Dear Friends,

Supporting the people who care for our families and serve our community is a responsibility we share. At the Capitoline Center, I signed four pieces of legislation that expand property tax relief, support our artists and help guide safer bicycle connections across our county.

Council Bill 52-2026 expands our Day Care Provider Tax Credit. Beginning July 1, 2027, eligible day care providers can receive property tax credits of up to $5,000, while qualifying large child care centers with 25 or more employees can receive up to $10,000. Our previous daycare tax credit was limited to certain property improvements, with only six credits issued over five fiscal years. This change is designed to provide more meaningful support to the providers our families depend on.

Council Bill 53-2026 extends our property tax credit of up to $2,500 to eligible retired public safety officers who served our county. After years of answering calls, working holidays and supporting our neighbors through emergencies, these public servants deserve our continued support in retirement.

Council Resolution 160-2026 approves BikeHoward 2026, updating our Bicycle Master Plan with guidance for safer, more comfortable routes for people of all ages and abilities. It builds on our national award-winning Complete Streets Policy and the $77 million we have invested in bicycle, pedestrian, and Complete Streets improvements since I took office.

Council Resolution 159-2026 adopts the Howard County Arts and Culture Plan. Led by the Howard County Arts Council and guided by a 31-member steering committee, the plan identifies ways to support artists, broaden cultural opportunities and connect creativity with education, economic development and community life.

Thank you to the many partners who were involved in these important bills, including the Howard County Council, Coleen West and the Arts Council, our County Government teams, childcare providers, public safety partners, and community advocates. These efforts reflect the care we put into building a community where our residents can participate, contribute, and feel supported.

Sincerely,

Full-Time Employment Unlocked

Last year, 20 families from Columbia, Laurel, Elkridge, and Savage joined the first phase of our impactful Guaranteed Basic Income pilot, receiving $1,000 a month for 12 months. Nearly eight in 10 used that support to pay down debt and stay current on rent, and nearly half used it to improve their employment.

As the first year of the program concludes, we are already seeing measurable results. At the start of the pilot program, just 68% of participants had full-time employment. By the end of Phase One, 100% of the participants had secured full-time employment.

Families also reported less financial stress, more time together, and a shift from managing crises to proactively planning for the future.

Designing Tomorrow’s World Today

Behind the roads, bridges and buildings we rely on are people who help plan, design and deliver them. We recently visited GPI / Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. - Metro DC at its Columbia office to recognize the team contributing that expertise to our region.

Founded in 1966 and celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, GPI is a 100% employee-owned firm providing engineering, planning, design and construction services. Its work spans transportation, structural engineering, environmental sciences, surveying and mapping, with a focus on sustainable solutions.

Following its office relocation and expansion in 2025, the local team is continuing to grow its presence here. GPI ranked eighth on the Baltimore Business Journal’s list of engineering firms, measured by its 51 local professional engineers.

Thank you to Branch Manager Barry Benton, Regional Director of Administration Emily Otte, Director of Maryland Operations Wendy Wolcott, and department leaders Kyle Smith, Angie Strevig, Bill Park and Mike Loveland for welcoming us. Your team’s continued investment in our community supports skilled careers and the expertise needed to build for the future.

Learn more by checking out GPI’s website.

A Place to Grow Your Own Fresh Food

Fresh food and new friendships are taking root at our new Old Montgomery Road Community Garden! With 126 new plots, we now offer nearly 700 community garden plots where our neighbors can grow vegetables, share knowledge and enjoy the rewards of tending something with their own hands.

For families without space to garden at home, these plots open the door to growing their own fresh food. They also give neighbors a place to spend time outdoors, learn from one another and build lasting connections. 

Stay Active After Cardiac Rehab

Some people enjoy exercising independently. Others prefer a class with an instructor and a regular schedule. Our Office on Aging and Independence offers both in-person and virtual group fitness opportunities for adults age 50 and older.

Options include strength training, yoga, dance fitness, stretching, and seated strength and balance classes. Members can review current schedules and speak with staff about class formats and registration requirements.

Group classes require separate registration from the Go 50+ Fitness Pass, with fees depending on the offering. Purchasing a fitness room pass does not automatically enroll someone in classes.

For eligible residents continuing their wellness routine after cardiac rehabilitation, these are additional community fitness options to discuss with their care team. They do not provide clinical cardiac rehabilitation.

Visit our Office on Aging and Independence’s “Howard County 50+ Centers” webpage to find fitness options and registration information.

Our Young Student Artists

Student artists have brought color, imagination and their own perspectives to the walls of our County Executive’s Office. I enjoyed welcoming them and their families to the George Howard Building for our Fall Student Art Gallery Reception, presenting certificates of recognition and celebrating the work they have shared with us.

Having our students’ artwork displayed throughout our office gives our staff and visitors an opportunity to appreciate their creativity every day. I hope seeing their work in this setting reminds these young artists that their ideas matter and that our community values what they create.

Thank you to Visual Arts Resource Teacher Rachel Valsing, our art educators and the families who encourage our students to explore their talents. Your guidance helps give them the confidence to express themselves and try something new.

To our young artists: congratulations, and thank you for making our office a more inspiring place. Keep creating and sharing your view of the world—we look forward to seeing where your talents take you!

Generosity Full Circle

Our Loan Closet brings community generosity full circle. Neighbors donate medical equipment they no longer need, and our team connects it with residents at no cost.

We have invested in this resource to help our neighbors, and you can help by spreading the word.

Learn about receiving or donating equipment by visiting The Loan Closet of Howard County’s website.

Behavioral Health Navigators

Finding treatment can be difficult, especially when someone needs help immediately. Since 2019, we have worked to make that connection easier through crisis stabilization and County-funded behavioral health navigation.

In 2019, Howard County and the State of Maryland partnered with Grassroots Crisis Intervention to open the County’s first on-site substance use crisis stabilization center. The center serves an average of 500 people annually who need urgent connections to treatment, providing assessment, stabilization and referrals. Grassroots now offers free, 24-hour walk-in substance use services at 8990 Old Annapolis Road, Suite A, in Columbia.

We have also placed behavioral health navigators at the Howard County Health Department (HCHD), Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center and Grassroots. Since the first navigator was hired in Fiscal Year 2020, the network has received 4,224 referrals, with an average connection rate of 94%. Annual referrals increased 220% between FY2020 and FY2025.

Navigators help residents and families identify appropriate services and follow up on referrals. If you are unsure where to begin, call 410-313-6202 or email bhnavigator@howardcountymd.gov.

Learn more by visiting HCHD’s Behavioral Health Navigation webpage.

A Welcoming Place to Learn, Connect, and Grow

I want our young people to have places where they can feel welcome, build friendships and explore their interests after school. That is why we partnered with Howard Community College and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore to establish Maryland’s first Boys & Girls Club on a community college campus.

We provided a $221,600 grant to support the Club’s launch and first year of operations. Programming began in August 2024, creating a free after-school opportunity for middle and high school youth ages 13 to 18.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore operates the program and employs its staff, while HCC provides the campus space. The Club is now located in the Kahlert Foundation Complex at 5500 Dragon Place in Columbia.

