Delaware Realtors Care Foundation donated $2,000 to the Red Cross for tornado relief after Aug. 20 storms. Energy/Markets: Delmarva Power’s rate hike request faced sharp criticism as the “largest in Delaware history,” while the company disputes the interim rate decision.

Delaware Economic Development: Gov. Moore announced Saval Foods will break ground on a new 230,000-square-foot headquarters and distribution center in Columbia, consolidating operations and adding 107 jobs over four years. Energy & Cost of Living: Delmarva Power is defending its rate hike push as critics call it the largest in Delaware history, while the company seeks higher revenue after an interim PSC decision. Public Safety & Health: Warmer, wetter conditions are driving more insects, and Delaware County is investigating probable West Nile virus cases. Criminal Justice & Privacy: Gov. Meyer signed a criminal justice reform package that includes fine/fee relief for people in financial hardship, limits on reverse-keyword warrants, and reentry housing lease protections. Legal/Policy Watch: Delaware’s business community is also watching a broader national fight over the Endangered Species Act, with multiple states and attorneys general challenging federal rollbacks. Community & Culture: The “Chinatown Stitch” project is being highlighted as a way to reconnect communities divided by the Vine Street Expressway. Workforce & Education: Marad designated 16 maritime training institutions as Centers of Excellence, expanding the pipeline for domestic maritime workers. Tech & Consumer Protection: A coalition of attorneys general is urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls.

School Meals Watch: Vermont topped a new 2026 State of School Lunch report, ranking No. 1 for school meal access and participation, with New Mexico, New York, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. close behind. Investor/Corporate Calendar: Ashland will host an Innovation Day webcast for analysts and investors in Wilmington on Sept. 17, with executives covering technology platforms and growth. Retail AI Expansion: Alltegrio, which lists Delaware among its offices, expanded its retail analytics practice to help retailers forecast demand and modernize operations. Delaware Business & Policy: Delaware’s DNREC says it’s preparing to streamline some permitting processes, while the state also approved 2027 marketplace health insurance rates. Crypto & Politics: Hunter Biden defended his upcoming $LAPTOP memecoin launch on Base, including airdrops for people who lost money on TRUMP tokens and allocations tied to political/crypto predictions. Energy & Permitting: A new report says the U.S. saw a record number of local restrictions on renewable projects in 2025, with 865 local limits tracked nationwide. Gun Safety Legal Fight: Delaware’s AG Raoul co-led opposition to an ATF rule that would loosen safeguards for contract-made military-grade weapons. Local Delaware Economy: The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition announced its Monster Mile Walk for Oct. 11 at Dover Motor Speedway, adding a timed 5K alongside the 1-mile event.

Mental Health Coverage: Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Fair Standards in Mental Health Care Act, tightening insurance rules so mental health and substance-use coverage can’t be delayed or denied as easily, with protections applying to policies issued after Dec. 31, 2027. Energy & Utilities: Delmarva Power is asking Delaware Superior Court to review a Public Service Commission directive on interim electric rates, arguing the order cuts recovery below what state law allows. Permitting Reform: Meyer also signed HB 456 to streamline DNREC subaqueous permitting for docks and utility crossings, adding clearer timelines and automatic approval if DNREC misses deadlines (with safety and hazard certifications). Public Safety Tech: Delaware County Council approved a $1.4M drone detection system grant after debate over data collection and oversight, with equipment managed by Emergency Services. Local Governance: Radnor Township dropped plans to buy a former veterinary hospital and convert it into a local district court after resident pushback. Business Leadership: Boston Beer named Allison Stransky as Chief Marketing Officer effective Oct. 12. Community & Economy: The Helping Hands Gala will raise funds for the Food Bank of Delaware, targeting hunger relief in Sussex County.

Utility Regulation: Delmarva Power asked Delaware Superior Court to review a Delaware Public Service Commission directive on interim electric rates, arguing the PSC cut the interim rate below what Delaware law allows for investments already made to keep service safe and reliable. Health Insurance: Delaware approved 2027 rates for the Affordable Care Act marketplace, with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield seeking a 20.20% increase and an average 17.20% approved, as the state cites federal policy changes and the end of enhanced premium tax credits. Healthcare Competition: Bayhealth, TidalHealth and Beebe Healthcare formed a unified push against ChristianaCare’s proposed downstate campuses in Georgetown and Camden, arguing the plans could violate a new law limiting for-profit involvement in nonprofit healthcare and lack a legal framework. Trade & Aerospace: President Trump threatened to block Bombardier aircraft sales in the U.S. unless the company builds in America, prompting Bombardier’s defense of its U.S. footprint (including Delaware) and a direct appeal from Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran. Local Business & Community: Rehoboth Beach businesses and visitors reflected on a busy summer season as more people consider year-round stays. Energy Costs: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are at a record-high level nationally, with Delaware-area prices cited around $4.199 for regular. Public Safety: A Bethany Beach house fire investigation is underway after crews found concealed fire on the fourth floor during a Sept. 4 storm.

