Healthy and vibrant downtowns are critical components of Delaware’s economic well-being and quality of life. The purpose of this chapter is to leverage the resources of state government in a limited number of designated areas in Delaware’s cities, towns, and unincorporated areas in a multifaceted effort to:

(1) Spur private capital investment in commercial business districts and surrounding neighborhoods;

(2) Stimulate job growth and improve the commercial vitality of such districts and neighborhoods;

(3) Help build a stable community of long-term residents in such districts and neighborhoods by improving housing opportunities for persons of all incomes and backgrounds; increasing homeownership rates; building a diverse array of successful businesses; and reducing the number of vacant houses; and

(4) Help strengthen neighborhoods, while harnessing the attraction that vibrant downtowns hold for talented young people, innovative small businesses, and residents from all walks of life.

79 Del. Laws, c. 240, § ?1;