Greetings!

Happy Holidays! As we embrace this festive time of year, we wish you Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa, and a Peaceful New Year! Whether you celebrate with lights, laughter, traditions, or simply cozy evenings with loved ones, we hope the season brings you joy, connection, and warmth.

Howard County offers many opportunities to celebrate the season together. From holiday markets and ice skating in the Merriweather District to festive shopping and entertainment at the Savage Mill Yuletide Festival, residents can enjoy a wide range of winter activities. Community traditions such as the Holiday Train Garden at the B&O Ellicott City Station, multi-holiday celebrations at the Howard County Library, and Kwanzaa Market Day provide meaningful ways to gather, support local businesses, and celebrate the diversity that makes our county so special.

The holiday season is also a time to support neighbors in need. The Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) is currently hosting its annual A Season of Hope campaign, which helps provide food, housing assistance, energy support, and early childhood education to families across our community. Residents can support this effort by making a financial donation, volunteering with the Howard County Food Bank, adopting a family, donating winter coats, or contributing items through CAC’s Amazon wish list. Additional food drives may be available at community centers, faith institutions, and holiday events throughout the 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, healthy, and joyful holiday season, and a bright start to the year ahead.

On December 1st, the County Council convened for our December Legislative Session. The Council voted on several pieces of legislation, including the following:

• CB67-2025: An act updating certain Consumer Protection provisions of the County Code; updating certain definitions; providing that the Office of Consumer Protection shall issue subpoenas instead of summons; clarifying provisions related to prohibited deceptive or unfair trade practices; adding practices that may be considered prohibited deceptive or unfair trade practices; clarifying certain legal processes; amending certain penalties; making certain grammatical and technical changes; and general relating to Consumer Protection provisions in the Howard County Code. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive. This bill passed, as amended, in a 5-0 vote.

• CR223-2025: A resolution declaring the intent for the County to take ownership of a portion of the Lake Kittamaqundi waterfront by entering into a purchase and sale agreement for the acquisition of the Lakefront Library property; authorizing the County Executive to negotiate a land swap agreement for certain parcels in Downtown Columbia pursuant to 4.4.C of the Downtown Columbia Development Rights and Responsibilities Agreement; and to prepare certain financing plans. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive. This resolution passed, as amended, in a 4-1 vote.

• CB74-2025: An act amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations in accordance with HoCo By Design, the General Plan, to add certain definitions related to certain agricultural, farming and farm alcohol producer uses; and generally relating to the Howard County Zoning Regulations. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive. This bill passed, as amended, in a 4-1 vote.

No new legislation was introduced at the December 1st legislative session. At this session, the Council appointed officers for the 2026 legislative year.

The full office appointments are detailed below:

HoCo Home Share

Bridges to Housing Stability launched a new program - HoCo Home Share!

The new program is a home-sharing initiative connecting Howard County homeowners who have extra space with local residents seeking housing. Homeowners will receive rental income and homeseekers gain access to new affordable rental opportunities.

Interested participants create a profile, either by phone or online, pass background and reference checks, and get a safety-approved home. Then Bridges' smart matching system pairs compatible homeowners and seekers and sets up an introductory meeting before any lease is signed.

If you have a spare room or you’re looking for affordable housing in Howard County, HoCo Home Share could be the right program for you!

Learn more and apply by visiting the Bridges to Housing Stability website.

Howard County Delegation Local Bill Hearing

Tonight, Tuesday, December 16th at 7:00 PM, the Howard County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly will hold a public hearing on local bills for the 2026 legislative session in the Banneker Room at the George Howard Building (3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City).

This is an important opportunity for residents to learn about proposed legislation and share testimony with State Delegates and Senators.

Residents can testify in person, virtually, or send written testimony by email.

If you are unable to attend in-person but would like to follow along at home, the hearing will be livestreamed on the County Council's website.

Stay up to date and informed about the Howard County Delegation by visiting the State Delegation website.

Residents' Budget Hearing

County Executive Ball is holding the first Fiscal Year 2027 Residents' Budget Hearing on Thursday, December 18th at 6:00 PM. The hearing is virtual, and residents can sign up to speak by visiting the hearing website.

This hearing is the first opportunity to participate in the County's annual budget process. More information about the budget cycle can be found on the Budget Office website.

If you are unable to attend and would still like to share testimony, written testimony can be emailed to BudgetTestimony@howardcountymd.gov.

Toys for Tots

County Executive Ball is hosting Howard County's 10th Annual Toys for Tots drive. Now through December 19th, you can donate new and unwrapped toys at any of our designated drop-off locations across the county. 

Families in need of assistance should contact their school’s Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW) to register. If you're interested in volunteering, please call 410-313-3395 or email hocohelp@howardcountymd.gov. 

