Howard County continues to see a decline in our COVID-19 cases and hospital utilization metrics. As of 9:00 a.m. today, our 7-day average positivity rate is 2.31% and our 7-day average case rate per 100,000 of our population is 6.5. There are currently 10 COVID-19 patients in both ICU and Acute Care units. Howard County’s community transmission rate is now considered moderate by the CDC. 

Howard County also continues to be a leader in vaccination rates, with 94.7 percent of eligible residents 12 and older having received at least one dose of a vaccine and 88.2 percent of those residents are fully vaccinated. 

Residents who are unvaccinated are at much higher risk for hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While the vaccines do not protect 100 percent from becoming infected, persons who are fully vaccinated are more likely to experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.  

Last week booster doses for Moderna and J&J were authorized. If you are already fully vaccinated, you may be eligible for booster shots. Please check with your medical provider or www.hchealth.org for more information.

If you or a loved one has not yet been vaccinated, we encourage you to get your shot today. The Howard County Health Department has an abundant supply available and getting vaccinated is the single most effective way to prevent hospitalization or death from COVID-19. To find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic near you, including those offering booster shots, visit vaccine.howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-6284.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently authorized use of the COVID-19 boosters for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The Howard County Health Department is prepared to administer boosters to eligible residents. Please note, beginning today, Monday, 10/25, HCHD clinics will administer only one vaccine at a time, on the following schedule: 

We encourage residents to be informed about boosters as we continue our work to mitigate COVID-19 in our community. For more information and to find a clinic near you, please visit vaccine.howardcountymd.gov

If you have:

I strongly encourage you to get tested as soon as possible. As we see the rise of the Delta variant, please remember that it is possible to have COVID-19 and not have any symptoms.

Additionally, in order to prevent further spread of COVID-19, it’s important that residents who have tested positive work cooperatively with our contact tracers to keep our community safe. We've slowed the spread before, and we can do it again by working together, and taking the precautions we know are effective.

For more information, please click here.

Howard County is a proud home to two amazing Paralympians who won big during the 2020 Paralympic Games this year in Tokyo. Join us on Tuesday, November 2nd at 4:00 p.m., at the George Howard Building in Ellicott City, for a celebration to recognize and honor our hometown athletes; Tatyana McFadden and Daniel Romanchuk. 

Masks will be required for the safety of all attendees.

For many of our residents, these small creeks and streams pass through or near their property, and with increasingly harsh rainstorms, invasive plants, and time, the stream banks begin to erode and deteriorate. As these streams are reconstructed the beneficial impact is multifaceted – natural structures, native plants, and new trees prevent erosion, which improves water quality, and aids long-term stability. 

Trees are some of the most effective tools we have when it comes to sustainability – which is why each of our stream restoration projects requires at least twice as many trees to be planted for every tree that needs to be removed. In fact, since taking office we’ve helped plant more than 52,000 trees in Howard County.

Read more about the project here.

On Thursday, I pre-filed legislation that would create a Police Accountability Board, which would receive complaints about police misconduct from the public and work with the Howard County Police Department and Howard County Sheriff's Office. Focusing on public safety and reinforcing public trust remains a priority of my administration, and this Police Accountability Board is a critical component to ensure transparency. This board is an important tool to engage our residents in matters of policing and adds another layer of accountability.

Read more here.

We are so grateful to have the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Howard County, and even more grateful for our strong partnership. I was proud to join Dr. Semmel, Governor Larry Hogan, Congressman John Sarbanes, State Senators Guy Guzzone and Katie Fry Hester, State Delegate Courtney Watson, other elected officials, and our friends at APL to celebrate the grand opening of Building 201. 

Building 201 is a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation and work collaboratively to realize technology breakthroughs and transitions that solve mission-critical problems in national security, space, and biological sciences.

Located in Oakland Mills Village, the Columbia Ice Rink has been a hub of competition, fitness and fun for athletes and recreational skaters for five decades. Memories of hockey wins, flawless freestyle performances, first dates, birthday parties, and hang outs have been made in this incredible institution for generations. We’re thrilled to celebrate the golden milestone of one of our most popular landmarks in Howard County. 

