The Hope Commission would be a permanent entity with the responsibility of advocating and
implementing the recommendations of the Commission. The Commission would be made up of
members representing a broad spectrum of the community, under strong chair leadership,
appointed by the Governor and / or Mayor. The Governor, the County Executive and the Mayor
of the City of Wilmington would appoint members of the Commission. Membership should
include the chairs of the United Way, the Community Foundation and the Delaware Public
Policy Institute. Membership should also include representatives of the Business Roundtable,
the Faith Community, the non-profit sector, and the community at large. The new Commission
could be created by Executive Order of the Governor or the Mayor. Our hope would be that it
would be endorsed by resolutions of the General Assembly, New Castle County Council and
Wilmington City Council.

The Commission would need staffing in order to maintain contact with community groups,
existing programs, policy makers and public officials so that it would remain relevant and
effective. The Commission would also need funding, which could come initially from the City,
County or State or from corporate or foundation sources. The Commission would report twice a
year to the Governor, the County Executive and Mayor, along with the City Council, New Castle
County Council and the General Assembly.