diff --git a/infogami/utils/app.py b/infogami/utils/app.py
index e6f3ec2a..3ba4a747 100644
--- a/infogami/utils/app.py
+++ b/infogami/utils/app.py
@@ -8,11 +8,12 @@
 import web
 
 import flash
-import delegate as infogami_delegate
 
 urls = ("/.*", "item")
 app = web.application(urls, globals(), autoreload=False)
 
+import delegate as infogami_delegate  # create app before importing delegate
+
 # magical metaclasses for registering special paths and modes.
 # Whenever any class extends from page/mode, an entry is added to pages/modes.
 modes = {}