As new developments and jobs sweep into Wilmington, the simple economic facts remain bleak, according to a new report.

Prosperity Now, a national nonprofit devoted to increasing economic opportunity in low-income communities, today released a report detailing economic inequality in Wilmington. The numbers present a city starkly divided along racial and economic lines.

While the median income for white households is $60,772, black households make half of that at $30,034. Latino households make slightly more at $32,976. Overall, the city’s median income is $40,065, well below the national median level of $55,322.

The report attributes these woes to “white flight,” which began decades ago but continues apace. The number of white households dropped from 45.1 percent in 1980 to 27.6 percent in 2016.

While highlighting the city’s problem, Prosperity Now will commit resources to improvement as well. In partnership with JPMorgan Chase, the Washington D.C.-based nonprofit plans to launch its Racial Wealth Divide Initiative here to Wilmington. The program works with local organizations of color to access resources, build networks between different organizations and attract additional investment.

The first cohort of nonprofits include Christina Cultural Arts Center, Delaware Center for Homeless Veterans, Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council, Inc., First State Community Loan Fund, Kingswood Community Center, Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League and The Latin American Community Center.

More information is available here: https://prosperitynow.org/building-high-impact-nonprofits-color