Our partnership brings academic support, leadership development, health and wellness, and preparation for life and work into a setting where our teens can begin imagining their futures.

Learn more by visiting Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore’s “Howard Community College” program website.

Helping Young People Avoid Homelessness

As WMAR-2 News Baltimore reports, we have committed $175,000 toward Point Source Youth’s $350,000 Targeted Housing Assistance Program to help 50 young people at imminent risk of homelessness.

Participants will receive one-time, flexible cash payments averaging $3,500 to help address needs such as overdue rent or a security deposit. They will also work with trained providers to develop individualized plans, with housing navigation, case management and financial coaching available as needed.

This approach gives our young people a voice in identifying what they need to remain housed or secure a safe place to live. Having that stability can help them focus on school, work and their next steps.

I appreciate Point Source Youth and our service partners for supporting our neighbors as we continue working to make homelessness brief, rare and nonrecurring in our community.

Read more by checking out WMAR-2 News’ “Point Source Youth program to help young people avoid homelessness gets additional funds from Howard County” online news story.

Finding Job Training Opportunities

Finding the right training program can open the door to a new career, a better paycheck and greater stability for our families. I want our neighbors to know about a new state resource that makes those opportunities easier to find.

Governor Wes Moore and our state partners have launched a search tool connecting Marylanders with more than 900 job-training programs, adult education opportunities and workforce development resources. Residents can search by location or industry, including hospitality, cybersecurity and information technology, construction and transportation. Listings include provider contact information so you can ask questions and learn how to get started.

This resource also supports residents navigating new federal work requirements affecting some people receiving SNAP food assistance or Medicaid coverage. Qualifying training may help meet those requirements, depending on your circumstances and the program. Check with your benefits agency to understand which rules and exemptions apply to you.

We will continue helping our residents connect with opportunities while protecting access to the food and health care their families need.

Explore training opportunities by visiting Maryland Benefits “Find Job Training and Career Support” webpage.

Many Voices, One Community

Our employees bring so many cultures, experiences and talents to the work of serving our community. I enjoyed celebrating those contributions at our annual Diversity Day at Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, where this year’s theme, “Many Voices, One Community,” encouraged us to connect and learn more about one another.

Alongside Chief Administrative Officer Brandee Ganz, I shared my appreciation for the people who keep our County running. The celebration showcased employees as vendors and performers, with interactive activities, a themed book swap and ten local food trucks. Our Howard County Health Department and Quest Diagnostics also offered flu vaccinations and health screenings.

Thank you to our Office of Human Rights and Equity Administrator LaKeisha McClendon and the 27 employees representing 16 departments on our Diversity Day Committee. They began planning in January, putting months of care into an event that gave colleagues across our government an opportunity to spend time together. I also appreciate our Color Guard and Paul Thompson for helping open the celebration.

To our employees: thank you for sharing your talents, supporting one another and bringing your perspectives to public service. Your work and commitment make a difference for our neighbors every day.

Change Starts With You

I was pleased to participate in the Point Source Youth 2026 National Symposium in Baltimore. I appreciated the opportunity to speak about our commitment to helping young people find stability before a housing crisis becomes homelessness.

We are investing $175,000 in Point Source Youth’s Targeted Housing Assistance Program to help 50 young people at imminent risk of homelessness. Participants will receive one-time, flexible payments averaging $3,500, along with individualized planning and support to address barriers such as overdue rent or a security deposit.

The research behind this approach is encouraging. A Johns Hopkins University study of Point Source Youth’s seven-state pilot, which served 345 participants, found that 92% had not accessed homelessness services within six months of receiving assistance.

As an educator and a father, I know how important a safe place to call home is to a young person’s ability to focus on school, work and their future. We must listen to our young people and include them in decisions about the support they need.

Thank you to Point Source Youth Co-Founder and Executive Director Larry Cohen, the Point Source Youth team and the young people sharing their lived experience to help communities improve their response. We will continue working together to make homelessness brief, rare and nonrecurring.

Learn more about Point Source Youth by vising its website.

Bringing the Spirit of Early Base Ball Back to Life

Vintage uniforms and 19th-century rules brought base ball history to life at The Inn at Mt Ida! I enjoyed spending time with neighbors at the Vintage Base Ball Doubleheader, part of Howard County’s celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary.

Players from the Keystone and Zouave Base Ball Clubs took the field for two games that gave spectators a look at how our national pastime was played generations ago. The historic setting in Ellicott City made it a fitting place to explore that history and enjoy an afternoon of base ball with our community.

Thank you to our 250th committee, Kim Pruim, Raul Delerme and the participating players for helping make this event possible, and to Little Market Café for providing food and beverages. I appreciate everyone who came out to celebrate our history and cheer on the teams.

World Food Day

Every family deserves reliable access to nutritious, affordable food. World Food Day, observed October 16th, called on us to strengthen how food is grown and delivered, support innovation and work together to address hunger. Here in our community, that means helping our neighbors put meals on their tables while supporting the farmers who feed us.

Since 2019, we have advanced that commitment through investments and partnerships across our local food system:

1. Expanding affordable meal kits. Since 2019, The Roving Radish program has distributed more than 61,000 meal kits while purchasing more than $424,000 in produce from our local farms. These purchases connect families with fresh ingredients and help sustain our agricultural businesses.
2. Bringing fresh food closer to home. We opened the Roving Radish Marketplace at Long Reach Village Center in 2021. By March 2025, it worked with 25 participating farmers and had distributed more than 18,995 pounds of food for free to residents in need. We also launched the Mobile Marketplace in 2024, establishing 12 neighborhood stops to help overcome transportation barriers.
3. Creating around-the-clock food access. In 2025, our Office of Agriculture partnered with the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC), Columbia Community Care, the Rachell L. Gray Community Foundation, Inc. and Glenelg United Methodist Church to launch three Pocket Pantries. These community refrigerators provide free perishable and nonperishable food 24 hours a day, no questions asked.
4. Investing in expanded Food Bank capacity. We committed $2 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to CAC’s new Route One Corridor Campus in Jessup and broke ground in September 2025. The planned campus includes an approximately 12,000-square-foot Food Bank, nearly twice the size of its Columbia counterpart, to bring food assistance closer to families along Route One.
5. Helping residents grow their own food. Our new Old Montgomery Road Community Garden opened October 8 with 126 plots, bringing our community garden total to 699. The new site includes 25 accessible plots, two for Therapeutic Recreation programs and five designated for CAC to support access to fresh produce.
6. Protecting farmland for future generations. We reopened our Agricultural Land Preservation Program in 2019. By March 2026, we had invested more than $17.5 million to preserve over 515 acres through the reopened program, protecting land that supports our agricultural future.
7. Helping our farms adapt and grow. Since 2019, we have provided more than $3.5 million in direct investment in farms and farm-supporting businesses. Our FY2026 agricultural grant awards totaled $600,000, supporting projects including irrigation, farm infrastructure, food production and farmers market operations.
8. Supporting the next generation of farmers. We launched our first New & Beginning Farmer Program in 2025, growing from seven participants to ten. At the H. Mitchell “Mickey” Day New and Beginning Farm Complex, participants have access to 30 quarter-acre plots with water, shared equipment, a greenhouse and training. Our FY2026 budget also included $100,000 for a produce wash-and-pack station.
9. Building a coordinated response to hunger. In 2025, our Howard County Health Department and University of Maryland Extension established the Howard County Food Council. Its early work included two farmer focus groups to help guide priorities around food access, production and distribution. This work responds to a serious need: our 2024 Health Assessment Survey found roughly one in five residents experienced food insecurity.

