Dear Friends, 

Howard County is home to one of the best restaurant scenes in our region due to our diverse community and our thriving culinary scene. Howard County Winter Restaurant and Craft Beverages Weeks is currently underway! I was so glad to join Visit Howard County at Clove n Cardamom in the Merriweather District to kick off these delicious weeks.



From Fulton and Maple Lawn to Columbia and Ellicott City to Savage and Lisbon – you can find something for everyone. I encourage residents to support our locally owned and operated restaurants during Winter Restaurant weeks and enjoy a meal with friends, family, and neighbors. 

Find all participating restaurants here

Listening to YOU

We have made significant progress, together, over the last four years. However, I know that we can continue to make even more. Four years ago, we hosted several listening sessions to better understand how we can serve our community. Now, another round of listening sessions are underway.

I want to hear about the experiences, hopes, and vision that our residents want for our county. 

We will be bold and brave as we continue to expand opportunity for all. We will manifest the very best future beyond even what we can imagine for Howard County, our state, our nation, and our world.

Send thoughts in advance to future@howardcountymd.gov or learn more here.

Back in Session



It was so great to be back in Annapolis for opening day of the 445th Session of the Maryland General Assembly. Over the next three months, our legislature will hear important bills that will impact communities around the state. 

It was wonderful to run into our incoming state leadership, Governor-elect Wes Moore, Lt. Governor-elect Aruna Miller, and many of our county executives and mayors. Please, join me in wishing our regional partners and our Howard County Delegation a collaborative and productive 2023 legislative session.

Making History

It was a pleasure to attend the swearing-in of my dear friend Comptroller Brooke Lierman to her new role. Since 2015, she has been a phenomenal force representing Baltimore City and our entire state in Annapolis, and she is someone who is always dedicated to getting the job done. 

She becomes the first woman Comptroller in Maryland History and the first woman independently elected to a statewide office – an accomplishment which could only be achieved due to path paved by Senator Barbara Mikulski. I’m certain that she will continue to accomplish great things in this new role, and I wish her the best!

Providing For Our Neighbors

Every year, I look forward to the opportunity to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A Day of Service reminds us that the importance of serving our neighbors in need doesn’t take a day off. I was honored to welcome our Lt. Governor-elect Aruna Miller to showcase Howard County’s commitment to providing for our neighbors, such as our Community Action Council of Howard County's Food Bank. 

Howard County’s strength is in our commitment to serving those in need, protecting the vulnerable, and advocating for justice. I continue to be grateful for the efforts of our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity, Jewish Federation of Howard County, The Links, Incorporated, and our Divine Nine.

Living The Dream

Howard County’s strength is in our commitment to serving those in need, protecting the vulnerable, and advocating for justice. I had a great time joining the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and the Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity for their annual “Living the Dream” awards celebration. This celebration is about acknowledging the students and community leaders serving, protecting, and advocating for all of us here in Howard County.

Thank you to every person who helped ensure this event was a success, and a special thank you to Howard Community College for hosting. Congratulations to all our 2023 award winners – your efforts help ensure that every person can live their dream.

Finding the Common Good

During A Day of Service we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a leader dedicated to the common good of our society – something that can only be accomplished when we work together.

In Howard County, our community strives to find the common good every day, and it was apparent especially today in the food drives across the county hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Howard County, MD, Iota Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - Omega Eta Omega Chapter, Eta Zeta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity - Tau Pi Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Alpha Sigma Alumni Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Columbia - md Alumni Chapter, Columbia (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated - Lambda Gamma Zeta Chapter. 

These dedicated Brothers and Sisters collected necessary grocery items to support our Community Action Council of Howard County’s food bank, which helps to serve the most vulnerable among us. Our work together to look out for one another is truly what makes Howard County the best place to live, work, play, grow, and serve for all.

A Tea-riffic Day

It was a pleasure to join Tiffany and Phil to welcome the newest Gong cha in Howard County at the Mall in Columbia. Offering the latest flavors of bubble tea, Gong cha is sure to be a sought-after refreshment among the diverse food options at the Mall. They are located in the Kiosk near the Under Armor Store on the second level.

