Dear Friends,

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s important that we not only take care of ourselves, but each other. The work to battle the stigma surrounding mental health continues every day, and it starts with each of us.

I encourage us all to be kinder to one another and reach out to a friend who may be struggling in silence. If you or a loved one need help, please reach out to any of these incredible resources, and remember – you are never alone. It’s OK to ask for help if you need it. It’s OK to ask someone you care about if they need help.

Celebrating National Night Out

Every year, we join thousands of communities nationwide for National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign, promotes partnerships and camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live for all. Celebrated this year on August 1st, for all how joined us, including our Police Chief Greg Der, Fire Chief Louis Winston, Sherriff Marcus Harris, State's Attorney's Office Rich Gibson, and Council and State representatives, I thank you for taking a stand against crime and letting criminals know that our communities are banding together to fight crime. 

From Wilde Lake and Clarksville to Ellicott City and Jessup and beyond, it was so wonderful to celebrate this crime prevention effort with so many in our community. It is only due to our collaboration that Howard County remains home to the safest city in America for five consecutive years. Thank you to all our communities across our County who hosted and partook in these annual festivities! 

Lights On at Centennial Park West

We continue to make improvements and additions to ensure our parks meet the needs of our community.

It was an honor to join Former Councilmember Dr. C. Vernon Gray, who was a strong advocate for this amenity, to officially power the new lights over the basketball courts at Centennial Park West. These lights allow our community to gather and exercise at the courts after sunset.



Centennial Park was built with the vision to create an environment where everyone could play, relax, and gather as a community. With these new lights, visitors of all ages can now partake in one of our favorite pastimes after school and work in a safe, well-let space.

Showmanship at the Fair

The Howard County Farm Bureau kicked off their Junior Showmanship over the weekend. This vital program works to promote, educate, and support our future agriculture leaders, teaching them to show dairy calves, swine, goats, and lambs.

The Farm Bureau was one of our Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) grant awardees this year for the Junior Showmanship and first ever Agricultural Awareness Day.

Seeing some of our youngest leaders teach what they have learned through this program was a joy and a reminder of the importance of the connection between farming and agriculture, healthy food, and healthy people. Congratulations to all our Junior Showmanship participants for a job well done!

STEAM-ing Ahead

Howard County is a place where innovation in the sciences, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) industries thrive.

It was so exciting to celebrate all our accomplishments in STEAM at the Howard County Library System’s annual H3 Carnival at the Miller Library.

We know that within the next 20 years, nearly 80% of jobs will require technical and/or artistic skill. We’re so lucky to have incredible organizations, institutions, and people who understand the importance of encouraging STEAM opportunities for our students. Together, we will ensure that tomorrow’s problems can be solved by the STEAM students of today.

One More Week

In less than a week, we’ll be celebrating the grand opening of Guilford Park High School in Jessup! This is Howard County’s first high school to open since 2005, and provides capacity for 1,700 students. This state-of-the-art facility will ensure all our students and educators have the best teaching and learning environment.

I look forward to joining the Howard County School System, Principal Josh Wasilewski, and our entire community for the ribbon cutting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 12.

See You at the Fair!

The Howard County Fair opened last weekend.

Through August 12th, you can enjoy the many booths, stalls, and overall fun!

If you want to enjoy the rides, get warm funnel cake, or if you want to just support our current and future farmers, this is a great opportunity to come out with your neighbors and enjoy this annual tradition. Read more here.

A Delicious Bamba Taste

This August, we’re celebrating National Black Business Month. To partake in this national celebration, I took the opportunity to visit Bamba Foods and savor their deliciously nutritious snacks, drinks, and herbs that are available to consumers nationwide!

Headquartered in Columbia, their savvy owner, Akin Foludun, one of our Catalyst Loan success stories, has recently partnered with Walgreens to sell his products. Make sure to keep your eye on this growing company as Bamba is sure to hit the shelves widely soon.

