Dear Friends, 

In case you missed it, the Howard County Council has unanimously approved my Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 operating and capital budgets. The total $2.16 billion budget included a record $1.1 billion in operating funding for the Howard County Public School System. Our commitment to education is unwavering, as demonstrated by the increase of $47 million in recurring funding, which is the highest in county history and represents a landmark seven percent increase over FY23, and $71.6 million above the minimum standard of Maintenance of Effort set by the state. 

Our bold, yet prudent investments in the FY24 budgets will advance critical projects to deliver an excellent quality of life for all to live, work, play and grow in Howard County. I remain committed to working with the members of our Council, residents, stakeholders and all members of our community to ensure that our government provides the best, innovative and transformative services possible so everyone can live their best lives.

Remembering Those We Lost



Memorial Day is a time for us to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our country. The debt we owe these heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice can never be repaid. We remember and honor them for their committed efforts to ensure our freedoms.

Thank you to the VFW Post 7472, Marine Corps League Detachment 1804, and the Howard County Commission on Veterans and Military Families for your efforts to pay tribute to these heroes. Let us continue to remember those who courageously gave their lives.

Brighter Days Ahead



May 27 marked the 5th anniversary of the devastating 2018 flood – the third to tear through the heart of historic Ellicott City since 2011. These high intensity rain events collided with our natural and built environment created a funnel of stormwater that rushed through Main Street and overtopped our streams and channels, devastating our town. Tragically, the 2016 and 2018 floods resulted in the loss of three lives.

Since day one, we have prioritized protecting Ellicott City. With the adoption of our bold EC Safe and Sound Plan in 2019, we set out on an actionable strategy to ensure that Ellicott City would be protected from future flood events and could remain a viable place to live, work, play, and grow for another 250 years.

Together, with our partners, we have completed two stormwater ponds that will capture and control the release of stormwater in future storms. Combined, our impactful H7 and Quaker Mill Ponds have a capacity of 7.5 million gallons of water, keeping more water off our streets. We have also progressed design and financing for the Maryland Avenue Culvert project, which will allow waters from the Tiber Branch to pass safely from the stream channel parallel to Main Street and into the Patapsco River. 

Most importantly, on Wednesday the County Council adopted our FY24 budget, dedicating over $40 million to the Extended North Tunnel project. Once complete, this will be the largest and most impactful project among the EC Safe and Sound infrastructure improvements. This critical infrastructure will convey flood water 5,300 feet through an 18-foot diameter tunnel, at a rate of 26,000 gallons per second, diverting the flow from multiple locations safely to the Patapsco. Having overcome a major funding hurdle, our focus now is on moving this project into construction in FY24. 

Ellicott City’s brightest days are ahead. We are certain that these are the investments our historic main street and surrounding community deserve today to protect them for our future.

Breaking Records

Howard County received a record 51 awards from the National Association of Counties! 

Howard County is a center of innovation and transformation. These awards reflect that Howard County is the very best place where people of all ages, abilities, races, religions, and socioeconomic statuses can become their very best selves.

Howard County has received the most awards in the State of Maryland, including a Best in Category award for our Complete Streets project in Oakland Mills. This record number of awards could not be possible without our incredible employees who help make Howard County the best place to live, work, play, and grow for all.

Read more here.

Tea-riffic Adventures

Howard County is home to incredible agricultural farms, which include Maryland’s first and only Tea Farm, BLTeas at Heron's Meadow Farm. Since opening in 2013, Lori and Bob have worked tirelessly to provide quality tea that is grown and processed locally. In addition, Heron’s Meadow Farm hosts many inspirational views, wildlife, flavorful teas, and handcrafted stoneware pottery. 

Whether you prefer green tea or black tea, there is definitely a quali-tea flavor that everyone will enjoy. Learn more about them here.

Raising Pride

Howard County is a place where we don’t just tolerate diversity and inclusion, but we celebrate it. In June, I’m excited to gather with our community to celebrate Pride Month in Howard County! To kick-off this celebration of Pride, I invite you to join us for a flag-raising ceremony this Thursday, June 1st at 9:30 a.m. at the County's George Howard Building in Ellicott City as we come together to support, uplift and unite our LGBTQIA+ community. 