Congratulations, and I wish you ongoing success!

Celebrating Korean American Day

In Howard County, we recognize the vital role our immigrant communities play in expanding our county’s cultural awareness and economic success. That is why I am committed to creating community and spaces that allow our immigrant population to thrive and showcase all they have to offer to continue to make Howard County a great play to live, work play, and grow for all. 

I had a wonderful time hosting the 18th Annual Howard County Korean American Day celebration with a flag raising ceremony, as we honor the 120th National Korean American Day. Every day, we recognize the immense contributions our Korean Americans friends and neighbors have had on our county, state and nation.

Thank you to the League of Korean Americans of MD - LOKA, Korean Society of Maryland - KSM, Consul General, World Korean Foundation, the Federation of Korean Associations, and our remarkable students from Pukyong National University for making this event a success.

Be The Difference

We were all recently reminded of the importance of learning how to administer CPR. When a person goes into sudden cardiac arrest, their survival depends on immediately getting CPR from someone nearby. By learning how to administer CPR, you can help save a life and be the difference. The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services offers FREE individual, group, and virtual CPR trainings.

To register for a class, please click here or call 410-313-2016.

Get Boosted!

Getting boosted is the best way to protect yourself and your family against severe disease, hospitalization and even death. The CDC recommends one updated (bivalent) booster dose for everyone ages 6 months and older if you are eligible. Find out if you’re eligible or schedule your shot now here.

Join My Team!

My office is currently looking to fill several vacant positions. To learn more and apply, please click the respective link below. We are currently looking for:

• Writer and Media Relations Coordinator - Responsible for administrative support work performing tasks in support of Public Information through social media and Howard County Government websites.
• Technical Support Specialist - Serves as the liaison for technology related issues. Works as a Service Desk Technician to provide first and second tier application support for applications used by the county employees. 
• Director, Department of Public Works - Directs the general operation of the Department of Public Works; advising and providing information to the County Executive and the County Council on matters relating to public infrastructure, capital budget and the core services it provides. 

Recycle Your Trees!

Our Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Environmental Services is once again offering a variety of FREE holiday tree recycling options through the Merry Mulch program. Since 1993, the Merry Mulch program has kept thousands of trees out of the landfill, helping to save money and the environment. 

I encourage residents to use this opportunity to keep trees out of the landfill. By spring, these trees will be re-purposed and ready to use as compost and mulch. By simply making a plan to recycle trees this year, we can create a cleaner and more sustainable environment in Howard County for all.

Learn more about the program here.

Combatting Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a crime that requires more than just good effort and intention to combat. In order for Howard County to be the best county for all, we cannot let our most vulnerable residents slip through the cracks.

We remain committed to protecting our residents and their families from this devastation, and holistically support survivors. To learn more about our efforts, please click here.

Hopping to a New Year

The Lunar New Year is a momentous holiday marked by community, family, and beautiful traditions. It is a celebration of shared history and culture, highlighting that diversity is our strength.

After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m excited to once again host our annual Lunar New Year celebration in person this Saturday, January 21st, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Mall in Columbia. Join us for a spectacular showcase as we ring in the Year of the Rabbit, featuring special performances and guests.

Landlord-Tenant Law: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

As part of Maryland Libraries Together's Career Success Month, the Howard County Library System (HCLS) will host our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Consumer Protection for a series of virtual and in-person workshops this about tenant rights and responsibilities. Participants will learn: how to shop for a rental; get an understanding of leases, application fees and security deposits and how rent increases should be communicated; what you should do if you have a dispute with your landlord or face early termination and eviction; how to avoid rental scams; and much more.

The workshops will take place on:

• [English] January 30^th at 6:00 p.m., virtual. To register, click HERE.
• [Korean] February 6^th at 6:00 p.m., virtual. To register, click HERE.
• [Spanish] February 13^th at 6:00 p.m., in-person at HCLS Central branch. To register, click HERE

For more information, call OCP at 410-313-6420 (voice/relay).