Delaware Housing & Growth: A broad Delaware business coalition is backing the Housing for Every Delawarean Act and pushing back on claims that Senate Bill 23 takes over local zoning, arguing the state’s housing crunch is too big to ignore. Energy Costs: Delaware SHINES is set to expand solar and battery storage with grants, loans and rebates for residents, small businesses and nonprofits—aimed at cutting bills and easing grid strain. Public Safety Tech: Delaware County Council approved a $1.4 million drone detection system, but only after debate over how data would be collected and managed. Local Crime: Dover police arrested Jose Gerardo Dominguez-Morales in connection with multiple burglaries, including a Dunkin’ break-in. Healthcare Spending Watch: A new look at hospital patient experience ranks Wisconsin highest and flags low ratings in Florida, New Jersey and New York. Courts & Tech: A federal Delaware ruling blocks a startup from using the “Twitter” name, while allowing it to use “Tweet” and the bird logo. Business & Capital Markets: Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP reminded Bloom Energy investors of a Sept. 28 deadline to seek lead-plaintiff status in a securities fraud case. Fraud & Consumer Risk: Delaware’s ZIP 19899 reported 110 Social Security beneficiaries in Dec. 2024, down from the prior year, as fraud reporting continues to rise nationwide.

Biotech Deal: Sudarshan Pharma Industries approved its first major overseas move, buying a 9.5% stake in Delaware-registered MedTherapy Biotechnology Inc., with cash consideration and expected closing by March 31, 2027, pending due diligence and FEMA/RBI clearances. Small Business Spotlight: Delaware’s Chamber and Small Business Alliance named Food Bank of Delaware, GGA Construction, Synergy Consultants & Psychotherapy Practice, and First Ascent Design as this year’s “Superstars in Business,” to be honored Oct. 29 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. Energy Costs: AAA reports Labor Day gas prices at record levels, with regular averaging $4.14 a gallon heading into the holiday, and Delaware-area prices cited around $4.199. Local Economy & Safety: The U.S. Army Corps says dredging of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal is still on track for an October start, while Delaware State Police are investigating a Route 40 multi-vehicle crash that hospitalized four. Community & Trust: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Middletown logged three scam reports in July, tying for fourth among Delaware cities with at least one report.

Delaware Waterway Update: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says dredging of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal is still slated to start in October, with about 90,000 cubic yards of sediment removed under a $9.6 million contract awarded in August 2025. Transit Disruption: SEPTA will close its trolley tunnel for the remaining weekends of September to harden an electrical substation at 33rd Street after water intrusion raised outage risk; trolley service shifts to overnight buses on Sept. 12–14, 19–21 and 26–28. Energy & Cost Watch: GasBuddy reports the cheapest midgrade gas in Delaware County hit $3.75 in the week ending Aug. 29, with a $3.94 average across stations. Local Safety: A Route 40 multi-vehicle crash Saturday sent four people to the hospital, including a 40-year-old in serious condition. Retiree Migration: Bloomberg reports more than 40,000 people have moved to Sussex County since 2020, boosting the 65+ population and fueling demand in Delaware’s beach economy. State Policy: Delaware has signed new data privacy protections, with consumer groups praising the move.

Electric Rates Fight: Delmarva Power has appealed in Delaware Superior Court to overturn regulators’ cuts to its interim electric rate hike, arguing the Public Service Commission arbitrarily reduced the Distribution System Improvement Charge—an issue that could affect how quickly bills rise for its ~300,000 customers. Water Quality & Compliance: Sussex Conservation District and UD Cooperative Extension kicked off free stormwater management seminars starting Sept. 16, aiming to help communities and property owners maintain stormwater systems and prevent costly pollution problems. Healthcare & Accountability: Advocates are raising concerns that nothing will change as troubled nursing home operator Genesis HealthCare moves through bankruptcy restructuring, with Delaware corporate records showing a newly formed Delaware LLC tied to the nursing home sale. Consumer & Fraud Watch: Delaware’s presence in BBB Scam Tracker remains notable, with the state listed among cities reporting scam losses in July—another reminder for residents to watch for online purchase and other fraud schemes. Sports Philanthropy: Phillies and Nemours Children’s Health will host Childhood Cancer Awareness Day Sept. 6 at Citizens Bank Park, honoring young cancer warriors with on-field tributes and family experiences.

