Community forum to gather expert input Jan. 27 in Lewes
The City of Lewes will hold its inaugural State of the Community Forum from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Lewes Elementary School, 820 Savannah Road, in partnership with leaders from the University of Delaware, Beebe Healthcare and the Cape Henlopen School District.
These stakeholders will present their 2026 priorities and joint strategic goals, and discuss how and why collaboration is key to building sustainable growth and a healthy community.
Members of a multigenerational Lewes family will open the forum with welcoming comments, and Cape Gazette Publisher Chris Rausch will serve as forum moderator. Lewes Mayor Amy Marasco, UD President Dr. Laura Carlson, Beebe Healthcare CEO and President Dr. David Tam, and Cape District Superintendent Dr. Jenny Nauman will each make 10-minute opening remarks, followed by a 30-40-minute question-and-answer session.
Nauman said, “I’m really grateful to be part of this first State of the Community Forum and to be at the table with so many partners who care deeply about Lewes and the greater Cape community. Our schools are at the heart of this community, and this conversation gives us the opportunity to share where we’re headed, celebrate what’s working and listen closely as we continue to grow together. When we align our work with partners like the City of Lewes, the University of Delaware and Beebe Healthcare, we strengthen not just our schools, but the well-being and future of the students we serve and the entire community.”
Tam said, “I am looking forward to sharing the stage with my fellow community leaders and discussing the bright future that Lewes and Sussex County have. As we have seen in the last six years, our community is rapidly changing in population, industry and healthcare needs. At Beebe, we’re committed to ensuring every community member has the care they need close to home.”
Carlson said, “UD's partnership with the City of Lewes is more than collaboration; it’s a shared commitment to working together to meet the state’s educational, healthcare, housing and workforce needs. I’m looking forward to great discussions with the Lewes community at this event and beyond as we build together a shared vision.”
Those interested in attending may RSVP and submit questions in advance at tinyurl.com/326hh42m. Advance submission of questions is strongly encouraged, as in-person questions will be limited, and the livestream will not be interactive.
