Full Speed Ahead: A Capital City’s Bold Decade of Change

Fully Built Out with an Eye to Manufacturing and Job Growth

Dover, Delaware, is running out of room—in the best possible way. After selling out the last parcels in its industrial park, the city is now eyeing new land in collaboration with Kent County to support a surge in manufacturing, warehousing, and job creation. At the helm of this forward momentum is Mayor Robin R. Christiansen, who is not only fostering economic opportunity but reimagining the heart of the capital through the ambitious Capital City 2030 Transformation Project. From infrastructure upgrades and housing initiatives to a downtown revitalization plan likened to a “heart transplant,” Dover’s leaders are charting a future that embraces growth, resilience, and community pride.

New Ground for a Growing Economy

When asked to define Dover’s economic development strategy, Mayor Robin R. Christiansen doesn’t hesitate. “We aggressively are seeking out new companies, we’re defending old companies that are here, and we certainly are encouraging,” he says. The city has experienced such success in developing its industrial park that there is no more land left, prompting leadership to explore new parcels in collaboration with Kent County. The goal is to attract warehousing, manufacturing, and other job-creating businesses to central Delaware.

City Manager Dave Hugg distills their approach to one word: balance. “We’re trying very hard to provide for an array of jobs—from retail, wholesale, light manufacturing, etc.,” Hugg explains. “We try very hard not to say no. Instead, we say maybe or let’s work with you and see if we can accommodate your business.” This open-minded, cooperative spirit has earned Dover a reputation as a business-friendly city that is quick to innovate and eager to evolve.

Core Institutions Driving Capital Growth

Dover’s identity is deeply intertwined with its dual roles as the state capital and the county seat of Kent County. “The government pretty much takes care of itself,” says Mayor Robin R. Christiansen. “We’re not only the county seat but also the state capital, so we have a rather large cadre of employees. They’re probably our second or third largest employer, next to Dover Air Force Base.”

Dover Air Force Base is a cornerstone of the local economy and a vital hub for national defense. “It’s the largest air mobility command center on the East Coast, the largest aerial port,” Mayor Robin R. Christiansen explains. “They load and unload airplanes but also fix and repair aircraft.” With that comes opportunity. Many military retirees choose to stay in the area, creating a highly skilled workforce suited for aviation, logistics, and mechanical roles. 

In addition to the government and military, Dover’s healthcare sector is robust and continues to expand. “We’ve got Bayhealth Medical Facility, and a lot of spin-off medical activities related to that,” says Hugg. “Specialty services, clinics, and wellness centers are becoming more common, supporting our population and creating new business opportunities.”

Delaware State University also makes significant contributions to workforce development and economic synergy. “Having a university in the city allows us to keep talent local,” Hugg adds. “It’s a major employer and an incubator for new ideas and energy that feed directly into our city’s growth.”

Restoring the Heart of the Capital

Dover’s historic downtown is undergoing a metamorphosis, guided by the Capital City 2030 Transformation Project. Hugg captures its essence in three words: “Full speed ahead.”

“For downtown to prosper, it’s got to be businesses that people want to come to. It’s got to be safe. It’s also got to have some people who live downtown, so you have eyes and feet on the street,” he says. The plan includes restoring historic blocks, introducing mixed-use developments, and creating spaces that reflect the city’s character.

A centerpiece of this revitalization is the former Dover Post Office. “We entered an agreement with a developer who’s going to maintain some of the historic features while making it a mixed-use residential and commercial building,” Hugg explains. The goal is to turn it into a gateway to downtown.

This ambitious vision has been recognized and supported at the state level. Governor Carney committed $25 million to downtown revitalization and an additional $10 million for a multi-story parking facility. “We strongly advocated for additional investment downtown,” Mayor Robin R. Christiansen “and the state is now completing a $27.5 million family court building downtown, which will bring 350 employees and countless visitors, all of whom will need food, services, and parking.”

Beyond the major projects, the city is also focused on enhancing downtown livability through everyday experiences. “We want people to feel like they can live, shop, and gather downtown—not just work there,” says Hugg. Plans include improved pedestrian access, expanded green spaces, and programming that encourages foot traffic beyond business hours. The Schwartz Center for the Arts, Dover Public Library, and a growing network of small businesses are seen as anchors for this new vibrancy. “We’re not just restoring buildings—we’re restoring a sense of place,” Hugg adds.