A New Local Gym

Fuel your fitness journey at Anytime Fitness in Columbia! 

This Black Business Month, I joined Howard County Economic Development Authority to applaud owners Roy Co Jr. and Nadine Turner and witness their passion for health and fitness. With more than 25 years of expertise in the fitness industry, we’re thrilled they decided to open their business earlier this summer right here in Columbia, offering our residents a 24/7 opportunity to get fit.

Creating A Tree-mendous Canopy

Planting a tree is one of the best things we can do to protect our environment and to combat the ongoing effects of climate change. To help, our Department of Recreation & Parks’ Tree Canopy Program works to improve tree planting in communities with lower tree canopy coverage.

By planting a tree, we are improving our living space by reducing excessive heat cause by concrete surfaces, reducing stormwater runoff and flooding, reducing air pollutants related to asthma, and more!

Learn more about how you can participate in this tree-mendous program at www.howardcountymd.gov/natural-resources. 

The Incredible Legacy of Sherman Howell

I’m deeply saddened to join our community as we mourn the loss and celebrate the incredible legacy of a great servant, leader, and activist, my Fraternity Brother Sherman Howell. Our community has been blessed and enriched by his invaluable contributions.

Sherman devoted his life to combating social and political issues that minority communities face, offering his pen and voice to raise awareness and inspire change. His commitment to equality and justice was seen in every aspect of his life, from his work as the Vice President of Research and Agenda Planning for the African American Coalition of Howard County to his service on numerous boards and commissions across Columbia, Howard County, and Maryland. His ceaseless dedication to the cause echoed for over four decades in Howard County, where he frequently testified before state and local elected bodies.

As a leader in the Civil Rights Movement and a participant in the significant Selma to Montgomery March, Sherman did not just witness history – he made it. His words at the screening of Selma in Howard County in 2015 echoed with the wisdom and courage of a life dedicated to justice and fairness.

Sherman’s influence extended into the media as he was frequently quoted in leading news outlets such as the Washington Post, the Dallas Morning News, the Baltimore Sun, and The Business Monthly. His voice, therefore, reached far beyond his home of Columbia …it resonated across the country.

As we reflect on his life and his work, we also honor the depth of his knowledge in software development, finance, and foreign policy - skills he acquired from American University, where he received both his B.A. and M.A. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and family. May we remember and strive to uphold the principles Sherman Howell stood for, so that his legacy may continue to inspire future generations.

Moving Howard County's Climate Forward

In June, I announced the release of our new, transformative Climate Action and Resiliency Plan: Howard County Climate Forward. Our plan sets an ambitious, yet attainable goal of reaching a 60 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2045. Our Climate Subcabinet, made up of dedicated leaders across County government, is ready to take on the challenge.

On August 3rd, I attended our Climate Subcabinet kick-off meeting to work toward creative solutions to combat climate change and become more energy independent. I am proud that Howard County is a leader in promoting clean energy, advancing climate action, and safeguarding our environment. However, there is always more work to be done and we cannot do it alone. There are many businesses, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and our community at large that we will continue to engage as partners to move these actions forward.

I am so grateful to be a part of a community that is so passionate about protecting our environment for current and future generations.

Providing Optimal Wellness

It’s so important to nurture every facet of our wellness. Sagelight Integrative Wellness Center knows this and provides a safe, welcoming space where you can experience optimal wellness with Dr. Renee McSwain’s expertise in mental, behavioral, physical and spiritual health. I recently visited her office to better understand the usage of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine to help discover relief from trauma, chronic pain, endocrine disorders and autoimmune conditions. 

This Black Business Month, make sure to visit Sagelight Integrative Wellness Center and continue your wellness journey.

YEP! Join Esports at HCC

Through an innovative partnership with Howard Community College, we are thrilled to support the YEP! esports program at HCC for middle and high school students! Through the esports program, young people can participate in fun and engaging games with friends, all while learning key skills and strengthening teamwork.

