Katarzyna Growiec, Jakub Growiec and Bogumił Kamiński: We study the impact of endogenous creation and destruction of social ties in an artificial society on aggregate outcomes such as generalized trust, willingness to cooperate, social utility and economic performance. To this end we put forward a computational multi-agent model where agents of overlapping generations interact in a dynamically evolving social network. In the model, four distinct dimensions of individuals’ social capital: degree, centrality, heterophilous and homophilous interactions, determine their generalized trust and willingness to cooperate, altogether helping them achieve certain levels of social utility (i.e., utility from social contacts) and economic performance. We find that the stationary state of the simulated social network exhibits realistic small-world topology. We also observe that societies whose social networks are relatively frequently reconfigured, display relatively higher generalized trust, willingness to cooperate, and economic performance – at the cost of lower social utility. Similar outcomes are found for societies where social tie dissolution is relatively weakly linked to family closeness.

Szymon Talaga and Andrzej Nowak: Real-world social networks often exhibit high levels of clustering, positive degree assortativity, short average path lengths (small-world property) and right-skewed but rarely power law degree distributions. On the other hand homophily, defined as the propensity of similar agents to connect to each other, is one of the most fundamental social processes observed in many human and animal societies. In this paper we examine the extent to which homophily is sufficient to produce the typical structural properties of social networks. To do so, we conduct a simulation study based on the Social Distance Attachment (SDA) model, a particular kind of Random Geometric Graph (RGG), in which nodes are embedded in a social space and connection probabilities depend functionally on distances between nodes. We derive the form of the model from first principles based on existing analytical results and argue that the mathematical construction of RGGs corresponds directly to the homophily principle, so they provide a good model for it. We find that homophily, especially when combined with a random edge rewiring, is sufficient to reproduce many of the characteristic features of social networks. Additionally, we devise a hybrid model combining SDA with the configuration model that allows generating homophilic networks with arbitrary degree sequences and we use it to study interactions of homophily with processes imposing constraints on degree distributions. We show that the effects of homophily on clustering are robust with respect to distribution constraints, while degree assortativity can be highly dependent on the particular kind of enforced degree sequence.

Volker Grimm, Steven F. Railsback, Christian E. Vincenot, Uta Berger, Cara Gallagher, Donald L. DeAngelis, Bruce Edmonds, Jiaqi Ge, Jarl Giske, Jürgen Groeneveld, Alice S.A. Johnston, Alexander Milles, Jacob Nabe-Nielsen, J. Gareth Polhill, Viktoriia Radchuk, Marie-Sophie Rohwäder, Richard A. Stillman, Jan C. Thiele and Daniel Ayllón: The Overview, Design concepts and Details (ODD) protocol for describing Individual- and Agent-Based Models (ABMs) is now widely accepted and used to document such models in journal articles. As a standardized document for providing a consistent, logical and readable account of the structure and dynamics of ABMs, some research groups also find it useful as a workflow for model design. Even so, there are still limitations to ODD that obstruct its more widespread adoption. Such limitations are discussed and addressed in this paper: the limited availability of guidance on how to use ODD; the length of ODD documents; limitations of ODD for highly complex models; lack of sufficient details of many ODDs to enable reimplementation without access to the model code; and the lack of provision for sections in the document structure covering model design rationale, the model’s underlying narrative, and the means by which the model’s fitness for purpose is evaluated. We document the steps we have taken to provide better guidance on: structuring complex ODDs and an ODD summary for inclusion in a journal article (with full details in supplementary material; Table 1); using ODD to point readers to relevant sections of the model code; update the document structure to include sections on model rationale and evaluation. We also further advocate the need for standard descriptions of simulation experiments and argue that ODD can in principle be used for any type of simulation model. Thereby ODD would provide a lingua franca for simulation modelling.

Flaminio Squazzoni, J. Gareth Polhill, Bruce Edmonds, Petra Ahrweiler, Patrycja Antosz, Geeske Scholz, Émile Chappin, Melania Borit, Harko Verhagen, Francesca Giardini and Nigel Gilbert: The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a dramatic loss of lives worldwide, challenging the sustainability of our health care systems, threatening economic meltdown, and putting pressure on the mental health of individuals (due to social distancing and lock-down measures). The pandemic is also posing severe challenges to the scientific community, with scholars under pressure to respond to policymakers’ demands for advice despite the absence of adequate, trusted data. Understanding the pandemic requires fine-grained data representing specific local conditions and the social reactions of individuals. While experts have built simulation models to estimate disease trajectories that may be enough to guide decision-makers to formulate policy measures to limit the epidemic, they do not cover the full behavioural and social complexity of societies under pandemic crisis. Modelling that has such a large potential impact upon people’s lives is a great responsibility. This paper calls on the scientific community to improve the transparency, access, and rigour of their models. It also calls on stakeholders to improve the rapidity with which data from trusted sources are released to the community (in a fully responsible manner). Responding to the pandemic is a stress test of our collaborative capacity and the social/economic value of research.

