Wilmington leaders in DC advocating for housing, infrastructure funding

WASHINGTON, DC (WWAY) — Wilmington city leaders are in Washington this week attending the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference, where local officials from across the country meet with federal lawmakers and agencies to discuss policies affecting cities.

The conference, which runs through Wednesday, brings together mayors and council members to discuss issues ranging from infrastructure and housing to disaster recovery and environmental concerns.

Members of Wilmington’s City Council said they are using the trip to advocate for federal support on several priorities affecting the coastal city.

Councilmember Cassidy Santaguida said transportation funding is one of the city’s main focuses as Wilmington continues to grow.

“Transportation is a big one for us,” Santaguida said. “We want to make sure that we advocate for funding that’s reflective of Wilmington’s growth.”

Santaguida also said city leaders are paying close attention to environmental issues, including federal responses to chemical discharges that have affected waterways, air and drinking water in the region.

Councilmember Salette Andrews said affordable housing and disaster recovery funding are also major priorities for the delegation.

“Affordable housing is always a big issue for folks in Wilmington,” Andrews said. “And also disaster recovery support. Being in a coastal community, it’s always in the front of our minds.”

The conference has also included discussions about emerging issues facing cities nationwide, including the growth of artificial intelligence data centers and the infrastructure needed to support them.

Andrews said the topic was discussed during a committee meeting on energy, environment and natural resources.

“That actually was a big topic of discussion,” Andrews said. “It’s very much a front-of-mind issue for many cities right now.”

Wilmington leaders also said they are advocating for improvements to the federal disaster response system, particularly for coastal communities that frequently deal with severe weather.

Santaguida said maintaining strong federal support through the Federal Emergency Management Agency remains important as populations continue to grow in coastal areas.

“It is very important to us in the city of Wilmington, and all coastal communities, that we are able to continue to rely on FEMA and the disaster relief that they provide,” Santaguida said.

City officials also said infrastructure investments can help attract businesses and create higher-paying jobs in the region.

“When we have good transportation in place, when we’re taking care of our environment, when we’re addressing our affordable housing needs, when we know that we can respond to disasters, businesses are going to be attracted to our city,” Santaguida said.

Mayor Bill Saffo is also scheduled to attend a meeting on the White House campus focused on federal emergency management reform during the trip.