This free program offers young people the opportunity to learn from Howard Community College’s nationally recognized esports team and grow their skills in an accessible and supportive environment. To learn more and register for this free programming, click HERE.

Have You Applied for the Senior Tax Credit?

Older adults who are at least 65 years old by June 30, 2023 with a combined income that did not exceed $98,600 for the 2022 calendar year for a household of two and who have a combined net worth of less than $500,000 are eligible to apply. This tax credit provides financial incentives to allow residents to stay in their homes while offering more affordable aging in place.

Please, share this information with an older adult in your life. For more information, call the Department of Finance at (410) 313-2195 or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/finance/tax-credits. 

Making an Artistic Impact

Please join me in congratulating Howard County’s very own artist Oletha DeVane on winning the prestigious 2023 Baker Award for Interdisciplinary Art! Oletha was selected for this award from more than 600 artists in the Baltimore region, highlighting her transformational impact on the arts in our community.

For more than four decades, Oletha has been a leader in our local arts scene, contributing various exhibits, public sculptures, and visual arts pieces to our vibrant arts and culture community. I was honored to welcome Oletha to the George Howard Building to recognize her many years of artistic excellence. 

Learn more about Oletha’s award and work by visiting https://bakerartist.org/submissions/2023/oletha-devane. 

Hall of Fame

The time, energy and dedication put forth by Sharron Smith, Jim Long, Jack Burk and Allan Harden is a testament to what makes Howard County’s sport community, programming, opportunities and facilities so strong and great. I would like to thank these incredible inductees for their commitment to inspiring and improving the lives of our younger residents.

To learn more about our newest Community Sports Hall of Fame inductee class, check out this recent story in The Baltimore Sun.

Finding the Perfect Food Connection

Too many of our neighbors are struggling with food insecurity. Every resident in Howard County should have the means to locate healthy, low-cost food. 

Through the development of our innovative interactive Food Connection Map, we’re helping to ensure that our residents have the means of finding healthy and low-cost, accessible food and nutrition resources in the County. Together, we will continue to provide our residents with easy access to a variety of resources and the Food Connection Map is one innovative way to make that vision a reality.

Visit the map at https://www.hclhic.org/foodmap. 

Kicking it!

Join our Department of Recreation & Parks at the below listed community, cultural and 50+ centers for its free drop-in program for young people between the ages of 11 and 17. Drop-in activities include free pizza and snacks, sports, video games and more.

Participating locations include: 

• North Laurel Community Center – Fridays from :00 to 8:00 p.m. (now to August 25th)
• Roger Carter Community Center – Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (now to August 26th)
• Gary J. Arthur Community Center – Fridays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. (now to August 25th)
• Harriet Tubman Cultural Center – Fridays from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. (now to August 25th) and Saturdays from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. (now to August 26th)
• Elkridge 50+ Center – Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (now to August 25th)

To learn more, click HERE.

The 3rd - A Space to Grow

August is Black Business Month, and the perfect opportunity to highlight our incredible black-owned businesses in Howard County. One such business is The 3rd in Columbia, which serves as an incubator space for Women of Color who are emerging entrepreneurs. Founded by visionary leader, Laura Bacon, The 3rd aims to foster dreams, create community, and provide mentorship which enable Women of Color to turn their ideas into economic power and freedom.

This Black Business Month, let’s continue our work to support local, black-owned businesses. Learn more about The 3rd at https://www.the3rd.org/.

YEP! Become an EmpoweReer

An innovative 18-month leadership and social impact internship program, EmpoweReer is currently looking for 14 Howard County youth between the ages of 13 to 19 who are interested in experiencing a mix of experiential, competency and service-learning opportunities. Participants will meet three days a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) from September 2023 to December 2024, and will participate in retreats and hands-on experiential learning, entrepreneurship, project management and leadership development activities.