Together, we will continue our commitment to ensure all our LGBTQIA+ friends, family and neighbors not only are safe, but feel safe, included and welcome.

Best Place for Summer Jobs

Summer is not just a season for going on vacation, spending time with friends and relaxing by the pool. It’s also a prime time to join the workforce, gain work experience and earn some extra spending money, especially for our young people.  

Recently, WalletHub named Columbia the sixth “Best City for Summer Jobs” for 2023. I'm glad to hear that Howard County is home to the best place in the mid-Atlantic for summer jobs. This ranking highlights our collective efforts to provide employment opportunities for all our residents, regardless of age.

This summer, the County is offering a number of job opportunities geared toward our youth and young adults. From Camp Plus Aide to Summer Camp Aide to Visual and Performing Art Summer Camp Specialist and Lifeguard/Swim Instructor, there are so many great employment opportunities available right now with Howard County Government and I encourage all interested to check out our Careers page to find out more. I look forward to having you join our team!

Congratulations Howard Community College Class of 2023!

Please, join me in congratulating out fantastic Howard Community College (HCC) Class of 2023! 

For many of you, showing up was the only win of the day you could muster. But each passing day, each class you attended, one foot in front of the other, you found yourself getting one step closer to your goals. This is only the beginning of your success, as you have concluded an important chapter in your lives and begin to write an even better one. I can’t wait to see how you get there, from here!

For pictures from Friday's HCC Class of 2023 graduation, click here.

Brave Bulldogs!

Please, join me in congratulating our Cedar Lane Class of 2023. You have persevered to reach this momentous milestone. You and your family should be very proud of all you have accomplished. Thank you to all of the educators who helped make this dream come true for our students. Congratulations Bulldogs!

For pictures from Thursday’s Bulldog Class of 2023 graduation, click HERE.

Valiant Vikings!

Please, join me in congratulating our valiant Vikings, Mount Hebron High School’s Class of 2023! 

It took a lot of hard work to reach this moment. Whether you liked it or not, you showed up every day, put in the effort and achieved a big accomplishment. Today is the first of many, many successful moments in your careers. Congratulations!

For pictures from Wednesday’s Vikings Class of 2023 graduation, click HERE.

Wonderful Wildecats!

Please, join me in congratulating our fierce Wilde Lake High School Class of 2023. Now that you have graduated, I encourage you to be proud of this very moment. You deserve it for all the effort and dedication that you invested. Continue to break those barriers and keep shining!

For pictures from Wednesday’s Wildecat Class of 2023 graduation, click HERE.

Soaring Eagles!

This past Wednesday, marked the beginning of the next chapter for our Centennial High School Class of 2023. Please, join me in congratulating our Eagles, who graduated this past Wednesday. 

Go into the world and do well, but more importantly, go into the world and do good. We cannot wait to see how far you soar from here!

For pictures from Wednesday’s Eagle Class of 2023 graduation, click HERE.

Building Your Business

Howard County has one of the best business ecosystems in our region and nation, due in part to our collective efforts to support all business owners so they can thrive. We know that our local businesses are the backbone of our community, and it’s important to take that next big step to grow your business to the next level. 

To learn more about the valuable resources and services that Howard County has to offer our businesses, I invite our local business owners to stop by Howard County Economic Development Authority's (HCEDA) “Business Resource Expo: Connecting Your Business to County Services” next Thursday, June 8th. Swing by EDA’s offices in Columbia anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on the 8th to connect with county-based resources that can help your business grow and thrive. At this event, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from a variety of county agencies and departments who can help you find answers to your questions. 

The cost to participate is $10 and registration closes June 7th. To register to participate in the HCEDA’s Business Resource Expo, click HERE.

Have a Question and Not Sure Who to Ask?

Our team at Howard County Government remains committed to ensuring a responsive government. If you have questions or concerns, or are trying to access County services, but are not quite sure who to contact, email us at ask@howardcountymd.gov so we can assist you further. Together, we'll ensure everyone has access to the best quality of life and resources available!

