April 2023 Newsletter

Greetings!

On March 31st, County Executive Ball released his Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed Capital Budget and presented it to the County Council for consideration. This Capital Budget includes important investments in our community.

I'm especially excited about the funding proposed for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, education, and environmental initiatives. For a detailed overview of the projects I consider most important for our District 3 community, scroll down.

In the meantime, as the weather turns warmer and we are all heading outdoors more and more, I hope to catch you out in the community, in one of our beautiful parks, or on a trail! You may also always contact my office. My team and I look forward to hearing from you!

Yours in service,

Christiana Rigby (she/her)

Councilwoman, District 3

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April 13, 2023

FY24 Proposed Capital Budget

There are many projects in the FY24 Capital Budget that I am pleased to see funded. This budget includes $12.8 million towards bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, the highest level of funding for these projects in County history. These projects are spread across the County and strengthen our community connections.

Education has always been important to us, and I'm pleased at the funding included this year. This year's budget proposal fully funds the Board of Education's request for the second consecutive year. The proposal also includes $67.7 million for the Howard County School System and $11 million for the planning of a new Lakefront Library in Downtown Columbia.

In this year's budget, County Executive Ball proposed $18.8 million in funding for Recreation and Parks. This funding supports projects to renovate existing facilities and efforts to improve community recreation.

There are a number of projects in the FY24 Capital Budget that advance important work on Howard County's environmental initiatives. Notably, Capital Project C0299 provides the funding for an additional compost facility at the Alpha Ridge Landfill. While a decision about which communities will receive composting services as a result of this project has not been reached yet, I'm excited that we are expanding this important service.

Funding for these projects has been proposed by County Executive Ball in this Capital Budget, but the County Council will still need to vote on approving these funds. In order for these critical projects to move forward, we need your help to advocate for their funding. Please let the County Council know which projects and initiatives are important to you by submitting testimony on the budget to [email protected]. Community members and organizations can also sign up to testify on the FY24 Capital Budget during our Public Hearings on April 18th at 6:00 PM and May 11th at 9:30 AM.

For more information about the budget process, please visit the County Council's budget page. The schedule for the Council's Budget Public Hearings and Work Sessions are available on the County Council's calendar page. All of the proceedings can be watched on the Council's website.

To see the entire FY24 Capital Budget as proposed to the County Council, click here.

March Legislation Wrap-Up

On April 3rd, the County Council convened for our April Legislative Session. The County Council took action on several pieces of legislation, including the following:

CB8-2023: An act providing for an extension of the property tax credit for high performance buildings and generally relating to the property tax credit for high performance buildings. This bill passed in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

CB9-2023: An act amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to allow certain historic venues to be used as a Conditional Use Historic Building Uses, under certain conditions; and generally relating to Historic Building Uses. This bill was tabled. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of BFEA-Curtis Farm, LLC.

CB10-2023: An act to clarify the role of the hearing examiner to hear certain matters in the jurisdiction of the Zoning Board; specifying the powers and duties of, and the procedures used by, the hearing examiner, including in an evidentiary hearing; removing certain mediation procedures; specifying the rights and duties of persons of record in matters heard by the hearing examiner; providing for the process of petition applications for piecemeal map amendments and development plans. This bill was tabled. Introduced by Councilmember Liz Walsh.

CB11-2023: An act amending the Howard County Code to establish certain processes for certain audits by the Howard County Auditor’s Office; and generally relating to the Howard County Auditor’s Office. This bill passed in a 5-0 vote, following the passage of several amendments. Introduced by Christiana Rigby and Dr. Opel Jones.

April Legislation

On April 3rd, the County Council convened for our April Legislative Session. New legislation was introduced, including:

CB12-2023: An act removing an application fee for credits against the Watershed Protection and Restoration Fee and generally relating to the Watershed Protection and Restoration Fee. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

CR60-2023: A resolution adopting Howard County’s Annual Action Plan for housing and community services to qualify for the receipt of federal Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnership Program funds. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

CR61-2023: A resolution endorsing and authorizing the Howard County Executive to file an application with the Maryland Transit Administration of the Maryland Department of Transportation for grants under the Federal Transit Act and certain State transportation grants; indicating certain endorsement by the County Executive; and requiring certain copies be sent to the Maryland Department of Transportation. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

At the upcoming Public Hearing, on April 17th at 7:00 PM, residents can offer testimony on this legislation. The legislation will be up for a vote at the Council's Legislative Session on May 1st at 7:00 PM.