To learn more about this program and/or to apply, visit 

https://empowereer-hoco.islamicleadership.org/. The deadline to submit an application is August 31st. 

For questions and/or more information, email info@empowereer.org.

Join My Team!

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

• Senior Employee Relations/Investigations Specialist – responsible for professional level human resources work which includes a variety of duties in the areas of EEO, investigation, performance management, employee relations, recruitment, employment-human resources information systems, and other related human resources generalist activities.
• Grants Manager (Human Services Specialist III) – responsible for researching, developing, monitoring and managing all aspects of pre & post grant award requirements for the Department of Housing and Community Development.
• Technical Services Support Specialist IV – responsible for ensuring the security and privacy of the County's systems and data both on-premise and in the cloud. Will collaborate with the CISO and IT security operations team, along with the entire Department of Technology and Communications Services, to perform incident response and remediation, conduct threat hunting, identify and assess security risks, analyze security incidents, and related event telemetry for threat detection and investigations, assess and manage vulnerabilities, and use threat intelligence to inform all areas of the security program.
• Exercise Coordinator – this position is responsible for administering selected exercise activities in community settings and determining content and implementing fitness programs. Employee may also serve as an in-house expert for other Office on Aging and Independence staff who are implementing exercise programs for specific target populations. Additionally, this position will work collaboratively with organizations providing data about health conditions for planning and evaluation purposes and duties include the training and orientation of contractual fitness instructors as well as overall program coordination and development.  
• Events and Social Media Manager – This position will plan and execute weekly events and coordinate social media posts and campaigns for the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA). This position will be responsible for maintaining an up-to-date event master calendar.
• Content Manager – this position will be responsible for all photography and videography for HCEDA. This position will serve as the lead photographer and videographer and ensure a high level of quality for images representing the organization which will be used for the media, publications and social media purposes. The Content Manager will also oversee and maintain a photo and video services calendar to prioritize requests as well as manage the archiving of digital assets, e.g., video and photos. The job will also require advancing photo and video opportunities for news events, special visits as well as photography, digital images for distribution to news services.
• Community Resources and Services, Connections Program – this position would be knowledgeable of individuals experiencing cognitive impairment and/or memory loss. Serves the Connections participants by assisting with the overall operation of the Social Day Program to include programming, food service, and administrative support. Duties include participant assistance, program planning and/or implementation, information and assistance and transportation coordination.  



I encourage interested persons to apply today! To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.

Innovating with EDA

• Wednesday, August 23rd, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs: This four-part seminar held Wednesday evenings from August 23- September 13, will give you the tools you need to cut through ambiguity and move forward with confidence. Vance MacEwen, co-founder of Greatest Possible Good, delivers interactive workshops taking you through the design thinking process.
• Thursday, August 24th, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. – Global Marketing Outlook: Essential Insights You Can't Afford to Miss: Don't miss this comprehensive exploration of the evolving marketing landscape, brimming with immense potential to elevate your business success to new heights.
• Thursday, August 31st, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. – Understanding Product Development: From Idea to Market Launch: Physical product development requires large investments. Understanding the process, possible pitfalls and defining the requirements early in the process will help improve chances for success. A Maryland product development expert will share his experience and detail the steps taken to make an idea into a manufacturable product. Bring your idea, problems and be ready for an interactive discussion.
• Wednesday, September 6th, noon to 1:00 p.m. – Creating a Well-Designed Retirement Plan For Your Small Business: Join us as we look at a case study of a solopreneur with $200,000 in revenue and how a well-designed retirement plan helped him minimize taxes and get on the path to early retirement. Learn how these tools can help you prepare for retirement as well.
• Thursday, September 14th, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. – Creating the Blueprint – Workplace Wellness for the Entrepreneur: This seminar will equip entrepreneurs and those who are self-employed with the tools to care for themselves while building their dreams. Participants will learn concrete, yet simplistic tools for health on the go (with an option for more advanced techniques outside of the seminar). Attendees will walk away with tools to help with stress management, health on the go, assurance versus insurance, relaxation and seated movement techniques, and ways to use aromatherapy and plants to support their day-to-day lifestyles.
• Tuesday, September 19th, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. – Driving Revenue: Leveraging Technology to Capture Clients: This five-week series (held Tuesdays, September 19th through October 17th) is structured to have each session build on the previous session to accelerate results. At the end of the program, participants will have a Sales Operations plan specific to their company and offering.
• Thursday, September 21st, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. – 2023 End of Summer Bash: Early bird tickets are now on sale for the Maryland Innovation Center's End of Summer Bash at Merriweather Lakehouse! You can purchase your early bird tickets by September 8th. Ticket sales close September 20th.
• Thursday, October 5, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.– E-Commerce Marketing Management: When it comes to a strong selling strategy, simple solutions can often yield the best results. This E-Commerce Marketing Management four-week course (Thursday from October 5th to October 26th) is designed to help businesses of all sizes maximize their online presence and drive sales. Led by Maryland Innovation Center Mentor Nathan Garcia, Garcia’s course will help participants build their best marketing strategy, whether just starting out or looking to refresh ones skills. 