I appreciate our farmers, food assistance partners, volunteers and County teams for making this work possible. We have more to do, and I remain committed to helping our neighbors access healthy food with dignity. Buying locally, donating food and volunteering are ways we can each contribute.

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, visit the CAC’s “Food Assistance” website.

Soar Big Howard County

Celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary with food trucks, live music and a drone show over the Columbia Lakefront! Join us Saturday, November 7, for this HoCo250 event, presented by our County Executive’s Office in partnership with Columbia Association and our Department of Recreation & Parks.

The festivities begin at 4:30pm, when two Tasty Treats And More food trucks open for the evening. Bring your family and friends to the same Lakefront location where we gather for our July Fourth fireworks.

At 5pm, The Howard County Veterans Foundation, Inc. will present a video celebrating the official opening of our Veterans and Military Families Monument at Vivian C. “Millie” Bailey Park. This tribute recognizes our veterans, military families and the community that supports them.

Live music from Liquid A begins at 5:30pm I look forward to sharing remarks around 7pm before we turn our eyes to the sky for a spectacular show featuring 800 drones!

The Lakefront pathway will close at 10am for event setup. No road closures are planned.

There is no rain date. Please follow Howard County Recreation & Parks on Facebook for weather updates and any schedule changes. I look forward to celebrating with our community!

For more information, check out our “Drone Show” event webpage. 

Taste of Howard County

Our local restaurants helped bring our community together for a cause that touches thousands of families. I enjoyed celebrating the 41st anniversary of Taste of Howard County at Turf Valley Resort, where food from more than 25 restaurants, live and silent auctions, and our neighbors’ generosity supported Gilchrist Cares.

Each year, more than 5,000 patients and their families in our county rely on Gilchrist for hospice, palliative, geriatric and grief care. No one is turned away because of a lack of income or insurance. Proceeds from this event support our local hospice center, helping ensure compassionate care is available when families need it most.

Thank you to Event Chairs Mary and Joe Barbera, Gilchrist President Cathy Hamel, emcee Jamie Costello, Pete Mangione and the Turf Valley Resort team, and the entire Taste Committee for bringing this evening together. Our participating restaurants, sponsors and volunteers make this longstanding tradition possible.

Facing a serious illness can affect an entire family. I am grateful to everyone who helps our neighbors receive care, comfort and support through those difficult moments.

Maryland Supreme Court for a Day

For the first time ever in Howard County history, more than 800 of our students from all backgrounds and corners of our community had the opportunity to watch Maryland’s highest court at work when the Supreme Court of Maryland held oral arguments at Guilford Park High School on October 1. As The Baltimore Sun reports, students from all 13 of our public high schools and several private schools observed two cases before asking the justices questions about the judicial process and careers in law.

Guilford Park became the fourth school in Maryland’s history to host the Court since it began holding off-site arguments in 2023. Bringing these proceedings into our schools helps students connect their government lessons with the decisions and responsibilities of our judicial system.

I appreciated the opportunity to offer opening remarks alongside Superintendent Bill Barnes and Board of Education Chair Jen Mallo. Thank you to Principal Josh Wasilewski, our educators and the Court for making this experience possible.

I hope this experience encourages our students to keep asking questions, participate in civic life and consider the many ways they can serve our community.

Check out The Baltimore Sun’s “Guilford Park High turns into Maryland Supreme Court for a day” online news story to read more.

Preventing Addition. Supporting Recovery.

We have made progress in reducing the harm caused by substance use, and I remain committed to helping our neighbors access treatment and find support throughout recovery.

Our Howard County Health Department’s (HCHD) 2026 Substance Use Prevention Needs Assessment reports that overdose-related emergency department visits in 2024 and 2025 were among the lowest annual totals recorded locally between 2018 and 2025. This is encouraging progress, and we will continue using local data to understand where our residents need additional support.

Since 2019, we have brought together prevention, treatment, recovery, harm reduction and public safety to guide our response. We have invested nearly $7 million to help create 85 residential and crisis treatment beds, expanded peer recovery and treatment navigation services, and made overdose reversal medication more accessible in our community.

My commitment includes helping families prevent substance misuse, connecting our neighbors with appropriate care and supporting them through the challenges of recovery. I appreciate our Health Department, first responders, treatment providers and community partners for helping our residents and their families through some of their most difficult moments.

If you or someone you care about needs support, explore our local services by visiting HCHD’s “Behavioral Health” website.

Ready, Set, GROW!

Government contracting can create new opportunities for small businesses and local businesses to grow. I invite our small, minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned and disadvantaged businesses to the free Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Expo on Wednesday, October 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Howard County’s powerful partnership with the Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility is bringing this event to our new Opportunity and Economic Mobility Center at 9755 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. Business owners can meet procurement officers face to face, ask questions and connect with agencies responsible for billions of dollars in annual contracting activity.

Participants will learn how Maryland’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Small Business Reserve (SBR) and Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) programs can help eligible businesses compete for state work. Federal certifications, including the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, will also be covered.

I look forward to joining Comptroller of Maryland Brooke Lierman and Secretary Walter L. Simmons for this event, one of six regional procurement expos across Maryland.

Parking and refreshments are free. Bring your business cards and capability statements—a summary of your business’s services, qualifications and experience—to make the most of these connections.

Register by tomorrow, October 20th by visiting the Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility’s Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Expo Google Doc webpage.

Fifty Years of Un-bee-lievable Dedication

For 50 years, the Howard County Beekeepers Association has helped our neighbors discover beekeeping and understand the pollinators that support our farms, gardens and environment. I celebrated this milestone at the association’s Beekeeper Bash at Sapwood Cellars and presented a proclamation recognizing Howard County Beekeepers Association Day.

Founded in April 1976, the association now has more than 330 members who share their knowledge with experienced beekeepers and newcomers alike. Its beginning beekeeping course has welcomed more than 100 participants in each of the past three years, extending that education beyond our community through online participation.

More than 50 members donated over 100 pounds of honey for a commemorative honey beer developed with Sapwood Cellars Brewmaster Mike Tonsmeire and malt from Carroll County’s Bear Branch Malt. Ten percent of the event’s proceeds will support Dr. Zac Lamas and his students conducting bee research at UMBC.

We share that commitment to protecting pollinators. Since becoming a Bee City USA community in 2019, we have continued helping our residents create native habitat. Our Trees for Bees giveaway has distributed more than 7,365 native trees and shrubs over the past five years. By July 2025, our registered pollinator habitat exceeded 144 acres, nearly doubling our goal of 75 acres.

