Purpose and Priorities

Our Purpose

Communicate with our members and keep them informed.

Collect and disseminate information on matters that impact and are important to the membership.

Advocate for the issues that affect Bethany Beach property owners.

Work with community leaders and elected officials of the town, the Sussex County Council, and state and federal government officials on issues most vital to Bethany Beach.

Donate and support local charitable and civic organizations that contribute to the well-being of the Bethany Beach area.

Pursue opportunities for partnerships and regional cooperation efforts across jurisdictional boundaries.

Our Top Priorities Based on Membership Surveys and BBLA Board Input

Support measures to reduce nuisance/sunny day flooding in view of sea level rise due to frequent and more severe storms.
Support measures to stay informed and responsibly manage smart growth to protect the quality of life in Delaware, Sussex County, and Bethany Beach.
Support measures to ensure bicycle and pedestrian safety throughout the Town

Active Issues and Concerns

A crowded beach scene with numerous umbrellas and sunbathers enjoying a sunny day, framed by tall grass in the foreground and the ocean in the background.

Growth Issues

It is BBLA’s policy to support and advocate for carefully planned, well-managed and controlled growth in Bethany Beach and Sussex County.

We are not anti-growth. Through collaboration with all levels of government and non-governmental organizations.

November 2025 Letter To Doug Hudson, President, Sussex County Council.

December 2025 Letter to Doug Hudson, President, Sussex County Council

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Resilience

BBLA supports the implementation of a community-serving facility that helps residents prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies while also supporting daily community needs.

Click here for more information about the need for a Bethany Beach Area Resilience Hub.

Click here to access AARP/BBLA Disaster Preparedness Resources.

Scenic view of a wetland area at sunset, featuring trees silhouetted against a colorful sky with shades of orange, pink, and purple.

Flooding and Drainage

Delaware Coastal Flood Monitoring System for Bethany Beach

Homeowner Best Practices for Effective Drainage and Flood Mitigation for tips on protecting your property from water damage.

Bethany Beach Steel Bladder Dam & Flood Gate Project Overview.

What is Nuisance Flooding?

A sandy beach scene with people relaxing under umbrellas, enjoying the sun and sea under a clear blue sky.

Planning and Zoning Code

Fill dirt, clear-cutting tree removal, impervious surfaces.

Two people stand on a wet beach under a large red and white umbrella, with a beach chair nearby and a cloudy sky above.

Safety

Overcrowding on Town streets and State roads leading to safety concerns; increased traffic that impacts pedestrian and bicycle safety.

Exterior view of the Bethany Beach Municipal Building and Community Center, featuring a peaked roof, surrounded by landscaping and flags.

Infrastructure Capacity

Traffic congestion, evacuation routes, and soft infrastructure like buffers to assist in stormwater management.

A serene beach landscape with a clear sky and clouds, featuring gentle waves lapping at the shore and a visible moon in the sky.

Public Services Capacity

Matching Bethany Beach public services and first responders to support increasing numbers of visitors and non-Bethany Beach residents in surrounding areas.

Access our Q&A about the Walcek Pathway, click here.

A crowded beach scene with numerous colorful umbrellas and people enjoying the sun and surf, surrounded by tall grass and a blue sky.

Overcrowding of the Ocean Beaches

Beach parking issues in Towns and State Beaches. The impact of large community shuttle services to utilize the beach,

A sunset over the ocean with waves gently crashing on the beach, framed by a wooden fence and blooming yellow flowers.

Projects like Offshore Wind Farms

The BBLA Board of Directors is exploring multiple components of this topic to provide objective information for BBLA members. For an in-depth description of the various aspects related to wind power projects and links to numerous reliable resources click here.

A heron standing in shallow water surrounded by lush greenery and reflections in the water.

Environmental Awareness

BBLA stays informed and connected to issues impacting our environment.

Learn more about how to protect horseshoe crabs in the Delaware Bay. Click here.