Come to the UNITY in the Community Resource Fair 

Our Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) will host its final “UNITY in the Community Resource Fair” for this summer next Saturday, August 19th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Mount Gregory United Methodist Church in Cooksville. Hosted by DCRS’s Office of the Local Children’s Board, this event offers participants the opportunity to access family services and community resources, all while enjoying musical entertainment, a moon bounce for the kids, food giveaways, arts and crafts, raffles, and prizes.

Free to all, we hope to see you there!

Nominate a Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshal

With the start of fall fast approaching, DCRS’s Office of Veterans and Military Families is seeking Grand Marshal nominations for this year’s Howard County Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. 

The Grand Marshal is an honorary title bestowed upon an individual who represents the values and moral fiber of what it means to be a member of our Howard County community of veterans and military families. The Grand Marshal will be recognized at the parade and lakefront ceremony and will participate in the parade itself, whenever possible, riding or walking with the Grand Marshal float.

If you know of someone who you think is fitting of the Grand Marshal role and emulates this year’s parade theme, “Veterans Serving Veterans,” I encourage you to nominate them today! The deadline to submit your nomination and supporting documents is Friday, September 8th. 

The year’s Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 12th, starting at 9:30 a.m. in Downtown Columbia.

HoCo Community Chat Drops Episodes Monthly 

For this month’s August episode of DCRS’s HoCo Community Chat podcast, Director Jackie Scott is joined by Howard County Register of Wills Byron MacFarlane, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Howard County Chapter President Jumel Howard and Office on Aging and Independence Administrator Ofelia Ross Ott to discuss the LGBTQIA+ experience, resources and new laws that are available to benefit Howard County’s growing LGBTQIA+ community.

Be sure to check out HoCo Community Chat wherever you listen to your podcasts, and if there is something specific you want to hear about, I encourage you to email DCRS at communityresources@howardcountymd.gov. 

Help Us Recognize Those Who Support Disability Rights in Howard County 

Our Commission on Disabilities is seeking nominations for its 2023 annual awards program. These awards recognize individual achievement and outstanding efforts of those who advance full participation in community life for all residents, while promoting the spirit and intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability rights laws. 

The deadline to submit a nomination is Monday, August 21st. While nomination forms are available online, if you need the form in an alternate format, please contact Erica Lewis at 410-313-6402 (voice/relay) or email cod@howardcountymd.gov. For additional information, click HERE.

Howard County Health Department

Community Gardens, Providing Nutrition Education Opportunities for Our Youth

In case you missed it, the Howard County Health Department recently shared that its Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition has provided more than $4,000 to the Community Ecology Institute to build and maintain community gardens at Bryant Woods and Talbott Springs elementary schools. These gardens, which are already flourishing, will allow the schools to pilot the implementation of interactive nutrition education activities for all grade levels starting this fall.

