The Planning Division manages Wilmington’s long-range and proactive city planning efforts to create a more connected, resilient, and inclusive city.

Its core functions include:

• • Comprehensive Planning & Policy Development – Preparing, updating, and implementing the Comprehensive Plan and related neighborhood, corridor, and thematic plans. Providing staff support to the City Planning Commission, which advises on land use policy, subdivisions,  and rezoning applications.
  • Research & Data Analysis – Conducting urban policy, housing, demographic, and economic research to support data-driven decision-making.
  • Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Review – Reviews and evaluates the City’s Capital Improvements Program, ensuring that proposed capital projects support Wilmington’s long-term planning goals, infrastructure needs, and community priorities.
  • Historic Preservation Planning – Leading preservation planning efforts and coordinating with state and federal agencies to protect Wilmington’s architectural and cultural resources.
  • Environmental & Federal Project Reviews – Conducting environmental and historic reviews for federally funded projects in compliance with federal and state regulations.
  • Public Information & Data Publication – Publishing demographic, economic, and land use data to inform public policy, private investment, and community understanding.

Planning staff serve as the bridge between community visioning and regulatory implementation, ensuring Wilmington’s growth advances the guiding principles of Wilmington 2028:

• Equitable and Inclusive Growth
• Safe and Connected Neighborhoods
• Strong and Diverse Economy
• Sustainable Development and Resilient Infrastructure