We are also restoring habitat on our public land. In 2024, our Howard County Recreation and Parks and Office of Community Sustainability teams worked with Bee City volunteers to plant 1,200 native plants at Belmont’s pollinator meadow, replacing invasive grasses with plants that provide food and habitat for pollinators.

Thank you to President Bill Glover, Vice President Amanda Dymek, the association’s leadership and members, and Sapwood Cellars for a celebration that supports both education and research. Congratulations on 50 years of helping our community grow!

Your Next Step After Cardiac Rehab

Knowing how to use fitness equipment is an important part of getting started. New members of our 50+ Centers can receive an equipment orientation with a Fitness Specialist to learn proper use and become familiar with the fitness room.

Members who would benefit from additional individualized instruction can also register for one-on-one personal training. These appointments provide fitness instruction; they are separate from independent use of the equipment.

Our fitness rooms are not supervised workout environments. Fitness Specialists lead classes, programming and other services, but they are not continuously stationed in the rooms or monitoring participants. The Centers do not provide medical supervision or clinical cardiac rehabilitation.

For residents transitioning from cardiac rehabilitation, the hospital care team determines when community exercise is appropriate. Center staff can explain equipment orientation, personal training and membership options.

Visit our Office on Aging and Independence’s “Howard County 50+ Centers” webpage to find a 50+ center near you so you can learn more about how to get started. 

Chesapeake Connect

It was wonderful to join the Baltimore Metropolitan Council for its annual Chesapeake Connect Tour. This year, our delegation visited Durham, North Carlina where we explored downtown revitalization, community investment, innovation, the economic impact of athletics, as well as regional approaches to transit. These discussions connect directly to our work of expanding opportunity for learning and growth, supporting local businesses, and helping residents reach jobs and services.

As an HBCU graduate, former professor, and community college Director, it was especially enriching to visit North Carolina Central University and learn more about the shared history of Black Durham from Dr. Charles Johnson. This discussion served as a reminder that while we have made incredible progress, we still have more work ahead of us to ensure economic mobility and opportunity for all.

As former Chair of BMC and current Chair of Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), which collaborates with various stakeholders to plan, approve, and coordinate regional projects, I’m proud of our work to help move our Baltimore region forward. Thank you to BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly and his team, Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams, all our hosts for sharing their experience, and the rest of our Board of Directors. I look forward to building on these regional relationships as we continue creating opportunities for all.

Happy Birthday Pooh!

Happy 100th birthday to Pooh Bear! Published on October 14, 1926, A. A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh began a legacy that continues to bring generations together through stories of friendship, kindness and belonging.

Christopher Robin’s words to Pooh offer positive encouragement we can all carry with us:

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart…I’ll always be with you.”

These words remind us how much it matters to have someone who believes in us. Here in Howard County, we can offer that encouragement to a child learning something new, a friend facing a challenge or a neighbor who could use our support.

I hope families take a moment to revisit a favorite Pooh story, read together and share the lessons that have made the Hundred Acre Wood feel like home for so many. 

The Kids are Alright(ish)

Howard County’s latest youth health data show progress in reducing substance use and a continued need for mental health support.

As Baltimore Fishbowl reports, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that reported alcohol use among high school students declined from 30.1% in 2013 to 12.7% in 2024. Marijuana, tobacco and electronic smoking device use also declined.

At the same time, the share of middle school students reporting sadness or hopelessness increased from 19.4% to 29% during that period. These findings reinforce the importance of listening to our young people and connecting them with support early.

Our work includes school-based mental health care and youth engagement programming that gives young people opportunities to connect with their community. I appreciate our Howard County Health Department, educators, families and community partners for helping identify where students need additional support and using these findings to guide that work.

If you or someone you know needs mental health or crisis support, call or text 988.

Check out Baltimore Fishbowl’s online “Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows that Howard County kids are alright(ish)” news article to read more.

Shining a Light on the Need for Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer Research

Last Tuesday, October 13th, our George Howard Building was illuminated in teal, green and pink as Howard County joined #LightUpMBC to raise awareness of metastatic breast cancer. I also proclaimed October 13, 2026, Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Howard County.

Metastatic breast cancer, also known as Stage 4 breast cancer, occurs when breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body. There is currently no cure, and people living with the disease face ongoing treatment. Greater understanding and continued research are essential to improving treatments and quality of life.

The global #LightUpMBC campaign has raised more than $2.7 million for metastatic breast cancer research. Our participation recognizes those living with this diagnosis, honors the lives lost and supports the families and caregivers affected.

Please join me in learning more about metastatic breast cancer, listening to those living with it and supporting the research that offers hope for better treatments.

To learn more about this campaign, visit #LightUpMBC’s website.

A Shared Effort to Do More, Create More

It was an honor to host the Greater Baltimore Committee’s annual meeting right here in Howard County! Nearly 400 leaders from across our region gathered at Merriweather Post Pavilion to discuss our shared efforts to create more opportunities for our residents and businesses across our region.

We understand that economic development and education are deeply connected. Businesses go where talent is, talent goes where opportunity is, and opportunity grows in communities that invest in people. That is what makes the new Regional Economic Development Memorandum of Understanding so special. Through this new partnership, we will strengthen cooperation on attracting investment, promoting our region, and sharing economic data. This agreement also provides our economic development reams a clearer framework to pursuer even more opportunities, together.

Our residents cross county lines every day to work, learn, build businesses, and create opportunity. Our economy does the same, which is why the work of the Greater Baltimore Committee is so important. The coopetition for talent, investment, innovation, and opportunity isn't one jurisdiction versus another. We compete best when we compete as a region.

Together with our Howard County Economic Development Authority and partners across the region, we have helped advance efforts including the federal Tech Hub designation, a unified regional brand, and a more coordinated approach to attracting investment and economic opportunity.

Thank you to GBC President and CEO Mark Anthony Thomas, HCEDA CEO Jennifer Jones, and the entire GBC board and team for your continued partnership. A huge congratulations to my friend Janet Currie as she begins her new leadership role as Board Chair and thank you to outgoing Chair Dr. Mohan Suntha for his service to our region.

Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present, Inspiring Our Future

Before it had a permanent gallery, the African Art Museum of Maryland brought African art directly into schools and community organizations. Forty-six years later, that commitment to education continues.

I appreciated the opportunity to speak at the museum’s 46th anniversary celebration and recognize the vision of founders Doris H. Ligon and her husband, Claude M. Ligon. Established in 1980 as Columbia’s first museum, it helps residents explore the many distinct cultures and artistic traditions of Africa through works including textiles, sculptures, masks and musical instruments.

Since Fiscal Year 2020, Howard County has provided annual grants to support the museum’s operations and its mission of collecting, displaying and preserving African art for the public. Its return to Columbia’s Long Reach Village Center in 2020 brought that work back to the community where it began.

Thank you to Founding Director Doris H. Ligon, Lauanna Wilson, the museum’s board and its supporters for continuing to share this collection and create opportunities for learning across generations.

I encourage residents to explore the museum at 8775 Cloudleap Court and learn more about the cultures represented in its collection.

County Opens Fourth Community Garden

As Baltimore Fishbowl reports, our new Old Montgomery Road Community Garden adds 126 plots, marking the County’s fourth community garden site and our first outside Columbia.