As we’ve seen throughout our incredible county, community gardens help us increase the availability of nutritious foods, strengthen our community ties, enhance our environment, reduce our food miles and make families more self-sufficient. Bringing these gardens to our schools will provide our youngest students with these wonderful benefits and serve as an outdoor classroom where they can get their hands in the dirt to learn more about plant science, biology, chemistry and more.

Maryland Medicaid Redetermination Underway

Do you or a family member currently have health insurance through Medicaid or the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP)? Redetermination is underway for many who have Maryland Medicaid. It is important to check in to your account to make sure your contact information, including your mailing address, is up to date so that you can receive important notices on any changes to your health insurance coverage. For help, call the Howard County Health Department at 410-313-5845 or email medicaid@howardcountymd.gov with questions or for more information.

Office of Human Rights and Equity

MLK Pop Up Pantry

If you or someone you know is in need of fresh produce and/or non-perishable food items, I encourage you to stop by the Ridgely Run Community Center in Jessup from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. next Monday, August 14th for a pop-up food pantry. Hosted by the Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission and the Harriet Tubman Foundation of Howard County, this pop-up food pantry is open to all. Registration is not required to attend.

For those interested in volunteering to help with food distribution, the Commission and Foundation ask that you please arrive by 8:30 a.m. on the 14th.

For questions and/or more information about this event, please call 443-386-0405 or 443-280-1935.

Unleashing the Activist Within

On August 28, 1963, 250,000 people gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., for the March on Washington to draw attention to continuing challenges and inequalities faced by African Americans a century after emancipation. During the march, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his now-iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the march, our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) will host its newest training, “Unleashing the Activist Within” on Tuesday, August 22nd. Set to begin at 5:00 p.m., this virtual workshop will explore the history, culture and tools of activism from 1950 to the present. Attendees will participate in activities that will break their barriers toward engagement, learn tools that promote self-care, gain insights on how to collaborate and organize for greater impact, and brainstorm approaches to substantively engaging in the human or civil rights concerns they are most passionate about.

To register for OHRE’s “Unleashing the Activist Within” training, click HERE today!

Women’s Equality Day Dinner

Mark your calendars and save the date for OHRE’s second annual Women’s Equality Day Dinner on August 24th! Please stay tuned as more information becomes available for this year’s event.

For questions, contact OHRE at 410-313-6430 or email ohreoutreach@howardcountymd.gov. 

Reading Human Rights – The Other Americans by Laila Lalami

Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by OHRE and 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 August book discussion – to be held in person at HCLS's East Columbia branch on Tuesday, August 29th at 6:30 p.m., OHRE will discuss Laila Lalami’s The Other Americans. The Other Americans is a family saga, a murder mystery and love story informed by the treacherous fault lines of American culture. Lalami’s book explores the lives of characters deeply divided by race, religion, and class.

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

Meet Me at Equality

In addition to its “Unleashing the Activist Within” training, OHRE will also celebrate the March on Washington’s 60th anniversary this August with a screening of Dr. James Rada’s documentary, Meet Me at Equality: The People’s March on Washington. Scheduled to take place Thursday, August 31st at 6:30 p.m. at HCLS’s Miller branch, Meet Me at Equality: The People’s March on Washington explores the history of the civil rights movement and the struggle for equality. Through personal interviews and historical footage, the film features the courageous actions of historians and elders who were activists who fought for equal rights and attended the famous March on Washington.

Following the screening, OHRE will lead a thought-provoking discussion, where participants will learn more about the challenges and triumphs of those who continue to work to create a more inclusive and equitable community nationwide. 

To register to participate in this enlightening and educational event, click HERE.

