Dover, DE - State Treasurer Jack Markell was joined by Smyrna Mayor Patricia Stombaugh and Caesar Rodney School Superintendent Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald as the Treasurer's Office released "Delaware Facing Forward - A Look at Delaware's Demographic Future."

"It's often said that 'demographics is destiny,'" Treasurer Markell said. "Well, if that's true, we Delawareans have a lot to think about. There are significant implications to Delaware of changing demographics in our state. This report provides a useful tool for decision makers throughout Delaware as we make tough choices about Delaware's future."

The report relies extensively on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and from the Delaware Population Consortium.

"This report correctly identifies the key demographic trends that we are going to be facing in Delaware," Edward Ratledge, Director of the Center for Applied Demography and Survey Research, University of Delaware said. "It will challenge policy makers at all levels of government to address the struggles ahead."

The report highlights four major demographic changes in Delaware:

• The state's population is growing rapidly, to an estimated population of 1.013 million by 2030.
• Delaware is aging faster than the rest of the country -- between the years 2000 and 2030, the US population over 65 is expected to double while Delaware's over 65 population is expected to grow by almost 134%.
• The population is becoming more diverse - between 2005 and 2030 the mostly Hispanic "all other races" category in Sussex County is expected to grow by 232% while growing just over 100% statewide.
• The population is shifting from north to south in the state; between 2000 and 2030, for example, New Castle County's share of the population is expected to fall from 63.8% to 57.6%

The report highlights the challenges faced by a potential "big squeeze", where the aging population will lead to a need for increased health care, housing and infrastructure spending while a smaller percentage of the population will be in the workforce.

Today, the ratio of workers to those over 65 in Delaware is over 4-1, and in 2030 this ratio is expected to fall to just over 2-1 - barely half the ratio we have today.

"The Facing Forward report outlines important trends for policy makers to consider when allocating state resources in the future," added Office of Management and Budget Director Jennifer Davis. "I would like to thank Treasurer Jack Markell for providing this valuable information."

Smyrna Mayor Patricia Stombaugh appeared at the press conference to describe the challenges of governing a town with a rapidly increasing population. "I know this report will be shared with other Mayors and municipal leaders throughout the state and I believe it will become a tool for planning and discussion about how we are going to address these trends," Stombaugh said.

Caesar Rodney School District Superintendent Dr. Fitzgerald said, "The very trends and population changes that our school district has been dealing with are validated and documented right here in this report...we are working harder than ever to find new ways to prepare our increasingly diverse student body for college and the workforce."

"It is my hope that this report brings to light the reality of the changing face of Delaware and gives all those around the table an opportunity to work off of the same page -- literally," concluded Mr. Markell.

Copies of Facing Forward are available for download from Treasurer.Delaware.gov, or by contacting the State Treasurer's office at 302/672-6700.