Greetings!

Happy New Year, and welcome to our January 2022 Newsletter!

This month is a busy time for the County Council, with a number of important bills having been introduced by Council Members and the Administration. The bills cover a range of issues, including affordable housing policy, workers' rights, anti-discrimination protections, and more. You can learn more about pending bills below.

As our positivity rate continues to stay high, I urge you to continue being safe and take precautions against COVID-19. The CDC has authorized and encourages booster shots for all individuals who are age 12 or older. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot is an incredibly important way to increase your immunity to the virus and stay safe. You can learn more and sign up for a vaccine appointment here.

As we continue into the new year, please don't hesitate to contact my office if you are experiencing any issues in your community or would just like to get in touch. We are here to help with your concerns and listen to your feedback. Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy January!
Yours in service,
Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3
she/her/hers
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January 24, 2022
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Vaccine Update
Howard County residents have continued to get their COVID-19 vaccinations in record numbers. While nearly all residents have received a first and second dose of the vaccine, many eligible residents have not yet received their booster shot. The most recent data available indicates that roughly 50% of residents over 12 years old have received their vaccine booster shot.

If you haven't yet been vaccinated yet, there are many opportunities to get your shot! The Howard County Health Department is offering dozens of vaccine clinics at locations across the County, including appointments for anyone age 5 and older. You can find a full list of vaccine appointments here.

Variants & Mask Mandate
With the rise of the different variants across the world, the CDC has recommended the reinstitution of prevention strategies, like wearing masks in public indoor spaces. These new recommendations are aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. Howard County currently has an indoor mask mandate in effect. The COVID-19 vaccine is highly recommended as a proven method to counter the spread of the virus and provide protection against serious illness and death.

COVID-19 Testing
The Howard County Health Department and our private partners are continuing to offer COVID-19 tests across Howard County on a regular basis. If you would like to get tested for COVID-19, please visit this website for a list of nearby testing clinics and locations. As demand for testing has increased, the Howard County Health Department has been working to expand opportunities to get tested in Howard County. You can also request 4 free tests be mailed to you from the federal government by visiting this website.
January Legislation
On January 4th, the County Council convened for our January Legislative Session. Several pieces of legislation and resolutions were introduced, including the following:

  • CB2-2022: AN ACT prohibiting discrimination based on citizen or immigration status in the areas of employment, law enforcement practices, public accommodations, and financing; clarifying prohibited discrimination based on citizenship or immigration status in the area of housing; and generally related to Human Rights provisions of the County Code. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.

  • CB6-2022: AN ACT repealing a certain provision of law relating to the determination of whether an election is contested for the distribution of a public contribution from the Citizens’ Election Fund; confirming that a certified candidate may receive a matching public contribution for any qualifying contributions that were collected prior to the effective date of this Act; making a technical correction in order to remove an ambiguity in the Citizens’ Election Fund law to facilitate orderly administration of the program; and generally relating to the Citizens’ Election Fund. Introduced by David Yungmann.

  • CB7-2022 and CB8-2022: AN ACT amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to require that Moderate Income Housing Units (MIHUs) be developed in the Planned Golf Course Community (PGCC) zoning district; and generally relating to Moderate Income Housing Units. Introduced by Liz Walsh.

  • CB9-2022: AN ACT to alter a duty of the Department of Planning and Zoning related to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance; requiring certain developers to meet with the School System about school capacity solutions; and generally relating to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. Introduced by Deb Jung.

  • CB10-2022: AN ACT requiring certain employers to recall certain employees who have been laid-off after the imposition of the COVID-19 state of emergency; specifying the procedures by which the recall would operate; establishing certain procedures for filing, investigating, and adjudicating a complaint; prohibiting retaliation against employees for filing a certain complaint or participating in certain proceedings; declaring that this Act is an Emergency Bill necessary to meet a public emergency affecting life, health or property; providing for a certain termination date; and generally relating to a right of recall for Covid-19 laid-off employees. Introduced by Liz Walsh.

  • CR17-2022: A RESOLUTION adopting a comprehensive revision to the Howard County Design Manual Volume III (Roads and Bridges) that includes content changes; renaming the Howard County Design Manual Volume III to be “Complete Streets and Bridges”; amending the Howard County Design Manual Volume IV (Standard Specifications and Details for Construction) to include updated sections and details reflecting Complete Streets concepts and policy in Howard County; repealing current Howard County Design Manual Volume III (Roads and Bridges); and generally related to Volume III and IV of the Design Manual. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.

