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FAQs

DLLG FAQs +

What is the Delaware League of Local Governments (DLLG)?
Founded in 1963, DLLG is a non-partisan, non-profit association that works to further enhance the ability of Delaware’s local governments to represent their constituents by:
  • Acting as an advocate for Delaware’s local governments before the Delaware General Assembly;
  • Serving as a definitive information clearinghouse and providing educational opportunities for elected and appointed officials; and
  • Providing networking opportunities and forums for discussions and sharing of mutual concerns;
What services does DLLG provide to member local governments in Delaware?

DLLG benefits local government members through services that provide:

  • A strong, collective voice on legislative and policies issues affecting Delaware’s local governments;
  • Resources and training to build leadership capacity;
  • Access to technical expertise through our partners at the University of Delaware;
  • Exclusive networking opportunities;
  • Eligibility to participate in DFIT – a statewide group self-insurance workers compensation program and the Trident property & casualty coverage program.
  • Access to Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) consulting and grants to build and sustain capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism, cybersecurity threats, and other disasters;  
  • Federal advocacy via the National League of Cities (NLC), the voice of America’s 19,000 cities, towns and villages. 
Is there a guide for newly elected officials?
Yes!  Download ICMA’s Leading Your Community: A Guide for Local Elected Leaders. It’s a quick and easy-to-understand introduction to the roles, responsibilities, and relationships of local elected officials.
How can my municipality join or renew its membership?

Contact Executive Director Kevin J. Spence, PhD (executivedirector@dllg.us).

How can my business become or renew its partnership with DLLG?

Contact Executive Director Kevin J. Spence, PhD (executivedirector@dllg.us).

Where can I find Local Government Training opportunities?
The Institute for Public Administration (IPA) at the University of Delaware offers Local Government Training for elected and appointed public officials, municipal staff, and municipal clerks. View upcoming training programs on UD IPA’s events page.
 
The University of Delaware T²/LTAP Center serves members of Delaware’s Transportation community, including local government public works directors, street and road maintenance superintendents and staff, municipal engineers, and transportation planners. The Delaware T²/LTAP Circuit Rider program provides training, advice, and technical assistance to address a host of technical, regulatory, procedural, and policy issues related to transportation. View upcoming courses, workshops, and seminars on Delaware T2/LTAP Center’s website.
Where can I find a Directory of Delaware local governments and other government entities serving Delaware citizens?
The Institute for Public Administration at the University of Delaware maintains an online Directory of Delaware local governments and officials.

Local Government FAQs +

How are local governments created?
All states establish mechanisms by which local governments are created through their laws, constitutions, or direct state action (e.g., through a charter).
  • Municipalities - In Delaware, incorporated municipalities are chartered by the Delaware General Assembly. Charters for each of Delaware’s 57 incorporated municipalities can be accessed via the State of Delaware’s Charters webpage. View Title 22 “Municipalities” of the Delaware Code for provisions governing municipal governments in Delaware,
  • Counties – As one of America’s oldest forms of government, counties are on the front lines of delivering services to residents. The organization and structure of today’s 3,069 county governments are chartered under state constitutions or laws and are tailored to fit the needs and characteristics of states and local areas. There are three counties in Delaware. View Title 9 “Counties” of the Delaware Code for provisions governing county governments in Delaware.
What are types of local governments?

In Delaware, there are two primary types of local governments—county governments and municipalities (i.e., villages, towns, and cities). States also establish special districts to fulfill specific government functions with relative autonomy from any other government entity.

What are the primary forms of municipal government?
The National League of Cities’ (NLC) webpage “Cities 101 — Forms of Municipal Government” describes the five primary forms of municipal government.
How can I find out more about the Council-Manager form of government?
The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) has online resources regarding the Council-Manager form of government. Two key resources include:
What is the Delaware Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
The Delaware Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Chapter 100, Title 29 of the Delaware Code, provides Delawareans with the opportunity to observe the performance of public officials and to monitor decisions made by them through access to public records and public meetings of public bodies—including local governments.

State Government FAQs +

Where can I access a Directory of State Agencies?
Go to the State of Delaware Directory to find Departments of State Agencies.
How do I find State legislators who represents my district?
Go to both the:
How can I find out more about proceedings and legislation of the Delaware General Assembly?
What is "preemption" and why does it matter?
Preemption occurs when a higher level of government supersedes the authority of lower levels and/or restricts or even prevents a lower-level government (e.g., county or municipality) from self -regulating.  Download and read NLC’s “Preemption 101” fact sheet to learn more about preemption and why it matters to local governments.

Federal Government FAQs +

How can I search federal bills or legislation?
Go to Congress.gov to search bills, The Congressional Record, upcoming House and Senate Committee meetings, and current members of Congress.
What is the process by which a federal bill becomes a law?
The process by which a federal bill becomes law is rarely predictable. There are nine videos that explain common legislative stages in the process by which a bill becomes law. En Español: Descripción General del Proceso Legislativo
How do I contact members of Delaware's Congressional Delegation?
Delaware has one Representative – Lisa Blunt Rochester, and two Senators – Thomas R. Carper and Christopher A. Coons, who assist can you with a wide range of issues or issues that involve the federal government. View the US Congress’ website to contact members of Delaware’s Congressional Delegation.
How can I find out more about the Final Rule for ARPA's State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), which become effective April 1, 2022?
  • The U.S. Department of Treasury published a set of answers to frequently asked questions related to State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.  Recipients and stakeholders should consult the final rule for additional information, as this document does not describe all relevant requirements that apply to the SLFRF program.
  • Recipients also may find helpful the Overview of the Final Rule, which provides a summary of major provisions of the final rule for informational purposes.
  • Answers to frequently asked questions on distribution of funds to non-entitlement units of local government (NEUs) can be found in this FAQ supplement.