Congratulations to the Columbia Ice Rink on their 50th anniversary. We wish you many more!

I was honored to host U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen for a roundtable to discuss the importance of increased mental and behavioral health resources in our communities. The percentage of Howard County residents in treatment for mental health has doubled in the last 10 years. When our neighbors are in crisis, de-escalation techniques with a mental health professional can save their lives.

It is why programs like the Communications Initiated Referral to Crisis Program (CIRC) are vital to ensure our community receives critical resources and care. Due to a partnership between the Howard County Police Department and Friends of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, this program diverts calls related to mental and behavior health to a dedicated crisis professional at Grassroots instead of deploying law enforcement. 

Senator Van Hollen has championed mental health in the United State Senate and spoke about legislation he recently introduced: The Community Based Response Act. This bill would provide funding resources to support programs like CIRC, which provide options for community-based emergency responses. I’m grateful for the partnership of Katie Fry Hester, Maryland Senate D9, T/Cpl. Meghann Holloway of HCPD, and Executive Director Dr. Mariana Izraelson of Grassroots for being part of today’s critical discussion.

Creating a robust, engaging plan for the future of historic Ellicott City is essential to our community. I'm pleased the Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan was awarded the ‘Traveling Award of Innovative Excellence’ from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Maryland Chapter.

 

This plan represents the culmination of a multi-year public outreach process and builds upon our Ellicott City Safe and Sound initiative. It’s wonderful to see the hard work put into the Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan recognized again for innovative ideas and design.

Progress and transformation are not possible without imagination, and we want to continue to do our part to support and encourage innovative ideas. I'm proud to launch the Transform Howard Innovation Grants, which is $500,000 in grant funding for non-profits to design and implement forward-thinking, emerging, and creative ideas to support the community. These grants will accept applications for five categories focused on students, infrastructure, residents, cybersecurity, and the environment. 

Applications are open through November 19th and can be completed online here.

We all know how difficult the last year and half has been, with many in our community struggling with feelings of isolation, depression, loneliness, loss, and other mental health challenges. We’re so grateful to have incredible leaders who help battle the stigma, such as Dr. Deepan Chattarajee, who just started his business here in Howard County. The Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness, LLC is here for our residents to offer holistic mental health services to our community. 

Thank you, Deepan, for choosing Howard County as your home, and we wish you many years of success. Together, we will ensure all members of our community know it’s okay to ask for help.

Every year, the Howard County Arts Council helps brighten the county with ARTsites, its annual outdoor sculpture exhibit at a dozen locations throughout the County. These head-turning art displays create new visual landmarks and increase our community’s access to the arts.

These new pieces will be on display through July of next year, and I encourage you to visit with friends and family to enjoy the breathtaking art.

Howard County has received an additional $7.7 million in grant funding from the U.S. Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for rent relief and utility assistance. This second round of funding is a testament to Howard County’s efficiency in distributing funding to our community. The initial ERAP grant has already helped more than 719 households, and with this additional funding we can continue to support our neighbors who have significant needs as they manage past-due rents and utilities. 

This progress would not be possible without our extraordinary non-profit partners, who have strong community ties and are able to engage and identify those in need. Howard County is one of seven Maryland jurisdictions to receive a second round of funding from ERAP.  

To learn more, and to apply for this critical funding, please click here.

Ed Bromley, a dedicated and hardworking employee, has been with Howard County Recreation and Parks for 32 years. I recently joined Howard County Government Human Resources Administrator Anju Bennett to learn more about his experience working for Howard County and the efforts made to ensure a safe and equal job opportunity. 

This Employee Disability Awareness Month, lets reaffirm our commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all, including those with disabilities.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering disaster loans from the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida, which occurred a couple months ago. Residents who are located in a declared disaster area may be eligible for financial assistance through their Business Physical Disaster Loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and/or Home Disaster Loans.

