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Dear Friends,
As we celebrate Food Waste Prevention Week, I am excited to announce we have expanded our popular Feed the Green Bin program to an additional 4,400 homes in Laurel, Savage and Annapolis Junction. This brins the total number of county households served to more than 48,000.
Howard County leads in the fight against climate change through a commitment to environmental protection and a focus on energy independence. Our Feed the Green Bin curbside food waste pickup program is a win-win for the county, our residents, and the environment.
The program offers households in eligible trash service zones the ability to separate food waste from other garbage and recyclables for weekly curbside pickup – at no additional charge. Every effort to reduce our environmental footprint makes us healthier and greener as a community. With this further expansion of our collections, thousands more residents can join us in reducing waste.
Interested residents in the new communities should be on the lookout for a postcard in the mail with instructions and a QR Code to sign-up for collection services. Households in the newly covered areas will receive their green bins during the week of April 29th. Collections services will begin immediately.
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Don't Let It Go To Waste
Today marks the beginning of Food Waste Prevention Week. Every year, Americans spend more than $218 billion on food that is later wasted. Worse, 1 in 5 Americans face food instability and yet as much as 3 million tons of food are sent to landfills across the country each year.
By meal planning and buying only what we need, we can save money for other things we need.
Donating excess food that would otherwise become waste is a great way to help our community and composting food and scraps that can’t be consumed reduces our carbon footprint. Consider doing a bit more to help prevent food waste, whether it’s signing up for and using your green bin, meal prepping, donating food or other ways that work for you and your family.
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A Season Anew- Happy Easter
Spring has sprung, and Easter is here! Let us embrace spirit of new beginnings, hope, love, peace, and joyful living.
I hope your Easter was bundled with happiness and sunshine, and may your heart be filled with renewed love and peace.
Enjoy the blossoms of spring and hope with you and yours.
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Have a Biker Bite
Howard County has such a tasty and diverse food scene in every corner of our community. One such restaurant is Daniels Restaurant & Open Air Bars in Elkridge. Since opening in 1975, this restaurant has become a staple in our community – bringing long time and new customers for their famous Biker Bites and much more. Thank you to the entire Daniels team for providing a place where new and old friends meet.
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An Ice Cold Night
I had a wonderful time joining my Fraternity Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. from Howard County and beyond for our annual Alphas in Annapolis event in Annapolis.
Together we stimulate the ambition of our members, prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual, encourage the highest and noblest form of manhood, and aid downtrodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic and intellectual status.
This was an incredible opportunity to acknowledge the importance of public service in our communities, our counties, and our state. Through our positive efforts to uplift our communities and lead with love, I know that, together, we will continue to move onward and upward.
Thank you to my Brothers Senator Alonzo T. Washington, Senator Charles E. Sydnor III, and the Alpha Phi Alpha Delta Lambda chapter for their efforts to welcome and embrace the ice cold weather!
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Can't Pin Down the Mustangs
Join me in recognizing our wrestling champions from Marriotts Ridge High School. The Mustangs emerged as County Tournament and 3A South Regional Dual Meet Champions this year for the first time in program history and distinguished themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the mat. No one can “pin” this team down from reaching their potential. These Mustangs deserve our applause and congratulations!
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Leading Howard County
Howard County is lucky to have so many leaders who choose to live and serve our community. It is always humbling to join our 2024 Leadership Howard County Premiere class to discuss the impactful efforts we’re making in Howard County.
From housing and employment to transportation and business, we are working together to embrace a new day of opportunity for all. Thank you to Tim and the entire 2024 class for visiting the George Howard Building to learn more about how government works collaboratively with our community to ensure everyone can thrive!
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Empowering our Nurses
Nurses are the heartbeat of our health care system. That’s why we are so grateful that we have students who are looking to take on these roles. Lorien Health Services has been an amazing partner with our school system in helping our students know about their different options for Certified Nursing Assistance programs and beyond. That’s why I was heartened to visit with prospective CNA students at Lorien’s location in Ellicott City.