VIEW COUNCIL LEGISLATION

TESTIFY AT A PUBLIC HEARING

VIEW COUNCIL CALENDAR

Community News, Events, and Updates

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Howard County General Hospital is hosting a virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid course on April 21st from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Participants will learn how to assist a young person, from ages 12 to 18, who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Anyone over the age of 18 is invited to register for this free course.

The course includes an online self-paced module that must be completed before attending the instructor-led class via Zoom. Registration is available online.

Interactive Food Connection Map

The Howard County Health Department's Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC) and Epidemiology teams created an interactive food resources map. The Howard Food Connection Map was created to increase access to and awareness of accessible, affordable, and nutritious foods.

This new resource helps everyone in Howard County find locations of local food pantries, farmers markets, and more.

Moderate Income Housing Unit Applications

The Moderate-Income Housing Unit program open enrollment period for homeownership is currently underway. The MIHU program helps individuals and families purchase homes at reduced sale prices and rents.

Applications are now available and can be submitted online. Applications are due by 4:00 PM on Friday, April 28th.

If you are interested in the MIHU rental program, you may apply all year long directly to the participating rental community.

There are income requirements in order to qualify for the MIHU program. Income requirements depend on household size. Find out more by reviewing the MIHU application.

Earth Day Celebration

Join the Office of Human Rights and equity at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center to celebrate Earth Day on Sunday, April 23rd from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for “Seeking Fertile Ground: Agricultural Justice & Earth Stewardship for ALL!”

Stop by for a food and agricultural presentation, food distribution, local food trucks, and an opportunity to learn about County resources. More information about the event and registration details are available online.

Job Opportunities

Become a Camp Plus Aide

Howard County Recreation and Parks is looking for active, engaging, and responsible staff over the age of 16 to work aftercare for a variety of summer camps. Under the immediate direction of a Camp Director, Camp Plus Aide’s assist with the organization and supervision of participants at day camps.

Learn more about the position and apply today.

Become a Community Outreach & Teen Leader

Howard County Recreation and Parks is currently looking for Community Outreach & Teen Leaders this summer! This position provides support to the Recreation Services Supervisor/Manager for community outreach, teen programs, camps, and special events. This is a great opportunity for any resident over the age of 18 to become involved in our community.

Learn more about this position.

Work with us in Howard County

We are hiring an Executive Assistant to work directly with the Council Administrator, performing senior level administrative work. We have a great team and would love to grow our County Council staff with more members of the community.

Learn more about the position and apply!

20 Minute Cleanup

The 20 Minute Cleanup is an annual Howard County spring cleaning project held the whole month of April.

Participating in the 20 Minute Cleanup is easy. Just pick a location and then safely pick up the litter that you find. Use your regular trash and recycling pickup service to dispose of what you collect.

After a cleanup, send an email to [email protected] with the number of people who participated and number of bags collected. Cleanup results can also be shared on social media using @livegreenhoward and #20minutecleanup.

Learn more about how you can participate in the 20 Minute Cleanup.

Christiana's Climate Corner

Welcome to Christiana's Climate Corner, where I will be sharing updates on environmental and sustainability efforts in Howard County, including information on legislation, events, and opportunities for you to support sustainability efforts in our community!

Green Bin Composting

Howard County composts! Composting is a great way to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, and saves County taxpayer dollars, too. Lots of the waste that is collected by Waste Management is shipped out to be disposed of and this is a very costly process. For compost collection, the County has our own bunkers that turn the waste into soil fertilizer.

When food waste ends up in the landfill, it produces methane gas, which is a strong and potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to climate change. Organic waste in a landfill also produces leachate which is a harmful liquid that can seep into groundwater, streams, and rivers and leave dangerous chemicals behind. All of this can be prevented by composting!

Composting can also be a fun and fulfilling activity. It is a great opportunity to learn about nature and how our actions directly impact the environment around us.

I recently had the opportunity to door knock in the community with several advocates who are hoping to get the Green Bin services in their neighborhood. I'm so grateful to Pearl Seidman and others in Kings Contrivance who are helping to demystify composting and expanding community interest. If you want to sign up or are not sure if you already get the Green Bin, search for your address on the County's Green Bin page.