Home - Elect Jill Hicks, Sussex County Council District 5

Jill Hicks for Sussex County Council District 5

It’s time to move advocacy into action with a seat on County Council.

I pledge to promote policies that

Promote livable, affordable communities
Drive smart land use decisions
Ensure infrastructure keeps pace with development
Protect the environment
Preserve farmland
Support public education and emergency services

More About Jill

My Experience Working with Zoning Codes and

Site Plans is a Strength

In my 20s and 30s, I worked for Wawa, Inc. as a Real Estate Manager. Because of that experience, I know how to read zoning codes and site plans.

My opponent seems to think that experience is a liability. It isn’t. It’s a strength.

Having worked in jurisdictions Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Connecticut, I was exposed to strict to strict land-use codes, and strong infrastructure regulations that do not exist here in Sussex County.

In 2021, when I began working to save the 110-acre forest behind our home, I was shocked at the leniency afforded developers here. That is why Jane Gruenebaum and I founded the Sussex Preservation Coalition: to advocate for stronger land-use ordinances and zoning codes.

I’m ready on day one to bring over-development and sprawl under control in Sussex County while protecting our natural environment and our quality of life.

I own no Wawa stock, and have no conflicting interests with realtors, developers, or other corporations.

I bring experience. And I bring a proven track record.

Important Notice Regarding Permanent Absentee Voting Status in Delaware:
PERMANENT ABSENTEE VOTERS’ IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

Delaware’s permanent absentee voters must take immediate action in order to ensure that they receive an absentee ballot for the 2026 General Election.

Litigation in the Delaware courts seeks to invalidate permanent absentee voter status. That litigation may prevent the Department from sending permanent absentee voters an absentee ballot for the 2026 General Election unless they submit a NEW application for an absentee ballot specifically for this 2026 election cycle.

Voters may request an absentee ballot online at https://ivote.de.gov.

Detailed information is posted on the Department of Elections website, https://elections.delaware.gov

UPDATE – Sussex County’s Forest Preservation Ordinance

Yesterday, the Sussex County Council held a hearing on the first-ever proposed Forest Protection Ordinance. The Council heard a lot of testimony in support of the ordinance as well as some useful suggestions for improvements.

I was pleased to see Councilwoman Jane Gruenebaum, offering suggestions for improvements, including a purpose statement, several new whereas clauses, and an improved definition of forest.

Jane and I have often spoken and written about the importance of protecting our forests. I am proud to be part of the leadership moving this forward, both as co-founder and president of the Sussex Preservation Coalition and as a member of the County’s Land-use Reform Working Group.

We finally have a very good ordinance before us – not perfect, but good. Now, it is up to us to make sure Council passes this long over-due ordinance. If you haven’t already done so, do send a quick email to Council urging them to pass this ordinance. Let’s get this done!

You can reach the county council members at: https://sussexcountyde.gov/county-council

July 27, 2026

After 7 weeks of treatment, it was finally my turn to ring the bell!

A huge thank you to everyone at the Tunnell Cancer Center and Beebe Hospital for pulling me through Part 1 of this cancer-defeating journey. Now it’s on to regaining strength. No problem with determination!

My doctors, nurses, technicians all said I was really doing well and credited my positive attitude. Three things have been driving my positivity:

1. My family
2. My support system
3. My campaign team

Yes, a big shout out to my campaign team. This set back did not stop them or slow them down. They are out there knocking on doors and attending events on my behalf. They send me pictures that really cheer me up and make me stronger in my resolve because I really want to be out there with them. So, I wore my “Hicks in ’26” T-shirt on this day to recognize them because every day they remind that there is much to be done. I can’t wait to get back out there!