Margery,

The holidays can be a time of joy, connection, and gratitude, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by giving back to our community. Whether it’s through volunteering your time, donating essential items, or supporting local organizations, small acts of kindness make a big difference.

One way to give back is by supporting local nonprofit organizations. The Community Action Council (CAC) of Howard County is accepting donations for the Howard County Food Bank and Diaper Project. In-person donations can be made by stopping by the Family Support Center or CAC’s Howard County Food Bank, and monetary donations can be made online. For more information about the Diaper Drive, contact the Office of Children and Families at 410-313-2273 or email children@howardcountymd.gov.

For those looking to make an impact through their time, organizations like Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center offer volunteer opportunities. Learn more about ways to volunteer and donate by visiting the Grassroots website.

Supporting local businesses is another way to give back. In District 3, visit Savage Mill anytime, or now during their annual Yuletide celebration. Shopping local helps small business owners thrive and strengthens our local economy.

The holidays are a reminder of the power of kindness and generosity. Whether you give a little or a lot, every effort adds up to create a brighter, more compassionate season for all. Let’s come together to ensure that everyone in Howard County feels seen, supported, and celebrated this holiday season.

As always, 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 and healthy December, and a happy New Year!

On December 2nd, the County Council convened for our December Legislative Session. The Council voted on several pieces of legislation, including the following:

• CB61-2024: An act establishing the Office of the Inspector General; specifying the selection, term, qualifications, and responsibilities of the Inspector General; providing for the referral of certain matters; specifying the funding and powers of the Office of the Inspector General; requiring certain reports; establishing the Inspector General Citizen Board; specifying the composition, term, and responsibilities of the Inspector General Citizen Board; amending the whistleblower protection statute; and generally relating to the Office of the Inspector General. This bill passed, as amended, in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by Councilmembers Liz Walsh, Christiana Rigby, Deb Jung, and David Yungmann.

• CR161-2024: A resolution approving the urban renewal project for the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia pursuant to Section 13.1106 of the Howard County Code. A public hearing for this bill will be held on January 21, 2025. This resolution was tabled in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.



• CB62-2024: An act amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to allow School, Commercial as a permitted use in the Office Transition (OT) zoning district; and generally relating to the OT zoning district. This bill passed in a 4-1 vote. Introduced the Chairperson at the request of Demirel Plaza, LLC.

• CB63-2024: An act amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to allow Self Storage, Indoor as a permitted use in the Corridor Activity Center (CAC) zoning district; to allow for the reduction of first floor retail space in the CAC zoning district; to allow for certain residential uses in the CAC zoning district; and generally relating to the CAC zoning district. This bill passed in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of The Weinman Company.

• CB64-2024: An act amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to allow Warehousing, within a flex space as a permitted use in the Corridor Employment (CE) zoning district. This bill passed, as amended, in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of Tradepoint Atlantic, LLC.

No new legislation was introduced at the December 2nd legislative session. At this session, the Council appointed officers for the 2025 legislative year.

The full office appointments are detailed below:

Serve on the Inspector General Advisory Board

I am seeking applications from residents interested in serving on the Inspector General Advisory Board.

Board members should have experience working as inspectors general, auditors, investigators, judges, prosecutors, or government accountability officers. Members should also have membership in professional associations of inspectors general, certified fraud examiners, or certified public accountants. Members must be able to serve a five-year term and meet at least twice a year.

The Inspector General Advisory Board serves as the appointing authority for the Inspector General. the Board will review and make recommendations on the budget of the Office of the Inspector General, advise the County Council and County Executive on the Board's review of investigations and other work completed by the Office, and the Board will review the Office's policies and procedures.

Please email crigby@howardcountymd.gov with your interest by Wednesday, January 15th.

For more information about the position, please review CB61-2024, available on the County Council website.

50+ Center Hours Extended

Howard County's 50+ Center's now have extended hours of operations! To provide older adults with more opportunities to stay active and connection, the Office of Aging and Independence has extended the hours of operations at all 50+ Center's. Read below for the new operating hours:

Bain & Elkridge 50+ Center

• Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM
• Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• Saturday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

East Columbia 50+ Center

• Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM
• Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM
• Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Saturday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Kwanzaa Celebration

Celebration Kwanzaa with the Office of Human Rights & Equity, Recreation & Parks, and Department of Housing & Community Development on Saturday, December 28th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center!

