Dear Friends,

The foundation of Howard County’s nationally recognized quality of life is our exceptional education system. One of my most meaningful responsibilities as county executive is to provide needed resources that create a nourishing environment allowing our students and educators to flourish. That is why I invested historic funding for school construction in my proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Budget.

Read more in my op-ed here.

When the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland announced they were looking to sell Camp Ilchester last April, we knew we had to act. We had to make sure that our County didn’t lose this important piece of green space and valuable community resource that allows Howard County families to experience all that nature has to offer.

Camp Ilchester is a wonderful oasis that nourishes the spirits and values of our community. I’m thrilled that, together, we have reached an important milestone to preserve Camp Ilchester as open space for present and future generations to enjoy. We intend to preserve Camp Ilchester as green space, keeping up to 105 housing units out of the development pipeline and utilizing the property to expand recreational program offerings to residents across the County and State. Thanks to all who made your voices heard and worked with us to get to this point!

Read more here.

David's Natural Market is here to stay! 

I was so glad to stop by David's Natural Market in the Wilde Lake Village Center to visit and tour the store. Over thirty years ago, David’s Natural Market was founded on the idea that people should have access to healthy foods, local organic produce, high quality vitamins and nutritional supplements, and informed and engaging customer service–all under one roof.  

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important for us to continue supporting our small, local businesses who have made significant contributions to our community. Thank you David and Courtney for choosing to stay in Howard County.

Every April we celebrate Fair Housing Month as a reminder and recommitment to the Fair Housing Act of 1968, furthering our goal for safe, healthy, and equitable living for all. Our Howard County Association of Realtors team have been phenomenal advocates and partners. 

We must collaborate to address the struggles of those who face discrimination and whose rights have been infringed upon. Thank you again to the Howard County Association of Realtors for their efforts to continue to shine a light on this issue and help eliminate discrimination and expand opportunities for all.

I’m grateful for organizations like the Columbia Pregnancy Center for their efforts to provide support and resources like clothes, diapers, baby wipes, and pacifiers for expecting families. I recently stopped by to drop off donations of needed items to help provide for expecting or new parents. Since opening their doors in 1981, they have remained a community-based center, providing free support for all who are expecting. Thank you to Executive Director Nancy Vawter and Client Director Amy Campbell for your ongoing commitment to growing families in need. 

To learn more about their cause, please click here.

Over time our roads naturally deteriorate and it’s imperative we maintain and improve our county roadways to avoid more costly repairs and reconstruction in the future. Which is why we’ve making historic investments today for a better tomorrow for all.

Last week, we highlighted $12.5 million for road resurfacing in my proposed Fiscal Year 2023 capital budget – the highest level of funding in eight years. This allocation builds on our commitment to addressing county infrastructure. In total, $31 million has been invested for roadways over the past four budgets from Fiscal Year 2020-2023, nearly double the level of investment compared to the previous four years. 

As our residents’ travel to work, school, grocery stores, and more, it’s vital they have safe and reliable roads, as we remain dedicated to the very best quality of life in Howard County for all.

Read more here.

I was pleased to join Chabad of Ellicott City, Lubavitch Center for Jewish Education בית חב״ד קולומביא מרילד, and Chabad supporters to proclaim April 12th “Education and Sharing Day, USA” in Howard County. Education is key to building the strength, resilience and prosperity of our communities for generations to come. It is the great equalizer, ensuring that future leaders have the skills needed to help society thrive. 

On what would have been Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson’s 120th birthday, we honor the Rebbe’s commitment to supporting and encouraging the development of our nation’s children through education.

In Howard County, we innovate at every level. I was excited to present Transform Howard Innovation Grants to two exceptional organizations that will help families. In collaboration with Touch Stones Financial Wellness Services and SK Leading Forward, JustLiving Advocacy, Inc. launches the WorkHER Employment Connections Program to reduce barriers for single mothers.  

In addition, MakingChange teams up with the Luminus Network for customized financial counseling curriculums focused on addressing the needs of new Americans. These organizations and their partners will make transformative change in Howard County. 

Congratulations!

Our Transform Howard Innovation Grants will bring innovations to protect our environment and promote science-based solutions to combat climate change. Congratulations to the The Community Ecology Institute and Upcycled for leveling-up our schools with raised garden beds made by our very own Howard County Public School graduates! Students will be involved of the entire life cycle from collecting, upcycling and using products.  

Partnering with Howard Community College, Water Words That Work, University of Delaware, and Wilson Biochar Associates, Howard EcoWorks will pave the way for the next generation of green jobs programming that will address climate while simultaneously addressing water pollution. 

We are excited to support the next frontier in Howard County!

This wonderful Howard County government project distributed 12,146 Roving Radish Meal kits in 2021, with 43% subsidized, the largest yearly amount in the programs history! Roving Radish also expanded to include a Marketplace and food delivery to families with limited food access.