The garden includes 25 ADA-accessible plots with raised beds, two plots for Therapeutic Recreation programming and five dedicated to the Community Action Council of Howard County to support its Food Bank.

This is Columbia Gardeners’ first new garden site in nearly three decades. For residents who have spent years waiting for a plot, this expansion creates more opportunities to garden, share knowledge and connect with neighbors.

I appreciate our Department of Recreation & Parks, Columbia Gardeners, Inc. and the Community Action Council for working together to make gardening and fresh food more accessible in our community.

Check out Baltimore Fishbowl’s online “Can you dig it? Howard County opens fourth community garden” news article to read more.

Helping Improve Financial Stability

In summer 2025, Howard County partnered with the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) to launch the first phase of our first-ever Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) pilot program. Through the first phase of this transformational program, 20 families received monthly economic assistance, wrap-around services, and programming sessions from community partners.

The program is already showing strong results for our community. More than eight in 10 (83%) of participants report that the program has helped improve their financial stability, up from 71% of participants at the start of the program. Additionally, a majority of respondents report that the program has improved their mental well-being, family functioning, child well-being, and financial planning. 

Through the GBI program, families in our neighborhoods are more stable, supported, and empowered to achieve self-sufficiency.

Three Secure Ways to Vote and Deadlines for the 2026 General Election

As Election Day fast approaches, the Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) has released a comprehensive guide on its "VOTE!MD" website – featuring key dates and deadlines and information on the three secure ways to cast a ballot in Maryland, to help Maryland voters navigate this year’s election.   

First up are those important dates and deadlines:

• Thursday, October 22nd to Thursday, October 29th – Early Voting. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. these days; to find your early voting location, visit SBE’s Voter Services’ “Voting Location Lookup” website.
• Tuesday, October 27th – DEADLINE to request a mail-in ballot delivered by max or fax.
• Friday, October 30th – DEADLINE to request a mail-in ballot online.
• Tuesday, November 3rd – Election Day. Final day to vote; polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. To find your voting location, visit SBE’s Voter Services’ “Voting Location Lookup” website.
• By or Before Tuesday, November 3rd – DEADLINE to return a mail-in ballot, either by mail (postmarked by or before the 3rd) or you can hand-deliver your ballot to an approved dropbox or local board of elections by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Second, here are three ways to cast your ballot for the upcoming General Election:   

1. Vote Early – Skip the crowds and vote early at select locations in your county from Thursday, October 22nd through Thursday, October 29th, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.
2. Vote by Mail – Any registered voter can vote by mail. It's easy and secure, simply request your mail-in ballot and then once you’ve completed your ballot, take it to an official dropbox or local board of elections by Election Day or mail it back (postmarked) on or before Tuesday, November 3rd. 
3. Vote on Election Day - Vote in person at your local polling place on General Election Day, Tuesday, November 3rd; polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you miss this deadline SBE's preliminary deadline of Tuesday, October 13th to register to vote or update your registration information, you can instead register or update your residential address the same day you vote. To do so, make sure you bring a document that proves where you live when you attempt to vote at your local polling place or early voting center.

Finally, for more information about Maryland’s General Election, visit SBE’s “VOTE!MD” webpage or download SBE’s FREE “Go Vote MD” app from the Google Play store or the Apple store.

Election Judges and Election Pages Sought for General Election

With voting in the 2026 General Election set to begin shortly, SBE is seeking residents interested in playing a critical role in administering elections by serving as Election Judges and Election Day Pages.

Election Judges

Open to eligible Marylanders aged 16 and older, Election Judges are responsible for setting up polling places, checking in voters, and answering voter questions. To be an Election Judge, no prior experience is needed and training is provided. Additionally, Election Judges earn $250 per day and those who have previously served as judges are eligible for a one-time $100 bonus payment. 

To apply to be an Election Judge, simply use SBE’s online “Election Judge Application” found on its “Become an Election Judge” website or contact your local Board of Election. 

Election Day Pages

An Election Day Page is a 14- to 15-year-old student volunteer who assists election judges and voters at the polls on election day. The Election Day Page program was developed to encourage student involvement and understanding of the democratic process through participation in elections. Pages serve under the direct supervision of supervisory Election Judges called Chief Judges. On Election Day, Pages are prohibited from engaging in any partisan activity, touching ballots or voting equipment, and using electronic devices inside the polling room.

All Election Day Pages must attend a mandatory training session before Election Day and are required to work at least one four-hour shift on Election Day. To apply to be an Election Day Page, use SBE’s online “Election Day Page Program Application” found on its “Election Day Pages” webpage or contact your local Board of Election.

Office of Agriculture

New & Beginning Farmers Program Applications Now Being Accepted

Our Office of Agriculture (OoA) is now accepting applications for its 2027 New & Beginning Farmer (NBF) Program at the County’s H. Mitchell "Mickey" Day NBF Complex in West Friendship. 

Launched in 2025, the County’s NBF Program aims to support aspiring farmers as they build profitable and sustainable farm businesses in Howard County. Designed to address some of the biggest barriers facing new farmers, including access to affordable land, equipment, infrastructure, and technical knowledge, the program provides participants with:

• Access to farmland;
• Shared equipment and a shard greenhouse;
• Hands-on production experience; and 
• Business development support. 

For its 2027 NBF Program application, interested applicants will have the option to choose from two program pathways, the New & Beginning Farmer Direct Pathway OR the Emerging Farmer Pathway. The New & Beginning Farmer Direct Pathway is geared towards beginning farmers who already have some hands-on farming experience, such as completing a farmer training course or working on a farm for a period of time. Direct Pathway participants will receive their own plot and operate their own farm businesses while receiving mentorship, education, and access to resources designed to help them strengthen their skills and grow their businesses. Whereas, the Emerging Farmer Pathway is geared towards individuals who require additional hands-on experience before taking on a plot of their own. This pathway provides participants with apprentice training with a current farmer in the program, learning opportunities at OoA’s Teaching & Learning Farm, and mentorship. Emerging Pathway participants will gain the skills, confidence, and experience needed to establish and grow their own farm business and, once complete, will be able to transition into the New & Beginning Farmer Direct Pathway and obtain a plot of their own.

To learn more about this program and/or to apply, visit OoA's “2027 Howard County Office of Agriculture New and Beginning Farmer Program” SurveyMonkey webpage. The deadline to apply is Monday, December 21st; all approved applicants will be notified of their acceptance in January 2027.

For questions about the NBF program and/or to request a hard-copy application, email OoA at OfficeofAg@howardcountymd.gov with "Farm 2027" in the subject line.

Department of Community Resources and Services

Addressing the Challenges of Parenting

Our Department of Community Resources and Service’s (DCRS) Office of Children and Families (OCF) supports Howard County families with opportunities to learn, grow and thrive through their family workshops, local resources, events, educational programs, and more all year long.