To learn more about the available loans and to apply, please click here.

Howard County has been allocated $63.2 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan. We invite Howard County residents to provide input on how this funding should be used. The survey should take less than 5 minutes.

Now through Friday, November 5^th, our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF) is collecting handmade scarves and hats to send with care packages to our deployed military members. Scarves should be four to six inches wide and 48 to 50 inches long without fringe and hats should fit an adult-size head, and can be made from wool, acrylic or non-flammable fleece, in shades of blues, browns, olive, grays, maroon, black or red/white/blue combinations. Please be sure to pin a note to each scarf or hat with the yarn fiber contents listed, and feel free to include a personal note for a military member as well. Handmade items can be dropped off at one of 10 locations in Howard County by the 5^th at the latest.

For more information about this initiative, please contact Ms. Lisa Terry with OVMF at 410-313-0821 or lbterry@howardcountymd.gov.

SAVE THE DATE: Howard County’s 7^th annual Veterans Day Parade is set to take place Sunday, November 7^th in Downtown Columbia. I invite you to join me, DCRS’ OVMF and others as we honor Howard County's veterans. To learn more about this year's parade, click HERE.

DFRS would love to take it off your hands as the Department is currently looking for donations of unwanted cars. These donations help our firefighters train and prepare for incidents involving motor vehicles. Benefits of donating your old car include: a tax deduction; DFRS will tow your car for free; and the knowledge that you are providing an invaluable training opportunity for our first responders. To learn more, click HERE.

Howard County Health Department (HCHD) is once again encouraging residents of all ages to get a seasonal flu shot this season, as the flu vaccination can help reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits and missed work and school due to the flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. To find a list of upcoming HCHD’s flu vaccine clinics and/or more information about the flu vaccine, click HERE.

Also, for Howard County seniors who needs a ride to a flu shot appointment, Neighbor Ride is providing FREE rides. To learn more, visit neighborride.org/freeride or call 410-884-RIDE (7433).

Misplaced you COVID-19 Vaccination Card? Never fear! You can easily request your vaccination records the Maryland Department of Health’s “Maryland MyIR” website. Maryland MyIR is a free website service that allows residents to view and print copies of their official vaccination records directly from ImmuNet, Maryland's immunization information system. ImmuNet is used by healthcare providers to securely maintain vaccination records for Maryland residents of all ages.

Our Department of Housing and Community Development’ (DHCD) Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) homeownership program is in its final week for accepting applications for its October open enrollment period. This program is designed to make homeownership a reality for more individuals and families, enable economic mobility, and ensure people of all incomes can call Howard County home. I encourage all who are interested in purchasing their first home to apply today. Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. this Friday, October 29^th.  

From DHCD’s “Open Enrollment” website, you’ll find presentations from previous homeownership and rental informational workshops, as well as frequently asked questions and answers explaining the program’s eligibility requirements and application process. Downpayment and closing cost assistance is available through DHCD’s Settlement Downpayment Loan Program, making homeownership even more affordable for first-time homebuyers. DCHD is also be hosting a first-time Homebuyer Class on October 9^th to learn next steps to owning your own home.

If you are in need of rent relief and utility assistance, the County has received an additional $7.7 million in grant funding from the U.S. Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Assistance is available for Howard County residents experiencing a loss of income, reduction in earnings, medical illness or had to care for family due to COVID-19. The funding can be used to pay past due rent and utility expenses for up to 18 months. Residents that have received assistance previously are eligible to apply for additional assistance from this funding up to a total of 18 months assistance. DHCD is encouraging all residents with COVID-related household income losses to contact one of the non-profit providers as soon as possible to bring rent and utility accounts current and avoid eviction. For details on how to apply, visit DHCD’s "COVID-19 Housing Information" website.

This latest funding is in addition to the previous $9.7 million in grants from the ERAP I announced back in March, which as of October 1^st, has assisted 719 households in need.

