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Dear Friends,
Since 2022, Howard County has been a proud age-friendly community, as recognized by AARP, because of our efforts to empower our older adults and create designated spaces for growth and community building. As a freestanding building, our new East Columbia 50+ Center will be a place where our community of all ages, but specifically our older adults, can recreate and engage with one another. To learn more about the grand opening of this new facility, check out this Baltimore Sun article.
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To Be or Not to Be the Youth Poet Laureate
Howard County is a national leader in celebrating and championing arts, culture, and literature education in our community. We know that the spark of creativity and love for the arts starts with our young people. As we elevate the role of poetry in Howard County, I am excited to launch our inaugural Youth Poet Laureate program in partnership with the Arts Council and the Howard County Poetry & Literature Society.
The Youth Poet Laureate will serve a one-year term from August 2024 through June 2025 and will receive an honorarium. Through this appointment, the Youth Poet Laureate will work to elevate poetry in the consciousness of Howard County residents. Applications are open now through May 30th, 2024. To learn more and apply, visit https://hocoarts.submittable.com/submit/a7154da5-2c52-45f0-b24f-94d466ace03f/howard-county-youth-poet-laureate.
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Choose a "Boring" Name!
Should it be Ellicott Drills or Ellicott Excavator? Or what do you think about Granite, Granite Grinder, Hudson or Rocky? We need your help to decide what to name our Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan’s North Tunnel project’s Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). Much like ships, it is traditional to name TBMs before they are launched.
As my fellow elected officials and I prepare to break ground on our pivotal North Tunnel project this summer, a project that will serve as a model for flood mitigation across our nation and world, we first need to pick a name for our TBM. To cast your vote, be sure to click HERE today!
A quick brief on the project. Using a series of electric motors, our TBM’s rotating cutter head will grind through an entire mile of granite from the West End area of Ellicott City, all the way to the Patapsco River, to create an 18-foot-diameter underground tunnel. Once complete, the North Tunnel will have the capacity to move 26,000 gallons of water per second, helping reduce the risk of flash flooding by intercepting water and diverting it underground and away from Main Street.
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Speedy Scorps
Please, join me in congratulating our Scorpions at Oakland Mills High School. The girls Indoor Track Team fought hard to win the County Championship this year and emerged victorious. They seized opportunities to make new track stars after several prominent competitors in the sport graduated last year. We look forward to more record-breaking performances in your future.
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Building Brotherhood
I was honored to bring opening remarks today at the Spring Leadership Meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters (MAAC) at Howard Community College. This was not just a gathering; it was a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity and the transformative power of service. Together, through MAAC, we foster the spirit of Brotherhood, train a new generation of leaders, build the technological capacity of members, bring consistency to the implementation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated’s national programs and ensure that chapters have the necessary preparation to implement fraternal initiatives and day-to-day operation.
Service is the cornerstone upon which our fraternity and community stand. It drives us to look beyond ourselves, to reach out to those in need, and to commit to making a tangible difference in the lives of all our residents. The passion and dedication of our Fraternity Brothers, including those in our Howard County Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter, shine as beacons of hope and agents of change.
Together, we can build a brighter future for our communities, rooted in service and guided by brotherhood. Here's to the journey ahead, filled with possibilities, challenges, and opportunities to serve. Let us embrace it with open hearts and willing hands.
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Don’t be Quiet, Make a Racket!
Our Department of Recreation & Parks has six brand-new badminton net systems ready for use. Bring your racket, a friend, and visit the North Laurel Community Center to play a game. Learn more at www.howardcountymd.gov/nlcc.
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Serena McIlwain, an Inspirational Environmental Leader
During Women’s History Month, we celebrate a phenomenal Howard County resident and inspirational leader, Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. She has dedicated her career to protecting our environment serving as the Under Secretary of California's Environmental Protection Agency and in many federal and state roles.
As Howard County continues to be a model for energy independence and climate resiliency, we couldn’t be more grateful to have such a steadfast partner in the State. We thank Secretary McIlwain for fighting climate change and fostering environmental justice for Howard County and the entire state.
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A Tribute to Those We’ve Lost
Recently, we broke ground at Meadowbrook Park in Ellicott City for Howard County’s first ever COVID-19 memorial. This memorial will serve as a visual tribute to those we’ve lost, but also to those who were on the front lines, sacrificing daily to keep our community safe.
This past Thursday, March 14th, marked four years from Howard County's first COVID-19 case, we remain strong, resilient, and ready to tackle any challenge that comes before us.