For instance, OCF’s in-person “Ready, Set, Safe: Parental Controls Made Easy” workshop this Saturday, October 24th, will cover the ins and outs of how to navigate and maximize parental controls on a variety of devices. Set to take place from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the East Columbia 50+ Center, participants will learn tips on how to keep their child(ren) safe in cyberspace, like turning on safe browsing in popular apps and setting up time, word, and site limitations. Following the presentation, there will also be opportunities for participants to receive optional one-on-one assistance. To sign-up to participate in this FREE event, visit the County’s Active Network “Ready, Set, Safe: Parental Controls Made Easy” registration webpage.

Then, next Monday, October 26th at 6:30 p.m., be sure not to miss OCF’s “Creating a Calming Area in Your Home” virtual workshop, during which participants will explores the benefits of having a designated calming corner in your home, i.e., a peaceful space where your child can practice self-regulation and manage their emotions. Participants will learn how calming areas in one’s home can support a child’s emotional development and will specifically learn how to create one. To sign-up to participate in this FREE event, visit the County’s Active Network “Creating a Calming Area in Your Home” registration webpage.

To learn more about the latest happenings, workshops, activities, and programs for children and families being offered by OCF each month, visit its Parent Pages Sign-Up website to subscribe to its latest Parent Pages online newsletter. In addition to its Parents Pages, OCF’s “Parent’s Guide to Howard County” for 2026 is also a great resource for parents, caregivers, and others looking to learn more about and find services in our community to help children grow and thrive.

If you need individual assistance, such as finding childcare, guidance with parenting issues, mental and emotional health support, special needs resources, food access, housing, and more, contact OCF’s free CARE line at 410-313-CARE (2273) to learn more about what’s available.

Trunk or Treat

Calling all children, age infant to five, if you are looking for some not-so-spooky Halloween fun, be sure to check out OCF’s Family Support Center’s (FSC) community “Trunk or Treat” event this Thursday, October 22nd. Set to take place in FSC’s back parking lot at 9790 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia from 10:30 a.m. to noon, young children and their parents/caregivers are invited to come explore and trick-or-treat amongst decorated car trunks, tables, and tents set up by FSC’s team and local community partners. The event will also feature themed snacks, face painting, games, and small giveaways, and of course, participants are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costume best. 

To sign-up to participate in this FREE event, visit the County’s Active Network “Trunk or Treat” activity registration webpage. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place the following Thursday, October 29th, at the same time and location. Additionally, the FSC will be open during the event as a sensory friendly space for children who need a quiet place to rest. 

If you have questions about this event, please email Ashton Sullivan at asullivan@howardcountymd.gov for assistance.

Financial Wellness Seminar Series

As Howard County residents are living longer, now is the time to plan ahead to help you stay secure and prepared. Through its three-part “Financial Wellness Seminar Series”, DCRS' Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) will be offering participants practical tips and trusted guidance to help you make informed money decisions for the future with confidence. Led by Certified Financial Consultant Michael Branthover, the three-part series will take place on and cover the following topics:

• Monday, October 19th, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Financial Wellness: Understand Your Retirement Income
• Tuesday, November 3rd, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Financial Wellness: Planning for Long-Term Care
• Friday, November 20th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. – Financial Wellness Seminar: When a Loved One Dies

Each series session is offered at no cost at our East Columbia 50+ Center. To register to participate in any one or all of the session dates listed above, click on the hyperlinked topic title listed next to the date. 

Thriving Through Midlife

For women, midlife means perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. If you are currently in or approaching this stage of your life, I invite you to join OAI and our Commission for Women this Thursday October 22nd for its “Thriving Through Midlife: A Community Conversation about Women's Health” event. Set to take place on the 22nd from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church at 9055 Tamar Drive in Columbia, the event will feature a medical and wellness panel discussion, roundtable conversations, and resource stations to help participants learn more about navigating perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause, and midlife health decisions. This event aims to dismantle midlife health taboos and empower attendees through straightforward, evidence-based guidance, and peer support. 

To reserve your spot for this FREE event, visit OAI’s “Thriving Through Midlife: A Community Conversation about Women's Health” Eventbrite registration website today. To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations to participate in this event, please contact Danielle Clifford-Earles at dcliffordearles@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-3506 (voice/relay) at least one week in advance.

Commission on Disabilities Seeks Your Input

In follow up to its comprehensive “Report on the Status of People with Disabilities in Howard County – 2019”, that focused on the issues of education, employment, transportation, housing, and peer relationships, the County’s Commission on Disabilities is seeking feedback from individuals with disabilities, family members and unpaid caregivers, service providers, and educational professionals via a quick five to 10-minute survey. Through this survey, the Commission is looking to learn more about what are the issues of greatest need and the current state of policy and programs in Howard County affecting these groups and what recommendations do you have to address these needs.

Links to each survey can be found in the bullet list below. Eligible survey takers are asked to please complete the survey version that best applies to them.

• Survey for Individuals with Disabilities
• Survey for Family Members and Unpaid Caregivers of Individuals with Disabilities
• Survey for Service Providers Working with Individuals with Disabilities
• Survey for Educational Professionals Working with Students with Disabilities 
• Vea Esta Información en Español

Additionally, all information collected from these surveys will be anonymous; identifying information (IP address, email, etc.) will not be captured, shared, or used to analyze collected data, nor will it be used to restrict access to services for any individual.

If you need accommodations to complete a survey, please contact Erica Lewis at 410-313-6402 (voice/relay) or email ealewis@howardcountymd.gov. We thank you in advance for your feedback.

Save the Date for Wine, Women and Dementia

This November, during National Family Caregivers Month and Alzheimer's Awareness Month, I encourage you to join DCRS’ OAI as its staff gathers on Thursday, November 12th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the East Columbia 50+ Center for a Wine, Women, & Dementia documentary watch party. Wine, Women, & Dementia explores the human side of dementia from the lens of family caregivers, and exposes the isolation, financial stress, physical, and emotional toll caregivers shoulder for themselves and their loved ones with dementia.

This FREE screening is hosted by OAI and is sponsored by Maryland Public Television, Maryland Department of Aging, Alzheimer's Association Maryland Chapter, and AARP Maryland.

To sign-up to participate, visit OAI’s “Wine, Women, and Dementia Watch Party: Howard County” Constant Contact registration webpage.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

National Fire Prevention Month

October is National Fire Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about fire safety and educating communities on how to prevent devastating home and workplace fires. The observance stems from the tragic Great Chicago Fire of October 8–9, 1871 that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed thousands of buildings.

This October, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) will be providing helpful tips and facts on its Facebook, X, and Instagram social media pages to make sure you, your family, and business know what to do to prevent, prepare, and what do should a fire occur. You can also find helpful information about fire prevention and safety on DFRS's website all year long.

Don’t Burn It

As the leaves begin to change color and fall from the trees, DFRS is reminding residents that it is illegal to burn yard waste in Howard County. To properly dispose of yard waste, residents can either a) place it out for pickup on their yard trim curbside collection day, b) place it in their Feed the Green bin for food scrap collection, or c) take it to the Alpha Ridge Landfill’s Wood Waste Area, where it will be processed into HoCoGro compost, mulch, and topsoil.

