Markell Meets With City Managers
The City Manager's Association of Delaware welcomed Delaware State Treasurer Jack Markell to their luncheon at Dover Downs. Treasurer Markell was invited to present and discuss the report, "Delaware Facing Forward: A Look at Delaware's Demographic Future."
Recently released by the Treasurer's office, "Delaware Facing Forward" clearly identifies key demographic trends and significant implications to Delaware in the future. The report relies extensively on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and from the Delaware Population Consortium.
"Delaware is facing some very real and very significant changes in the near future," Mr. Markell said. "The City Manager's Association is clearly focused on the future and I am pleased that they have asked me to share my ideas for the long-term fiscal health of our cities and towns."
During his remarks Mr. Markell discussed increased infrastructure demands and how the shifting tax-base will affect towns and cities throughout Delaware. Mr. Markell also discussed current and future demands on our water supply, changing climate conditions, how the state's population is growing rapidly and aging faster than the rest of the country, and how the population of Delaware is shifting from north to south.
Mr. Markell also highlighted and discussed the challenges of a potential "big squeeze", where Delaware's aging population will lead to additional housing needs, additional infrastructure spending and increased health care while the percentage of the population actually in the workforce is smaller.
"Currently we have a ratio of workers to those 65 and over of 4 to 1. By 2030, this ratio is expected to fall to just 2 to 1," Mr. Markell said. "This shift in the workforce will significantly impact our cities and towns and present a challenge in providing services."
"It's my hope that this report brings to light the reality of the changing face of Delaware and gives all of those around the table, from Mayors to farmers to schoolteachers to municipal officers the opportunity to literally work off of the same page," Mr. Markell said.
"Delaware Facing Forward" is available to download on the State Treasurer's website http://www.Treasurer.Delaware.gov or by calling 302/672-6700.
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