Participants will experience the richness of Kwanzaa's traditions through family-friendly activities, inspirational speakers, live performances, cultural performances, traditional refreshments, a showcase of local artisans and vendors, and engaging community discussions in a joyful atmosphere. Together, we will honor the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. 

Reserve your tickets at the Eventbrite website.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebrations

Join the Office of Human Rights & Equity and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission on Saturday, January 11th at 6:00 PM at the Horowitz Center Smith Theatre for their annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration. This event commemorates Dr. King's legacy with uplifting speeches, captivating presentations, and recognition of the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "Living the Dream" award recipients and student essay, oratory, and poster contest winners.

Reserve your spot by visiting the Eventbrite website.

Then, on Sunday, January 12th at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, the Office of Human Rights & Equity and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission will gather to host the County’s annual MLK Day of Service event. Starting at 1:00 PM, residents are invited to stop by to participate in a variety of service opportunities and activities that align with Dr. King's ideals of equality, community service and social justice. For more details or to get involved, contact the Commission by calling 410-313-6430 or emailing MLK@howardcountymd.gov.

Ensure your participation by registering at the Eventbrite website.

Howard County Flag Design

The Howard County Flag Commission launched a virtual poll to receive feedback on the top 10 design for our future flag. The Flag Commission held a public hearing on September 30th, conducted two work sessions in October, and voted to narrow the 184 eligible design submissions to the 10 final designs.

In the virtual poll, participants can rank all 10 flag designs on a scale of one to 10, with one being the most favorable design and 10 being the least. The poll also includes the opportunity for participants to share feedback about each design, including what design elements they like, dislike, or would like to change.

The virtual poll can be accessed on the Howard County Government website. Votes are due by Sunday, January 12th.

Open Enrollment

Open enrollment for Maryland Health Connection is here! From now until January 15th, Maryland residents can sign up to receive health coverage for 2025. Health coverage offers access to essential health services, reduces out-of-pocket expenses, and support preventive care for long-term wellness.

Start your enrollment journey today by exploring plans on Maryland Health Connection—together, we can keep Howard County healthy and secure! Learn more at the Maryland Health Connection website.

Merry Mulch

The Department of Public Works is offering multiple free holiday tree recycling options through its “Merry Mulch” program. All collected live trees are delivered to the Composting Facility at Alpha Ridge Landfill and recycled into compost and mulch.

Beginning Thursday, December 26th and continuing through Saturday, January 18th, holiday trees may be recycled seven days a week during regular business hours at the drop-off sites listed below. Look for Merry Mulch signs at the following drop-off sites:

• Clarksville: Kendall Hardware, 12260 Clarksville Pike
• Columbia: Cedar Lane Park, 5081 Cedar Lane
• Elkridge: Rockburn Branch Park (East), 5400 Landing Road
• Ellicott City: Old Circuit Court parking lot on upper Court House Drive (just past Ellicott Mills Drive, on the right)
• Highland: Schooley Mill Park, 12975 Hall Shop Road
• Marriottsville: Alpha Ridge Landfill Wood Waste Area, 2350 Marriottsville Road (open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
• Savage: Savage Park, 8400 Fair Street
• Woodbine: Western Regional Park, 14800 Carrs Mill Road

Residents with curbside yard trim collection may set their holiday trees out on their yard trim day for collection through Friday, January 17th. All decorations, including tinsel, garland, ornaments, lights, tree stands, plastic bags, etc., must be removed. Trees must also be cut into less than four-foot lengths and tied; they should not be bagged. Each bundle must also weigh less than 40 pounds.

Artificial holiday trees and wreaths with metal components can be recycled year-round in the scrap metal area at the Alpha Ridge Landfill Residents’ Convenience Center.

Mortgage Assistance

If you are a Howard County resident who is at least three months behind on your primary residence’s mortgage payments, the Department of Housing and Community Development may be able to assist you through its Foreclosure Prevention Program. For more information about this program, check out its frequently asked questions page.

For questions and/or more information, contact DHCD at 410-313-6318 and select option #1, or email foreclosureprevention@howardcountymd.gov.