As the husband and brother of nurses, I know firsthand of the invaluable care and support our nurses can provide. I am confident that these students will get not only gain the knowledge, but the confidence to kickstart their careers in one of our most vital fields.
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Psychologist of the Year
It was an honor to recognize Dr. Laura Smith-Grose from Cradlerock Elementary School who was recently named the Howard County School Psychologist of the Year by the Howard County School Psychologists Association.
Since 2005, she has been working to support the mental health of our students in Howard County, most recently at Cradlerock since 2018.
She is a mentor and a role model for her ability to connect with students and families. Congratulations!
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Help is Here!
I know that many in our community are still struggling with the tragedy on the Francis Scott Key Bridge last week. The loss of any life is enough to impact anyone in our community, but even more so when a tragic incident occurs that affects many of us across our region. Help is available and there’s no better time than now to reach out for support.
If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, from mental health support to housing assistance, I encourage you to call or text 211 today. Help is here for you!
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Holi Hai!
As we bid farewell to Winter, we mark the occasion of Holi which is the festival of colors to welcome the arrival of Spring. It’s an important time for us to commemorate triumph over evil, to forgive and forget the wrongs we've experienced and to celebrate unity for all.
As we embrace this beautiful festival of colors, may you be gifted with all the beautiful colors of life, colors of joy, colors of happiness, colors of friendship, colors of love and all other positive colors of life. Happy Holi!
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Let's Connect!
Last week, we unveiled the County's first-ever "Tables for Connection". These state-of-the-art tables feature Wi-Fi hot spots, charging portals for devices, and are solar-powered. The tables will help community members of all ages access information and resources digitally, expand access to free Wi-Fi in public places, and encourage the exploration and support of neighborhood parks. The two tables are located at Cedar Lane Park West and Martin Road Park, both located in Columbia.
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Financial Flexibility for Farmers
Since reopening the County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program (ALPP) in 2019, we have invested more than $12 million in easements to preserve 362 acres of prime agricultural land from development.
This land provides the fruits and vegetables, dairy and protein that fill our plates, the grains and hay that feed our livestock, and the space for horses and other animals to roam.
For the first time in Howard County since 2013, I am requesting $15 million in my proposed FY25 budget to infuse new funding into the County’s ALPP to acquire news easements that preserve farmland forever. This investment, coupled with updated easement term options adopted in 2023, will create the flexibility to allow property owners to select the interest rate, contract length or down payment option that meets their financial objectives.
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Best Management Grants
In my proposed FY25 budget, I am requesting an additional $250,000 in new funding for the Soil Conservation District’s Best Management Practice (BMP) implementation grants program.
Last year, the County provided $200,000 for the program. The program assists growers who want to do right by the land, but do not have the necessary resources to invest in their property.
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A Focus on Ag
My $450,000 FY25 budget request provides funding to staff up and launch a new Agriculture office at West Friendship Park, bringing agricultural resources closer to Howard County’s farming community.
The Office of Agriculture (OoA) will bring together the agriculture-facing functions of Howard County Economic Development Authority (EDA), the County’s Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) and University of Maryland Extension to collaborate toward a common goal of supporting Howard County’s farmers and farmland.
OoA’s location at the County’s Department of Recreation & Parks’ West Friendship Park will also allow the two agencies to develop and provide agriculturally-focused recreational programming and learning opportunities for residents and visitors at the park.
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Investing in our Agricultural Roots
This past summer, I announced the launch of the Enhanced Agriculture Grant (EAG) pilot program aimed at empowering and preserving agriculture-supporting organizations in Howard County.
My FY25 budget request of $500,000, combined with $250,000 in initial funding available to farmers, non-profits and organizations for programming, research and capital investments supporting the expansion, sustainability and education of Howard County agriculture, we would double the County’s investment in these grants.
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Serving Democracy
Are you ready to make a difference in our democratic process? Howard County is looking for Election Judges, and this could be your chance to contribute! As an Election Judge, you get the unique opportunity to be directly involved in the election process, and get paid for your efforts.