Working in Tandem

Collaboration is key to the success of the 2030 plan. The city is deeply integrated with the Downtown Dover Partnership, with both financial and administrative support, as well as representation from planning and zoning staff.

“Our city planner is also on the board and one of the committees,” says Hugg. “There is an integration of the city and the downtown partnership as we move forward.”

Alongside redevelopment comes major investment in infrastructure. Dover relies on enterprise funds from water, sewer, and electric utilities, which fund nearly half of its $197 million annual budget. “We are doing continuous upgrades to those systems, not only in the downtown area but across the city,” says Mayor Robin R. Christiansen. “This allows us to provide reliable services to residents and customers while also reinvesting into our general fund.”

Addressing Housing with Purpose

Recognizing the need for affordable housing, the city is stepping into an arena traditionally outside the scope of municipal governance. “Because we’re an older city, we can’t not get involved,” Hugg explains. “We work with nonprofit housing groups, Habitat for Humanity, and private developers. We offer tax breaks and redevelopment incentives.”

The city also plays a role in addressing homelessness and supporting unsheltered residents, collaborating with Kent County and the state on long-term strategies. “We work aggressively with private developers, particularly on multifamily structures,” adds Mayor Robin R. Christiansen.

Prioritizing Parks and Public Spaces

Public space is a priority in Dover. Any new housing development must include recreational open space as part of the planning approval. Mayor Robin R. Christiansen highlights the city’s efforts to replace a recently closed ice arena. “We’re looking at building a new one in town,” he says. “We also have a skateboard park, a splash pad coming online, and capital projects to enhance our parks each year.”

Celebrating Community, Year-Round

“My nickname is the fun mayor some days,” laughs Mayor Robin R. Christiansen. Dover’s event calendar reflects its rich cultural diversity and commitment to community spirit. The annual Dover Days festival, now in its 93rd year, kicks off a series of celebrations including Juneteenth, the African American “Positively Dover” Festival, a Latino Festival, a Caribbean Festival, a two-day Fourth of July celebration, and the Christmas Light Parade.

“We continually parade and have fun and fireworks,” says Mayor Robin R. Christiansen. He also mentions the high school and Delaware State University homecoming parades. “It’s hard to keep up with all that we do, but it just makes our city so special.”

Partnerships with Higher Education

The relationship between the city and Delaware State University continues to grow. “Someone from DSU is on the Downtown Dover Partnership,” Hugg notes. The university’s acquisition of Wesley College’s downtown campus has created opportunities for increased collaboration and integrated community planning. 

The city is exploring ways to partner on innovation, workforce development, and student engagement, ensuring that academic resources are aligned with municipal priorities. DSU’s downtown presence also brings a youthful energy to the area, supporting the city’s goals of revitalization and economic vitality. As these partnerships deepen, both the city and university see shared potential in research initiatives, public programming, and developing a talent pipeline that keeps graduates rooted in the region.

Big Vision, Open Invitation

Asked about Dover’s economic goals over the next decade, Mayor Robin R. Christiansen puts it plainly: “We are planning on being bigger, better than ever.”

His message to developers, investors, and new residents is equally bold. “Dover is in business to do business, so that it will be the great place to live, work, and play that it’s been for my family. Bring your family here.”

Hugg echoes the sentiment. “Come on down, give us a try, bring your thoughts and proposals. We’ll work with you. Long-term growth is what we need.”

Reflecting on the 2030 Transformation Project, Hugg offers a powerful metaphor. “This plan is a heart transplant. When you have a healthy new heart, it’s going to not only be a healthy downtown, but it’s going to make the entire city a healthy place to live, work, and play.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Dover, Delaware

What: A dynamic capital city blending historic charm with bold redevelopment, driven by strong civic leadership, a diverse economy, and a transformative vision for inclusive, community-centered growth.

Where: Central Delaware, serving as both the state capital and the county seat of Kent County.

Website: www.cityofdover.com