For homeowners, while this additional funding only supports rental and utility assistance, last month I announced $2 million in American Rescue Plan funding to assist struggling homeowners and prevent foreclosures in Howard County. Homeowners that have fallen behind on their mortgage payments are also encouraged to visit DHCD’s "COVID-19 Housing Information" website for details and an application.

CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the 2021 Human Rights Awards: Howard County Library System President and CEO Tonya Aikens, recipient of the James E. Henson Sr. & Jean W. Toomer Award; Yara Ayache, winner of the Dr. Murray Simon Student Award; and the Luminus Network for New Americans and Wilde Lake High School’s Students for Social Justice each won the Colette Roberts Organization Award.

Our Office of Human Rights and Equity’s (OHRE) Outreach Unit’s Humanity Matters Dialogue Series has returned. Through this award-winning series, participants learn how to authentically interact with people from different races and cultures through the sharing of dialogue, historical and socio-economic data, all while gaining effective communication skills with the intention of creating a more inclusive and supportive community. To register for this five-part series, click HERE. For questions and/or more information about this or future workshops and training opportunities, please contact OHRE at 410-313-6430 or email OHRoutreach@howardcountymd.gov.

This Diversity Awareness Month, OHRE has partnered with Mount Hebron High School (MHHS) to put on a youth-led speaker series on diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness. The series will feature students of a variety of different racial, ethnic, gender and religious backgrounds from six of Howard County’s high schools. These students will tackle some of diversity and inclusion’s most difficult topics, such as the racialized experience of Asian Americans, the importance of diversity in the classroom, religious diversity and acceptance, and the liminality of race and the biracial experience. The event will take place this Thursday, October 26^th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at MHHS, located at 9440 Old Frederick Road in Ellicott City, and masks are required. For more information and/or register for this event, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/OHRE today.

In celebration of National Diversity Awareness Month, OHRE has partnered with the Howard County Library System to host a book discussion series from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. on October 26^th, to explore and facilitate multiple conversations around race, belonging, immigration, dispossession and the lived experience of the socially invisible through narrative. The series will feature the books/film:

The Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission is seeking nominations for the Commission’s 2022 “Living the Dream” Award. This annual award recognizes an individual or organization (community, civic or religious) who has promoted the teaching and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through community involvement. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. this Friday, October 29^th and the award winners will be recognized at the Commission’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, scheduled to take place Sunday, January 16, 2022. 

In addition to its “Living the Dream Award,” the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission is also seeking entries from Howard County students for its essay, oratory and poster contests. For its three contests, the Commission is calling upon students to reflect upon Dr. King’s statement, and this year’s contest theme, “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” For the essay and oratory contests, middle and high school students must discuss what can be done to foster an inclusive culture in your school, community or organization and give an example of what they have done or experienced that illustrates this. For the essay contest, students with disabilities may submit entries using other media and/or visual presentation. For the poster contest, elementary and middle school students must compose an original piece of artwork using a medium of their choosing that shows their interpretation of this year’s theme.

For complete essay, oratory and poster contest rules and details on how to submit your entry and application, visit OHRE’s “Human Rights Contest and Awards” website . Contest winners will receive a cash prize. The DEADLINE for all contests is also 5:00 p.m. this Friday, October 29^th.

November is Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) and OHRE, Howard County Library System (HCLS), local business Nava Be Diné and I have partnered together to recognize the culture, traditions and history of American Indians and Alaska Natives. I invite residents of all ages and backgrounds to join us on Saturday, November 6^th for an NAHM celebration featuring dancing, singing, drumming, storytelling, children’s crafts, vendors, Navajo tacos and more. This free event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at HCLS’s East Columbia Branch, located at 6600 Cradlerock Way in Columbia, and will celebrate Native American culture and resiliency.

Our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Design Advisory Panel will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting this Wednesday, October 27^th at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following agenda items:

To register in advance to participate in this meeting, click HERE. If you only want to listen to the meeting call 1-650-479-3207 at the meeting time. When prompted, enter 2301 626 5180 as the event access code.