Show Your Knowledge

We are halfway through the Simulated Congressional Hearing (SCH) season, and I’ve been honored to meet so many of our incredible 5th graders across our county. Every year, I look forward to learning more from our students as they share their knowledge and perspectives on democracy and the role of government. 

It was wonderful to spend time recently at Bellow Spring Elementary School to deliver the keynote address, and I look forward to attending additional SCH’s across our community this season. I truly appreciate the dedication of our educators for all they do to prepare our young leaders who will shape the future of Howard County.

Panthers Pounding the Pavement



Last Sunday was a gorgeous day to join Atholton Elementary School for its 13th Annual Panthers Pounding the Pavement 1-Mile/5K Fun Run/Walk. It’s important that we create a healthier environment for our neighbors of all ages and abilities. This wonderful event helps promote the health and wellness of our entire community. 

Thank you to the Atholton Elementary PTA for empowering our young residents and their families to remain healthy and thriving!

Teaching Our Younger Generations About Entrepreneurship

The spirit of entrepreneurship knows no boundaries and can be found in leaders of all ages. It was such a pleasure to stop by the 2nd Annual Howard County Children’s Business Fair last Saturday, where more than 60 young entrepreneurs showcased their talents and entrepreneurship skills. These young scholars took their first steps of making their dreams a reality, and I could not be more amazed by their ingenuity and achievements.

A special thank you also to Spartek Academy: An Acton Academy and the Chesapeake Education Alliance for putting on this successful event!

Lakefront Live is Back!

Lakefront Live is back and ready to offer our community non-stop fun and entertainment all summer long. Featuring more than 60 nights of FREE movies, concerts and more at Downtown Columbia’s Lakefront, this series is sure to provide our residents and visitors, no matter the age, with something to enjoy this summer season. Brought to us by the Columbia Association and the Columbia Festival of the Arts, this fantastic series helps bring people together and remind us all how truly connected we are.

To learn more about this summer’s Lakefront Live series and/or to view its schedule of events, click HERE.

Mental Health Matters, For All

As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month this May, I would like to highlight the vital and incredible work of our Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) social workers. Even before the pandemic exacerbated the mental health crisis, we recognized the gap in services, especially for our students and young residents. Through its School-Based Mental Health Services, every HCPSS student has access to therapy services provided at school buildings during the instructional day. Thanks to the support and collaboration of HCPSS's social workers – who work around the clock to ensure that all our students have access to needed care, nearly 58,000 of Howard County's school-age youth have access to this important mental health care.

Watch the video here.

Supporting Minority Businesses

We know that our small, local, and minority owned businesses are the backbone of our economy. To help ensure all our minority-owned businesses can not only survive, but thrive, the Howard County Economic Development Authority created the Minority Business Directory. This one-stop-shop provides community-driven resources to support our businesses.

To see the directory, please click here.

Pitch and Mingle: The Pitchout 

We’re only a few short weeks away from HCEDA’s next “Pitch and Mingle Series: The Pitchout” event. Set to take place Tuesday, June 6th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Maryland Innovation Center, all are invited to come watch five all-star entrepreneurs take a swing at presenting their best business pitch to a panel of judges and cheering crowd. Audience members will have the opportunity to cast their vote on which pitch they think knocked it out of the park. Grab your ticket today by clicking HERE; be sure to register before 11:59 p.m. tonight, May 30th to snag the early bird ticket discount. 

Join My Team!

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

• Deputy DTCS Director - The Deputy CIO-Infrastructure reports to the CIO and is responsible for the County's telecommunications, networks, systems, endpoints, service desk and problem management.
• Exersise Coordinator, DCRS - Administers selected exercise activities in community settings. Determines content and implements fitness programs.  
• Plumbing Apprentice - This is beginning level and semi-skilled work in an apprenticeship program during which an employee develops the knowledge, skills and abilities required to become a journey level Electrician, Plumber or HVAC tradesperson. 
• HVAC Apprentice - This is beginning level and semi-skilled work in an apprenticeship program during which an employee develops the knowledge, skills and abilities required to become a journey level Electrician, Plumber or HVAC tradesperson.