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A Gladiator on the Mat
Glenelg High School can expect even more spectacular things from its relatively young wrestling team. This year our Gladiators took the Dual Meet County Championship by focusing on building confidence and seizing opportunities to grow in every match. I know these scholar athletes use the same “can do” attitude in their academics and their relationships. Let’s commend these students for a job well done and wish them the best going forward.
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How Many Slices of Pi is Appropriate? Some Say, 3.1415926535 …
On March 14th, universal Pi Day, we celebrate our mathematicians and love for all kinds of pie – sweet and savory. To celebrate this infinitely great day, my team and I enjoyed the delicacies of Ledos Pizza and mini-pies. I hope your day was irrationally beautiful and well-rounded!
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Encouraging Reading
It is always wonderful to spend time reading with some of our youngest learners. I had a great time joining Mrs. Dobrusin and Ms. Hogan to read to their second-grade class at Bellows Spring Elementary School (BSES). We had the honor of reading two books; All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kauffman and Books Always Everywhere by Jane Blatt and Sarah Massini.
A special thank you to BSES Reading Specialist Tracy Williams for hosting such a wonderful event to encourage reading!
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Jeanie Prevosto, a True Gem
Our scholar athletes could not succeed and grow without the support of athletic administrators and coaches. Among them is a true gem, and there’s no better time to recognize her than during Women’s History Month. Jeanie Prevosto has spent 25 years committed to local athletic programs and has uplifted the Centennial High School Eagles since 2018. She was recently selected for a 2024 National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association State Award of Merit for Maryland for her excellence and dedication. We are so fortunate to have such leaders in our schools supporting our scholar athletes.
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Our Dynamic Divas
I had the distinct privilege of meeting with the Dynamic Divas of the Columbia (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. As we discussed key issues like affordable housing, senior living, addressing crime and spurring economic development, I was deeply inspired by their insightful questions and their eagerness to contribute to our community’s growth and well-being.
In Howard County, we stand united in our efforts to create a vibrant, inclusive community where every voice is heard, and every hand is welcomed. This important dialogue with the dedicated sorority members of Delta Sigma Theta brought this vision into sharper focus, reminding me of the critical role each resident plays in our shared journey towards making our county not just a place to live, work and play, but a model of prosperity and care for all. Let’s continue to unite our efforts, for together, we will craft a future for Howard County that shines even brighter.
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Fostering Japan-Maryland Relations
Maryland is very fortunate to have such a strong connection with Japan. That’s why I was glad to join the Japanese Ambassador at his residence to celebrate Maryland and Japan’s deep historic ties through economic and cultural exchange. As our sister-State, they consistently collaborate on business and cultural initiatives.
I was honored to celebrate our relationship with Ambassador Shigeo Yamada, Governor Moore, and many more of our amazing partners. Together, we will continue to embrace our collective partnerships to ensure every resident has access to the best quality of life.
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Kristi Simon, a Steadfast Partner to Howard County
This Women’s History Month, join me in celebrating my friend Kristi Simon on being named as the new President and CEO of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce. Hailing from leading the Central Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Kristi has been a steadfast partner to Howard County. I am confident that she will excel in role and will help all our businesses – from sole proprietors to large firms – grow and expand.
As the leading voice for our local businesses, the Howard County Chamber helps accelerate business growth through connections, advocacy, and professional development. I know that Kristi will continue good work to ensure that Howard County is the premiere business capital of the world.
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One Team, One Dream
It was wonderful to join our students, educators and school administrators at Wilde Lake High School (WLHS) to launch the spring flag football program for middle school students. Powered by our Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) grant, this initiative will offer a flag football program to students at Wilde Lake Middle School and WLHS. Student athletes at WLHS will participate in this program as football coaches and mentors to our middle school students.
Thank you to Coach Henderson, WLHS Principal Marcy Leonard and our entire Wildecat community for your partnership in expanding youth programming for young people in Howard County. Together, we’ll continue to support our future generations through supportive and nurturing programs that strengthen our community.
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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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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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Calling All Entrepreneurs
Join the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) this Wednesday, March 20th for its pitch competition featuring entrepreneurs and startup companies in the community. $7,000 in prizes will be awarded!
Spirited in atmosphere and in food and drink offerings, Pitch and Mingle is the perfect opportunity to stir up your social network, mingling with fellow attendees over light fare and libations. Come support the community's entrepreneurs, participate in the selection process, and make connections at the MIC.
So how does it work? Five startups are selected to present a four-minute pitch. This is followed by four minutes of question and answer from the panel of judges and audience. At the end, our judges will come together and select the top three companies! These winners will receive cash prizes with first place receiving $3,000! In addition, there will be a "Crowd Favorite" award which is selected by the audience.