Nominees Sought for Human Rights Commission’s 2023 Awards

If you know an individual or community organization who has made significant contributions to human and civil rights in Howard County, I encourage you to nominate them today for our Human Rights Commission's 2023 James E. Henson, Sr. and Jean W. Toomer Individual, Dr. Murray Simon Student and Colette Roberts Organization awards. To learn more about these awards and/or for a nomination form, visit HERE. The nomination deadline is Thursday, August 31st at 5:00 p.m.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Every Voice, One Vision

HoCo By Design, Howard County’s General Plan update, sets priorities and informs many of the County's future decisions for land use, transportation, agriculture, facilities, housing and economic development. The Plan incorporates an equity lens and identifies various policies and actions to facilitate a more equitable future for all.

HoCo By Design focuses new growth into redevelopment areas, addressing housing and commercial development needs while reducing potential impacts on infrastructure and the environment. The Plan identifies and directs growth to activity centers, which have a mix of employment, residential, and commercial activity, as the greatest opportunity for transformation. The Plan’s housing policies support housing opportunities for all income levels and age ranges while respecting the character of our existing communities. 

To learn more, visit www.hocobydesign.com. To read the graphic summary, click HERE.

Applicants Sought for Design Advisory Panel

If you have professional experience in urban planning and landscape architecture, I encourage you to apply today for our Design Advisory Panel. Established in 2008 to encourage excellence in building architecture and site design, our Design Advisory Panel is responsible for reviewing a variety of projects, including proposed subdivisions, site development plans, conditional use applications and design guidelines. 

To learn more, click HERE. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 25th.

Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board Seeks Members

Our Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board serves an important role in ensuring that as our world continues to change, we are honoring and preserving our historic cemeteries. If you are interested in sharing your time and expertise by becoming a part of this important board, I encourage you to apply today. We are especially looking for individuals who represent or work in the funeral industry or the development industry to serve on our Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board. 

To learn more, click HERE. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 25th.

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 Howard County. I am incredibly thankful to the community members who volunteer their time and expertise to serve on the commission, and encourage anyone, especially those who live or own property in the Lawyers Hill Historic District or who have architectural experience or professional experience in the architectural field, to apply today to join this vital commission.

To learn more, click HERE. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 25th.

Police Department

Crossing Guards Need for Coming School Year

It may feel like the middle of summer, but the start of a new school year is just a few weeks away and our Police Department (HCPD) is currently hiring crossing guards for this coming 2023-2024 school year. This is a part-time, contingent, non-benefitted position, paying $18 an hour and requiring 10 to 20 hours a week of your time. No experience is needed, and uniforms are provided.

If interested, applications can be found online HERE. This is a vital job to help keep our children safe walking to and from school!

There’s More than One Way to Get a DUI

Howard County Police Department is reminding motorists that driving high is impaired driving. If you are under the influence of cannabis, please be the driver who knows that it is not safe to get behind the wheel. You could get a DUI or worse, cause a crash and injure another.

Office of Procurement and Contract Administration

Equal Business Opportunity Commission Seeks Members

Here at Howard County, our vision is to foster a diverse and inclusive vendor community. Through initiatives such as our Equal Business Opportunity Program, our goal is to fully engage minority, woman-owned and disabled-owned business enterprises in all our procurement activities which provides increased opportunities to diverse businesses in our community. If you are interested in assisting us with fulfilling this goal, I encourage you to apply today for our Equal Business Opportunity Commission. We are especially looking for applicants who are either minority business owners, women business owners or business owners with a disability.

To learn more, click HERE. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 18th.

Department of Public Works

Bureau of Environmental Services

Holiday Slide Schedule in Effect Week of Labor Day

As a quick reminder, remember, there will be NO curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scraps collection on Monday, September 4th. Due to the Labor Day holiday, the County's holiday "slide" schedule will be in effect that week, with collection taking place one day later that week. That is, Monday collection will slide and be picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday on Wednesday and so forth. Additionally, while bulk item collection will slide with trash

Collection, scrap metal collection will remain as scheduled and will not slide. To ensure collection, all items should be placed out by no later than 6:00 a.m. on your collection day.

