Dear Friends, 

Last Monday, our community came together during a serious moment in our history - a pivotal moment of new beginnings. I am honored to, once again, serve as your Howard County Executive. Over the next four years, I know that, united, we can embrace the opportunity to boldly face the challenges of today and transform the world of tomorrow into the best embodiment of who we are, who we want to be, and who we can be. 

After enduring the shared difficulties of fear, anxiety, discomfort and loss, many of us face fatigue. We are fatigued with division and negativity, fatigued with trying and not achieving, fatigued with fear. We were not and will not be defined by our fear. Rather, we choose to be defined by our works.

Let us together embrace, activate, and expand the opportunity in this serious moment in our history. Let us together, in spite of our fear, be bold and be brave. 

Thank you for your continuous support, and I know that we will work hard to ensure Howard County is the best place to live, work, play, grow, and grow older for all.

Watch my installation here.

A Bright and Festive Holiday

Howard County's first ever Holiday Lights Map during the last holiday season demonstrated the need for this exceptional service so that our community can continue the beloved holiday tradition to walk or drive around our neighborhoods and view the festive holiday lights.

Instead of wondering where to go, residents can plan their route around Howard County to support all the residents and businesses that are flaunting their holiday spirit. I hope everyone will join in sharing their festive decorating efforts and make a special tradition to tour the bright lights with their family.

Visit the map here.

Celebrating Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a celebration of the miracles that can happen even on the darkest of days. I invite you to join me next Monday, December 19th at 6:00 p.m. for a Menorah lighting in honor of Hanukkah. The event will take place at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center at 8045 Harriet Tubman Ln, Columbia, MD 21044.

I look forward to exploring the many opportunities of the new year, together. 

The Great Lisbon Parade

Since its inception in 2011, the Great Lisbon Farmers Feed the Hungry Christmas Parade has collected funds and food to feed the hungry. The holidays are hard for many in our community who struggle between paying rent, putting food on the table, and buying gifts. That’s why events like this are imperative to continue this tradition.

I’m grateful for James Zoller and The Roving Radish, and a special thank you to the Howard County Police Department, Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company, the Howard County Food Bank, and the Carroll County Food Sunday for your ongoing support. I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season!

Welcome Banditos!

There’s a new taco place in town! I had a wonderful time joining CEO Sean White and General Manager Alex Maldonado to officially welcome Banditos Tacos & Tequila Maple Lawn. Congratulations, and I wish you ongoing success in the future! See their menu here.

Supporting Our Kids

With the holiday's underway, it's the perfect time to reflect on our countless blessings and the special people in our lives.

For our friends and neighbors who may be financially struggling in silence, this time of year can be especially hard. Our Annual Toys for Tots Campaign helps us make the holidays a little lighter and brighter for every child.

I’m so grateful for your collaboration over the past several years to make this a success for our residents. As stores begin to launch holiday sales, please consider buying and donating a new toy to help a local child. 

Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at any of our Toys for Tots boxes located across the county.

Showing Support with Kupcakes

I had a great time joining Michelle Kuplec at Kupcakes & Co. in Elkridge for their annual Kupcakes with Santa event. Today, 100% of proceeds will support our Howard County General Hospital to buy much needed equipment for their PEDS and NICU departments. 

Giving Away Bikes 4 Kidz

It was a splendid Saturday with Free Bikes 4 Kidz Maryland! Three years ago, Dr. Ted Cochran started the organization by giving away over 400 bikes. This weekend, they gave away nearly 3,000 bikes. This initiative is a testament to the Howard County value of putting our community first. 

I’m so grateful for the efforts of Dr. Cochran for spearheading this important initiative, and thank you to all our volunteers, including Delegate Courtney Watson and Delegate Jessica Feldmark - for providing this much needed service to our community. 

Learn more about how to donate and get involved here.

Inducting Our Honorees

I was so invigorated by joining our River Hill Alpha Achievers and their families at their 2nd largest induction ceremony in the history of the program. This impactful program fosters a positive learning environment and helps our students pursue academic and community excellence. While these students have excelled academically, through the bonds they create with each other, they will also become exceptional leaders. I know that they will continue to make us all – their parents, educators, and community – proud, and I cannot wait to see the new heights they will achieve. 

