Dear Friends,

If you are a Maryland taxpayer who maintains Maryland residency for the 2023 tax year and incurred at least $20,000 in undergraduate and/or graduate student loan debt, and have at least $5,000 in outstanding student loan debt at the time of applying for the tax credit, you may be eligible for student loan debt relief from the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

Applications are being accepted now through next Friday, September 15th, so to learn more about this tax credit, eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/SL-TaxCredit. For questions about this tax credit, email studentdebttaxcredit.mhec@maryland.gov. 

Creating More Opportunities

HoCo By Design, Howard County’s General Plan, advocates for a greater variety of affordable and accessible home choices, providing housing options for younger generations and those who plan to age in place. 

With a mix of housing types, young people who are just starting out can access more affordable options as those who want to age in place are able to find accessible, smaller-scale housing options within their community.

Phoebe Woods-Orsini, Vice-Chair DEI Howard County Association of Realtors believes the plan will, “Create more opportunities for people to come here and stay for a lifetime.”

A Testament to the Great American Spirit

On Labor Day, as we gathered with family and friends for some backyard grilling, enjoyed one last dip in the pool or relished in some downtime, I hoped you joined me in remember the heartbeat of Howard County and our nation - our workforce. We salute the unwavering spirit, tenacity and dedication of every person who, every day, contributes to the vibrant tapestry of our community.

The past year has brought challenges, but with them, incredible achievements. Each of you, in your own unique way, has played a part in our collective resilience and progress. It's more than just a job—it's a testament to the American spirit.

To our hardworking residents of Howard County and beyond: Your commitment not only fuels our economy but enriches our community. Let's cherish Labor Day as a day symbolizing all we've achieved, and the boundless possibilities the future holds when we come together. I hope everyone had a safe, restful and joyous Labor Day.

You Are Never Alone

September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to address a deeply impactful issue in our community. Every life is precious, and it's essential we stand together, ensuring that those who are struggling know they're not alone. To those grappling with despair, Howard County is with you. We pledge to be a beacon of hope and support, reminding you of your worth and importance in this world.

Throughout the month, I encourage you to lend an open ear, share a moment of understanding, or just be there for someone who might be going through a hard time. A small gesture can change a person’s life trajectory. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, available 24/7, at 988. Your story and your life matter, and we are committed to raising awareness and ensuring our community is one of empathy and unity.

Ensuring Access to Healthy Food

Too many in our community worry about keeping a roof over their head or putting food on the table. Luckily, in Howard County, we are grateful to have incredible community partners such as the Community Action Council of Howard County who help combat hunger and food insecurity. 

On September 1st, National Food Bank Day, we recognize the Howard County Food Bank which helps provide our residents with food and essential items. From fruits and vegetables to educational programs to support healthy eating habits, the CAC ensures all our residents have access necessary items to live their best lives. To learn more about all our food assistance programs with the food bank and to get more information, please visit https://cac-hc.org/food-assistance/.

One Life Lost is One Life Too Many

We continue to see a marked decline in opioid related overdoses and deaths in Howard County. As of mid-August, we are down nearly 33 percent in non-fatal opioid overdoses when compared to this time last year, and we are down more than 40 percent in fatal opioid overdose deaths when compared to this time last year. These numbers clearly indicate that we are all committed to the work is making a difference. However, one life lost to overdose is one life too many. 

In honor of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st, I joined Barbara Allen, State’s Attorney Rich Gibson and the entire Opioid Collaborative Community Council to remember those in our community who, unfortunately, lost the battle with addiction. In memory of the family, friends and neighbors we have lost to this crisis, the George Howard Building was lit purple, furthering our determination to ensure every resident is seen, heard, valued and never forgotten.

A Hub for Entrepreneurs and Change Makers

Our Innovation Center has been a hub for entrepreneurs and change makers since we established it a few years ago. I was thrilled to get a chance to see its purpose in action when we dropped by to visit some of our County’s most impressive entrepreneurs for Black Business Month.  

We had a chance to visit Tierra Lathan, owner of Consult Lemonade Corp., a management and technology resource firm that aids individuals in preparing for, securing, and maintaining gainful employment. They also serve the community by acting as a bridge between our underserved communities and corporations. They are also working on amazing things with our young people as one of our YEP! grantees.  