Help Implement Our Age-Friendly Action Plan

This month, workgroups will convene to begin the implementation of our Age-Friendly Howard County Action Plan. With most meeting virtually, each of the eight workgroups will concentrate on the recommended action steps under one of the Age-Friendly domains of livability: transportation, housing, digital access and communication, outdoor spaces, social participation and inclusion, work and civic engagement, and community support and health services.

To learn more about the plan and to identify a work group that aligns with your interests, I encourage you to visit www.howardcountymd.gov/agefriendly today. Together, we can ensure that Howard County becomes a more age-friendly community.

2023 Howard County Child Care Fair

DCRS’ Office of Children and Families (OCF) annual Howard County Child Care Fair is set to take place Saturday, February 4^th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center. This annual fair provides parents, guardians and grandparents with a “one stop shop” for child care, preschool, school-age and summer programs, as well as the opportunity to connect with teachers and program directors. OCF staff will also host free informational sessions on “How to Choose an Early Childhood Program” onsite at 11:00 a.m., noon and 1:00 p.m. While registration is not necessary to attend the Fair it is encouraged for this free event.

Vendors and exhibitors interested in participating in our 2023 Child Care Fair, are encouraged to register today to secure their spot at this year’s event. Cost is $75.00 for for-profit organizations and $50.00 for non-profit (501c3) organizations with coupon code “OCFNONPROFIT”. For questions and/or more information about participating in this year’s fair, contact Georgia Ferentinos at 410-313-1943 or email gferentinos@howardcountymd.gov.

For more information about the Child Care Fair, contact OCF at 410-313-1940 (voice/relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov. You can also view the event flier in English and Spanish.

What’s a CODE BLUE?

When the temperature dips below 26 degrees or severe weather is predicted for Howard County, a CODE BLUE event is called. When in effect, anyone in need of shelter can call the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center’s hotline at 410-531-6677 or drop by the Center at 6700 Freetown Road in Columbia, to coordinate evening shelter.

Additionally, during regular business hours, our Department of Recreation and Parks' community centers, DCRS’ 50+ Centers and Howard County Library System branches are also great places to stop by if you need a place to warm up.

New Children and Families Workshops Offered for Parents

This January, OCF will offer the following free virtual workshops focused on “The Power of Play”, “Selecting High Quality Child Care” and “Parenting Apart: Cooperative Co-Parenting in Divorce and Beyond”.

As Albert Einstein once said, “Play is the highest form of research.” On January 26^th at 7:00 p.m., parents are invited to join OCF for its “The Power of Play” workshop to gain insight into why children should play, how play impacts a child’s development and what play should look like. To register for this workshop, click HERE.

At noon on January 30^th, OCF will host its “Selecting High Quality Child Care” workshop focused on teaching participants how to choose a child care program that works best for their family. To register, click HERE.

OCF will wrap up January 30^th with its “Parenting Apart: Cooperative Co-Parenting in Divorce and Beyond” workshop at 7:00 p.m. Geared towards individuals facing separation and divorce, this workshop addresses how to create a parenting plan to minimize conflict and promote a positive co-parenting relationship. To register, click HERE.

For more information about these workshops and other programs being offered by OCF this month, check out OCF’s January issue of its Parent Pages monthly publication today.

Office of Emergency Management

Vehicle Emergency Kit Winter Weather Ready

With winter here, our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is reminding motorists to make sure their vehicles are equipped with an emergency kit stocked with the following items for winter weather:

• Jumper cables
• First aid kit
• Flashlights
• Snow scraper
• Bag of sand, road salt or kitty litter for traction
• Snow shovel
• Road flares
• Extra blanket or cot

Winter Weather Alerts

Here is a quick winter weather alert refresher from OEM.

All winter weather alerts are issued by the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) and a:

• "Winter Weather Advisory" means wintry weather is expected and to exercise caution.
• "Winter Storm Watch" means snow, sleet or ice are possible and to be prepared.
• "Winter Storm Warning" means snow, sleet or ice are expected and to take action.

To learn more about winter weather advisories, watches and warnings, visit the NWS’s “Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories” website today.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Vial of Life

This past summer, Nicholas Holda, a Life Rank Boy Scout from Troop 432, contacted our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) about his “Vial of Life” kit idea for his Eagle Project. Nicholas created his Vial of Life kit to help people during emergencies. The kit collects a person’s critical medical information all in one place, to then be attached to the person’s home refrigerator so first responders can easily find it during an emergency situation. To make sure your home is equipped with your own Vial of Life kit, simply print out and follow the directions on this form.