To learn more and sign up, please visit rovingradish.com

Money Matters Monday is here again and this week we are offering two FREE webinars. The first will focus on how to best leverage your finances while making home repairs and picking the right contractor to avoid scams. The second covers foreclosure prevention including which programs help borrowers who are at risk and what scams to watch out for. Let’s do our part to remain financially literate.

Learn more and sign-up today here.

We are conducting an online survey of County residents. We want everyone to have an opportunity to share their opinions with County Government on the services we provide. This survey is one way for us to assess how we are doing and identify areas for improvement. The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on May 31st.

The survey is available here.

Howard County is a proud home to a diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander community. I invite you to join us on May 1st for our first annual Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Festival at the Chrysalis in Downtown Columbia. Let’s come together to celebrate our unique culture which helps Howard County thrive.

Get your free ticket today here.

According to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Howard County’s positivity rate today is 4.6% and our 7-day moving average case rate per 100k is 10.44. This increase is related to the BA2 subvariant which is highly transmissible. Residents, especially those with at high risk for complications from COVID, should consider wearing a mask indoors when physical distancing is not possible.

Residents with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested and isolate if possible, per CDC guidelines. There are currently 2 COVID-19 patient in the ICU and Acute Care units at Howard County General Hospital. We’ve sadly lost 352 of our residents to COVID-19 and we continue to keep their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.

Howard County is a state leader with 91% of our residents 5+ fully vaccinated. However, nearly 33% of our eligible residents have not yet received a booster or third shot. Being up to date with COVID vaccines is critical to reducing the severity of COVID-19 disease, including preventing hospitalization and death. Please get boosted to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination.

Viruses constantly change through mutation and sometimes these mutations result in a new dominant variant of the virus. As we begin to see more reports regarding a new COVID-19 variant, it’s important to keep getting tested. Howard County has dozens of testing locations. Find one near you here.

Getting vaccinated continues to be the best way to prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19. Please get vaccinated and boosted if you have not already. Find a vaccine near you at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov.

 Tax Credit Overview Offered at 50+ Centers

This month, our Department of Finance will be visiting three of the County’s DCRS Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) 50+ Centers to discuss the many tax credits available to residents. The dates are as follows: Tuesday, April 19^th from 11:00 a.m. to noon at the Bain 50+ Center, Thursday, April 21^st from 11:00 a.m. to noon at the Ellicott City 50+ Center and Monday, April 25^th from 11:00 a.m. to noon at the North Laurel 50+ Center.

Talking with children about boundaries and consent is important. There is no "perfect age" to talk to children about body boundaries (both theirs and others), consent, and respect. Join Sandra Price from Hope Works as we have an honest and candid conversation about how to talk with children about setting and respecting boundaries. We'll provide various scenarios and use role play to engage with and discuss these important topics. Click here to register for the virtual workshop 

Our Age-Friendly Howard County Action Plan spells out more than 80 action steps to create a more inclusive, accessible, safer and healthier community for all. To implement these steps, DCRS needs your help. Whether you are in school, working full- or part-time, or retired, your skills and input are invaluable to help to make the 80 action steps a reality. To find out how you can be involved, as well as receive news and updates straight to your inbox, click HERE to register for DCRS emails.

In the meantime, to learn more about the County's Age-Friendly Action Plan, check out www.howardcountymd.gov/agefriendly.

Mark your calendar to attend the 2022 Children's Discovery Fair on Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road in Laurel, 20723. Kids age 3 to 5 (with a parent) can MOVE, GROOVE & DISCOVER while engaging in FREE hands-on learning activities focused on preschool movement concepts, including interactive games, songs, crafts, and stories. For more information, or to request accommodations to participate, call 410-313-1940 (voice/relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov. 

Our Environmental Sustainability Board serves a critical role in the County’s work to ensure a clean and sustainable environment and combat climate change. Formed in 2007, the Board assists in the implementation of the County’s environmental agenda, providing both advice and review. Comprised of 13 members, The County is currently looking to fill the following positions: representative from Councilmanic district three; expert in energy use; expert in transit or transportation; representative active in environmental education; and members of the general public with an interest in environmental and sustainability issues.

To learn more about this Board and how to apply, click HERE. Please note, the deadline to apply is this Friday, April 22^nd.

Did you know that flooding is the number one hazard in Maryland and that the risk of flooding extends to all Marylanders, no matter where you live. This April, during Maryland Flood Awareness Month, our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is reminding residents of the importance of flood safety awareness, understanding the risks and being prepared and ready to take action should the need arise. To learn more about floods and how to prepare, check out the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready “Flood” website at www.ready.gov/floods.