If you're 16 or older and a registered voter in Maryland, you're eligible to become an Election Judge. We're looking for people who are ready for a rewarding 15-hour day, can work outside their home precinct, are able to sit and stand for extended periods, and have proficiency in English. Some positions may require lifting items weighing between 10 to 25 lbs.
Sign up today and be a part of this crucial democratic process! Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/ElectionJudge24.
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Join My Team!
My office is currently looking to fill several vacant positions. To learn more and apply, please click the respective link below.
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Fiscal Manager II - Office of the Budget - This is an advanced and highly responsible professional level fiscal position assisting the Budget Administrator and the Deputy in the technical and administrative duties of the Office and in leading or coordinating one or more major functions or programs.
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Buyer/Contract Analyst- County Administration - Advanced technical purchasing work which includes developing specifications for supplies and services, locating sources of supplies and purchasing a variety of supplies and services.
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Project Manager - Public Works, Bureau of Facilities - This Engineering Specialist III position functions as a Project Manager, performing professional architectural and engineering work at the staff level. The duties associated with this role are in accordance with overall project management and onsite construction management. The responsibilities assigned to this position will require experience in project development at every step of the process, managing a project from initiation to completion.
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Senior Attorney - Employment Law and Litigation, Office of Law – Work involves handling a wide variety of complex legal issues for County Government involving labor, employment, personnel, and other matters, including representing the County in civil litigation and administrative proceedings, and advising agency administrators and legislative policymakers, decisionmakers and decision-making bodies.
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Nature Center Early Childhood Program Educator – Responsible for the development and implementation of early childhood programming in coordination with the Robinson Nature Center (RNC) Director, RNC Program Manager and RNC Early Childhood Programs Coordinator.
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Preschool Camp Directors & Assistant Directors - Department of Recreation & Parks – Recreation & Parks is seeking active, engaging and responsible staff for preschool summer camps. Responsibilities will include supervising children and planning curriculum as well as the daily operations and administrative responsibilities of the camps.
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Administrative Assistant - County Executive's Office – Assist in the determination of the potential impact of proposed legislation to the County's operations and finances as well as write briefings including recommendations of various courses of action.
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CAD Administrator (Technical Services Support Specialist II) – Police Department, Communications Division – Provides information technology management services for Howard County Police Department, and more.
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Therapeutic Recreation Aquatics Operator - Department of Recreation & Parks – Oversees all aspects of the swimming lesson, open swim and Water Exercise and aquatic program at the Cedar Lane Therapy Pool.
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Career Coach - Office of Workforce Development – Coordinates career exploration resources, identifies and collaborates with partners to develop career exploration activities and administers these activities in the middle and high schools.
I encourage interested persons to apply today! To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.
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Department of Planning and Zoning's Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
On Thursday, April 4th, 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.
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Applicants Sought for Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
Our system of recreation and parks facilities is award winning and among the best in the nation, but that is partially because we engage our community to ensure we are meeting our residents’ needs and interests. Our Recreation & Parks Advisory Board plays a vital role in the maintenance and future of our parks, community centers and historic facilities, as well as the programming being offered. To be a part of this group that helps make our recreation and parks programs so great, click HERE today to learn how to apply and more about this board. The deadline to apply for this vacancy is April 16, 2024.
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Applicants from Councilmanic District 5 Sought for Planning Board
I am seeking applicants from Councilmanic District 5 interested in serving on our Planning Board. This board is key to the future of our county and what our residents want in terms of growth and investment. In District 5 especially, there are always questions of preserving and supporting our rural, agricultural heritage, while being adaptable and resilient for the future. It is important for these discussions to be thoughtful and inclusive.
To learn more about this board and how to apply, click HERE. The deadline to apply for this vacancy is April 18, 2024.
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Applicants Sought for Commission on Disabilities
I am seeking applicants with disabilities to serve on the Commission on Disabilities and enhance our efforts to be a welcoming and inclusive community. To learn more about this commission and how to apply, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/News032024. The deadline to apply for this vacancy is April 17th.