To date, Nicholas has assisted more than 225 people complete their Vial of Life form. He has also provided DFRS with kits so our Mobile Integrated Community Health Team can help distribute them to community members. If you need help printing or obtaining a kit, please email DFRS at outreach@hcdfrs.org today.

Brilliant idea and a job well done Nicholas!

Howard County Health Department

Resource Guide Launched to Help Locate Food Assistance and Nutrition Programs

The Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition’s (LHIC) goal is to increase access to and awareness of culturally appropriate, accessible, affordable and nutritious food to decrease food and nutrition insecurity among Howard County residents. To help achieve this goal, the LHIC has created a Howard County Food Assistance and Nutrition Education Program Resource Guide to help residents more easily locate food pantries, meal kitchens and other food assistance programs, farmers markets and nutrition programs near them. 

To learn more about the LHIC, visit www.hclhic.org/.

Department of Housing and Community Development

Applications Now Being Accepted for MIHU January Open Enrollment Period

Our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is now accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program January open enrollment period. Held quarterly, DHCD’s MIHU is an inclusionary zoning program that offers quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to income eligible families.

To purchase an MIHU home, individuals must apply to DHCD during an open enrollment period to be placed in the database. To qualify, an applicant’s household income may not exceed 80 percent of Howard County’s median income (example: maximum $99,234 for a four-person household to as much as $130,988 for an eight-person household). Applicants must meet credit score requirements and household income must be sufficient to qualify for a mortgage based on industry standards. Sale prices for available MIHU homes, currently range from $254,985 for a new condominium to $384,916 for a new townhouse. Actual sale prices may vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit. More details regarding our MIHU homeownership program are available HERE or contact DHCD at 410-313-6318 (select option two) or email housing@howardcountymd.gov.

To rent an MIHU unit, a qualified applicant’s household income may not exceed 60 percent of the Howard County median income (example: maximum $52,098 for a one-person household and $74,425 for a four-person household). MIHUs are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, are interspersed throughout each community and residents enjoy the same amenities of community life as market rate tenants. Visit DHCD’s MIHU rental website for more information.

MIHU homeownership applications are now available online and completed applications can be either submitted online, mailed to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046, or dropped off at DHCD’s Patuxent Woods Drive office by appointment only. Applications are being accepted through 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 31^st. 

Office of Human Rights and Equity

Bystander Intervention and Cultural Awareness Training

Our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) offers a quarterly certification training in Bystander Intervention and Cultural Awareness (BICA). This is an excellent training that will help participants learn how to protect and promote the humanity of those who are being targeted or harassed in their presence because of their race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender or sexual orientation. This quarter’s BICA training will take place virtually today, January 17^th at 5:00 p.m. To reserve you spot before 5:00, click HERE.

Reading Human Rights: People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present

Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by OHRE and the Howard County Library System (HCLS) that encourages literary exploration and community dialogue around a variety of human rights concerns. It explores works of fiction and non-fiction to teach community members the various ways individuals, cultures and communities celebrate their identities and combat injustice.

For its January book discussion – to be held virtually on Tuesday, January 31^st at 6:30 p.m., OHRE and HCLS will discuss Dara Horn’s compilation of essays entitled, People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present. Horn’s book explores how Jewish history is exploited to comfort the living, while challenging us to confront the reasons why there might be so much fascination with Jewish deaths, and so little respect for Jewish lives unfolding in the present.

To secure your “seat” for this month’s event, click HERE today to register.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Planning Board Meeting

This Thursday, January 19^th at 7:00 p.m., our Planning Board will hold a hybrid meeting – in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx, to hear the following agenda item:

• SDP-22-051 Enterprise Homes – A request to approve the Site Development Plan for one apartment building with a total 82 units and associated improvements.

To register to testify, click HERE. Registration must be completed prior to 7:00 pm the night before (January 18, 2023) the scheduled meeting to participate. If you do not wish to testify, but would like to simply watch the meeting, click HERE.