Tabled Legislation

  • CB83-2021: AN ACT to establish a Police Accountability Board; setting forth the qualifications for members and method of appointment; setting forth the process for selection of the board chairperson; providing for a process to receive certain complaints alleging police misconduct; setting forth the duties of the Board; defining certain terms; providing for the requirement to submit financial disclosure statements; providing for the staggering of initial appointments to the Board; providing for the application of this Act; and generally relating to police accountability in Howard County. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.

  • CB88-2021: AN ACT to prohibit the willful failure to do specified maintenance and repair of certain historic structures thus prohibiting certain demolition by neglect of those structures; allowing the Historic District Commission to waive compliance in certain cases of financial hardship; providing for a hearing and an opportunity to cure specified violations; and generally relating to historic structures, historic sites, and historic districts in the County. Introduced by the Liz Walsh.

  • CR140-2021, CR141-2021, CR142-2021, CR143-2021: Resolutions approving the terms and conditions of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement for four solar power farms in Howard County. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
Community News, Events, and Updates
My Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Priorities
The start of the new year means that Howard County's budget process is kicking off! In December, I shared my FY2023 Budget Requests with County Executive Ball. My Budget Requests reflect important investments that I believe our county should be making in District 3 and our broader Howard County community. I have requested funding for the following items in the upcoming budget:
FY23 Capital Budget Requests
  • Funding for a new project, Laurel Complete Streets, which would improve pedestrian/bike safety and connectivity in North Laurel.

  • Funding for T7106 Intersection or Corridor Safety Improvement Program to reduce speeding & improve safety in Owen Brown.

  • Funding for J4222 Snowden River Improvements to design and construct a multi-use path along Snowden River Parkway.

  • Funding for K5066 Bicycle Plan Projects to construct the multiuse pathway on Dobbin Road and connect residents on foot/bike to the Broken Land Park and Ride.

  • Funding for construction of the North Laurel Community Pool.

  • Funding for a Green Bin Expansion to Southeast Howard County, specifically in Savage, North Laurel, & Kings Contrivance.
FY23 Operating Budget Requests
  • Funding to HCPSS to begin implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland's future, which calls for increasing teacher salaries and improving the education system.

  • Creation of a Working Families Assistance Fund for Howard County Residents, which would provide partial or full scholarships to Howard County families for childcare assistance.

  • Funding for the Housing Opportunities Trust Fund, which would empower Howard County to expand our efforts to provide affordable housing opportunities for low and middle income families in our community.

  • Funding for a Maternal Health Clinic in Howard County, which was one of the Racial Equity Task Force’s key recommendations for improving health and equity in the county.
You can learn more about the FY2023 Budget Process, including how to get involved and submit testimony by visiting this website. The County Executive will be holding another public hearing on the upcoming FY23 Budget in March.
Citizens' Election Fund Update
My office has received many questions and concerns about the language in the Citizens’ Election Fund (CEF) law that currently prohibits candidates from receiving matching funds from the program.

I fully support changing the law to fix the language so that CEF candidates can receive matching funds in a timely manner. This change is necessary to successfully implement this program this cycle. Along with my colleagues, I will be co-sponsoring an emergency bill to ensure the successful facilitation of this program.

Since I am participating in the CEF program as a candidate, I have asked our Ethics Commission for an Advisory Opinion to confirm whether I am permitted to vote on the bill or whether there is a conflict of interest that needs to be addressed. County ethics law prohibits elected officials from voting on matters in which they have a financial interest or in which they would personally gain. I am meeting with the Ethics Commission on January 25th and have asked for an opinion by the next Legislative Session on February 7th, when this issue is scheduled for a vote.

In 2017, I testified in support of the CEF law as a resident and volunteered in support of the measure in the community and at the polls. In 2018, I campaigned on supporting the program. Since serving on the Council, I have advocated for funding the CEF program in the budget, and County Executive Ball has allocated $1.25 million to the program over 3 years. Now, in 2022, I have chosen to participate in the program as a candidate. Over the past 5 years, I have been fully committed to supporting this program, and I will continue to work for the success of this important program in our local elections.
Active Transportation Open House
From Saturday, February 12 to Friday, February 18, the Howard County Office of Transportation will be hosting its annual Active Transportation Open House. The Open House is your opportunity to learn about and discuss projects and initiatives related to biking, walking, Complete Streets, and shared micromobility in the County. I encourage you to participate in the Open House and share your feedback about active transportation efforts in Howard County. You can learn more here.
Howard County Child Care Fair
Howard County’s Department of Community Resources and Services will host its annual Child Care Fair on Saturday, February 26, 2022, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the North Laurel Community Center, located at 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road in Laurel (masks are required).