Thank you to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Howard County, MD Brothers Dave Campbell and Anthone Bond, and every person who helps make this program a success. Congratulations to all our inductees and their families!

Happy Birthday Victoria Gastro Pub!



For 15 years, Victoria Gastro Pub has provided an inviting pub atmosphere serving sophisticated, yet unpretentious food. They serve innovative twists on classic pub fare that stress quality and freshness with every recipe, and every ingredient. 

Congratulations to Randy and Mary Marriner, Tori, Heather Gotcher and the entire Victoria Gastro Pub team for their service to our community! Learn more and see their menu here.

Every Voice, One Vision

The HoCo By Design draft plan was informed by a robust community engagement process generating over 12,000 comments. The project team conducted extensive public outreach, featuring formal and informal conversations, online mapping activities, a virtual 3-D interactive workshop, open house, surveys and numerous public forums. 

However, we are still seeking public input! Provide your comments today here.

Our Valiant Vikings

Every school year, our scholar-athletes continue to make their school, our community, and our county proud! I was thrilled to stop by Mt Hebron High School to congratulate our Class 3A Girls Varsity Soccer team for making it to the state finals. While our Vikings didn’t receive the outcome they wanted, I’m so proud of their dedication, focus, and drive to make it to States. Please, join me in congratulating them on their achievement!

Soaring to New Heights!

Every year, our Hawks soar to new heights and continue to make us incredibly proud. I was excited to join River Hill High School Principal Lidgard and Athletics and Activities Manager Jimmy Creighton to recognize our Gold 2022 District V & 3A/4A State Champions, Field Hockey County & Regional Champions and Class 3A State finalists, and our Football Class 3A State Semi-Finalists. These scholar athletes not only perform on the field, but also soar academically. Please, join me in congratulating them on these accomplishments!

Inspiring Gladiators

When our scholar athletes compete in county and state championships, they are not only inspiring their family and friends, but also the next generation of leaders. I was thrilled to join Principal Hastings-Hauf to congratulate our Glenelg High School Field Hockey Class 2A State Champions, Cheerleading Fall County Champions, Girls Class 2A Regional Soccer Champions, and our Boys Class 2A Soccer State Champions. Our Gladiators continue to excel on and off the field, and we couldn’t be more proud. Please, join me in congratulating them on their achievements!

Congrats NAFCO!

Our local business community continues to grow and thrive, which helps bolster our economy. In 2019, I joined Nafco Wholesale Seafood to break ground on their new Frozen Seafood Logistics Center in Jessup. Last week, I joined them to break ground on this new 172k square foot cold storage facility in our community! NAFCO is the largest regional seafood distributor in the mid-Atlantic, and I’m so proud that they continue to expand and call Howard County their home. 

I wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavors.

Residents' Budget Hearing

The budget is a reflection of our community’s shared priorities. The Residents' Budget Hearing will take place on Wednesday, December 21st at 6:00 p.m. It provides a wonderful opportunity for our residents to offer input and make their voices heard as we work to develop the County’s FY24 budget. 

While we have faced many challenges with the ongoing pandemic and rising risks of recession, I’m confident Howard County will remain resilient and emerge stronger than ever, when we work together as a community. 

Sign up online to speak here. Speakers who have a document or record they wish to submit with their testimony are asked to email the file to budgettestimony@howardcountymd.gov, with “BUDGET TESTIMONY” in the subject line.

Come Talk to Us!

We have made significant progress, together, over the last four years. However, I know that we can continue to make even more. Four years ago, we hosted several listening sessions to better understand how we can serve our community. Today, I’m thrilled to launch another series of listening sessions across our county. I want to hear about the experiences, hopes, and vision that our residents want for our county. 

We will be bold and brave as we continue to expand opportunity for all. We will manifest the very best future beyond even what we can imagine for Howard County, our state, our nation, and our world.

Send questions and thoughts in advance to future@howardcountymd.gov.

Nothing I Do Works: A Parent’s Guide to Challenging Behaviors

Join our Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) Office of Children and Families (OCF) this Wednesday, December 14^th at 7:00 p.m. for this FREE virtual Family Institute workshop geared towards assisting parents navigate challenge behaviors.