A five-member board, the Planning Board makes recommendations to the Zoning Board or County Council on matters related to planning and zoning and renders a final decision on selected development proposals. Before recommendations or decisions are made, the Board holds a public meeting or hearing to provide interested persons the opportunity to provide comment. For details about procedures for testifying at a Planning Board meeting, click HERE.

To learn more about Howard County’s Planning Board and upcoming meeting dates, click HERE.

Applications Now Being Accepted for PlanHoward Academy

Our Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) is now accepting applications for its 2023 Spring PlanHoward Academy. Taught by professional planners and attorneys, this award-winning planning course provides residents with a thought provoking, interactive curriculum focused on the underpinnings of land development in Howard County. During this free, five-week course, residents will learn about the land use plans, policies and procedures that help shape and grow our county. The course includes in-class instruction, hands-on learning exercises and take-home materials.

DPZ’s 2023 Spring Academy will take place on Tuesdays from April 18^th through May 16^th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Howard Community College. Howard County residents with an interest in planning and improving their community’s future are encouraged to apply. Due by Sunday, February 26^th, the application is available online or a paper application can be obtained by stopping by DPZ’s first floor service counter in the George Howard Building at 3430 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. A cohort of up to 35 residents will be selected from the pool of applicants. 

For questions and/or more information about our PlanHoward Academy, contact Victoria Olivier at 410-313-2350 or email volivier@howardcountymd.gov.

Public Comment Sought for HoCo By Design General Plan Draft

If you have not done so already, I strongly encourage all residents to take some time now through January 31^st, to review our HoCo By Design draft general plan update and provide their thoughts and comments to DPZ. This plan provides a long-term vision for how Howard County will develop and grow alongside our evolving economic, environmental, and social conditions over the next 20 years. Public input will be considered and incorporated into a final plan, which is expected to be presented to the Planning Board in the spring and then to County Council for consideration and final adoption.

The general plan is a requirement of state law and has been updated once each decade since 1960 to reflect the values and address the needs of the County's changing population.

Applicants Sought for Historic Preservation Commission

Our Historic Preservation Commission serves an important role in the preservation of our historic districts and historic properties throughout the county. Commission member responsibilities include reviewing applications for certificates of approval involving alterations to historic structures, making recommendations to the Howard County Council on all petitions to create or modify multiple site historic districts, and providing advice on historical resources, to name a few. If you are interested in being a member of our Historic Preservation Commission, especially if you are a resident or owner of a property in our Ellicott City and Lawyers Hill historic districts, I strongly encourage you to apply. To learn how, click HERE.

Please note, the deadline to apply is Friday, January 27^th at 5:00 p.m.

Members Sought for County’s Design Advisory Panel

Thoughtful design is a cornerstone of our quality of life here in Howard County. Established in 2008 to encourage excellence in building architecture and site design, our Design Advisory Panel is composed of seven members representing landscape architects, designers, professional engineers and urban planners. Panel members are responsible for reviewing a variety of projects, including proposed subdivisions, site development plans, conditional use applications and design guidelines. If you are an architect, landscape architect or urban planner are interested in preserving and enhancing our community, I encourage you to apply today to be a part of our Design Advisory Panel.

The deadline to apply is Friday, January 27^th at 5:00 p.m.

Police Department

Too Cold for You Outside, Too Cold for Your Pets

Our Police Department and its Animal Control Division are reminding residents that Howard County law requires animals housed outside must have access to appropriate shelter, bedding and an unfrozen water source at all times. Dogs may not be tethered outside when not under direct supervision; this means you must be out there with them. Please keep in mind, these requirements are the bare minimum and if it's too cold for you outside, it's probably too cold for your dog or cat. 

To report a violation, please contact Howard County Animal Control at 410-313-2780. Violations can lead to civil citations, criminal charges and/or impoundment of one's pet.

For safety tips on how to keep your pet safe during the cold winter months, such as cleaning snow and salt from their paws, legs and stomach, check out the ASPCA’s “Cold Weather Safety Tips” website.