Governor Jack Markell today recognized and celebrated the efforts of the 2012 recipients of the Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service.

The Delaware Office of Management and Budget will be holding three public hearings to gather public comment on regulations under Governor Markell’s Executive Order 36, a statewide review by all agencies to identify and remove regulatory hurdles.

An eight member team from the Department of Technology and Information was chosen by Governor Jack Markell as the 2012 recipient of the Governor’s Team Excellence Award.

Governor Markell recognized and celebrated the efforts of the 2013 recipients of the Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service.

Governor Jack Markell unveiled a balanced budget proposal that promotes increased job and educational opportunities, supporting the theme of his State of the State address last week when he focused on ways to unleash the potential of all Delawareans.

The 20-member Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Brandywine Zoo Staff Team was recognized by Governor Markell as the 2013 Governor's Team Excellence Award recipient.

State of Delaware offices in Kent and Sussex counties are closed during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in Kent or Sussex County are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees are to report as scheduled. State of Delaware offices in New Castle County will open at 10 a.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County do not report until 10 a.m. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.

Businesses owned by individuals with disabilities and certain small businesses will now be included in the state’s supplier diversity efforts thanks to an executive order recently signed by Governor Jack Markell.

Governor Jack Markell today recognized and celebrated the efforts of the 2014 recipients of the Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service.

All State of Delaware employees will be able to access a new online class, Focus on Ability. This class will provide information about hiring and retaining employees with disabilities, including responding to and requesting accommodations, understanding invisible disabilities, and interacting comfortably and respectfully with people who have disabilities.

American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities are to remain lowered to half-staff until Monday, December 8, to recognize Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

State of Delaware offices in New Castle County and Kent County will open at 10 a.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County or Kent County do not report until 10 a.m. Essential employees are to report as scheduled. More Information

Governor Jack Markell announced today that the "Improving Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities Workgroup," a team of employees from seven agencies focused on increasing the hiring and retention of people with disabilities, is the 2014 recipient of the Governor’s Team Excellence Award.

To honor the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln and in concurrence with an order issued by President Obama, Governor Markell has ordered both the U.S. and Delaware State flags be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, April 15, 2015.​

Five individuals receive the Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service.

The Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination announces the release of the draft 2015 Strategies for State Policies and Spending Update.

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags lowered on Thursday, October 22, in honor of Family Court Judge Alan N. Cooper and his many years of public service to the State of Delaware.

State of Delaware offices in all three counties will open at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 25, 2016. Non-essential employees do not report until 10 a.m. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags lowered in honor of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

Building on efforts to revitalize downtown areas statewide, Governor Jack Markell announced on Wednesday that the state will accept new applications from local governments interested in being designated as Downtown Development Districts. Residential, commercial and industrial development in designated districts may qualify for a menu of local and state incentives, including grant rebates to offset the cost of private investment. Governor Markell made the announcement Wednesday morning in Wilmington at the 2016 Downtown Delaware “Revitalize!” Conference.

Director Ann Shepard Visalli will conclude her tenure leading Delaware’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) next month following more than seven years leading the Markell Administration’s efforts to balance challenging budgets while making key investments that have strengthened the economy, improved the education system, and enhanced quality of life throughout the state.

Governor Markell today announced that he will nominate Brian Maxwell, Deputy Director at the Office of Management and Budget for more than three years, to lead the agency when Director Ann Visalli departs next month. Visalli will end her more than seven years in the position when she becomes Chief Operating Officer at St. Andrew’s School in May. Markell will submit Maxwell for consideration by the State Senate when the General Assembly returns to session.

DOVER –Governor Jack Markell recognized and celebrated the efforts of the 2016 recipients of the Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service, winner and finalists of the Governor’s Team Excellence Award and winners of the Governor’s Award for Heroism. The award winners and nominees were recognized for their exemplary efforts in service to […]

On Sunday, Delaware will lay to rest fallen firefighter Tim McClanahan. Mr. McClanahan passed away on Monday, July 11, 2016, following a Delaware Air Rescue Team training accident. He was a graduate of Cape Henlopen High School, was a past member of Milton and Rehoboth Beach Fire Departments, and a current member of the Lewes […]

On July 14, Governor Markell ordered the Delaware flag to be flown at half-staff until July 18, 2016 as a remembrance of fallen firefighter Tim McClanahan. This afternoon, President Obama ordered American flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until July 19, 2016 “as a mark of respect for […]

With the passing of State Representative Harold J. “Jack” Peterman yesterday, Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning the morning of Friday, August 12 as a mark of respect for Representative Peterman and his service to Delaware. Representative Peterman served in the Delaware […]

