4 minute read
Leading Delaware Forward: A Conversation with Governor Matt Meyer
AS DELAWARE’S NEW GOVERNOR, Matt Meyer is no stranger to leadership. From his background in education and business to his tenure as New Castle County executive, Governor Meyer has built a reputation for collaboration and results. Speaking at the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s 188th Annual Dinner, he emphasized his commitment to working with the business community, calling on the State Chamber as a key partner in shaping policies that drive economic growth. Now in the the state’s highest office, we sat down with him to discuss his priorities, early executive actions, and vision for Delaware’s future.
For competitive and cost-effective reasons, the business community needs our permitting decision-makers to move much faster. Some progress on this subject was made in the prior administration, but not nearly enough. We believe much of this can be done via executive order and departmental leadership. What specific plans do you have to address this top concern?
When companies want to create jobs, government should work quickly so that jobs can be created. That is a necessity for state government. That is a necessity for local government. One of the first executive orders I signed as governor will create a one-stop shop for the building of affordable and workforce housing. We will look to do the same to expedite permitting in both state and local government for job-creating development. In my last job, through the Jobs Now program, we created more than 12,000 jobs by expediting permitting. As governor, we will make an even greater impact.
A diversified housing inventory is important for many reasons. We need more senior housing to accommodate residents who pivot from larger single-family detached homes or independent living circumstances to something else. Similarly, we need more multifamily housing options for a wide range of working Delawareans. The price of rentals is a stretch for many, in part because inventory is limited. What ideas do you have to address housing issues?
The cost of housing in Delaware continues to rise, with limited inventory driving up costs. We must take bold action to increase supply. I have started to create a “one-stop shop” for housing projects in all three counties, streamlining the permitting and licensing process and setting out a playbook for unprecedented collaboration between state and local land use agencies. By modernizing technology and setting clear timelines for approvals, developers can spend less time navigating red tape and more time building homes for all Delawareans.
Addressing the skills gap between workers and employer needs has been a longstanding priority for the State Chamber. While we commend the efforts of our high schools, colleges, universities, and independent training providers, we believe more can be done to provide unemployed or underemployed Delawareans with full-time, fast-track training programs that prepare them for jobs in just a few weeks. The Delaware Skills Center is a successful model we believe could be expanded to other areas of the state. What are your thoughts on workforce development, and how do you view the potential of expanding this model?
The future of Delaware’s economy depends on having a skilled workforce that is ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing job market. My very first executive order, signed minutes after I was inaugurated, is geared to expanding youth apprenticeships across state government and improving pathways to high-need careers. Workforce development is not just about training—it’s about ensuring that every Delawarean has the opportunity to secure a good-paying, stable job that supports them and their families.
As our population ages and Delaware continues to attract retirees, healthcare costs will inevitably rise. We do not support efforts to arbitrarily set prices for any business. What are your thoughts about healthcare and managing state employee costs in particular?
Delaware’s healthcare costs are among the highest in the country, and the challenge we face is clear—how do we provide high-quality care while keeping costs manageable for residents, businesses, and the state? We will expand access to telehealth, supporting mobile health clinics in high-need communities, and incentivizing primary care providers to serve rural and underserved areas. For state employees and retirees, we are focused on negotiating better rates with healthcare providers and reducing administrative waste. Long term, I am committed to building a medical school in Delaware, creating a pipeline for our state’s best and brightest healthcare practitioners to stay and practice here.