Also, at the Innovation Center, I had the chance to visit Dino Rodwell and learn about the incomparable work he’s doing with Capital Energy Solutions Inc. Their mission is to be the best-in-class provider of EV charging systems, and they’re well on their way.  

DeJesus Solutions, also known as Social Capital Builders, provides solutions to increase youth engagement and success through education and workforce development. These trainings, seminars, and technical assistance provides stakeholders with the skills they need to increase their impact for any youth service or engagement efforts. This month we had a chance to visit with the founder/owner Edward DeJesus, to learn more about the work they do. 

Iron Bear Technologies provides professional engineering services to not only the federal government, but also local municipalities in MD. Today we had the chance to visit with their owner Don Frazier and learning about their technological innovations and lasting impacts.  

Nebulae Global Benefit Corp is a tech company that develops mobility devices that bring equity and greater independence to individuals with physical disabilities. Their primary mission is to improve the human condition for marginalized groups in America and around the globe. This Black Business Month we celebrate not only Nebulae, but also their dedicated leader Wanda Spence.  

In Howard County, we’re always aiming to foster the most innovation, especially in the tech sector. That’s why this Black Business Month we’ve had a chance to visit Rivue Software is a cybersecurity and data management service run by Nigel Knowles. Another cybersecurity business we’d like to celebrate this Black Business Month is Tempo Solutions. Tempo Solutions is a cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and software engineering service by Bernard Beja Foretia.

Building On the Vision for our County’s Future

Once each decade, Howard County updates its General Plan, a long-range, visionary document that guides land use, growth, and development decisions. Our HoCo By Design plan, which is currently being considered by the County Council, builds on our vision for our County’s future.

Kevin McAliley, a resident member of the Howard County Planning Board, believes the general plan will “enhance housing opportunities, transportation, infrastructure, and environmental assets that make [Howard County] a desirable place to call home.”

Read more about the plan here: https://www.hocobydesign.com/.

Are You Prepared?

Since 2004, September has been designated as National Preparedness Month and the perfect time to ensure that everyone is informed, has an emergency plan, builds a kit and gets involved.

This year’s theme focuses on enhancing readiness for the pillars of our community—older adults. Are you and your senior loved ones ready to face emergencies head-on? Our dedicated Office of Emergency Management will be sharing valuable preparedness insights all month and holding various informative events. I encourage you to follow them on social media (Facebook or Twitter) to stay informed on upcoming events and how you can stay prepared.

Always Honor, Never Forget

I invite you to join command members from our Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Howard County Police Department and myself this coming Monday, September 11th, as the County pays tribute to the 2,977 victims (including four Howard County residents) who lost their lives that tragic day 22 years ago, with a remembrance wreath laying. The ceremony will begin promptly at 8:46 a.m. at the Garden of Hope, located in our Department of Recreation & Parks' Centennial Park South (10000 MD 108 entrance).

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 Human Resources Administrator (Administrative Manager) – Duties include assisting the Human Resources Administrator in carrying the Human Resources function for the County, providing expert advice and guidance to management on human resources programs, policies and related management matters, administering employment policies and collective bargaining agreements to ensure compliance in actions, and more.
• Before and After School Programs - seeking energetic, talented, active and positive staff for our Before and After School Child Care Programs located throughout the County at local elementary schools.
• Outreach and Communications Manager - supporting the mission of OHRE in developing and implementing systems, educational programs, and events to address and combat discrimination and to promote better human relations in Howard County.
• Health Benefits and Employee Wellness Program Manager - plays a critical role in delivering a comprehensive benefit program that serves both the employee and retiree populations in a competitive and cost-effective manner.
• Fiscal Specialist II - Performs professional accounting work. Responsible for applying generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and procedures to analyze financial data.
• Sports & Adventure Services Coordinator II - Coordinates community sports leagues, youth sports leagues, and camps. Performs extensive community recreation liaison work between the Department and community sport programs. 

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

Let Us Help You LIFT Up Your Small Business

Howard County Economic Development Authority’s (EDA) Leveraging Investment for Future Transformation Fund, or “LIFT” Fund, enables EDA to provide microloans ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to Howard County small businesses for a three-to-five-year term. The loan program primarily serves small businesses including minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned and other socially disadvantaged groups. The ideal candidate would be a Howard County business that is generating revenue, who is looking for funds to lift and empower their business towards growth.