Department of Public Works Bureau of Environmental Services

Holiday Slide Schedule Not in Effect this Week Despite Monday’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

While Howard County Government offices were CLOSED yesterday, January 16^th in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, there was REGULAR Monday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim and food scrap collection on the 16^th. The County’s holiday slide schedule is NOT in effect this week as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday is not one of the six holidays that affect curbside collection. Those six holidays are New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. To learn more about the County’s holiday slide schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule. 

Merry Mulch Your Holiday Tree

REMINDER: This is your last week to recycle your tree through our Bureau of Environmental Services FREE holiday tree recycling “Merry Mulch” program. Through this Saturday, January 21^st, residents can recycle their holiday trees during regular business hours at drop-off sites throughout the county. One exception to the above days and times is the Alpha Ridge Landfill, which is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Howard County residents with curbside yard trim collection may set their holiday trees out on their yard trim day for collection through Friday, January 20^th. All decorations, including tinsel, garland, ornaments, lights, tree stands, plastic bags, etc., must be removed. Trees must also be cut into less than four-foot lengths and tied; they should not be bagged. Each bundle must weigh less than 40 pounds.

All collected trees will be delivered to the Composting Facility at Alpha Ridge Landfill and recycled into compost and mulch.

Curbside Yard Trim Season Coming to an End

As a reminder, for those that ONLY receive yard trim curbside collection, the Bureau’s yard trim collection season comes to an end next Friday, January 20^th and the new season will resume on Monday, April 3^rd.

This HOWEVER does not apply to residents who participating in the Bureau’s Feed the Green Bin food scrap collection program, who receive year-round food scrap/yard trim collection. To see if you are in a Feed the Green Bin area, click HERE.

Nominees Sought for “Business Recycling and Waste Reduction” and “Green Community Leadership” Awards

Howard County businesses, community groups and organizations, our Bureau of Environmental Services is now accepting applications for its “Business Recycling and Waste Reduction” and “Green Community Leadership” awards program. This annual awards program recognizes businesses for their recycling and waste reduction efforts during the previous calendar year (2022) and recognizes community group and organizations who have demonstrated efforts, projects or programs that help protect Howard County’s natural environment and preserve its resources.

Nomination forms are available online at www.workgreenhoward.org and are by 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 24^th. Nominations can either be delivered or postmarked to: Alan Wilcom, Recycling Division, 9801 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046, or emailed to awilcom@howardcountymd.gov (please note, email is preferred).

Vendors Sought for Howard County’s 16th Annual GreenFest

 Back for its 16^th year, vendor and sponsorship applications are now being accepted for Howard County’s annual GreenFest – set to take place Saturday, April 15^th at Howard Community College in Columbia. Last year’s event drew hundreds of attendees and featured native plant vendors, compost bin give-a-ways and document shredding.

GreenFest is open to all vendors and exhibitors that highlight environmentally conscious products, services, activities and opportunities for community involvement; however, preference will be given to local businesses and organizations that promote environmentally friendly goods and services. Please note, there will be a limit of 50 indoor vendors/exhibitors for the event.

Each exhibit space includes a five-foot table and two chairs. Cost to all vendors is $35 per table, with an additional $10 late fee charged to those who apply after Friday, February 24^th. Sponsorship opportunities for $100 are also available. Cost includes two tables and special mention in the GreenFest brochure and on the GreenFest website. 

To learn more about this year’ event and/or to apply, visit www.hcgreenfest.org; applications must be submitted electronically. 

Stormwater Management Division

Guilford Pond Principal Spillway Replacement Project

On Monday, January 30^th, DPW’s Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting at 7:00 p.m., in the Hockley Room at Howard County Library System’s Elkridge branch to present plans for a Guilford stormwater pond repair project. The project will include the replacement of the pond’s principal spillway located under Guilford Road near 10560 Guilford Road that discharges into Pickett’s Branch near MD 32. The project is estimated to begin in the summer of 2023 and be completed in the summer/fall of 2024.

This informational meeting will include a brief presentation with exhibit boards. DPW staff and the design engineer will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. Those unable to attend the meeting and would like to view the exhibits and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Brian Cleary of the Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6455 or email bcleary@howardcountymd.gov.