Children’s tantrums can increase during the holiday season due to stress this time of year can bring, disrupting your entire household. Geared towards parents with children ages two to eight, participants will learn how to decrease negative behaviors, what to do if they occur, and gain skills and resources to help feel more confident in one’s parenting.

To receive a log-in link to participate, click HERE to register.

Help Implement Our Age-Friendly Action Plan

This January, workgroups will convene to begin the implementation of our Age-Friendly Howard County Action Plan. Each of the eight workgroups will concentrate on the recommended action steps under one of the Age-Friendly domains of livability: transportation, housing, digital access and communication, outdoor spaces, social participation and inclusion, work and civic engagement, and community support and health services.

To learn more about the plan and to identify a work group that aligns with your interests, I encourage you to visit www.howardcountymd.gov/agefriendly today.

English As a Second Language

If English is your second language, I invite you to learn practical English through our English as a Second Language (ESL) class this winter with DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence (OAI). Set to run Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. from January 17^th through March 21^st at our Elkridge 50+ Center, participants will practice their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills for interactions in real-life situations, including health and wellness, community resources, housing, banking and computer/internet use.

The cost is $64.00 for all 10 classes. For more information and/or or to register, call 410-313-5192 or click HERE.

2023 Howard County Child Care Fair

Save-the-date as DCRS’ OCF’s 2023 Howard County Child Care Fair is set to take place Saturday, February 4^th, from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the North Laurel Community Center. This annual fair provides parents, guardians and grandparents with a “one stop shop” for child care, preschool, school-age and summer programs, as well as the opportunity to connect with teachers and program directors. OCF staff will also hold free informational sessions on “How to Choose an Early Childhood Program” onsite at 11:00 a.m., noon and 1:00 p.m.

While registration is not necessary it is encouraged for this free event.

For more information, contact OCF at 410-313-1940 (voice/relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov. View the event flier in English and Spanish.

Tips for Caregivers to Help Ease the Stress of the Holidays

Although tis the season for celebration and spending time with family and friends, the holidays can be a stressful time for family caregivers. 

To help make your family gatherings more enjoyable for you and the loved ones in your care, our Department of Community Resources & Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence’s (OAI) Caregiver Support Program is offering up these helpful tips:

• Organize holiday events around your routine. Keep to your regular schedules for eating, sleeping, bathing and dressing as much as possible. 
• Plan extra activities, short trips and outings during the time of the day that is best for you and your loved one. 
• To limit fatigue and stress for you and your loved one, set limits and boundaries, and save your energy for what is most important. 
• Keep gatherings small. If you attend a large event with your loved one, try to find a quiet area to reduce stimulation. 
• Start new traditions for you and your loved one. Keep in mind, you are not letting others down and it’s okay to pass the responsibility on to someone else. 
• Ask for help from others. If you always planned or hosted an event, invite others to step up and share their ideas.  

For more information and assistance, or to schedule a free Care Talk appointment at one of our 50+ Centers, please contact our Caregiver Specialist Earnestine Thomas at ethomas@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-5969 (voice/relay) today.

Beware of Holiday Scams

DCRS’ Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is once again warning residents that scammers are out in full force this holiday season, especially online. Residents should be on the alert for both phishing and smishing scams, which can be disguised as false delivery notices, fraudulent gift card offers and bogus discounts at popular retailers.

When shopping online, make sure you track your shipments to make sure you or someone in your family is home when they arrive. Or, as our Howard County Police Department recommends, if you won’t be home, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take the package inside until you get home, or use an alternative delivery option like Amazon lockers. These steps can help prevent you from falling victim to porch pirates and mail marauders. 

Also, when shopping online, be sure to research new-to-you online retailers before making a purchase. Search the business name with the term’s “scam” or “complaint.” And NEVER wire money or use pre-paid gift cards or payment apps with unknown sellers.

If you are purchasing gift cards this holiday, make sure the gift card you are purchasing has not been tampered with in an attempt to steal the access codes and PIN. Criminals can drain gift cards before you have had a chance to give them as gifts. 

Finally, if you are planning a charitable donation this holiday season, make sure the charity's exact name is licensed with the Maryland Secretary of State, and research them using Give.org, GuideStar, Charity Navigator or Charity Watch. Fake charities and scam Political Action Committees (also known as PACs) use names that may sound like well-known charities but are not.