Registration for this event is required. Food and drink are included.
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Applicants Sought for Ethics Commission
Our system of representative government is dependent upon our residents maintaining the highest trust in their public officials and officers. Our Ethics Commission plays a vital role in ensuring this trust is maintained and that our officials and officers are upheld to the highest standards and maintain the highest ethical stance. If you are interested in being a member of our Ethics Commission, I encourage you to apply today. To learn how, click HERE.
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Department of Community Resources and Services | |
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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.
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Table for Connection Ribbon Cutting
I invite you to join us next Monday, March 25th at 11:00 a.m. at our Department of Recreation & Parks Cedar Lane Park West for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of our first Table for Connection. Table for Connection is a specially designed solar-powered table that is wheelchair accessible and features free Wi-Fi connection, charging capability and most importantly, is a comfortable meeting place for all. Together with Recreation & Parks, DCRS's Age-Friendly Howard County is looking to install these tables in all our County-owned parks.
To attend, please RSVP by this Friday, March 22nd. Light refreshments will be provided.
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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.
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Members Sought for Advisory Board on Consumer Protection
While DCRC’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) provides information about current scams, assists in resolving consumer-merchant and landlord-tenant disputes, and enforces Howard County consumer protection laws, our Advisory Board on Consumer Protection works with the OCP to educate and protect Howard County consumers. The Advisory Board also provides feedback and recommendations on the OCP's programs and how the Office educates county residents about consumer protection services.
If you are interested in being a part of the Advisory Board on Consumer Protection’s mission to improve consumer protection services here in Howard County, I encourage you to apply today for this board as we are currently seeking applicants interested in filling two seats: one applicant who represents a business interest group and one applicant from the general public. The deadline to apply for these vacancies is April 19, 2024.
To learn more about Advisory Board’s eligibility requirements and how to apply, click HERE.
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Office of Community Sustainability | |
LED Light Bulb Exchange Program Expands!
In case you missed it, our Office of Community Sustainability’s (OCS) has expanded its free light-emitting diode (LED) light bulb exchange program to now include all Howard County Library System (HCLS) branches. Offered in partnership with HCLS, Howard County residents can visit any local HCLS branch to exchange used incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs for new, energy efficient LED bulbs.
While supplies last, Howard County residents can visit the circulation desk at any HCLS branch to exchange their used CFL or incandescent light bulbs for up to four free, new LED bulbs (an A19 bulb shape). All types of bulb shapes will be accepted for exchange, except for tube lights.
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Calling All Change-Makers!
Applications are now being accepted for OCS’s 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!
This Thursday, March 21st, we will host our final public engagement meeting, virtually at 6:00 p.m. (click HERE to register to participate), to gather feedback and input about how a new, future HCLS Central branch can best benefit Downtown Columbia and all of Howard County. If you are unable to attend Thursday’s meeting, you can also share your thoughts with us 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 next 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 | |
2024 Humanity Matters Conference
Mark your calendar and join our Office of Human Rights and Equity (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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Important OHRE Commission Public Meeting Dates
Under our Office of Human Rights and Equity (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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Department of Planning and Zoning | |
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Stay in the Know About the Future of Gateway
Stay in the know about our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) 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 this April
Our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Bureau of Environmental Service’s curbside yard trim collection season is set to resume 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.
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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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Save the Date for GreenFest 2024
Save the date, as 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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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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Light the Night 5K for Suicide Prevention
Join us this Friday, March 22nd for the 3rd Annual Light the Night 5K for Suicide Prevention at Oakland Mills High School. Together, Recreations & Parks, the Howard County Health Department, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Maryland Chapter, Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center and Bullseye Running, have partnered together to host this annual event that helps raise awareness for suicide and suicide prevention resources in our community. To learn more about this year’s race and/or to register, click HERE.
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We’re Going on an Egg Hunt!
Get your baskets ready for Recreation & Parks’ upcoming egg hunts. Travel by land or sea (or the swimming pool at our Roger Carter Community Center) to get your hunt for a plethora of eggs filled with wonderful treats! Upcoming hunts are scheduled for:
To learn more about these and other great special Recreation & Parks events, click HERE.
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Kid's Fest is Back!
Recreation & Parks’ annual Kid’s Fest is back and ready to have a blast with your family and friends. Set to take place next 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.
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Closure Alert
Starting today, March 18th, the tennis courts at Schooley Mill Park will be 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
Last week on March 12th, the Maryland Department of Labor’s Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council 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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