The DAP process encourages excellence in project architecture and site design to improve design compatibility with surrounding development, to promote revitalization and to enhance property values. You can use DPZ’s DAP interactive map to see which properties may be subject to DAP review. For DAP’s Rules of Procedure, click HERE. For questions and/or more information about DAP, contact the DPZ at 410-313-2350 or email dap@howardcountymd.gov.

DPZ will hold a public hearing next Monday, November 1^st at 2:00 p.m. via in-person and virtually, regarding proposed amendments to the Rules of Procedures (ROPs) for Administrative Adjustments, Nonconforming Use Confirmations and Temporary Uses Relating to Hybrid and Virtual Hearings and Other Procedures. The amendments allow the Department to conduct public hearings utilizing virtual telepresence technology, establish more flexible petition submission procedures, and generally update administrative processes. For more information on this meeting and how to participate, click HERE.

(2)    Email to pconrad@howardcountymd.gov. Comments will be accepted until 11:59 p.m., Sunday, November 7^th.

Following its latest school bus camera video release, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is once again reminding residents that all Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) buses are equipped with external cameras in order to ensure student safety by discouraging motorists from passing buses illegally. Should you choose to illegally pass a stop bus, you will face a $250 fine. While HCPSS bus routes are planned to limit students’ need to cross the street, they may still have to do so.

So please, help keep the roads safe for our children by stopping for that stopped school bus. If you are not sure when you have to stop for a stopped school bus, check out HCPD’s “External School Bus Cameras” website to learn more.

Interested in a career in law enforcement? On Saturday, November 6^th, HCPD is hosting a recruitment fair specifically for women seeking a career in law enforcement. The event will offer attendees the opportunity to learn about HCPD and other regional agencies, meet women leaders in the department, and more. This free event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Oracle Building, 7031 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia.

Following an incident last week in which an HCPD crossing guard was struck by a vehicle and injured, HCPD is reminding motorists to please pay extra, close attention when driving near schools where crossing guards are stationed. Each school day, thousands of children cross in these locations and rely on crossing guards to ensure their safety. Please slow down, stay alert and help protect the people who are committed to protecting our kids.

If you are looking to properly and safely dispose of medical sharps (needles, syringes, EpiPens), please visit our Bureau of Environmental Services website for details on how to do so.

Our Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold a public meeting next Wednesday, November 3^rd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Belmont Meeting Room of the Elkridge Branch Library (masks are required), to present plans for a nearby bridge replacement project. DPW’s Bureau of Engineering plans to replace the existing steel bridge number HO-006 over Rockburn Branch, near 6103 River Road in Elkridge, with a new, prestressed concrete beam bridge. During the project, one travel lane will be maintained at all times. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2022.

The informal, drop-in session will feature the plans for the proposed bridge improvements. County staff and the project’s design consultant team, Whitman, Requardt & Associates, will also be on hand to answer any questions. Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Nirav Patel with the DPW’s Transportation and Special Projects Division at 410-313-6153 or email npatel@howardcountymd.gov.

To learn about Department of Public Works (DPW) projects currently underway, visit https://bit.ly/2V6K5B6. 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.

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

BGE -Purple Streetlights?

Have you noticed a streetlight in your neighborhood shining a little purple these days? If yes, BGE is looking for your help to identify these lights. A manufacturer defect in the LED light bulbs used by utility companies across the nation, including BGE, is causing streetlights containing the bulb to gradually turn purple or blue. If you notice a streetlight producing a purple low, please report it to BGE at https://bge.streetlightoutages.com.

REMINDER: DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services will hold its FINAL document shredding event of 2021 on Saturday, October 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (OR until the trucks are full) at the Long Gate Park & Ride, located off MD 100 Exit 1A in Ellicott City. Held rain or shine, Howard County residents may bring up to three bags or boxes of paper to be shredded onsite. For more information and/or questions, contact the Bureau at 410-313-6444 or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/documentshredding.