For more information or assistance with a consumer protection issue, please contact OCP at 410-313-6420, email consumer@howardcountymd.gov or visit the office online.

Read the December 50+ Connection

In this month’s 50+ Connection, readers will find tips on how to cope with grief during the holidays, where to turn for mental health assistance, upcoming holiday events at our 50+ Centers and more. To sign-up to receive this monthly publication put together by OAI directly to your inbox, click HERE.

For past 50+ Connection monthly issues or other publications issued by OAI, click HERE.

Help Howard County Families in Need: Support the Virtual Diaper Drive

Give the gift of diapers this season through our Virtual Diaper Drive. Hosted by DCRS’ Offices of Children and Families (OCF) and the Community Action Council of Howard County, Inc., this project provides free diapers and wipes to low-income Howard County families so they don't have to make those difficult choices.

For questions and/or more information about the Drive, contact OCF at 410-313-2273 or email children@howardcountymd.gov. 

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Adopt a Hydrant

In an emergency, every second counts. Fire hydrants that are blocked, concealed or difficult to access due to snow, ice or other obstructions can impede emergency fire response. If you are and/or your business is interested in helping ensure our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) has quick and easy access to the fire hydrant(s) in your neighborhood, consider adopting a hydrant today.

To adopt a hydrant or to learn more about this program, click HERE or email DFRS to outreach@hcdfrs.org.

Help Train a Firefighter by Donating Your Unwanted Car

If you are looking to get rid of an unwanted car, DFRS would love to take it off your hands. DFRS is currently seeking donations of unwanted cars to help its personnel train and prepare for incidents involving motor vehicles. If you have a vehicle you would like to donate, email cardonations@howardcountymd.gov today and be sure to include the location of the vehicle and contact number.

In addition to providing an invaluable training opportunity for our firefighters, your vehicle donation is tax deductible and even better, if you live in county (or within a reasonable distance), HCDFRS will tow your vehicle away for free.

Office of Human Rights

Kwanzaa Celebration

Habari Gani? I invite all to join our Office of Human Rights & Equity’s (OHRE), Department of Recreation & Parks and myself on Wednesday, December 28^th for the County’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration at our new Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. Through inspirational presentations and musical performances, OHRE will explore the creativity, self-determination and faith within Black and African American communities, as we celebrate African American culture and the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

While the Kwanzaa program will begin at 6:00 p.m., doors will open at 5:30 p.m. to allow attendees the opportunity to tour the new Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, support local vendors and give children a chance to explore the Kwanzaa themed kid’s corner. A reception will follow the program from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

To register for the celebration, click HERE.

Department of Planning and Zoning

HoCo By Design Release General Plan Draft for Public Review

Our Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) has released its HoCo By Design draft general plan update for public review and comment. This plan provides a long-term vision for how Howard County will develop and grow alongside our evolving economic, environmental and social conditions over the next 20 years. The general plan is a requirement of state law and has been updated once each decade since 1960 to reflect the values and address the needs of the County's changing population. 

Public input will be considered and incorporated into a final plan, which is expected to be presented to the County Council for consideration and final adoption in spring of 2023. I encourage residents to review the plan and provide their input, now through January 16, 2023, at www.hocobydesign.com/public-draft

Planning Board Meeting

DPZ’s Planning Board will be holding a hybrid meeting, in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx, December 15^th, to hear the following agenda items:

• ZRA-202 BFEA Curtis Farm, LLC – A request to amend Section 131.0.N.27—Historic Building Uses to allow additional Historic Venue Uses, including weddings, parties, and similar assembly events in the RC, RR, R-ED, R-20, R-12, R-SC, R-SA-8, R-A-15, R-APT, R-MH Zoning Districts as a conditional use, under certain conditions.
• SP-16-013—Taylor – Work session only (no public testimony)

To register to testify, click HERE. Registration must be completed prior to 7:00 pm the night (December 14, 2022) 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, 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 selected 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.