EDA also has resources at its Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) to supplement the funding, with the goal of better positioning the loan recipient for success. For example, if a small business wants to obtain a microloan and EDA determines that the owner need business coaching/training as a requirement, the owner will find resources available at the MIC.

To learn more about this program and/or to apply, click HERE.

Innovating with EDA

• 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. 

Vendors and Sponsors Sought for Fall Veteran Owned Small Biz Expo 

Our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF), in partnership with EDA, will host its first-ever Veteran Owned Small Biz Expo this fall to celebrate Howard County Business Appreciation Week and National Veteran’s Small Business Appreciation Week. The Expo will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 28th at EDA’s Maryland Innovation Center in Columbia and will feature live entertainment, food and activities to promote our veteran owned small businesses.

If you are a veteran, active duty or military spouse business owner, and are interested in participating in this inaugural event as a vendor or sponsor, I encourage you to complete OVMF’s initial interest form today. OVMF is primarily seeking businesses that are: 1) owned by a veteran, active duty or military spouse; 2) located/based in or near Howard County or the business owner resides in Howard County; and 3) offer goods to sell or services (including artwork and books) to feature at the Expo. 

Once approved, the registration fee is $25 per table space. Custom sponsorship levels are also available.

Nominate a Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshal

With the start of fall fast approaching, DCRS’s OVMF 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 this 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.

This Month’s HoCo Community Chat Episode Focus on Student Behavioral and Mental Health 

For this month’s September episode of DCRS’s HoCo Community Chat podcast, Director Jackie Scott is joined by Community Action Council of Howard County, Inc. President Tracy Broccolino and DCRS’s Office of Children and Families Administrator Erin Bonzon to discuss how the pandemic has affected student behavioral and mental health, as well as resources available to the community with the school year beginning.

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. 

Office of Human Rights and Equity

Human Rights Commission Public Hearing

Our Howard County Human Rights Commission (HRC) will hold a public hearing this September 6th, 7th, 11th and 13th to hear HRC Case No. 21-12-011 & 21-12-012: Berger & Williams v. Dr. Stephanie’s Relationship Repair Shop. In accordance with the Maryland Open Meetings Act, this hearing is open to the public. 

For more information and/or to attend this hearing, contact HRC Case Manager Claudia Allen at hrc@howardcountymd.gov.  

Hate Bias Forum for Central Maryland

Our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) has joined forces with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, the Montgomery Office of Human Rights and the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights to offer a Hate Bias Forum for Central Maryland on Tuesday, September 19th. The forum will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Montgomery College’s Germantown Campus, Room #4067, and will provide community leaders and members of law enforcement with important information in response to the 2021 and 2022 Hate Bias Report for the State of Maryland. The forum will engage local law enforcement, elected officials and community leaders in discussions and information sharing on methods to facilitate more effective reporting as well as responding to bias incidents and hate crimes.

To register to participate in this event, please click HERE.

An Evening with Matthew Berger

I invite you to join OHRE on September 20th as it partners with the Jewish Federation of Howard County, Howard Community College’s (HCC) Social Justice and Equity Center and Howard County Library System (HCLS) to host an evening with Matthew Berger, Senior Advisor for the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism. Come hear about the work the foundation is doing nationally, and learn the tools necessary to raise awareness about hate and injustice to foster change here in Howard County. The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. in HCC’s Smith Theatre. To register to participate, click HERE. 

Reading Human Rights – Inventing Latinos: A New Story of American Racism by Laura E. Gomez

Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by OHRE and 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.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, for its September book discussion – to be held in person at HCLS’s Elkridge branch on Tuesday, September 26th at 6:30 p.m., OHRE will discuss Laura Gomez’s Inventing Latinos: A New Story of American Racism. Inventing Latinos: A New Story of American Racism explores the impact of Latinos’ new collective racial identity in the way Americans understand race. Gomez asks, “Who are Latinos and where do they fit in America’s racial order?” Gomez argues that it is only recently that Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, Central Americans and others are seeing themselves (and being seen by others) under the banner of a cohesive racial identity, and the catalyst for this emergent identity is the ferocity of anti-Latino racism.

