In early June, Representative Sarah McBride visited Milford, taking a walking tour of downtown, talking with business owners and learning more about the city. Recently, on the House floor, she recognized the “great things” happening in Milford.
“We had her as a guest to Milford a few weeks ago and got to show her the town, she got to visit some businesses,” Mayor Todd Culotta said. “It was a really rainy day, so it was not a good day for it and we were painting here in City Hall, so it was just chaos all around. But she got to see the city and had a good time. And with that, she provided a proclamation to Congress.”
Community Engagement and Economic Development Director Lauren Swain read the proclamation and statement from McBride at a recent council meeting.
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the momentum and pride on full display in Milford, Delaware, a small town with a big story to tell,” McBride said. “Delaware is a small-town state and Milford reminds us why that’s something to be proud of. I had the pleasure of touring downtown Milford with local leaders recently. Despite a torrential downpour, we met with small business owners, local artists and community members who are working every day to turn vision into progress.”
McBride continued, stating that what she saw in Milford demonstrates what is possible when a community believes in themselves.
“There’s thriving downtown storefronts, the Riverwalk’s beauty and a vibrant art scene, including Gallery 37,” McBride said. “Milford is a town that’s honoring its history while investing boldly in its future. And make no mistake, that future is being built by and for Milford residents. We talked about infrastructure needs, economic development and the importance of expanding access to housing and opportunity.”
According to McBride, she saw that Milford has made tremendous strides over the past decade.
“Milford has become a model for what small town revitalization should look like, driven by public, private collaboration and a clear focus on inclusive growth,” McBride said. “Milford’s motto ‘Rivertown Art Town Hometown’ is more than a slogan. It’s reflective of a community that’s rooted in creativity and care for one another. I’m proud to represent Milford in congress and I’ll keep fighting for the investments in partnerships and policies that empower towns like Milford to thrive because when small towns succeed, our whole state grows stronger.”
Swain stated that she would have the proclamation framed and it would be displayed in City Hall. The video of McBride speaking on the House floor can be seen on YouTube.