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Applicants Sought for Advisory Board on Consumer Protection
I am seeking applicants interested in filling two seats - a representative from a business interest group and a member of the general public, on Advisory Board on Consumer Protection. Advisory Board members work with our Department of Community Resources nad Services’ Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) to educate and protect Howard County consumers, provide feedback and recommendations on OCP's programs and how the office educates county residents about consumer protection services.
To learn how to apply, click HERE. The deadline to apply for these vacancies is April 19, 2024.
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Department of Community Resources and Services | |
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Childrens’ Discovery Fair
The Office of Children and Families (OCF) and the Early Childhood Advisory Council's Launch into Learning initiative is celebrating the Month of the Young Child this April.
In honor of this occasion, this partnership is hosting its 20th annual Childrens’ Discovery Fair. The Fair’s theme is Math All Around Us. This FREE school readiness event provides hands-on themed activities for children three to five years of age and is open to Howard County preschoolers, parents and caregivers. Dental screenings will also be available on site.
The event will be held on Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the new East Columbia 50+ Center, 6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia 21045.
Explore the wonders of math while engaging in hands-on activities, interactive games, crafts, and stories. I encourage you to register now at https://bit.ly/HoCo_DiscoveryFair. For more information, contact OCF at children@howardcountymd.gov.
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Office of Community Sustainability | |
Spring Cleaning, HoCo-Style
Make plans to get outside with your family, friends, neighbors, classmates or colleagues this April and join our Office of Community Sustainability (OCS) for its annual 20 Minute Cleanup event!
Anytime this April, OCS is asking residents to spend just 20 minutes (or more!) in a safe location of their choosing to pick up litter to support our ongoing effort to clean and green our communities. Once you’ve finished your pickup, simply dispose of items in your curbside trash and recycling receptacles. For bulk trash and/or scrap metal items you might uncover, please give our Bureau of Environmental Services a call at 410-313-6444 to schedule a bulk trash/scrap metal pickup.
All participants are encouraged to share pictures and results from their cleanup with OCS by emailing 20minutecleanup@howardcountymd.gov or tagging the office on social media (Facebook, X and Instagram) using hashtag, #20MinuteCleanup. Be sure to include the number of people involved (and the name of your group, if applicable), bags of trash and recycling collected, length of time (if more than 20 minutes) and pictures.
Since its inception in 2010, more than 18,000 people in Howard County have participated in OCS’s 20 Minute Cleanup, including schools, businesses, government employees, nonprofits and residents. To learn more about this event, visit https://livegreenhoward.com/recycling-waste/litter-cleanups/.
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Calling All Change-Makers!
OCS is now accepting applications for its 2024 Plastics Reduction and Environmental Protection (PREP) Grant program. Open to nonprofits, faith-based organizations, homeowner associations, civic groups and education institutions, this grant aims to support environmental projects in Howard County and funded by the County’s 5-cent plastic bag fee.
To learn more about this program and/or to apply, visit https://livegreenhoward.com/recycling-waste/plastic-bag-fee/prep-grants/. The application deadline is April 30th.
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We Want to Hear from You!
If you missed our public engagement meeting, you can still share your thoughts with us about how a new, future HCLS Central branch can best benefit Downtown Columbia and all of Howard County via this online survey. Five potential sites have been presented as options for a new Central branch, including a site in the Merriweather District, two different sites in the Lakefront District, a site at The Mall in Columbia and the existing Central branch site itself.
To learn more about this project, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/downtown-columbia-library-project. If you have questions regarding this public engagement process, please email HCLibrary@arcadis.com.
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Aging in Place Tax Credit
Aging in Place tax credit applications are now open! To be eligible for this tax credit, applicants must at least 65 years old and at least 30 years, as of June 30th preceding the tax year, residing in a dwelling with an assessed property value up to $650,000.
The number of years qualifying individuals may receive the credit is eight years. The credit will automatically renew unless the homeowner is no longer eligible. The deadline to apply will be June 30, 2024.
Learn more about our tax credits at www.howardcountymd.gov/finance/tax-credits.
