Dear Friends,

Howard County is a bold leader in modern, sustainable agriculture. Since taking office in December 2018, we have launched several initiatives and programs to preserve farmland and promote our agricultural communities. 

This past week, I announced my proposed Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget priorities for agriculture that will have a lasting impact for years to come. In my FY25 proposed budget, I am seeking $450,000 for Soil Conservation District’s Best Management Practices grant program, $500,000 for the Enhanced Agricultural Grant, $450,000 to staff up and launch the new Office of Agriculture and $15 million in Agricultural Land Preservation Program authorization for new easements. These budget requests build upon own investments and demonstrates my administration’s commitment to agriculture, to our farmers, to our farmlands and our rural west.

Happy National Ag Day!

Howard County Government proudly joined Howard County’s agricultural community to thank them for all that they do, day in and day out, rain, snow or shine, to provide for our residents and strengthen our economy.

On March 19, 2024, I proclaimed Agriculture Day In Howard County, Maryland.

Battle of the Books



Help Howard County Library System and the Howard County Public School System host a great Battle of the Books for our county’s kids on Friday April 19, at Merriweather Post Pavilion by volunteering!

If you would like to signup to volunteer, click here.

High school students can earn service hours when they volunteer for the same shift with a supervising adult. Details (about parking, pizza and more!) will be sent to you via email. Contact katie.disalvo-thronson@hclibrary.org with any questions.

Happy Maryland Day

Maryland Day is a day we commemorate the formal founding of the colony by newly arrived colonists from England back in 1634. Our history is long and rich. As a lifelong Marylander, I know firsthand that it is such a welcoming, recourse rich, and community driven place.



Thank you to all who came before to make our state so great, and to all our residents who make Maryland an amazing place to live, work, play, grow, and thrive. Today, while we celebrate the strides we have taken, we aspire to reach even farther for all, together. Happy Maryland Day!

Making the Impossible STEM-possible

It was a pleasure to join the Tau Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for its Youth STEMposium today at Howard Community College. We know that problems of tomorrow will be solved by the STEM students of today.

When our students could be doing anything else on a rainy day, it was impactful that they chose to advance their STEM knowledge. Thank you to the men of Tau Pi Chapter for hosting such an empowering event.

The Lions Roar to the Top

Our Howard County scholar athletes are amazing and work so hard beyond their academics. The Lions at Howard High recently earned Cross Country titles in county and regional competition.

Both the boys and girls swept 3A South Regional titles in a dominant performance following a County title for the boys. Way to show up and persevere, Lions!

A Home for Recovery

It was great joining Tuerk House’s CEO Bernard Gyebi-Foster and Board Chairman Dr. H. Duante Duckett to cut the ribbon on Tuerk House’s new Highland House in Howard County. There’s no better way to celebrate Women's History Month, than by unveiling this home geared towards providing a sanctuary for pregnant women on their recovery journey.

In last year’s Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget, we committed a $500,000 grant to Tuerk House to help make this new facility a reality. Today, as we open Highland House, we are building on our efforts to save lives, support all our neighbors and help build a brighter future for all.

20 Years of Service

I had a wonderful time joining the HCAR - Howard County Association of Realtors for its annual legislative breakfast. During my visit, it was heartwarming to congratulate Ms. Rita Williams, Operations and Education Administrator, on her 20 years of service with HCAR. Throughout her tenure with HCAR, she has been responsible for the Association's financial management and administration of the Continuing Education program and Professional Standards services. 

Congratulations Rita!

Soaring Into First

Our Centennial High School Eagles worked hard to succeed in Cross Country competition this school year. The boys took the 2A State Championship and the girls took a fourth straight regional title after also taking the county championship. Pride in our scholar athletes is worth all the miles of pounding the pavement. Keep running, Eagles!

It Takes a Grassroots Effort!

We are so fortunate to have incredible volunteers who help members of our community reach needed resources through Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center. In the past year, nearly 600 volunteers worked more than 8,700 hours. Whether they were greeting people at the emergency shelter, or serving food at the Day Resource Center, ready and willing volunteers have helped countless people have some hope for a moment. When our residents were in need, they answered the call. The 24-hour general crisis line took in approximately 40,000 calls last year. 

The character of a person and of a community is reflected in how it treats those who are most in need. During the last five years, Howard County has provided more than $9.5 million to Grassroots to support their critical work to provide shelter and community services to our community. It is deeply humbling that Howard County partners with stellar organizations like Grassroots to help our most vulnerable in their time of need. To all our volunteers – Thank you! You are what makes our community so strong.

Ready, Set, GROW!

