Full Notification

Delhi is developing a comprehensive plan to help guide the community’s future growth, development, and priorities. Your input is essential to this process!

Community members are invited to review the draft vision and goals and share their feedback through the project’s online engagement tool:
https://bandl.mysocialpinpoint.com/interactive-tools/delhi-comprehensive-plan-vision-goals-feedback-tool
 
Draft Vision Statement - Delhi is connected.

Delhi is defined not by highways or proximity to cities, but by the intangible connections that bind its people, places, and purpose together. It is a community where relationships matter, where neighbors know one another, and where a shared commitment to the future is rooted in respect for the past. These unseen connections—to family, community, culture, and the landscape—create a sense of belonging that welcomes new residents while honoring generations of those who have long called Delhi home.

The connection between people and place is at the heart of Delhi's identity. Its farms, forests, rivers, trails, and scenic vistas are more than natural resources—they are part of the community's collective story. The rhythms of agriculture, the beauty of the Catskill landscape, and the stewardship of its land and waterways connect residents to their heritage and to one another. Protecting these resources and building resilience to a changing climate ensures that future generations inherit the same sense of place that defines Delhi today.

Delhi is also connected through opportunity. Delaware Academy CSD, SUNY Delhi, local businesses, farms, healthcare providers, artists, entrepreneurs, and civic organizations create a network of knowledge, innovation, and service that extends far beyond the community's borders. The ideas cultivated here, the goods produced here, and the people educated here strengthen both the local economy and the wider world. These connections support a resilient economy while preserving the rural character that makes Delhi unique.

The community is strongest when every resident is connected to the opportunities and services that allow them to thrive. Quality housing, parks and trails, reliable infrastructure, cultural experiences, and civic participation should be accessible to people of every age, ability, background, and income. Delhi recognizes that its greatest asset is not only its physical infrastructure, but also the social fabric that encourages neighbors to support one another, volunteer, collaborate, and invest in their community.

Ultimately, Delhi's greatest strength lies in the connections that cannot be measured—its shared values, enduring traditions, community spirit, and collective vision for the future. These intangible bonds inspire stewardship of the land, compassion for neighbors, pride in local heritage, and confidence in what lies ahead. They are what make Delhi more than a destination; they make it a place where people choose to build lives, contribute to their community, and remain connected for generations.

Draft Goals

Sense of Community
Foster a strong sense of community by celebrating Delhi’s identity as a welcoming, family-friendly rural community. Build connections through arts, culture, civic engagement, volunteerism, and social activities that strengthen pride and belonging. Preserve local history and heritage by supporting organizations, events, festivals, public spaces, and creative initiatives. Expand collaboration and access to cultural, educational, and lifelong learning opportunities for all ages.

Parks, Trails, and Recreation
Preserve Delhi’s rural character by protecting and responsibly managing its landscapes, waterways, forests, and open spaces. Expand access to parks, trails, and outdoor recreation while improving connections between neighborhoods, community destinations, and natural resources. Support environmental stewardship, public health, and education through accessible facilities, conservation efforts, and partnerships that allow residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy these assets.

Housing
Promote a diverse, attainable, and resilient housing market for residents at every stage of life. Expand affordable and workforce housing to support local employees, attract young families and professionals, and help older adults age in place. Encourage varied housing types, densities, and ownership options that complement Delhi’s character. Support responsible redevelopment and policies addressing short-term rentals and other pressures on year-round housing.

Economic Development, Tourism, and Agri-business
Support a diverse, resilient local economy that builds on Delhi’s strengths and creates new opportunities for growth. Leverage SUNY Delhi, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and entrepreneurship to attract investment, expand jobs, and strengthen the tax base. Help small businesses, farms, remote workers, and emerging industries thrive through partnerships, workforce development, infrastructure, and business support. Promote sustainable tourism that benefits residents and visitors.

Climate Resilience and Natural Resources
Increase Delhi’s resilience to natural hazards and climate change while protecting the natural resources that shape the community’s character and quality of life. Strengthen preparedness for flooding and severe weather through proactive planning, infrastructure improvements, and nature-based solutions. Conserve forests, waterways, farmland, and wildlife habitat while promoting energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable land use, renewable energy, and lower emissions.

Infrastructure and Civic Services
Provide reliable, efficient, and resilient infrastructure and public services that support quality of life and future community needs. Improve municipal service delivery through shared services, regional partnerships, and strategic investments. Expand access to utilities, broadband, transportation, and communication systems. Protect drinking water and watersheds while maintaining and modernizing critical infrastructure to ensure safe, dependable, and cost-effective services.

Thank you for helping shape the future of Delhi!