Powered Up About Energy at the Maryland Association of Counties’ Winter Conference

Last week, my team and I attended the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Winter Conference in Cambridge, MD, where Maryland’s energy future was a central theme. With clean energy deadlines fast approaching and demand increasing due to technologies like artificial intelligence, the conference highlighted the challenges—and opportunities—of building a sustainable energy framework. Discussions emphasized the urgency of addressing Maryland’s complex energy needs while balancing environmental stewardship, economic growth, and equitable implementation.

One key focus was electrification, which requires more than just producing electricity. At one session, panelists explored the need to rethink infrastructure and operational strategies for an all-electric future. Bryan Bomer of Montgomery County showcased efforts to implement environmentally friendly building codes prioritizing renewables, efficiency, and electrification. Joseph Siemek from Harford County shared innovative behind-the-meter programs that directly power critical infrastructure, while Mark Stewart and Eric Coffman discussed the Maryland Energy Administration’s record $200 million investment in programs to support counties and constituents in improving energy efficiency and adopting renewables.

During a roundtable session, Director Paul Pinsky of the Maryland Energy Administration highlighted the need for strategic infrastructure investments, suggesting that less than 2% of the state’s agricultural land could meet solar energy goals, if optimized. Meanwhile, Public Service Commissioner Mike Richard gave a shock to attendees by forecasting a $10-$18 increase in monthly energy bills for many consumers, pointing to the need for Maryland to become more efficient, produce more energy, or risk increasing reliance on imports.

These conversations reinforced that Maryland’s energy transition is about generating more power while building a resilient and integrated system that meets growing demands and supports local communities. With the 2025 General Assembly session fast approaching, the state is poised to energize its efforts for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The County is seeking members to serve on numerous Boards and Commissions. Below is a list of current openings:

• Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission – seeks one college/trade school commissioner to advise the County Executive on policy initiatives and issues affecting the AAPI community. 
• Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board – seeks up to three adult applicants who represent or work in the development-building industry, religious, or special interest in historic preservation or genealogy to review newly discovered cemeteries for County adoption and advise on historic cemetery resources. Two applicants may live outside Howard County.
• Design Advisory Panel – seeks up to two adult applicants with professional experience in urban planning and landscape architecture to review a variety of development plans, conditional use applications and design guidelines and encourage excellence in building architecture and site design.
• Historic Preservation Commission – seeks two adult applicants who live or own property in the Lawyers Hill Historic District or who have architectural experience or professional experience in the architectural field to review applications for alterations to historic structures, provide advice on historical resources and review applications for historic tax credits.
• Human Rights Commission – seeks two adult applicants interested in engaging and educating the community, studying and investigating human rights issues, proposing and improving policies on human rights, and interpreting and enforcing the Howard County Human Rights Code. 
• La Alianza Latina Commission – seeks four adult commissioners and one college/trade school commissioner to promote diversity, civility and address the concerns of Latino and immigrant communities.
• LGBTQIA+ Commission – seeks four adult commissioners and one college/trade school commissioner to advance policy and systemic change for persons who are in the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission – seeks four adult commissioners to help coordinate appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. Appointed by the County Executive, Commission members serve an initial two-year term. 
• Opioid Restitution Fund Commission – seeks individuals or family members of an individual with an opioid use disorder, advocates or substance use disorder professionals that provide education, treatment or prevention services, certified peer recovery specialists, and a student representative under the age of 19 at the time of their appointment to help with reviewing and providing recommendations about the use of settlement and grant funds related to addressing opioid use disorders. 
• Planning Board – seeks one applicant who resides in Councilmanic District 5 and the Rural Conservation District or the Rural Residential District and has have an interest in planning and zoning. 

If you are interested in learning more about these commissions and/or how to apply, visit the Boards and Commissions website.

• Energy and Utility Assistance
• Food Assistance from the Howard County Food Bank
• Emergency Broadband Assistance
• Volunteer Opportunities

• HCPD Daily Bulletin
• Interactive Map
• Unemployment Benefits from the State of Maryland
• Maryland Vaccine Locator

There is one community pre-submission meeting scheduled in District 3.

Name: Miller Transportation Truck Maintenance Facility

Sign Code: N08

Meeting Date: Thursday, December 26, 2024

Meeting Address: Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Lane, Laurel, MD 20723

Acres: 4.80

Planned use: Trunk Maintenance Facility

Christiana Rigby

Councilwoman, District 3

crigby@howardcountymd.gov

410-313-2001

Colette Gelwicks

Chief of Staff

cgelwicks@howardcountymd.gov

410-313-2421