Howard County Health Department

Enjoy the Beauty of the Great Outdoors this Walktober 

Did you know walking is Maryland’s official exercise? To help get you moving and grooving this October and in the spirit of embracing walking, Howard County Health Department’s (HCHD) Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC) and local partners have come together this month to host a wide range of walking and moving called Howard County Walktober. To find a full schedule of Walktober events, including one-mile walking and moving maps of Recreation & Parks’ facilities and parks and Columbia Association parks and pathways, be sure to check out HCHD's "Walktober" website. 

Together, let’s walk, roll, or ride to a healthier you this October.

Community Flu Vaccine Clinics

It's fall and that means it's respiratory virus season. To help, the HCHD will once again be offering its free seasonal flu shot clinics. For a list of upcoming flu clinic dates, times and locations, visit HCHD’s “Flu & Respiratory Illness” webpage today. 

For the 2026-2027 flu season, HCHD will offer both the Flulaval 2026-27 Formula vaccine (recommended for ages six months and older) and the Sanofi Fluzone High-Dose 2026-2027 Formula vaccine, while supplies last (recommended for age 65 and older.)

Walk-ups are accepted at all HCHD flu clinic events; no pre-registration is required.

Department of Housing and Community Development

MIHU October Open Enrollment 

Our Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program is now accepting applications for its October open enrollment period. Held quarterly, DHCD’s MIHU is an inclusionary zoning program that offers quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to income eligible families.

To purchase an MIHU home, individuals must apply to DHCD during an open enrollment period to be placed in the database. Applicants with a combined annual household income of a minimum of $55,000 are eligible to apply; applicants who do not meet this minimum amount are not eligible for this program. Additionally, applicants must meet credit score requirements and household income must be sufficient to qualify for a mortgage based on industry standards (visit DHCD’s "Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) Homeownership Program" website for more information). For more details regarding our MIHU homeownership program are available on DHCD’s "Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) Open Enrollment" website or by contacting the department at 410-313-6318 (select option two) or email moderateincomehousing@howardcountymd.gov. 

To rent an MIHU unit, a qualified applicant’s household income may not exceed 60 percent of the Howard County median income (visit DHCD’s “I Want To Rent A Home In Howard County” website for more information). MIHUs are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, are interspersed throughout each community and residents enjoy the same amenities of community life as market rate tenants. Visit DHCD’s “I Want To Rent A Home In Howard County” website for more information.

MIHU homeownership applications can be found on DHCD's "Moderate Income Housing Units (MIHU) Open Enrollment" website and completed applications can be either submitted online from this same page, mailed to 9755 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 302, Columbia, MD, 21046, or dropped off at DHCD’s Patuxent Woods Drive office. Applications will be accepted through 4:00 p.m. next Friday, October 30th. 

Office of Human Rights and Equity

Be a Community Ambassador

Our Office of Human Rights and Equity's (OHRE) Community Ambassador Program is a volunteer initiative aimed at equipping county residents with the tools, training, and knowledge they need to help their neighbors access vital Howard County Government services. Since its launch in 2023, our Community Ambassadors have been hard at work supporting and empowering hundreds of residents regarding quality-of-life issues across our great county.

If you are motivated by service and want to make a positive impact on your fellow community members, I encourage you to join our Community Ambassador Program this Wednesday, October 21st at 6:00 p.m. at our East Columbia 50+ Center for its next monthly meeting. This month, participants will hear from our Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Office of Emergency Management personnel about the County’s approach to fire and life safety and emergency management. Attendees will learn how this department and office promotes life safety in our community, how YOU can make a safer Howard County, and opportunities for public participation in safety trainings, classes, and community programs.

To attend this FREE event, visit OHRE's “Community Ambassador Program: Fire and Rescue and Emergency Management” Eventbrite webpage to register. For questions and/or more information about this program, contact OHRE at 410-313-6430 or email ohreoutreach@howardcountymd.gov.

El Equipo

Next Wednesday, October 28th, I invite you to join OHRE at 6:00 p.m. at our East Columbia 50+ Center for a FREE screening and post-screening discussion of the documentary, El Equipo. Presented as part of OHRE's “Reel Enlightenment Series,” in El Equipo, filmmaker Bernardo Ruiz investigates high-profile cases of mass violence and mysterious disappearances linked to government officials across Central and South America. Despite severe threats and official obstruction, investigators risked everything to uncover the truth, drawing a powerful, direct line between past state-sponsored atrocities and present-day systemic corruption.

To reserve your spot to attend this FREE event, visit OHRE’s “Reel Enlightenment: El Equipo” Eventbrite webpage today.

For questions and/or more information about this event and/or OHRE’s Reel Enlightenment Series, contact the office at 410-313-6430 or email ohreoutreach@howardcountymd.gov.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Planning Board Meeting 

This Thursday, October 22nd, the County’s Planning Board will be hosting a hybrid meeting, in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx, starting at 7:00 p.m., to discuss the following agenda items:

• Howard County Public School System FY 2028 Budget – This report is for the Superintendent’s Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2028 State Capital Projects.
• PB 464 Selby Estates, LLC Technical Staff Report – A preliminary equivalent sketch plan (SP-25-003). The petitioner requests to subdivide the property into 14 residential lots, 1 buildable preservation parcel and 3 non-buildable preservation parcels. The subject property is located at the terminus of Julia Manor Way in West Friendship area of Howard County.

To register to testify, visit the County’s “Planning Board” website. Registration must be completed prior to 7:00 p.m. the night (October 21, 2026) before the scheduled meeting to participate. If you do not wish to testify, but would simply like to watch the meeting, visit the Howard County Council’s “Watch Us” website.

A five-member board, the Planning Board makes recommendations to the Zoning Board or County Council on matters related to planning and zoning and renders a final decision on selected development proposals. To learn more about the Planning Board, including upcoming meeting dates and details about procedures for testifying at a meeting, visit the County’s “Planning Board” website.

Police Department’s Animal Control Division

Pet of the Week

For this week’s “Pet of the Week,” HCPD’s Animal Control Division would like you to meet Benny (53410), a two-year-old neutered male lionhead rabbit. Benny is a nice boy and is easy to handle; however, sadly, he does have old injury to one of his back legs that will require an extra knowledgeable owner to make sure he is living his best life.

If you think Benny could be your new companion, call Animal Control Division at 410-313-2780 (select option 0). Applications are accepted in person at HCPD’s Animal Control and Adoption Center at 8576 Davis Road in Columbia, after you visit this pet out of their cage.

Department of Public Works

Bureau of Environmental Services

Feed the Green Bin is Expanding!

Our Department of Public Works' (DPW) Bureau of Environmental Services' “Feed the Green Bin” curbside food scrap collection program is expanding to Ellicott City and Marriottsville. To find out if your home is in the newly expanded zone and to sign-up, or to learn more about the Bureau's curbside food scrap program, visit its “Feed The Green Bin” webpage. For questions and/or more information, contact the Bureau at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org. 

Leave the Leaves!

As the leaves have begun to change colors, our Bureau of Environmental Services is encouraging residents to “Leave the Leaves” this fall as important insects and invertebrates depend on fallen leaves and other organic debris for their winter habitats. Of course, leaving the leaves and other plant debris doesn’t mean sacrificing your yard to the wilderness. Leaves don’t need to be left exactly where they fall, instead rake them into garden beds, around tree bases, or into other designated areas. Too many leaves can kill grass, but in soil they can suppress weeds, retain moisture, and boost nutrition. 