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

Help Protect Vulnerable Older Adults from Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation 

Elder abuse refers to intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted individual that causes harm to a vulnerable elder. Elder abuse can occur anywhere, and it can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse and exploitation, emotional or psychological abuse and neglect (including verbal abuse and threats), abandonment, and self-neglect. 

To help raise awareness about the abuse, neglect and exploitation of older adults, we join communities worldwide this June 15th to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and call for an end to elder abuse. Additionally, in Maryland, this June 7th to June 13th is PROTECT Week, a statewide awareness and public education campaign focused on protecting older Americans from financial exploitation.

In honor of WEAAD and Maryland PROTECT Week, our Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) is hosting a three-part Community Education Series this coming month to provide county residents with an opportunity to learn more about the signs of elder abuse, so together, we can do a better job of protecting our older residents.

DCRS will kick-off the series this Thursday, June 1st from noon to 2:00 p.m. at its Elkridge 50+ Center with Melisha Harris, Adult Protective Services Director for the Maryland Department of Human Services. Melisha will discuss the hidden signs of older adult neglect, whether self-inflicted or by others. 

The following Thursday, June 8th, DCRS’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) Administrator Tracy Rezvani will be joined by representatives from the Howard County Police Department and Office of the State’s Attorney for Howard County, to discuss the life of a financial fraud or scam report, from initial investigation through prosecution. This event will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the 8th at our Ellicott City 50+ Center.

Finally, DCRS will wrap-up its three-part series from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 15th at our Bain 50+ Center, with the Founder of the Center for Elder Justice and Education, André Lingham. André will deliver an interactive presentation on financial exploitation using actual cases involving Howard County residents, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session. 

While DCRS’S three-part Community Education Series is FREE, pre-registration is requested as light refreshments will be served. To register for one, two or all three of these events, click HERE today. For more information about this series or to request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations to participate, contact the County’s Maryland Access Point office at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay). 

Car Buying and Car Care Tips 

In the market for a new car or looking to get more information about choosing the right mechanic? Join our OCP Administrator Tracy Rezvani this Friday, June 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at the County’s North Laurel 50+ Center for an informational presentation on the laws that impact the sale of new and used vehicles, as well as tips to avoid common scams and fraud. Tracy’s presentation will also cover basic repairs and how to choose the right mechanic. 

To sign-up to participate in this FREE workshop, either contact OCP at 410-313-6420 or stop by the front desk at the North Laurel Community Center before the 2nd.  

Office of Emergency Management

National Wildfire Awareness Month

Wildfires are the “silent killers” of natural disasters because they often begin unnoticed. They are often caused by humans or lightning, can happen at any time and anywhere, and can quickly spread and ignite brush, trees and homes. In Maryland, wildfires occur in every month; however, they peak in the spring and fall.

In recognition of May being National Wildfire Awareness Month, all month long, our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been sharing wildfire preparation and prevention tips on its Facebook and Twitter social media channels. These tips are especially important to keep in mind when a Fire Weather Watch or Red Flag Warning is issued. If you haven’t had a chance to check out OEM’s social media channels, I encourage you to do so today!

Remember, as Smokey Bear says, “Only YOU can prevent wildfires.”

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Stop the Bleed

The number one cause of preventable trauma death is severe bleeding. With three quick actions, you can be trained on how to Stop the Bleed and save a life.

In honor of National Stop the Bleed Day (May 25th), our Department of Fire and Rescue Services' (DFRS) is reminding residents and organizations about its Bleeding Control Program and how to sign your group up to take a course or its virtual community class. To learn more, click HERE.

Swimming Safety Tips

With summer pool season underway, DFRS is reminding parents/guardians to always keep an eye on kids in and around bodies of water. Drowning can be quick and silent.

For more water safety tips, check out the American Red Cross's “Water Safety” website.

Trainee Class 37 Applications

If you are interested in becoming a firefighter with DFRS, mark your calendars! The department will begin accepting applications for its Trainee Class 38 at 8:00 a.m. on July 31st and will accept applications until 5:00 p.m. on August 4th. During this time, the link to apply will be available at https://governmentjobs.com/careers/howardcounty.

