March 2023 Newsletter

Greetings!

Welcome to our March 2023 Newsletter!

In March, we celebrate Women's History Month. Women's History Month is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the achievements of women leaders in Howard County and across the world.

In 2023, women are still paid 82 cents for every dollar a man makes. Women of color are paid even less, making between 55 and 60 cents for every dollar a man makes. It is crucial that we spend time during March recognizing the work we must do to reach gender equality.

I encourage you to participate in one of the many events that celebrate women's history. Coming up this month, the Howard County Commission for Women is hosting their inaugural Women's History Month Brunch. Additionally, the Howard County Library System is hosting a button making event to celebrate women's suffrage and the historical significance of buttons.

To learn more about women's history, search for a book from the Howard County Library System's selected titles.

As we enter the Spring season, please don't hesitate to contact my office if you are experiencing any issues in your community or would just like to get in touch. We are here to help with your concerns and listen to your feedback. Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy March!

Yours in service,

Christiana Rigby (she/her)

Councilwoman, District 3

‌

March 16, 2023

February Legislation Wrap-Up

On March 6th, the County Council convened for our March Legislative Session. The County Council took action on several pieces of legislation, including the following:

CB4-2023: An act imposing an assessment on each trip generated by a Transportation Network Service company originating in the County; providing for collection of the assessment; creating a Transit Services Improvement Fund; specifying the components and uses of the Fund; requiring a certain Report; and generally relating to for-hire transportation network activities. This bill passed in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by Christiana Rigby.

CB5-2023: An act requiring the County Executive to report to the County Council with recommendations about changes to the Howard County Building Code that would be needed to require all-electric buildings and ways the County can achieve certain climate goals and ways the County can maximize use of certain funds and ways the County can maximize certain investments, requiring the County Executive to consider specified exemptions and considerations and specific matters regarding system capacity; setting a certain deadline, defining certain terms, requiring the County Executive to offer net zero energy standards for County government-owned buildings, requesting the County Executive to provide an inventory of County buildings and their current energy sources, and generally relating to the Howard County Building Code. This bill passed in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by Christiana Rigby.

CR33-2023: A resolution approving the terms and conditions of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement by and between Howard County; Chaberton Solar Lime Kiln LLC; and Jo-Ann Middleton, Katherine Robinson and Janet Srock, for the construction and operation of a solar array located on property located at 11959 Lime Kiln Road, Fulton, Howard County, Maryland. This bill passed in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

CR34-2023: A resolution approving the terms and conditions of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement by and between Howard County, Community Power Group, LLC, and Dale Haylett, Jr. for the construction and operation of a solar array located on property located on Roxbury Road, Glenelg, Howard County, Maryland. This bill passed in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

CR35-2023: A resolution approving the terms and conditions of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement by and between Howard County, Chaberton Solar Catherine LLC, and St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church of Maryland, Inc, for the construction and operation of a solar array located on property located at 2000 St. Mary Drive, Cooksville, Howard County, Maryland. This bill passed in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

CR36-2023: A resolution approving the terms and conditions of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement by and between Howard County, Chaberton Solar Catherine ANEM LLC, and St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church of Maryland, Inc, for the construction and operation of a solar array located on property located at 2000 St. Mary Drive, Cooksville, Howard County, Maryland. This bill passed in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

March Legislation

On March 6th, the County Council convened for our March Legislative Session. Several pieces of legislation were introduced, including the following:

CB11-2023: An act amending the Howard County Code to establish certain processes for certain audits by the Howard County Auditor’s Office; and generally relating to the Howard County Auditor’s Office. Introduced by Christiana Rigby and Dr. Opel Jones.

At the upcoming Public Hearing, on March 20th at 7:00 PM residents can offer testimony on this legislation. The legislation will be up for a vote at the Council's Legislative Session on April 3rd at 7:00 PM.