As we enter the last week of October, I invite you to take part in our Department of Recreation & Parks’ Howard County’s Great Outdoors Initiative! This free, self-guided activity, challenges participants to do at least 15 minutes of outdoor activity a day. From hiking one of our trails or taking a leisurely walk in one of our parks, to fishing, kayaking or geocaching, the options to explore Howard County’s great outdoors are endless. To sign up to participate, visit https://tinyurl.com/HCGreatOutdoors. Participants who complete the challenge are automatically entered to win prizes!

Thank you to everyone who joined Recreation & Parks and Robinson Nature Center on Sunday for its Outdoor Signing Extravaganza. At this free event, families enjoyed a day of outdoor demonstrations, activities and interaction at the Robinson Nature Center with ASL interpretation through We Interpret and Community College of Baltimore County’s Interpreter Preparation program. To see our full Flickr gallery, visit https://tinyurl.com/HCRPOutdoorSigning.  

Starting November 6^th, teen artists can strengthen their drawing skills through Recreation & Parks’ “Drawing Techniques” at the North Laurel Community Center. During this five-week class, students will try their hand at modeling, color transitions, gesture style, blending and wet-on-dry techniques using graphite, charcoal, colored pencils, pastels and watercolor pencils. To register: https://tinyurl.com/HCRPDrawingTechniques.

Registration for our Howard County Lacrosse Program is now open! Played on fields in Howard County parks, HC Lax consists of one weeknight practice with a game on Saturdays starting in April. Teams enjoy a challenging, player-centered environment that encourages teamwork, discipline and good sportsmanship. To sign up, visit https://tinyurl.com/HCLaxSpringProgram.  

REMINDER: A Recreation & Parks project to improve the lower restroom facility, boat rental area and pathway section in Centennial Park South in Ellicott City, is now underway. The project will include the construction of an ADA-accessible parking facility near the lower boat rental/restroom area and the replacement of deteriorating wooden retaining walls. An existing pedestrian pathway will also be reconstructed to meet ADA-accessible standards and widened to allow for emergency access. The pathway will also connect the new parking area to existing pathways, boat ramp, restrooms and the outdoor F. Leonard Dunn Amphitheater. Finally, a micro-bioretention facility with native plants will be constructed to improve water quality within the construction area.

On November 28^th, join Recreation & Parks for George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the Kennedy Center. Filled with enchanted toys, mischievous mice and sugar plum fairies, join us as Clara and her magical Nutcracker Prince make their way to Washington, D.C. Please note, the Kennedy Center does require that patrons present their COVID-19 vaccination card. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/HCRPNutcracker.

Our Office of Transportation will be hosting a virtual public meeting from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. this Thursday, October 28^th, to discuss design plans for Complete Streets improvements along Dobbin Road in Columbia. Improvements include a shared use pathway, new sidewalk segments and signalized pedestrian crossings. The segments along Dobbin Road to be discussed extend from Oakland Mills Road to Old Dobbin Lane.

To pre-register for this meeting and/or review design plans and the construction schedule for the different segments of the project, visit the project webpage today. You can also share your feedback with Transportation via a short survey located on the project webpage as well. The deadline for public comment is November 11, 2021.

If you have questions, please email Transportation at transportation@howardcountymd.gov. If you require reasonable accommodations to participate in this event, please email Transportation at transportation@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-4312 at least five business days before the event.

As noted by Transportation, updated information on the County’s Complete Streets Design Manual is now available on the project website, along with videos from both workshops. Keep in mind, the public comment period for the draft manual ends this Thursday, October 28^th, so be sure to share your feedback with us today before it’s too late.

As part of the development of its Transportation Demand Management Plan for Downtown Columbia (DTC), the Office of Transportation is working with the Downtown Columbia Partnership to survey those who live, work and play in DTC. The purpose of the survey to develop a better understanding of the transportation needs and assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel patterns of those who live, work and play and this area. Your responses will help Transportation design new transportation options and strategies to address current needs as well as into the post-COVID period. To take the survey, click HERE.