In the meantime, to learn more about a firefighter career with DFRS, check out the department’s “Recruitment” website.

Health Department

Family Wellness Day

Join Howard County Health Department, DFRS, our Department Recreation & Parks and more for Family Wellness Day this Sunday, June 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Centennial Park South in Ellicott City.

This FREE event provides a great opportunity to share wellness resources, health education and take part in an array of healthy fun, including a hands-only CPR “pump-a-thon,” a performance by the precision jump rope team the Kangaroo Kids, health screenings, physical activities, music and more! COVID vaccines will also be available onsite.

Additionally, don't forget to grab your sunning shoes before you leave the house so you can join in on the 19th Annual Matzohball 5K Run/Walk. Registration is required to participate.

Put on your running shoes and join us on Sunday, June 4, 2023 from 10:00am – 2:00pm at Centennial Park for a day of healthy fun.  

Office of Human Rights and Equity

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.

Reading Human Rights: Interior Chinatown

Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by our Office of Human Rights and Equity (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 May book discussion – to be held in person at HCLS Miller branch in Ellicott City tonight, May 30th at 6:30 p.m., OHRE and HCLS will discuss Charles Yu’s Interior Chinatown. Winner of the 2020 National Book Award, Interior Chinatown explores race, pop culture, immigration, assimilation and escaping the roles we are forced to play.

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

Unleashing the Activist Within

Launched this past February, join OHRE next tomorrow, May 31st at 5:00 p.m. for its second “Unleashing the Activist Within” workshop. Held quarterly, this three-hour virtual workshop allows participants to 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 “Unleashing the Activist Within” training to learn how you can help make a positive change that protects and promotes the human rights of all in our community, click HERE today register.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Planning Board Meeting

Our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Planning Board, will hold a hybrid meeting, in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx, this Thursday, June 1st at 7:00 p.m., to hear the following agenda items:

• F-22-040 Sangiae Lee – Request to review Final Subdivision Plan (F-22-040) in accordance with Section 16.125(c) of the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations for a subdivision that abuts or adjoins a scenic road. The subject property is one acre and is zoned R-20 (Residential: Single) and will be subdivided into two lots.
• SDP-22-042 Howard Hughes Corporation – Request to construct one apartment building and two mixed-use residential, retail buildings for a total of 701 dwelling units and 19,013 square feet of retail in Downtown Columbia, Lakefront Neighborhood Phase One (Lakefront North)

To register to testify, click HERE. Registration must be completed prior to 7:00 pm the night (May 31, 2023) before the scheduled meeting to participate. If you do not wish to testify, but simply to watch the meeting, click HERE to watch.

A five-member board made up of Howard County citizens, 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 certain 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.

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

Also, this Thursday, June 1st, DPZ’s Historic Preservation Commission will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. The meeting agenda and instructions on how to watch or participate in Thursday’s meeting can be found on the Commission’s website.

To register to join Thursday’s meeting through your computer to view and hear the presentations, you will need to register by noon on the 1st. Once registered, further instructions and a call-in attendee number will be provided via email.

Police Department

Steps to Take to Prevent Theft from Your Vehicle

With recent vehicle break-ins at park parking lots and trailheads - some even during the middle of the day, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is reminding residents of the following to help prevent theft from vehicle: 



• Never leave your vehicle unlocked; 
• Never leave your purse, wallet or other valuables in your vehicle; 
• Keep any packages and shopping bags out of sight and in the trunk; and
• Be aware of your surroundings and people near your vehicle.

As always, to report suspicious activity, please call 911.

2023 Collision Avoidance Training Program Schedule Announced

HCPD’s Collision Avoidance Training (C.A.T.) program is an advanced defensive driving and vehicle control program geared towards licensed teenage drivers, age 16 to 20 years old. This one-day program is designed to provide young drivers with the knowledge and understanding of vehicle dynamics, as well as practical exercises that demonstrate how one’s vehicle responds in a given situation and how to regain control of the vehicle.