For more information about the County’s holiday “slide” schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule. 

Did You Know that our Bureau Offers Tours and Presentations for all Ages?

Looking for a presentation on recycling for your classroom, business or community group? Request a presentation by one of our Recycling Coordinators, who will come discuss the ins and outs of recycling, as well as provide an inside look at what happens to all those things we recycle. Our Bureau of Environmental Services offers a variety of school presentations (assembly, individual grades or cafeteria clean-ups), as well as adult presentations for community groups and businesses.

Or schedule a tour of the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill’s Residents' Convenience Center, our state-of-the-art Composting Facility or both! Our Bureau staff will guide your group and discuss what is collected and what happens to all those items. Tours can be scheduled Monday through Friday, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

We Need Your Help!

Our Bureau of Environmental Services is currently evaluating ways to improve the services it provides to its residential trash and recycling customers. An essential aspect of assuring affordable and environmentally responsible trash and recycling services is to increase the diversion of materials to recycling or composting. 

By simply composting their food scraps through our “Feed the Green Bin” food scrap collection program, county residents are able to reduce trash sent to our Alpha Ridge Landfill by at least 30 percent. Residents who reside in participating Feed the Green Bin areas can set out their food scraps and yard trim for weekly collection year round, which are then sent to our landfill to be turned into HoCoGro compost (a valuable soil amendment).

So, please help us out by taking a moment to complete this brief survey. Your feedback is invaluable to the success of our program.

Bureau of Environmental Service’s Stormwater Management Division

Patapsco Park Estates Pond Repair Public Meeting

Our Department of Public Works' (DPW) Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting this Thursday, August 10th at 6:00 p.m. in the Avalon Room of HCLS’s Miller branch, to present plans to repair an existing pond located near 2041 Eliza Dorsey Lane in Ellicott City. The project will include replacement of the old metal outlet structure with a new concrete outlet structure that has a longer service life and will bring the pond into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment requirements. Weather permitting, the project is expected to begin in fall 2023 and be completed by spring 2024.

This informational meeting will include an overview of the project’s design, followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. 

Those unable to attend the meeting or who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Bill Liu with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6416 or email bliu@howardcountymd.gov.

Again, 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.

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.

Department of Recreation and Parks

Fall Guide Online Registration Now Underway

Online, in-person, over-the-phone and mail-in registration for Recreation & Parks' 2023 Fall Activity Guide is NOW AVAILABLE for Howard County residents. With a plethora of sports, activities and seasonal events scheduled this upcoming season, there is something to keep everyone active and entertained in this Fall Guide.

For out-of-county residents, online registration begins for you this Wednesday August 9th at 6:00 p.m. with in-person, over-the-phone and mail-in registration beginning Thursday morning. 

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you will join us this fall!

Sign up for Fall Youth Flag Football 

Registration is now open for Recreation & Parks’ Fall Flag Football. This season, boys and girls ranging in age from five to 15, will find their love of the game while learning and working on flag football basic skills. Teams will practice once a week for an hour, with games starting September 16th. Games are 50 minutes long and are five-on-five and non-contact. To register for this Flag Football season, click HERE. The deadline to register is August 18th or when a section is full. 

In additional to youth athletes, Recreation & park sis also looking for volunteer parent/community head coaches. Head coaches receive a discount for their child and a guaranteed spot for their child on their team. For questions and/or or more information about coaching or this season, contact Brian Wyman at bwyman@howardcountymd.gov.

Rockburn Open Car Show 

Celebrate the beauty of classic, antique, hot rods and modified cars with Recreation & Parks at its annual Rockburn Open Car Show this Saturday, August 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Rockburn Branch Park West in Elkridge. Geared towards all ages, this FREE event will feature cars (obviously), as well as food on site to purchase. For those wishing to be an exhibitor at this year’s event, click HERE to learn more.