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Livable Homes
The Livable Homes tax credit is available for certain types of accessibility features installed in a principal residence. The feature must have been installed in an existing primary residence. The amount of the credit is equal to 100 percent of the eligible cost or $2,500, whichever is less. The application for tax year 2024 is due April 1, 2024.
To learn more about how to apply for this credit, please visit www.howardcountymd.gov/finance/tax-credits.
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Senior Tax Credit
The Senior Tax Credit, a credit of 25% of the county property tax, is available to residents aged 65 and older with a combined household income of $102,200 or less and net assets under $500,000, not including the value of their home.
Applicants with income less than $60,000 are required to apply for the State of Maryland Homeowner Property Tax Credit.
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Trash, Bay, Watershed Protection Fee Hardship Tax Credit
Homeowners with limited income may qualify for a 60 percent credit against the Trash Fee and Watershed Protection Fee and an exemption from the State Bay Fee.
A family of four may qualify with income up to $78,000 for tax year 2024. Renters may also qualify for an exemption from the State Bay Fee.
The deadline to apply for this tax credit is June 30, 2024. Seniors who receive the Senior tax credit will receive the hardship credit.
| Department of Housing and Community Development | |
MIHU Homeownership Workshop
Looking to call Howard County home or purchase your first home? If yes, I invite you to join our Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) homeownership team this Thursday, March 28th at 6:00 p.m. in Conference Room 211 at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) Homeownership Workshop. Participants will learn more about the process of purchasing an MIHU home and DHCD’s Settlement Downpayment Loan Program.
As space is limited for this event, please email moderateincomehousing@howardcountymd.gov today to secure your space; be sure to include the first and last name of each adult participant in your email.
| Office of Human Rights and Equity | |
Seeking OHRE Commissioners
Are you passionate about serving your community? Are you interested in helping shape policies, address key issues, plan educational and cultural events, and have genuine interactions with community members? If yes, I encourage you to apply today for one of our Office of Human Rights and Equity’s (OHRE) commissions. In fact, the five commissions listed below are currently looking to fill vacancies.
To apply to serve on an OHRE commission, please click HERE. For questions about any of these commissions, contact OHRE at 410-313-6430 or email OHRE@howardcountymd.gov.
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Important OHRE Commission Public Meeting Dates
Under OHRE are five Commissions committed to furthering human rights and equity throughout Howard County in their own very distinct capacities. Each month, these Commission’s host meetings, public hearings and/or retreats open to the public to discuss ongoing/upcoming matters, events, programs and so on. For dates, times and details regarding upcoming Commission meetings, please see below:
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 6:00 p.m. – Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission meeting. To attend, please email MLK@howardcountymd.gov.
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Tuesday, April 9th, 5:30 p.m. – Asian American & Pacific Islander Commission meeting. To attend, please email AAPI@howardcountymd.gov.
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Thursday, April 18th, 7:00 p.m. – Human Rights Commission meeting. To attend, please email HRC@howardcountymd.gov.
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2024 Humanity Matters Conference
Mark your calendar and join OHRE on Monday, May 6th for its social justice conference, “Humanity Matters.” The conference will take place at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the 6th and will bring together human and civil rights professionals in government, education, non-profits and for-profit businesses.
The conference will feature panel discussions and various breakout sessions, as well as a keynote address by Chad Lassiter – Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Executive Director and member of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans.
Through this conference, OHRE hopes each attendee will gain practical tools they can implement into their daily work, new connections they can tap into for collaboration and the inspiration to continue to innovate and produce substantive and transformational work.
The cost to participate is $125 per ticket and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. However, for groups interested in buying 10 or more tickets, please contact Dr. Denise Boston with OHRE at equity@howardcountymd.gov to inquire about the group rate discount. Please keep in mind, there will be no refunds for tickets purchased beginning March 15th.
To reserve your spot at this year’s Humanity Matters social justice conference, click HERE.
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Department of Planning and Zoning | |
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Design Advisory Panel Meeting
This Wednesday, March 27th, our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Design Advisory Panel will hold a meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. VIRTUALLY to hear the following item:
For meeting details, click HERE.