To secure your seat for this month’s event, click HERE today to 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, starting at 7:00 p.m. this Thursday, September 7th, to hear the following agenda item:

• F-23-031 – St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church – Request For cemetery accommodation plan in accordance with Section 16.1304 of the Howard County Code for a subdivision on land with a cemetery as documented on the Cemetery Inventory Map.

To register to testify, click HERE. Registration must be completed prior to 7:00 pm the night (September 6, 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, September 7th, 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.

Police Department

Applications Now Being Accepted for Youth Advisory Council

If your teen (9th to 12 grade) is in need of community service hours to add to their college applications, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is back and looking for members. YAC is designed to provide youth with a safe and engaging environment to interact with local law enforcement. The group meets monthly with members of HCPD and advises command staff on youth concerns and more. To apply and/or for more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/police/youth-programs. The deadline to apply is September 29th. 

SCAM ALERT!

HCPD is warning residents of an ongoing phone scam in which the caller pretends to be from HCPD or Howard County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), us uses the name of a REAL officer or deputy, and then demands money for missed jury duty or an arrest warrant. THIS IS A SCAM! HCPD and HCSO will NEVER demand payment over the phone. If you receive this call, please HANG UP IMMEDIATELY and DO NOT arrange for payment or provide any personal or financial information.  

HCPD has note that there have also been similar scams where impostors have claimed to be with the IRS and BGE. 

If you believe you may have been a victim of a telephone scam in which you have provided payment and/or personal or financial information, please call HCPD's non-emergency number at 410-313-2200 or file an online police report at www.howardcountymd.gov/police/file-online-report.

Keep Our Kids Safe this School Year, Drive Smart

With the 2023-2024 school year now underway, HCPD is working hard to ensure children, parents and teachers all arrive safely. Through its annual back-to-school initiative known as H.A.S.T.E. (Helping Arriving Students Through Enforcement), HCPD officers will focus on enforcing driver and pedestrian safety in school zones. Read the full news release here.

For the first three weeks of the school year, increased traffic patrols will be in place on roadways surrounding elementary, middle and high schools. Officers will focus on drivers who are speeding, failing to stop for pedestrians or driving distracted in those areas. They will also be checking for seat belt and child safety seat use to ensure all occupants are properly restrained.

HCPD is also reminding all drivers that buses serving the Howard County Public School System have been outfitted with external cameras. Launched last school year, HCPD’s External School Bus Camera program aims to ensure student safety by discouraging motorists from passing buses illegally. The state of Maryland’s fine for illegally passing a school bus is $250.

Additionally, HCPD’s Speed Camera Program is designed to encourage drivers to slow down in school zones and has fines set at $40. The cameras are rotated among various school zones in the county, which are posted in advance and updated every week on the program’s website. 

Finally, all HCPD crossing guards have been outfitted with new lighted stop signs in an effort to improve visibility and the safety of students and guards. The signs were funded by fines collected through HCPD’s Automated Enforcement programs.

HCPD will continue to conduct traffic safety education and enforcement efforts throughout the school year.

Department of Public Works

Bureau of Environmental Services

Holiday Slide Schedule in Effect Week of Labor Day

Remember, the County's holiday "slide" schedule is in effect that week as there was no Monday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scraps collection yesterday, September 4th. Monday’s collection will be picked up on today, Tuesdays 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. 

Thanks for Participating in Our Food Scrap Survey!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Bureau of Environmental Services' recent food scrap survey. Some key items our Bureau took away from its survey results were that more than 80 percent of participants said they would be "very likely" to participate in our Feed the Green Bin program when their neighborhood become eligible, that residents feel that separating food waste to be recycled (composted) is “very important” and that those currently participating in our program, use their green bin for both food scraps and yard trim.

Additionally, to answer some of your questions: 

Q: “Better clarification on type and amount of meat/fish scraps that can be placed in the green bin.”

A: We accept all meat, fish and bones from your meal preparation and leftovers. 

Q: “Please provide a countertop container for food scraps.”

A: We do! Countertop containers are available for Feed the Green Bin participants. They can be picked up at our office (9801 Broken Land Parkway) or will be delivered with a new cart upon request.