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is currently accepting comments and will hold a series of public hearings on three OMB regulations in accordance with the regulatory review provisions of HB 147 of the 148th General Assembly. Comments will be accepted through November 1 for the following regulations: • 4102 Regulations for the Annual […]

Dover, DE – The Office of Management and Budget today released a report commissioned by Governor Jack Markell earlier this year in an ongoing effort to build a welcoming work environment across State government that fully embraces diversity and equal opportunity for all employees. “I have been clear that my administration is committed to ensuring […]

Long-term plan addresses Delaware’s structural budget challenges DOVER, Del. – Governor Carney on Thursday presented his plan to close a $385 million structural budget shortfall and balance the Fiscal Year 2018 state budget through an equal mix of budget reductions and new revenues. Governor Carney’s budget proposal – combined with the plan to study long-term […]

Policy will allow state to consistently address discrimination in the workplace WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Monday released a uniform, anti-discrimination policy that will allow state agencies to consistently respond to reports of discrimination, harassment and retaliation in the workplace – and clearly outlines a consistent policy for state employees to report and resolve […]

Dover– Governor John Carney today recognized and celebrated the efforts of the 2017 recipients of the Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service, winner and finalists of the Governor’s Team Excellence Award and winners of the Governor’s Award for Heroism. The award winners and nominees were recognized for their exemplary efforts in service […]

Governor Carney has ordered both the U.S. and State flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of City of Dover Police Corporal Thomas Hannon. Corporal Hannon, a 12 year veteran with the Dover Police Department, passed away as a result of complications from an injury sustained while on duty. Flags are to remain at […]

State employees, members of the public can submit ideas for cost savings, improvements across state government WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Thursday announced the launch of a website for the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review Board, gear.delaware.gov, to identify opportunities for cost savings and system improvements across state government. In February, Governor Carney signed Executive […]

Governor Carney has ordered the United States and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning Friday morning, December 1 to mark the passing of former Delaware Representative John Van Sant. Mr. Van Sant served the people of the Thirteenth District in the Delaware House of Representatives for twenty four years. […]

Tomorrow, December 7, 2017 marks National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Each year on December 7, we honor the over 2,400 men and women who lost their lives for our country on this day in 1941. In recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Governor Carney has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings […]

With the passing of former State Representative Howard Clendaniel on March 19, Governor Carney has ordered the United States and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff on Friday, March 23, as a mark of respect for Mr. Clendaniel and his service to Delaware. Mr. Clendaniel was elected to the State […]

This afternoon President Trump ordered American flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset on May 22, as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the shootings at Santa Fe High School in Texas. In concurrence with the President’s order and as an expression of […]

This morning President Trump ordered American flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset today , as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated on June 28, 2018 in Annapolis MD. In concurrence with the President’s order and as […]

The Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination (OSPC) is proud to unveil our redesigned website Friday, August 31, 2018. This redesign improves the way information is delivered to citizens, developers and municipal stakeholders. A key objective of the redesigned site is to enable users to access our information from any device (PC, mobile phone, or […]

Board presents recommendations across focus areas to improve efficiency and accountability in state government WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday released the second annual report of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board. Governor Carney established GEAR by Executive Order in February 2017 to identify ways for state government to operate more […]

Governor John Carney today ordered United States and Delaware flags lowered to half-staff in honor of U.S. Marines Staff Sergeant Christopher Slutman, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on Monday. Staff Sergeant Slutman resided in Delaware along with his family. Flags are to be returned to full staff Monday morning.     Click here […]

Governor Carney has ordered the U.S. and Delaware flags lowered to half staff beginning the morning of Friday June 7 through Monday morning June 10 in remembrance of former State Representative Robert Powell and former Delaware State University President Dr. William DeLauder. Mr. Powell was first elected to the Delaware General Assembly in November 1972 […]

Today President Trump ordered American flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on August 8, 2019 as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible acts of violence perpetrated in El Paso, Texas on August 3, 2019 and in Dayton, Ohio on August 4, […]

Governor Carney officially designated four new Downtown Development Districts – in Delaware City, Middletown, New Castle and Clayton. Investors who make qualified improvements to residential, commercial or industrial properties in those districts now may qualify for state and local development incentives, including a rebate of up to 20 percent of eligible costs upon completion of the project.

Mr. Sullivan was appointed as the Chief Public Defender in 1970, serving 39 years when he retired in 2009. Under his direction, the Office of the Public Defender grew from 10 employees to a full-service law firm employing nearly 150 people and 70 attorneys.

Delaware releases its Annual Report on State Planning Issues. This year, a visual and interactive Executive Overview was created.  This provides an easy reading experience.  A brief overview is provided for each section of the report.  The sections are: Economy, Communities, Health, Conservation, Schools, Transportation, and Data.  Additionally, links to story maps provide more detail […]