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Stay in the Know About the Future of Gateway
Stay in the know about DPZ's Gateway Master Plan by visiting the Plan's website, www.howardcountymd.gov/gateway, where you can also sign up to receive future Gateway Master Plan updates.
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Route 1 Tax Credit Program
DPZ is accepting applications for this year’s Route 1 Tax Credit program! If you own a commercial or industrial property on the Route 1 Corridor, you may be eligible to receive up to $100,000 of tax credit for qualified façade and landscape improvements visible from the Corridor area. Eligible improvements include building façade upgrades, new signage, exterior painting and lighting, screening and landscaping, and other options.
For more information or to apply: www.howardcountymd.gov/Route1TaxCredit.
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Police Summer Camps
Calling all Howard County youth, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is NOW accepting applications for its BEARTRAX, Youth Police Academy and P.L.E.D.G.E. (Pride, Leadership, Education, Diversity, Growth, Evaluation) Summer Leadership Camp programs.
Geared towards rising Howard County sixth graders, BEARTRAX is a FREE overnight camp featuring fishing, rock climbing, swimming, hiking, archery, zip lining and more, all while building leadership skills, confidence, team building, life skills and self-esteem.
HCPD's Youth Police Academy (YPA) offers 15 to18 year old’s a one-of-a-kind experience. Through this FREE one-week overnight-camp, campers train and learn like those in the police academy, while exploring career and leadership opportunities and building life skills.
Finally, HCPD's P.L.E.D.G.E. Summer Leadership Camp is geared towards helping graduating 8th graders develop leadership skills prior to entering high school. During this FREE, one-week day-camp, campers will be challenged to make critical decisions, focus on core beliefs and values, recognize diversity and work toward a common goal.
To learn more about each of these camps, including summer camp dates and for an application, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/police/youth-programs. Applications are due by April 15th.
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Citizen's Police Academy, Apply Now!
In addition to its summer camps, HCPD is also now accepting applications for its 2024 Citizen's Police Academy. This free, interactive course offers Howard County residents the opportunity to experience an inside look into HCPD’s day-to-day operations and gain an understanding of the kind of training police officers receive in our county. The Academy is 12 weeks long, with classes taking place once a week from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. and taught by police instructors in a police academy setting. To learn more about this program, its eligibility requirements and how to apply, click HERE.
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Department of Public Works | |
Bureau of Environmental Services | |
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Yard Trim Curbside Collections and Household Hazardous Waste Saturdays at the Landfill to Resume April 1st
Our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Bureau of Environmental Service’s curbside yard trim collection season is set to resume today, Monday, April 1st. If you aren’t sure what day of the week you receive curbside yard trim collection, click HERE to check your collection day. Also, in case you need a little refresher about what items are and are not accepted with yard trim and how to prepare your yard trim for collection, visit the Bureau’s website here.
Keep in mind, curbside recycling and yard trim collection occur on the same day; however, they are collected by separate trucks that may arrive anytime between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on your designated day.
For questions and/or more information about the County’s curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection programs, please contact DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org.
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Shredding Dates for 2024
Our Bureau of Environmental Services has announced its County-sponsored document shredding dates for 2024: Saturday, April 13th and Saturday, October 19th. On these dates, county residents can bring up to three bags or boxes of paper documents – we are talking Federal and State tax documents, credit card and other household bills, medical records, pay stubs, mortgage documents and insurance bills (documents that include account numbers, passwords, PINs, signatures, Social Security numbers and date of birth), to these events to be shredded onsite.
To learn more about these dates, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/documentshredding today.
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GreenFest 2024
The County’s annual GreenFest celebration is set to return for its 17th year on Saturday, April 13th at Howard Community College. This year’s event will feature a compost bin demonstration and giveaways, native plant sale, recognition of this year’s Green awards winners, used sports equipment collection workshops, light bulb exchange, the Repair Café and more. To learn more about this year’s event, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/community-sustainability/greenfest.