Q: “Love it. Is there a way to expand to commercial entities like tennis courts, golf courses, fast food, etc.?”

A: At this time, we can only accept material from eligible households and Howard County Public Schools, but that may change in the future! There are opportunities for commercial entities to divert their food scraps. Check out our list of local companies who can assist Howard County businesses.

Q: “I'd like to see feedback on compliance. Are people contaminating the compost with things that shouldn't be there?”

A: According to our most recent organics sort test (where samples are taken from all curbside collection routes), our data showed a less than one percent contamination rate.

Q: “Are animals able to get into the bins?”

A: Our food scrap carts are the same design as our recycling carts, so they're just as sturdy! If you're concerned about animals, the 12-gallon green bin with the locking lid is highly recommended.

Q: “Please expand to other areas of the county!!”

A: Stay tuned for a BIG announcement coming soon ...

Know Before You Throw: Medical Supplies

Medication and Sharps: Never flush medication down the toilet. HCPD offers year-round drop-off locations for any unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications. These items, as well as medical sharps, can also be properly disposed of at one of HC DrugFree’s annual Drug Take Back Day’s. The organization will host its next drive-thru event on Saturday, October 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. To learn more, click HERE. 

This photo, which was recently taken from a curbside recycling sample, shows an improperly disposed of sharp. Please remember, sharps are NOT acceptable in curbside recycling. When disposing of sharps in your household trash, please be sure to place them in a rigid plastic bottle (e.g. detergent bottle) to protect the trash crew.

Medication Packaging:

• Over-the-counter pill bottles (typically a #2 plastic) are acceptable in our curbside recycling program and at the Residents' Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill.
• Orange prescription pill bottles are NOT acceptable in our curbside recycling program. Please consider reusing them or recycling them through mail-in programs like Matthew 25: Ministries or Cabinet Refresh Bag. 
• Blister Packs are NOT acceptable in our curbside recycling program. These should be disposed in your regular household trash.

Durable Medical Equipment: The Loan Closet of Howard County accepts donations of durable medical equipment for all ages. Items like canes, manual wheelchairs, walkers and toilet aids are accepted at their facility on Riverwood Drive and at the Residents' Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Visit their website for donation and loan information. 

Bureau of Environmental Services’ Stormwater Management Division

Woodpark Lane Pond Repair Public Meeting

Our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting next Tuesday, September 12th at 6:00 p.m., in the Marvin Thomas Room at Howard County Library System’s East Columbia branch, to present plans to repair an existing pond located near 7680 Woodpark Lane in Columbia. The project will include the removal and replacement of the pond’s old metal outlet spillway with a new concrete outlet structure that has a longer service life. The pond will also be brought into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment requirements. 

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

Those unable to attend the meeting 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.

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

Get Your Free Tree Today!

Hey Howard County, don't forget! Our Department of Recreation & Parks’ annual TREE GIVEAWAY is TODAY, September 5th, with sign-up for the first batch of FREE native Maryland trees going live at 2:00 p.m. and the second batch at 7:00 p.m. As these trees have gone fast in the past, be sure to sign up immediately during one of these times. 

To learn more about this year's giveaway, including tree types, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/natural-resources and scroll down to “Annual Tree Giveaway.”

Back to School  

Our team at Recreation & Parks knows that school and work schedules don’t always match up, that’s why we offer so many great before-and-after-school options throughout the year for Howard County youth age five to 12 years old. Be sure to see what’s offered at your child’s school, by clicking HERE today.  

New Liturgical Dance Class! 

Recreation & Parks is now offering a new Liturgical Dance Class, which starts Monday, September 18th! Participants will learn how to incorporate a series of movements through genres of dance, such as ballet, and how to connect and demonstrate movement by words and sound. This class is for teens and will meet for six weeks at Roger Carter Community Center. The cost to participates is $55. To register, click HERE. 

Have you Registered for our Fall Activity Guide Yet?

All registration for Recreation & Parks' 2023 Fall Activity Guide is NOW AVAILABLE for Howard County residents and for non-county residents. With a plethora of sports, activities and seasonal events scheduled this upcoming season, there is something to keep everyone active and entertained. 

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