You can also find helpful information about Howard County’s Hazards and resources on OEM’s “ReadyHoCo” website or on the County’s Department of Public Works’ Stormwater Management Division’s “Flood Protection” website (from this page, residents can look up whether their property is in or near a flood zone).

Applications are now being accepted for this year's camp, which has been split into two days: Saturday, July 9^th for ages 8 to 11 and Sunday, July 10^th for ages 12 to 14. For an application, click HERE. 

Aged 50+? It's second booster time and Howard County Health Departments (HCHD) clinics are officially approved and prepared to offer second COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to those recommended by the CDC. To determine whether you are eligible, I encourage you to check out the CDC’s full announcement. In general, second boosters are available to certain immunocompromised individuals and people over the age of 50 who received an initial booster dose at least four months ago.

If you are eligible for a second booster, visit an HCHD vaccine clinic today. For a list of upcoming clinic dates and location, click HERE.

HCHD and the NAACP of Howard County collaborated on a public service announcement about colorectal cancer prevention and the importance of getting screened at age 45. According to the American Cancer Society, Colorectal Cancer occurs at a higher rate in Black Americans than any other racial or ethnic group. Take a look at the video to learn more about colorectal cancer prevention and screenings.

Howard County Health Department and the Howard County Animal Control & Adoption Center hold monthly $5 Rabies Vaccination Clinics for Pets. Clinics are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month (weather permitting) from 12:00pm – 1:30pm. The next clinic is Thursday, April 21, 2022. Click here for more information.

Interested in calling Howard County home? Our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is now accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program April open enrollment period. Held quarterly throughout the year, this inclusionary zoning program provides individuals and families the opportunity to purchase quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to those eligible. Applications will be available online and completed applications can be submitted either online, mailed to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046, or dropped off at DHCD’s Patuxent Woods Drive office by appointment only. The DEADLINE to apply is 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 30^th.

As part of its April MIHU open enrollment period, DHCD will be hosting a virtual MIHU Homeownership informational workshop next Wednesday, April 7^th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. via Webex. For details about the workshop and how to sign up, visit DHCD’s “Open Enrollment” website. Additionally, from DHCD’s “Open Enrollment” website, visitors can also 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.

Please keep in mind, if you are interested in DHCD’s MIHU rental program, prospective renters may apply directly to a participating rental community at any time during the year. For more information on the MIHU rental program, including a list of participating communities, visit DHCD’s MIHU rental website.

For questions and/or more information about the MIHU program, contact DHCD’s Housing Opportunities Programs Division at 410-313-6318 and select option two, email housing@howardcountymd.gov or visit DHCD’s open enrollment website. 

This month’s Reading Human Rights event, scheduled to take place April 26^th at 6:30 p.m. at HCLS’ Miller branch, will discuss Anita Hill’s Believing: Our Thirty-Year Journey to End Gender Violence and is co-sponsored by HopeWorks and DCRS’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention. To register for this month’s event, click HERE.

Conversations about race in America tend to focus on White Americans and African Americans to the exclusion of the racialized experiences of Asians, Hispanics or Latinos, Jews and other ethnic groups. What has been these groups’ experience with race and racism in America?

Join us in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish-American Heritage Month as Claudia M. Allen, Community Outreach Supervisor for the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity, provides a historical, cultural, and legislative exploration of the racialization of Asians, Latinos or Hispanics, and Jews. Make sure you click here and register today!

Reading Human Rights is a monthly book discussion hosted by the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity and Howard County Library System. This initiative encourages literary exploration and community dialogue around a variety of human rights concerns. More specifically, Reading Human Rights explores works of fiction and non-fiction to teach community members the various ways individuals, cultures, and communities celebrate their identities and combat injustice.

Join us in person at HCLS Miller Branch on Tuesday, May 24th as Wanda Cao, Investigator with the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity, facilitates a conversation on Cathy Park Hong’s Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Click here to secure your seat today!

On Thursday, April 21, the Planning Board will hold a hybrid meeting using WebEx starting at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following items:

To attend the meeting virtually, register here by 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Registration is not required for in-person attendance.

Our Planning Board provides important community input on a variety of planning and zoning issues. If you reside in Councilmanic District 1 and are interested in serving on the Planning Board, I encourage you to apply today. The deadline to apply for the Board is Friday, April 22^nd.

I am pleased to share this update from our Howard County Police Department (HCPD) regarding its body-worn camera program. Body-worn cameras have been delivered for 300 uniformed officers and HCPD is working diligently to implement compatible technology in its vehicles and stations, writing policy with input from community groups, and scheduling training for officers and administrative support staff.

To learn more about this program, I encourage you to visit www.howardcountymd.gov/police/body-worn-cameras.

Earlier this year, I joined Chief of Police Gregory Der to announce an increase in the reward to up to $30,000 for information in ANY cold case homicide.