An interpreter for people who are deaf or hard of hearing will be available if requested seven working days prior to the meeting. Please call DPW at 410-313-3440 (voice) or use Relay at 7-1-1, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Sewells Orchard Pond Repair Project Public Meeting

DPW’s Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, February 7^th at 7:00 p.m., at our Department of Recreation and Parks headquarters, located at 7120 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia, to review the proposed Sewells Orchard Pond repair project and discuss new options and concepts that will reduce environmental impacts during the work, including updates made since the October 2022 public meeting.

The proposed project will include the removal and replacement of the old metal outlet spillway with a new concrete outlet structure that will have a longer service life than metal. It will also bring the pond into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment requirements.

For more details about this meeting, click HERE.

Bureau of Utilities

Tips on How to Keep Pipes from Freezing as Temperatures Dip

With winter officially underway and below freezing temperatures in our future forecasts, our Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Utilities is offering residents tips on how to keep pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. These tips are especially important for water pipes located in a crawlspace or on an outside wall, or garage, attic or any other unheated building, which are subject to sub-freezing temperatures.

If your pipes do freeze, the Bureau recommends opening the cold-water faucet nearest the frozen pipe to relieve pressure. Then, use a gentle heat source, such as a light bulb or hair dryer, to thaw the pipe. DO NOT use an open flame. 

To learn more, click HERE.

Department of Public Works Construction Report

To learn about DPW projects currently underway, click HERE. Searchable by project category and street name, from this site you’ll find additional project details, including news releases about the project. You can also contact DPW’s Customer Service Office at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov for further assistance.

If you have questions or are interested in finding out about a State road (numbered roadway) project in your area, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) “Project Portal” website.

Summer Camp Guide Now Online

Our Department of Recreation and Parks' 2023 Summer Camp Guide is now available online!

Online registration for Howard County residents begins Wednesday, February 1^st at 6:00 p.m., with all other methods (over-the-phone, mail-in and in-person) for County residents beginning the next day. For non-Howard County residents, online registration begins for you on February 8^th at 6:00 p.m. and all other methods the following day.

NEW! Beginner Squash Clinic 

If you are looking for an indoor sport for your child to play this winter, check out Squash! What Forbes magazine named “the healthiest sport”, Play Squash Academy's world-ranked international coaches will introduce kids, ages six to 17, to the game of Squash. Participants will gain fundamental skills, strength and confidence, all while developing at their own pace and with an emphasis on teamwork. All levels are welcome (however, this clinic is best suited for beginners) and all equipment will be provided. Clinics are scheduled for January, February and March and the cost to participate is $125 per participant. To register, click HERE. 

Family Sneaker Ball 

Our team over in Recreation & Parks is taking the traditional family dance and kicking it up a notch with its first-ever Family Sneaker Ball, set to take place Saturday, February 4^th at our North Laurel Community Center. Come dressed in semi-formal attire, but make sure to bring those dancing shoes (or sneakers) and dance the night away at this family-friendly event that is sure to knock your socks off. With spots filling up fast, be sure to register HERE today to secure your families spot. Inclement weather date is February 11^th.

What to Do When School’s Out 

We all understand the challenge of keeping your little one busy when schools are closed, but our team at Recreation & Parks has you covered. Whether it’s sports, art, chess or music, there are plenty of programs to choose from to make sure your child is staying active this winter break. For January 23^rd, click HERE to find out what activities are available this coming Monday.

Office of Transportation

Transit Development Plan Update

We are currently updating our Transit Development Plan (TDP), a short-term plan to guide transit system development and funding requests. The TDP process reviews and assesses current transit services, identifies unmet transit needs and develops a recommended plan for improvements (with phased implementation), including capital and operating budget projections, in the short‐range future, typically a five‐year horizon. Once completed, the TDP will serve as a guide for our local transit system, providing a roadmap for implementing service improvements, and/or potential expansion during the five‐year period.

Opportunities for the public to provide comment include three surveys (fixed-route, paratransit, and community) and multiple public meetings. For more information on the process, including public meeting dates and locations and the surveys, please visit Transportation’s “Howard County Transit Development Plan” website.