Utility & Rates: Delmarva Power is asking a Delaware court to overturn regulators’ cuts to its interim electric rate hike, arguing the Public Service Commission arbitrarily reduced the Distribution System Improvement Charge—an appeal that could affect how fast bills rise for its ~300,000 customers. Corporate Law: Delaware’s 2026 amendments to the DGCL, LLC Act and LP Act (effective Aug. 1) clarify stockholder voting, update dissolution service-of-process steps, and tweak governance rules for alternative entities. Housing & Lending: Delaware VA purchase loans averaged $399,164 in Q2 FY2026, down from $416,882 in Q1, while homeowners remain reluctant to refinance because many are locked into sub-6% rates. Consumer Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Delaware County cities reporting online purchase and employment scams, with fraud losses continuing to climb nationally. Tech/Markets: Delaware’s access to prediction markets remains in the spotlight as new promo-driven trading expands in states including Delaware. Sports Business: A Delaware lawsuit accuses former NFL star Emmitt Smith and partners of misusing a $2.5 million wind-farm loan, seeking damages tied to alleged improper repayments. Energy Prices: E85 prices in Delaware County hit a low of $2.29/gal at one station in the week ending Aug. 29, while broader fuel costs remain above year-ago levels.

Utility & Rates: Delmarva Power has filed an appeal in Delaware Superior Court to overturn regulators’ cuts to its interim electric rate hike, arguing the Public Service Commission arbitrarily reduced the interim schedule and could push customer bills higher sooner than expected. Corporate Governance: Delaware’s 2026 amendments to the DGCL, LLC Act, and LP Act take effect Aug. 1, clarifying stockholder voting, dissolution steps, and governance rules for alternative entities—key updates for Delaware business counsel and operators. Health Care Competition: ChristianaCare’s proposed Georgetown micro-hospital faces pushback from Bayhealth, TidalHealth, and Beebe, which are challenging whether the plan fits Delaware’s hospital definition and licensing/ownership requirements. Insurance & Coverage Costs: Delaware’s Department of Insurance approved 2027 ACA marketplace rates, with Highmark’s average increase approved at 17.20% and AmeriHealth Caritas at 13.94%, reflecting federal policy changes and the end of enhanced premium tax credits. Business & Workforce Pipeline: A University of Delaware dual-enrollment pilot helped 20 Cape Henlopen students earn paid work hours and college credits through local hospitality and tourism employers. Legal/Finance Watch: Archblock LLC asked a Delaware bankruptcy court for more time on its Chapter 11 plan as creditor talks continue.

Delaware Privacy Overhaul: Gov. Matt Meyer signed a new law tightening rules on how companies can sell and process “sensitive data,” requiring disclosures and consent and limiting use to what’s strictly necessary for requested services. Gun Safety Compliance: Meyer also signed three new Delaware gun laws—creating an “Office of Gun Violence Prevention,” setting an immediate path to register certain un-serialized “ghost” guns, and adding new dealer requirements and record-keeping starting in 2029. Healthcare Costs Watch: Delaware finalized 2027 ACA Marketplace rates, with insurers citing federal policy shifts and the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits as drivers of higher costs. Business & Community: XTEND Reality Expansion began trading on the NYSE after a $1.5B all-stock merger, and the Delaware Public Archives announced a new railroad-history exhibit running through July 2027. Local Economy & Safety: Delaware State Police arrested a suspect in the Rehoboth Beach WSFS Bank robbery; and Delaware County gas prices showed a recent diesel low point at $5.19 per gallon.