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Residential Water Meter’s Replacement Program
With 16,000 meters left to be replaced, DPW’s Bureau of Utilities continues its residential water meter replacement program as existing water meters in the system approach the end of their useful life. It is vital these meters replaced to ensure accurate and timely water usage data. .
To complete the water meter replacement program quickly and efficiently, the County has contracted with Vanguard Utility Service. Residents will receive notification in the mail prior to meter installers arriving in their neighborhood with instructions on how to schedule an appointment.
To learn more, click HERE. For questions or concerns, contact the Bureau of Utilities at 410-313-4900.
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Public Works Construction Report | |
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Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance project(s) that have been announced.
Laurel
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Gross Avenue Drainage Improvement (Capital Project D-1150) – Project to improve stormwater drainage along Gross Avenue, just north of the roadway’s intersection with Lyon Avenue. The project is not expected to impact the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic; however, signs will be posted in the area to alert motorists of the work and flagging operations will be in place, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to direct traffic through the project site. Notification letters have also been sent to property owners in the project area alerting them of the work. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late June.
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.
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Department of Recreation and Parks | |
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Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt
Attention teens! Don’t miss out on this egg hunt adventure on Friday, April 5th from 7:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Robinson Nature Center. When the sun goes down, the fun begins. Venture into the
shadows of the forest to search for hidden eggs and a chance to win prizes and candy. Bring a flashlight and a friend! For ages 11-15. Cost: $10 per person. Register HERE.
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Spring Community Yard Sale at NLCC
Great news! The upcoming Community Yard Sale on Saturday, April 6th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at North Laurel Community Center, is at
capacity with 40 vendor tables rented! That means shoppers will have many great opportunities to find amazing deals during this free event. Questions? Call the
center at 410-313 0390. Learn more HERE.
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Autism in the Park at Blandair
April is Autism Acceptance Month and Recreation & Parks has joined forces with the Autism Society of Maryland to host a special “Autism in the Park” event at our Blandair Regional Park - North area on Saturday, April 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come enjoy interactive play, entertainers, face painting and demonstrations and visit with first responders, provider, and county resources as we celebrate our community differences in a playful environment. All ages are welcome to this free event. To learn more: www.howardcountymd.gov/autism-park.
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Teen Poetry Writing Workshop Offered
Calling all teens! Join Recreation & Parks on Saturday, April 13th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at its North Laurel Community Center for their “Mad, Glad, Happy or Sad Poetry Writing Workshop.” Come enjoy two hours of learning more about the many types and styles of writing poems that stretch your creative imagination and explore another way to express feelings in an inventive, poetic way. Cost is $35 to participate; to sign up, click HERE.
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Closure Alert
The tennis courts at Schooley Mill Park is currently closed for replacement. This project is expected to be completed by mid-May.
We thank you in advance for your patience as we complete this project. In the meantime, please enjoy our many other tennis courts at our County-run parks. For more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/parks-playgrounds-trails or call 410-313-4700.
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Office of Workforce Development | |
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Summer Youth Employment Program Applications Open
Howard County youth and young adults aged 14 to 24 years old, applications are NOW being accepted for our Office of Workforce Development's Summer Youth Employment Program. This six-week program offers participants the opportunity to learn valuable skills and gain hands-on experience in various employment settings, while earning a competitive wage.
To learn more about this program and/or to apply, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/youth-services today!
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Join Our Apprenticeship Opportunity Program
The Maryland Department of Labor’s Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council has approved Kindred Hair & Skin’s first Medical Assistant apprenticeship program in Howard County. This achievement marks a significant milestone in embracing the power of apprenticeships and highlights the collaborative efforts between our customer, Kindred Hair & Skin, our Office of Workforce Development and the Maryland Department of Labor.
We aim to encourage other local medical practices to join us in building similar programs and leveraging our local incentive in the Apprenticeship Opportunity Program. Here's to fostering growth and opportunity in our community! For more information about the Howard County’s Apprenticeship Opportunity Program incentives please contact owdbusiness@howardcountymd.gov or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/hcapprenticeships.
New or reactivated apprenticeships may be eligible for $5,000 per apprenticeship for up to $20,000 per company.
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