Police Department

Preventing Package Theft this Holiday Season

With holiday sales and shopping underway, HCPD is taking this opportunity to remind residents when online shopping, be sure to plan ahead to avoid becoming a victim of package theft. Here are some helpful tips from HCPD to follow:

• Always order from reputable/secure websites.
• Request that the delivery service leave the package in a less-obvious location, like a side or back door, that cannot be seen from the sidewalk.
• Track your shipments and try to be home when they are scheduled to arrive. If you won’t be home, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take the package inside until you get home, or use an alternative delivery option like Amazon lockers.
• If you are home, bring them inside right after delivery.
• Look out for your neighbors. Report suspicious activity on your street by calling 911 or the non-emergency number at 410-313-2200. One call could help your neighbors from being victimized.

Department of Public Works Bureau of Environmental Services

Alpha Ridge Landfill Transfer Station Closure

Starting today, December 12th through January 8, 2023, the Transfer Station at our Alpha Ridge Landfill (ARL) in Marriottsville will close at 3:00 p.m. daily for scheduled maintenance. The closure will affect all traffic headed to the Transfer Station, including:

• All commercial trash and construction debris;
• All residential construction debris; and
• All box trucks and trailers of residential trash.

Please note, any vehicles bound for the Transfer Station arriving after 3:00 p.m. during this time will be turned away at the scales with no exceptions. Weather permitting, normal Transfer Station operations will resume on January 9, 2023.

All other operations will be unaffected including the Residents’ Convenience Center and Wood Waste area.

We thank you for your cooperation as we work to improve our Landfill's future operations.

Save Those Seeds!

Whether you’re a novice or avid gardener, I invite all to join in Howard County’s very first “Seed Share” event on Saturday, January 21^st at the Howard County Library System’s Miller branch. A seed exchange offers a great opportunity for attendees to learn more about gardening, while acquiring new varieties, saving money and reducing seed waste. Seed donations are encouraged but not required.

While all are welcome, advance registration is preferred. Stay tuned to the event website as registration is set to open Wednesday, December 21^st at 10:00 a.m.

Curbside Recycling 101

Here’s a quick refresher on what items can and cannot be recycled through the County’s curbside recycling collection program.



To learn more about the County’s curbside recycling collection program, click HERE or contact our Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org.

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.

Registration Now Open for 2023 Winter Activity Guide

Online, in-person, mail-in and over-the-phone registration is now open our Department of Recreation & Parks 2023 Winter Activity Guide. With a wide range of programs, activities, classes and sports, there is something for everyone to keep those winter blues away!

Climbing with Santa 

Join Santa on Friday, December 23^rd from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. at our Roger Carter Community Center as he gets in his final workout before the big day! Children ages five to 10 can rotate through stations, including photos with Olaf and the Grinch, a holiday craft, snacks/hot cocoa and a chance to hang out with Santa on the center’s climbing wall. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own camera to take pictures.

As space is limited, those interested in attending are encouraged to visit www.tinyurl.com/ClimbWithSanta today to reserve their entry time slot. Cost is $7 per participant, which is due at check-in on site. Please note, adult supervision is required to attend and parent/guardian must remain with their child at all times.

Take Part in a Holiday Scavenger Hunt 

Who’s ready for a holiday-themed scavenger hunt? Gather a team of two to six adults and join Recreation & Parks for its take on CBS’s hit TV show, The Amazing Race.

Each team will be given a list of items to find and some challenging tasks to complete within a specified time frame. Participants will need internet access, file-sharing knowledge, transportation, a digital camera and some bravery to participate.

Teams must register HERE by noon this Friday, December 16^th to receive their instructions by 7:00 p.m. that evening. Registration and entry fee ($10) is required for each team member. Team entries must be submitted by midnight the following Sunday.

Office of Transportation

Transit Development Plan Update Kickoff Meeting

Join Transportation and our Multimodal Transportation Board Tomorrow, December 13^th at 7:00 p.m. for a virtual meeting to learn more about our Transit Development Plan (TDP) update. TDP is a short-term plan – typically a five-year period, that guides transit system development. The update process includes reviewing and analyzing existing services, performance and the fleet, as well as population and land use profile. Opportunities for the public to provide comment will include surveys, interviews and public meetings.

For more information on the process, future meeting dates and previous plans, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/transportation/howard-county-transit-development-plan.

Public Feedback Sought on Pilot Shared Electric Scooter Program

With the pilot period for our Shared Electric Scooter program in Downtown Columbia having come to an end, our Office of Transportation is seeking public feedback on the program via this short survey. The survey will remain open until Friday, December 23^rd.