In District 3 donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

Multiservice Center

9900 Washington Blvd, Laurel, 20723

East Columbia Library & 50+ Center

6600 & 6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, 21045

North Laurel Community & 50+ Center

9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel, 20723

HCPD-Oracle Building

7031 Columbia Gateway Dr, Columbia, 21046

Rec & Parks Headquarters

7210 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, 20146

Savage Library

9525 Durness Ln, Laurel, 20723

Kwanzaa Market Day

The Office of Human Rights & Equity is hosting Howard County's first Kwanzaa Market Day on Saturday, December 20th from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. Support local Black-owned businesses and embrace the Kwanzaa principle of Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) by shopping handcrafted art, jewelry, clothing, body and hair care, home decor, accessories, and more!

If you are a Black-owned business and are interested in vending at the Howard County Kwanzaa Market Day, please email ohreoutreach@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-6430. 

For additional information about the event, a list of vendors, and more, visit the Kwanzaa Market Day website.

Kwanzaa Celebration

Join the Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) on Saturday, December 27th from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center for the annual Kwanzaa Celebration. Come experience the richness of Kwanzaa's traditions through family-friendly activities, inspirational speakers, live performances, cultural performances, refreshments, 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.

As space is limited, registration is required. To reserve your spot, visit OHRE’s Howard County 2025 Kwanzaa Celebration website.

Know Your Rights

All immigrants, documented or not, have constitutional protections. Knowing these rights are a crucial tool for self-protection, dignity, and equality.

Learn more by visiting the Luminus website.

Have Yourself a Sustainable Christmas

The holidays are a time of joy, but they can also be a season of excess. This year let’s make Christmas merry and sustainable! With a few simple choices, we can celebrate in ways that spread cheer while caring for our community and the planet.

Gift Giving

If you need to do any last-minute shopping, consider stopping by a local thrift store or small business for a special gift. Both thrift stores and small business shops are full of unique finds.

When it comes to wrapping, think outside of the box (or wrapping paper). Reusable cloth bags, scarves, or even old maps and newspapers make creative, sustainable alternatives. Save ribbons and bows from year to year or cut last year’s holiday cards into festive tags.

Recycling and Composting Christmas Trees



Help keep your tree out of the landfill! The Bureau of Environmental Service's Merry Mulch program runs from December 26th to January 17th. During this time, live Christmas trees can be dropped off at various locations around the County. In District 3, trees can be taken to Savage Park and then will be composted at the Alpha Ridge Landfill and turned into compost and mulch.

For County Residents with Yard Trim Collection, set out your tree the night before, remove all decorations, and cut the tree into four-foot lengths. If you are not sure if you receive yard trim service, call 410-313-6444.

Artificial trees with metal components can be recycled in the scrap metal area at the Alpha Ridge Landfill.

Holiday Lights Recycling

Broken or old holiday lights should be carefully recycled. If they are included in your regular curbside bin, they will tangle recycling equipment. Instead, bring lights to the Alpha Ridge Landfill, which accepts lights and other electronics year-round.

Lights can also be mailed in through HolidayLEDS.com.

If your lights still work, consider donating them to a local secondhand store or posting them on a freecycle group.

By making small changes, we can keep the holidays festive while reducing waste. Howard County makes it easy to recycle, compost, and shop local, so let’s spread joy sustainably this season.

There are many opportunities to volunteer and serve in your community. Read below for upcoming and ongoing volunteer opportunities.

Carroll Baldwin Hall Work Nights

Carroll Baldwin Hall hosts monthly Volunteer Work Nights every third Thursday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. There are always tons of projects for volunteers with all skills and abilities to work on - cleaning, painting, and more. They also provide food and the opportunity to meet or catch up with your neighbors in Savage.

Howard County Boards and Commissions

Howard County has many volunteer Boards and Commissions that advise the County Executive or County Council! Members are tasked with providing policy, program, and implementation recommendations that push our government forward.

The County is seeking members to serve on numerous Boards and Commissions. If you are interested in learning more about these commissions and/or how to apply, visit the Boards and Commissions website.

• Resources for Impacted Federal Employees
• Food Assistance from the Howard County Food Bank
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Energy and Utility Assistance

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

Navigating County, State, and Federal services is often complicated and my office is available to help connect you with the proper channels. If you have any questions about issues or concerns in your community, please reach out by emailing crigby@howardcountymd.gov.

A pre-submission community meeting is required prior to the initial submittal of plans for all new residential development, new non-residential development, and existing non-residential development with a proposed floor area expansion of more than 25%. The pre-submission community meeting is for the developer/petitioner to provide information to the community regarding the proposed initial plan submittal and to allow community residents to ask questions and make comments before the initial plan submittal for the subject property.

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

Name: Emerson Building 2

Sign Year: 26

Sign Code: N09

Project Request: Data Center

Acres: 41.80

Meeting Date: Tuesday, December 16th at 6:00 PM

Meeting Address: Elkridge Branch Library, 6540 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge, MD 21075

Christiana Rigby

Councilwoman, District 3

crigby@howardcountymd.gov

410-313-2001

Colette Gelwicks

Chief of Staff

cgelwicks@howardcountymd.gov

410-313-2421