To participate, students must possess a valid Class C driver’s license (not a permit) and have a car they can use for the driving portion of the program. C.A.T. classes are scheduled for: June 10th, July 15th, August 19th, September 9th, October 14th, November 4th and December 9th.

The cost of the program is $95 and advance registration is required. For more information and/or to register, click HERE. For questions, contact the C.A.T. Program at 410-313-2207 or email CATProgram@howardcountymd.gov.

Office of Procurement and Contract Administration

Gateway Innovation District Master Plan

In case you missed it, I have issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a Master Plan that will guide the transformation of the Gateway Business Park into the premier “Innovation District” on the east coast. The County’s pending General Plan Update, HoCo By Design, calls for a bold redevelopment of the 1,000+ acre industrial and office park into a major hub for employment, entertainment and innovation. The EOI seeks a multi-disciplinary consultant team experienced with master planning efforts of this magnitude.

Interested parties may review the Expression of Interest here under the “documents” tab. Proposals are due on Wednesday, July 5th before 10:59 a.m. A virtual Pre-Submittal Meeting will occur tomorrow, May 31st at 3:00 p.m. Questions about this solicitation should be directed to Jennie Rittenhouse, buyer with the Howard County Office of Procurement, at jrittenhouse@howardcountymd.gov. All additional information about the pre-submittal meeting and proposal submission instructions, can be found on the County’s website here.

Department of Public Works

Rogers Avenue Improvement Project Public Meeting

Our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Transportation and Special Projects Division will hold a public meeting this Thursday, June 1st at 5:00 p.m. in the Oella Room at the County’s Roger Carter Community Center in Ellicott City, to present plans for a multi-modal travel improvement project along Rogers Avenue between US 40 and Courthouse Drive. This project will include the widening of Rogers Avenue and the installation of new storm water management facilities, a landscaped median, a center turn lane, crosswalks at Oak West Drive and Linwood Drive, and curb, gutter, sidewalks and bikes along both sides of the roadway. Improvements will also be made to the storm drain system in the area and an existing culvert will be replaced with a new twin culvert to pass a 100-year storm. Finally, utilities in the area will also be relocated to accommodate the work being done. Weather permitting and pending final land acquisition, the project is expected to begin this summer and take 24 months to complete.

To learn more about this public meeting and what to do if you cannot make it, click HERE.

Bureau of Environmental Services

Memorial Day Holiday Slide Schedule in Effect this Week

QUICK REMINDER, DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services' "holiday slide schedule" is in effect this week as the Memorial Day holiday is one of the six holidays that affects the County's trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim curbside collection schedule. As there was NO curbside collection on Monday, May 29th, Monday's pickup slid to today, May 30th, Tuesday’s pickup will take place on Wednesday, Wednesday on Thursday and so forth. 

To learn more, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule or contact the Bureau at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org for questions.

Bureau of Highways

Caution, WET PAINT!

Every spring and summer, as weather permits, DPW refreshes lane line marking paint to ensure that street markings are highly visible and our roadways are safe.

With DPW’s 2023 painting season underway, the department is reminding motorists to show caution and patience when they come upon a paint truck convoy driving slowly in the roadway. To avoid wet paint:

• NEVER pass the paint truck or trail vehicle;
• NEVER change lanes behind the striping truck or trail vehicles;
• DO NOT swerve back and forth to see around the paint truck or trail vehicle; and
• If parked, wait five minutes before driving on the painted areas.

If you have questions and/or for more information, please contact DPW's Bureau of Highways at 410-313-7450 or email highways@howardcountymd.gov.

Bureau of Utilities

Residential Water Meter Replacement Program Resumes

EFFECITVE IMMEDIATELY, DPW’s Bureau of Utilities has resumed its residential water meter replacement program. As existing water meters in the system are approaching their useful life, with some already failing resulting in the need to estimate water bills, it is vital these meters (at no cost to county water customers) be replaced to ensure accurate and timely water usage data is obtained.

To complete the water meter replacement program in a timely manner, the County has contracted with Vanguard Utility Service for assistance. Residents will receive notification in the mail prior to meter installers arriving in their neighborhood. This notification will include contact information for Vanguard Utility Service so residents can schedule their water meter replacement appointment. Appointments are currently available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday appointments will also be available, but on a first come, first-served basis. Appointments should last no more than 20 to 30 minutes. 