VIEW COUNCIL LEGISLATION

TESTIFY AT A PUBLIC HEARING

VIEW COUNCIL CALENDAR

Community News, Events, and Updates

Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) Grants

Howard County’s Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) Grants promote youth activities and engagement in Howard County through free, accessible, and supportive programming developed by nonprofit and community organizations. The goal of these grants is to provide community organizations with the resources to develop programs for young people in Howard County that are offered outside of traditional school hours.

The YEP! Grant application period runs from March 1st to May 31st. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis while funds are available. Read the application and learn how to apply.

Autism Hiring Program's Spring 2023 Cohort

The Autism Hiring Program was created by the Howard County Autism Society in 2020 to advance workplace neurodiversity and acceptance, connect businesses to an untapped workforce of skilled Autistic adults, and target jobseekers not supported by existing systems. The program serves candidates and employers in Maryland. The ideal candidate for this program is someone who is open minded, committed to their own success, and whose ultimate goal is to find and sustain meaningful employment. Applications are due by March 24th!

Apply and learn more about the program.

GreenFest

GreenFest is Howard County's largest celebration of Earth Day. The event aims to connect residents with the resources that local businesses, non-profits, and government provide to help anyone be a good steward to the environment.

This year's GreenFest will be held on Saturday, April 15th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the SET Building at Howard Community College. Please stop by to learn more about our community's environmental efforts and organizations. Learn more about GreenFest.

Roving Radish

The Roving Radish is taking meal kit orders!

The Howard County’s Roving Radish promotes healthy eating habits through meal kits comprised of locally and regionally grown foods straight from the farm to your table. The meal kits are available to anyone who works, plays, or lives in Howard County and are offered at a discounted price to those in need.

Order your meal kit today!

The Howard County Autism Society is Hiring

The Howard County Autism Society is looking for a Family Navigator to play a broad role in supporting Autistic children, youth and adults and their families. They are searching for a candidate who has and promotes an open and growth mindset, empathic nature, and values a holistic approach. An ideal candidate understands the characteristics and gifts that Autistic individuals possess and the experiences working with people with autism and/or disabilities and their families.

Applications are due by April 10th for a May 2023 start! Read the complete job description and apply.

Savage Paint Out

Savage is having their first Paint Out (Mini Plein Air) in April! Starting April 1st, artists of all ages, experience, and skill are invited to paint an outdoor scene within the historic mill town of Savage. Registration is free and open until April 21st.

Christiana's Climate Corner

Welcome to Christiana's Climate Corner, where I will be sharing updates on environmental and sustainability efforts in Howard County, including information on legislation, events, and opportunities for you to support sustainability efforts in our community!

Making Progress – Better Public Transit and Cleaner Buildings

The two bills I introduced in January, the Clean New Buildings Climate Act (CB5-2023) and the Transit Investment Act (CB4-2023), passed at the March Legislative Session! Both of these are significant steps forward to helping our County be resilient and responsive when it comes to climate change. These bills also help to address two of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases – buildings and transportation. I’m grateful to the many residents and organizations that came out to share how these bills are meaningful to them. Thank you so much for your feedback, suggestions, and support!

Climate, Housing, and HoCo by Design

Howard County’s General Plan, called HoCo by Design, is our County’s land use plan and vision for our future. How our future looks, feels, and functions will be determined by how we address the climate crisis which requires evolution across many different levels and sectors.

The climate crisis and housing are interconnected. Sprawling, large lot housing developments lead to higher rates of pollution and use more emissions during and after construction. We must prioritize the growth of our housing in Howard County in ways that reflect our climate goals and ensure our community becomes a sustainable model of resilience.

Housing in Howard County is prohibitively expensive, and homeownership is unattainable for many younger families, elderly residents, and our neighbors. We can address our housing crisis, reduce climate emissions, support our schools, and remain a connected community. I hope that you will reach out to the Council during our general plan process and share your hopes and dreams for our shared future.