Delaware Immigration Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed three bills aimed at protecting immigrants, including limits on civil arrests tied to state agencies and restrictions on state/local law enforcement involvement in civil immigration enforcement near child-serving sites, colleges, places of worship and healthcare. Delaware Elections: The Delaware Department of Elections says early voting for the Sept. 15 Primary Election began Sept. 2, with party choice rules for automatically registered voters and county-specific site schedules posted online. Delaware Gun Safety: Three new gun-safety laws take effect, adding dealer licensing and training, new recordkeeping and surveillance requirements, and creating a permanent state office focused on preventing gun violence—prompting pushback from some local dealers. Business & Tech in Delaware: Oura filed for an IPO on Nasdaq, reporting sharp revenue growth and millions of paid members; and Linked Helper rolled out a major LinkedIn automation update with an AI suite and redesigned campaign tools. Maritime & Delaware Footprint: Omega T Brokers expanded into global bunker brokerage and says it has offices in Delaware, among other locations. Local Delaware Economy: Export Delaware’s Compass Grant is offering up to $10,000 per year to help small businesses pursue international sales, with reported job and revenue impacts. Public Safety: Delaware State Police identified a suspect in the WSFS Bank robbery in Rehoboth Beach, seeking the Milford man accused of taking cash while wearing a wig and women’s clothing.

Corporate Moves: Weatherford shareholders approved its redomestication from Ireland to Delaware, a step the company says will simplify its structure and drive $20M–$30M in annual cash savings starting in 2027. Securities & Regulation: The SEC is ending responses to Rule 14a-8 no-action requests, while other federal updates include FinCEN ending CTA beneficial ownership reporting for U.S. companies and DOJ pulling an older business review letter that could revive antitrust scrutiny. Delaware Business Climate: Delaware’s Chancery Court weighed in on how high the bar is for certain director claims and also discussed a “sandbox” concept for AI-run entities. Workforce: Delaware opened a new one-stop workforce center in Dover to connect job seekers and employers with training and services in a single location. Public Safety: Delaware State Police identified 26-year-old Demetrius Frith-Thompson as the suspect in the Aug. 29 WSFS Bank robbery in Rehoboth Beach and are asking the public to help locate him. Local Economy: Burlington Stores announced it’s moving its corporate headquarters from New Jersey to Philadelphia, with state incentives and promises of thousands of jobs. Sports Business & Risk: A Delaware court filing alleges NFL legend Emmitt Smith and partners cheated a Native American investor out of $2.5M in a solar deal, with the complaint describing it as “like a Ponzi scheme.”

Delaware Data Privacy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed two bills that expand Delaware’s data privacy protections, lowering the coverage threshold to companies handling data for 10,000 consumers and adding new opt-out rights for automated decisions tied to sensitive data like national origin, citizenship, immigration status and gender identity; the laws take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Energy Costs: Delmarva Power increased its rate request to $75.8 million, a 12% jump from the original proposal, which the Delaware Public Advocate says could be the largest in state history, while Delmarva also adjusts its non-demand rate period. School Funding: Meyer signed two public education funding commission bills creating a needs-based, hybrid school funding formula and making the commission permanent for ongoing oversight. Court Fight Over Solar Deal: A Native American development group sued Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and his company, alleging a $2.5 million loan for a Texas solar project was diverted to cover prior losses, calling the scheme “essentially, like a Ponzi scheme.” Governance Risk for Investors: A Delaware Law Alert highlights the growing Delaware Chancery Court focus on personal liability risks for “designated directors” and the stockholders who appoint them. Local Housing: Georgetown’s PLUS review considered a proposed affordable housing project by Springboard Cottage Community, including 124 cottage units and a community center. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a WSFS Bank robbery in Rehoboth Beach involving a demand note and an undisclosed cash amount.

Delaware Business & Economy: Delaware’s DNREC just got a permitting speed-up for docks and submerged lands, with new timelines that can auto-grant certain small projects if DNREC doesn’t act within set deadlines. M&A & Courts: The Delaware Court of Chancery reinforced a high bar for “control group” claims in a take-private fight, underscoring how deal protections like fully informed, uncoerced votes can cleanse conflicts. Business Litigation: A lawsuit in Delaware Chancery accuses Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and partners of cheating a Native American investor out of $2.5 million tied to a Texas solar project, alleging funds were diverted and the scheme functioned “like a Ponzi scheme.” Local Business Support: A Sussex County, woman-owned food processor, G’s DElights, won a $12,500 Delaware Grocery Initiative award to expand partnerships with Delaware farmers and reduce food waste. Public Safety & Local News: Delaware State Police are still investigating a WSFS Bank robbery in Rehoboth Beach, and Dover police are probing a Dunkin’ burglary on South Dupont Highway. Arts & Community: The Nanticoke Indian Association is joining Delaware’s Division of the Arts StartUp program, adding more arts nonprofit capacity in the state.