To learn more about this program and what to expect, 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.

Maryland State Highway Administration

Westbound MD 32 Bridge Ramp Pavement Patch and Repair Work

Starting this evening, May 30th at 9:00 p.m., the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin overnight work to patch and repair the pavement on the westbound MD 32 bridge ramp (Exit 13A) onto northbound I-95 in Savage. Weather permitting, the project will take place overnight tonight and tomorrow (May 31st), from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. each night, and be completed by Thursday morning, June 1st. 

During these overnight hours when Exit 13A is CLOSED, motorists will be detoured using the following route: 

• continue on westbound MD 32 past I-95 to Exit 14, Broken Lane Parkway; 
• take Exit 14 to Broken Lane Parkway, and then exit onto eastbound MD 32; and 
• take Exit 13A to access northbound I-95. 

Electronic signs, barrels and cones will be in place to guide motorists safely through the work zone. While SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for its crews as well as its customers, motorists are reminded to stay alert, focus on driving and, look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes. Drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones.

For more information about this project, click HERE or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.

US 1 Road Surface Improvement Work

Reminder, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun overnight work to improve the road surface on US 1 between Whiskey Bottom Road and the bridge over the Patuxent River, north of Gorman Road in Laurel. During the overnight work hours of Sundays through Thursdays, 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., with occasional daytime work of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., motorists can expect single-lane closures guided by a flagging operation in the work zone.

Following these improvements to US 1, which SHA expects to complete in June, weather permitting, SHA will begin improvement work to the southbound lanes on MD 32 between I-70 and MD 144 in West Friendship. This overnight work on MD 32 will also take place from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Sundays through Thursdays, and will require a single-lane closure on southbound MD 32 and the closure and detour of the eastbound I-70 ramp to southbound MD 32. The detour includes eastbound I-70 to northbound MD 32, with a U-turn to access southbound MD 32.

SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Motorists are reminded to stay alert, focus on driving and, look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes. Drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones.

For more information about these projects, click HERE or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.

Dancing for Fun Mixer  

This June, lace up your dancing shoes and swing by Recreation & Parks’ North Laurel Community Center for its “Dancing for Fun Mixer.” Geared towards residents age 55 and older, classes will be held on Thursday throughout the month, offering participants the opportunity to learn line dancing, ballroom, swing, Latin and more. The cost to participate is $12 and a partner is not necessary. To find a dance class that best fits your schedule this June, click HERE to register.

Making Memories at Summer Camp 

With summer camp season right around the corner, Recreation & Parks remains at the ready to keep your camper’s mind and body active, entertained and learning all summer long. While Recreation & Parks has experienced record enrollment numbers for its summer camps thus far, there are still plenty of opportunities to keep your child moving, learning and making new friends this summer. To check out this summer camp offerings, click HERE.  

Summer Solstice Maker’s Mart

Join Recreation & Parks’ Robinson Nature Center next Sunday, June 11th from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a Summer Solstice Maker’s Mart event. Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to come meet local artisans and shop their handmade and sustainable wares. While in attendance, be sure to also check out Robinson Nature Center’s own gift shop, where members will receive 15 percent off in-shop purchases and non-members, a 10 percent discount during this special event.

Oh, and did I mention that admission to the Robinson Nature Center will be FREE during this entire event. For a full list of participating artisans, click HERE.

If you are interested in being a vendor at this year’s event, check out this online form for additional information on set-up, clean-up and fees, and how to apply.

Roger Carter Community Center 10th Anniversary Celebration 

Happy Birthday! Join us Saturday, June 17th from noon to 2:00 p.m. as we celebrate our Roger Carter Community Center’s 10th anniversary! The event will feature FREE open swim, indoor laser tag sponsored by Next Level Gaming, climbing wall, refreshments and giveaways. While registration will not be required for this event, space available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, attendees 16 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult. For questions and/more information about this event, please contact the Roger Carter Community Center at 410-313-2764.