Throughout the year, we'll highlight cold cases, continuing today on the 40-year anniversary of the murder of Ruth Thorp in a hotel in Elkridge. Ruth was survived by her husband and their young daughter and she still has family in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 410-313-STOP or email HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov. Callers may remain anonymous.

Geared towards Howard County students heading into the 9^th grade, HCPD’s P.L.E.D.G.E. (Pride, Leadership, Education, Diversity, Growth, Evaluation) Leadership Camp is a FREE, one-week day-camp that helps participants develop leadership skills prior to entering high school. Lessons and activities challenge campers’ ability to make critical decisions, focus on core beliefs and values, recognize diversity, and work toward a common goal. This year’s P.L.E.D.G.E. Leadership Camp will offer two sessions, the first from June 27^th to July 1^st and the second from July 25^th to July 29^th.

For residents age 15 to 18 who are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience this summer, HCPD’s YPA is for you. YPA is a FREE, one-week overnight-camp (July 10^th to July 15^th) that introduces campers to what it’s like to be a police officer. Campers will train and learn like HCPD’s Police Academy recruits, while exploring career and leadership opportunities and building life skills.

For more information about either program and/or to submit an application, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/police/youth-programs today. Please note, applications are DUE by this Friday, April 15^th.

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.

To learn more, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/documentshredding.

Our Bureau of Environmental Services is pleased to announce the Master Gardeners are back with its backyard compost demonstrations! This year, demonstrations will be held at Miller branch library, Robinson Nature Center, Alpha Ridge Landfill and Savage branch library. Attendees will receive a FREE backyard compost bin as well as helpful tips and tricks to creating this valuable soil amendment. For the 2022 schedule, click HERE and/or for more information about backyard composting, click HERE.

If you have ever wanted to fish Centennial Lake at night, now is your chance! Join Recreation & Parks this spring and summer season for an opportunity to fish the lake after hours with its Nite Bite Fishing. The after-hour fun kicks off Friday, April 8^th. For more information, a full list of fishing dates or to register click HERE.

Kid’s Fest is Just Around the Corner

Come experience all that our Department of Recreation & Parks has to offer our Howard County youth by taking part in its 7^th annual Kid's Fest on April 16^th at Meadowbrook Park. From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30p.m., this always popular and ever-so-exciting event will feature sports instruction, games, activities, arts and crafts, food and much more. While geared towards children, age two to 12, the whole family is invited.

Pre-registration is encouraged; however, it is not required as on-site registration will be available the day of the event. To register for this event in advance (note, the cost per child age two to 12 is $12 a ticket) or for more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/kids-fest today. The cost to purchase a ticket in person the day of the event and to pay by cash or check is $15 per child.

In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, Recreation & Parks’ Robinson Nature Center is pleased to host a FREE outdoor extravaganza on April 24^th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. for families with members on the autism spectrum (all ages). Participants will enjoy a variety of guided and self-paced activities with Nature Center, Therapeutic Recreation, Park Ranger and Heritage staff. Activities will include sensory pathways, historical demonstrations, scavenger hunts, nature exploration and crafts. To preregister for this event in order to receive the event schedule in advance, visit tinyurl.com/Autism-Acceptance or call 410-313-0400. 

Embark on a nighttime, nature-based scavenger hunt at Recreation & Parks’ Robinson Nature Center on April 29^th from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. Using the GooseChase app, participants will complete a series of missions, learning about spring-time natural phenomena, including constellations, migrating animals and evening wildlife rituals, along the way. The evening will end with a program in Robinson Nature Center’s planetarium.

Participants must be 18 and older to participate and singles, couples and teams of up to five people are welcome. Tickets are $20 a person and preregistration is required as space is limited.

Set to run the weekend of May 21^st and 22^nd at Symphony Woods in Columbia, this year’s Wine in the Woods event will not only feature around 20 wineries, 22 specialty food vendors, 30 artisans/crafters and 12 musical acts, but NEW THIS YEAR, will also feature a selection of Maryland breweries on tap, including Oliver Brewing Co., Heavy Seas Beer, Pub Dog, Sapwood Cellars, and Hysteria Brewing Co. Beer will be available for purchase only, no samples.

To learn more about this year’s event and/or to purchase your tickets, visit www.wineinthewoods.com.

I recently announced that my proposed capital spending plan for Fiscal Year 2023 contains historic funding for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, aimed at providing health and environmental benefits while improving community connections. Presented to the Howard County Council, my spending plan includes a record $8.2 million for pathways, bike lanes, sidewalks, curb ramps and other project to help implement our Pedestrian Master Plan, Bicycle Master Plan and Complete Streets policy. When implemented, the spending proposal would mean that funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure under my administration will have totaled $22 million over four years, $8 million higher than during the previous administration.