Howard County is strong because of our small, local businesses who choose to engage and grow in our community. I had a wonderful time joining Special Secretary Martinez for Ready, Set, GROW! – An event to encourage and empower our small, local businesses who contribute to our local economy. We have quadrupled the number of certified local businesses since 2018, going from 100 to more than 400 this year to date. Since taking office, Howard County Government has increased spending by more than 700% with local businesses, going from $4 million in 2018 to $32 million last year.

These changes do not happen by chance. We have a strong team who work around the clock with each of you to make it happen. A huge thank you to the Howard County Economic Development Authority, Howard County Office of Procurement, and to Special Secretary Martinez for working hard to support all our businesses!

Inspiring Our Next Generation



Last year, Maryland made history when we saw our very first women of color sworn in to serve as Lieutenant Governor. Lt. Governor Aruna Miller’s impressive background in civil engineering has helped contribute to her expertise in developing infrastructure. As a legislator in the Maryland House of Delegates, she demonstrated her commitment to advocating for her community. 

As Lt. Governor she is continuing to inspire our next generation of young women to see the valuable contributions and changes they can make in our community and beyond. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we pay tribute to our fearless leader and trailblazer in Maryland.

Find Your Sunshine, HoCo!

Since 2019, we planted a half a million daffodil bulbs as part of a countywide beautification initiative. 

Once again rising from beneath the soil and marking an end to winter, residents will find these perennials in bloom throughout our parks and along major roadways in Howard County. With the blossoming of another spring, may the season’s flowers brighten up and refresh your days, and may you and your family find warmth and happiness in the days to come.

No Solution like Hair Sollutionz

It’s always a beautiful day whenever new businesses open in Howard County. Please, join me in congratulating The Hair Sollutionz Studio on its grand opening! As a full-service beauty salon, The Hair Sollutionz Studio is focused on a great customer service experience in a welcome atmosphere. Congratulations to Apryl and her staff, and I wish your ongoing success! 

Learn more at www.thehairsollutionzstudio.net/. 

The Fastest Cats Around

Our Wildecats continue to set aspirational goals, and run right through them. Please join me in congratulating our Wilde Lake High School Boys Indoor Track Team who recently brought home the 2A Regional Championship. Our scholar athletes work hard to achieve their dreams, and I couldn’t be more proud. Congratulations!

Artful Displays

One of the core parts of education is student creativity. That’s why I am always happy to support our arts community, especially for our students. In fact, I’m so glad that the Howard County Public School System allows my office to display student artwork to brighten up our suite. I had the pleasure of hosting some of these students and their families at our office, so they could see their beautiful work on display. 

Our young people are extremely talented, and I am consistently in awe of their diverse range of works. Today, and every day, we encourage our young people to think outside the box and unleash their potential!

A Tonic for Your Skin

Since its founding in 2016, Skintonic Wellness has helped empower people to achieve their wellness and skincare goals. They help achieve this though a harmonious blend of holistic and clinical treatments. Using only natural ingredients, Skintonic offers a wide range of skincare and body treatments. Please, join me in congratulating Skintonic owner, Charmika Hall on her new location in Howard County, which was supported through a LIFT loan by our Howard County Economic Development Authority! 

I wish your ongoing success for years to come. To learn more about Skintonic Wellness, visit https://skin-tonic.com/. 

A Woman Who Shattered the Proverbial Glass

As we consider Howard County’s own history, trailblazer Liz Bobo remains a standout. It is fitting that during Women’s History Month, we give tribute to a woman who shattered the proverbial glass. In 1976, she began her impressive political career on the Board of Appeals. After a year in the position, she was appointed to the Council, where she continued to make foundational decisions for Howard County. 

It is no wonder that in 1986, she made history by being elected to be the first female County Executive in Howard County history. After she service as County Executive, she went on to serve or State in the Maryland House of Delegates for 20 years. This month, we are reminded of our local women heroes who have committed their lives to public service.

Creative Little Minds

Please, join me in congratulating Creative Little Minds Learning Center II, LLC on its grand opening! Since 2007, Rhonda Watson has provided exceptional care to Howard County families. She saw the need for even more childcare services, and this new location is now the first evening care facility in Howard County. Congratulations Rhonda and her entire time! 

To learn more about Creative Little Minds, please visit www.clmlc.com/. 

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. 

Join My Team!

My office is currently looking to fill several vacant positions. To learn more and apply, please click the respective link below.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• CAD Administrator (Technical Services Support Specialist II) – Police Department, Communications Division – Provides information technology management services for Howard County Police Department, and more.
• 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.
• 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.