While admission is FREE, attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item or unopened pack of diapers or wipes to donate to the Howard County Food Bank.

Representatives from the Office of Children and Families and community service organizations that offer programs and services to Howard County’s young children will be on hand to share resources and information. The event will also feature free information sessions on “How to Choose an Early Childhood Program” at 11:00 am, noon, & 1:00 pm. 
 
Digital access to the 2022 Parent's Guide to Howard County will also be available at the Child Care Fair registration table. Though not required, pre-registration is highly recommended so event organizers can contact attendees in case of inclement weather on the day of the event.
Howard County Food Bank
Shop for the foods YOU want at the Howard County Food Bank. All shopping trips are family-choice.

Fresh items such as milk, eggs, hygiene products, meats, produce are all on hand each time. Families who may qualify should visit www.CAC-HC.org or call 410-313-6440 for more details.
Head Start and Pre-K Opportunities
from Community Action Council
Community Action Council (CAC) offers FREE Head Start and Pre-K programming to eligible 3- to 5-year-old children. Programs provide family engagement services, speech & language therapy, mental health consulting, hearing & vision screening, and nutritional counseling.

CAC operates four sites across Howard County. Learn more at www.CAC-HC.org or call 410-313-6440. 
COVID-19 Resources
Rental Assistance & Eviction Prevention
Howard County Government is offering Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention Grants to Howard County residents who need assistance paying their rent or mortgage due to loss of income resulting from COVID-19.

Residents may apply for rental and mortgage assistance from:

Maximum housing assistance per household is up to 15 months of past due rent and utility bills and up to 12 months of mortgage assistance. Residents that previously received housing assistance ARE eligible to apply for additional assistance. You can find more information on the housing assistance grants and how to apply here.
Energy Assistance
Howard County Government has dedicated additional funding to the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) for energy/utility assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are in imminent danger of utility cut-off and need assistance paying your utility bills, you can apply for assistance from the Community Action Council by visiting here or by calling 410-313-6440.
Emergency Broadband Benefit
The FCC announced that on May 12, 2021, eligible households may apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit.
 
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide eligible households with discounts of up to $50 a month for broadband service. It also will provide a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet for eligible households.

Households can apply in three ways:
  1. Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.
  2. Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.
  3. Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with proof of eligibility to: Emergency Broadband Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
Virtual Assistance Portal
Howard County Government has launched a Virtual Assistance Portal to help connect residents with disaster and emergency resources, including housing assistance, food assistance, employment assistance, utility assistance, and more.

You can visit the portal and learn more about the resources available here.
Unemployment Services
You can find more information and apply for unemployment benefits from the State of Maryland here.

You can find more information on job opportunities and employment assistance from Howard County's Office of Workforce Development here.
Howard County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) is a group of community organizations focused on collecting and deploying resources during a local disaster.

If you are able to donate, are in need of grocery/medicine delivery, or are in need of resources, please visit COAD's website here to learn more about their services.
District 3 Pre-Submission Meetings
There is currently one community pre-submission meetings scheduled in District 3.
Name: Whiskey Bottom Estates
Address: 9722 Whiskey Bottom Road Laurel, MD 20723
Meeting Date: February 15 at 6:00 PM
Meeting Location: 8480 Baltimore National Pike Ellicott City, MD 21043; virtual link
Zoning: R-SC
Acres: 1.15
Units: 4
Planned Use: Single Family Detached
Want to Get in Touch?
Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3

crigby@howardcountymd.gov
410-313-2001
Colette Gelwicks
Special Assistant

cgelwicks@howardcountymd.gov
410-313-2421
Felix Facchine
District Aide

ffacchine@howardcountymd.gov
410-313-3108
Please feel free to contact us by email or phone. Plus, you can stay up-to-date with Christiana by following us on social media, where we post regular updates on county news, legislative priorities, and community initiatives!