Boards and Commissions

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.  

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.

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.

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.

Let’s Talk Nutrition and Women’s History

In honor of March being National Nutrition Month and Women’s History Month, our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Director Jackie Scott has recorded two HoCo Community Chat podcast episodes this month. 

For her first episode, Jackie is joined by DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence’s (OAI) Health and Wellness Manager Courtney Harangozo and registered dietician and OAI partner Carmen Roberts, to discuss National Nutrition Month, how their positions help our residents and what nutrition looks like in our county.

In honor of Women’s History Month, for her second episode, Jackie is joined by former Maryland Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Director (now a health equity consultant and philanthropist at Opportunity and Health for All) Dr. Carlessia Hussein to discuss Dr. Hussein’s empowering experience as a successful and impactful woman of color in this country and in our community.

For DCRS’s latest podcast, be sure to stay tuned on Buzzsprout or check out HoCo Community Chat wherever you listen to your podcasts. If there is something specific you want to hear discussed, email DCRS at communityresources@howardcountymd.gov. 

Parent Pages and Free Workshops Available

DCRS’s Office of Children and Families’ (OCF) has released the March issue of its Parent Pages Newsletter and with it, new workshops for Howard County families. This monthly newsletter provides parents/guardians with information regarding upcoming free workshops and programs geared towards them and their children. Workshops are offered in both English and Spanish and discuss topics ranging from “Set your Child Up for Success in Kindergarten” to a “Parent’s Guide to Challenging Behaviors.”

For questions and more information about available service or if your family needs additional assistance and support, please contact OCF’s CARE Line at 410-313-2273 today.

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/.

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. 

Department of County Administration

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.

Department of Finance

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. 

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.  

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.

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. 

• Human Rights Commission
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission
• La Alianza Latina Commission
• LGBTQIA+ Commission
• Asian American & Pacific Islander Commission

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.

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: 

• Wednesday, April 3rd, 6:00 p.m. – Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission meeting. To attend, please email MLK@howardcountymd.gov. 
• Tuesday, April 9th, 5:30 p.m. – Asian American & Pacific Islander Commission meeting. To attend, please email AAPI@howardcountymd.gov. 
• Thursday, April 18th, 7:00 p.m. – Human Rights Commission meeting. To attend, please email HRC@howardcountymd.gov. 

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. 

Department of Planning and Zoning

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:

• Review of Plan No. 24-01 The Learning Experience Route 1, Laurel

For meeting details, click HERE.

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.

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.

Police Department

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.

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.

Department of Public Works

Bureau of Environmental Services

Holiday Slide Schedule NOT in Effect Good Friday

Reminder, while County Government offices are closed this Friday, March 29th in observance of the Good Friday holiday, the County's holiday slide schedule will NOT be in effect. There will be REGULAR Friday trash, recycling and food scraps pickup on the 29th as the Good Friday holiday is NOT one of the six that affects curbside collection.

Yard Trim Curbside Collections and Household Hazardous Waste Saturdays at the Landfill to Resume this April

Our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Bureau of Environmental Service’s curbside yard trim collection season is set to resume next 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. If you have yard trim you need to dispose of before the week of April 1st, you can stop by the Wood Waste Area at Alpha Ridge Landfill (ARL) to recycle your yard trim or set it out with your curbside trash collection. 

Remember! Residents in the Bureau’s “Feed The Green Bin” curbside food scrap collection area, you receive year-round food scrap and yard trim collection combined.

Finally, Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Saturdays at ARL resume Saturday, April 6th. Starting on the 6th through November 30th (Saturday’s ONLY), Howard County residents can safely and properly dispose of corrosive, flammable, reactive or toxic products typically found in most homes, garages and workshops, that are considered HHW. To learn more about this program and what you need to know about HHW before visiting the ARL, click HERE.

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. 

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. 

Bureau of Utilities

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.

Public Works Construction Report

Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance project(s) that have been announced.

Laurel

• 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.

Department of Recreation and Parks

Kid's Fest is Back!

Our Department of Recreation & Parks’ annual Kid’s Fest is back and ready to have a blast with your family and friends. Set to take place this Saturday, March 30th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Meadowbrook Park, this year’s event will feature sports instruction, games, inflatables, activities, arts and crafts, food, an egg hunt, and so much more. While online preregistration is encouraged (cost is $8 per child age two to 12), cashless onsite registration will be available (day of the event cost is $10 per child age two to 12). 

To learn more about this year’s Kid’s Fest and/or to register, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/kids-fest.

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.

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.

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.

Office of Workforce Development

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!

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.