Also, avoid shredding leaves with a mower. Raking or blowing (electric) are alternatives that will keep leaves whole for the best coverage and protect the insects and eggs already living there.

If in the springtime you decide you need to clean up the leaves and debris, make sure you wait until late in the spring season so as not to destroy all the life you’ve worked to protect. 

Of course when leaving your leaves, make sure they are away from the roadway as they can clog the County’s storm drains (causing roadway flooding) and street sweepers. Leaves that are swept down into storm drains, will eventually make their way to our Chesapeake Bay where they can add harmful nutrients to this important Maryland waterway.

Student Coloring Book Contest

Calling all Howard County students in grades third through fifth, our Bureau of Environmental Services invites you to participate in its annual Coloring Book Contest promoting the importance of the three R’s: “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.” This annual contest allows students to demonstrate their awareness and appreciation for our environment.

Drawings should be done on white, unlined 8.5 by 11-inch paper in black marker or ink – no color and should show how each artist practices at least one of the three R’s. Designs will be judged on creativity and originality. For complete contest rules, visit the Bureau’s “Coloring Book Contest!” website or contact your child’s school art teacher.

Completed drawings and contest entry forms are due by 5:00 p.m., January 15, 2027, and can be hand delivered or mailed to: Tim Kerr, Recycling Division, 9801 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046. For questions about this year’s contest, call 410-313-6434 or email tkerr@howardcountymd.gov. 

For additional information, check out our “Howard County Seeks Entries for Student Coloring Book Contest” news release online.

Bureau of Highways’ Traffic Engineering Division

Deepage Drive and Rustling Leaf Traffic Calming Project Community Outreach Open House

DPW’s Bureau of Highways’ Traffic Engineering Division will hold a community outreach open house this Wednesday, October 21st, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., in Rooms 346 and 347 of OAI’s offices at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, to present traffic calming plans for Deepage Drive and Rustling Leaf. The project implements strategies available in the County’s recently updated Howard County Neighborhood Traffic Calming Policy, including the proposed installation of speed humps and speed hump signs along Deepage Drive and a raised intersection along Rustling Leaf, to combat excessive vehicular speeds along the roadway.

During this open house event, DPW staff will be on hand to discuss the proposed traffic calming design, answer questions, and gather public comments.

After the open house, the proposed plans will be available on DPW’s Traffic Engineering Division’s “Traffic Calming” website for those to view who were unable to attend the event. At that time, community members may also submit questions and comments about the proposed project to the Traffic Engineering Division via email at traffic@howardcountymd.gov; emails must be submitted by no later than November 5, 2026.

For additional questions regarding Capital Project T-7089, contact Natasha Aidoo with DPW’s Traffic Engineering Division at 410-313-2430 or email naidoo@howardcountymd.gov.

Stonecutter Road and Hayshed Lane Traffic Calming Project Community Outreach Open House

Next Wednesday, October 28th, DPW’s Bureau of Highways’ Traffic Engineering Division will hold a community outreach open house from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., in Rooms 346 and 347 of OAI’s offices at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, to present traffic calming plans for Stonecutter Road and Hayshed Lane. The project implements strategies available in the County’s recently updated Howard County Neighborhood Traffic Calming Policy, including the proposed installation of speed humps, speed hump, a raised crosswalk, and bump outs along Stonecutter Road and the narrowing of Hayshed Lane, to combat excessive vehicular speeds along the roadway.

During this open house event, DPW staff will be on hand to discuss the proposed traffic calming design, answer questions, and gather public comments.

After the open house, the proposed plans will be available on DPW’s Traffic Engineering Division’s “Traffic Calming” website for those to view who were unable to attend the event. At that time, community members may also submit questions and comments about the proposed project to the Traffic Engineering Division via email at traffic@howardcountymd.gov; emails must be submitted by no later than November 12, 2026.

For additional questions regarding Capital Project T-7089, contact Natasha Aidoo with DPW’s Traffic Engineering Division at 410-313-2430 or email naidoo@howardcountymd.gov.

Bureau of Utilities

Our Service Line Stewardship Program is NOT a Scam

DPW’s Service Line Stewardship Program (SLSP) is not a scam! That mailer you got from DPW about you testing your service line (pipe) material to determine what it's made out of as part of its SLSP, was in fact legit and sent by DPW to ensure the County meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's November 2027 deadline for its latest Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. Under these revisions, DPW must establish a complete material inventory of all service lines in Howard County and while the department maintains an inventory of its lines and most residential properties, the material of many customer-side service lines still remains unknown.

So, if you received a mailer from DPW with details on how to identify their service line material and report it back to the County, we ask that you please visit DPW’s interactive “Howard County Service Line Stewardship Program Inventory Map” webpage to search your address and complete the available online self-reporting survey. To complete the survey, you will need a:

• Magnet;
• Penny or key;
• Smart phone or digital camera; and
• Internet access to upload information.

If you are unable to access your pipe(s) and/or need assistance, please contact DPW’s SLSP team at 410-313-6118 as the department does offer FREE service line inspections by appointment.

To learn more about the SLSP, visit DPW’s “Service Line Stewardship Program” website; for questions about the program, call 410-313-6118.

Voluntary Water Restriction Remains in Effect

Despite recent rain events, the VOLUNTARY WATER RESTRICTION Baltimore City Department of Public Works' (DPW) placed in effect for its public water customers, including those Howard County, back in May, REMAINS IN EFFECT at this time. 

According to National Integrated Drought Information System's website for Maryland, Baltimore City and most of Howard County are currently experiencing an "Abnormally Dry" drought rating, meaning we are on the cusp of a drought or recovering from one. While our area has experienced recent rainfall, water levels at the City's reservoirs remain negatively impacted due to dry conditions, low stream flows, and continued water demand limiting how much water reaches these reservoirs. As such, Baltimore City’s DPW continues to ask residential and commercial public water customers regionally to voluntarily reduce their non-essential water use to help protect our regional water supply, by: 

• Postponing lawn and garden watering;
• Repairing or replacing leaking faucets, hoses, and sprinklers;
• Running only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines; and
• Turning off taps while brushing teeth or shaving and minimizing shower time. 

Additionally, as water leaks are one of the largest sources of water waste, if you see any signs of running water outdoors that may indicate a leak or break in the County’s watermain, please contact our Bureau of Utilities at 410-313-4900 (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or 410-313-2200, select option #5 (after hours).

Please remember, this VOLUNTARY water restriction applies only to Howard County residents who receive public water supply, i.e., a water bill from the County’s Department of Finance. It does not apply to properties on private wells.

For updates and/or more information about this voluntary water restriction, please follow Baltimore City’s DPW Facebook page or visit its website for contact information.

Construction Report

To learn about our DPW projects currently underway, check out DPW's website. 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.

Maryland State Highway Administration

Upper Little Patuxent Stream Restoration Project Public Meeting

Tomorrow, October 20th, the Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration (SHA) will be hosting a Public Open House event from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Centennial High School in Ellicott City, to provide community members with the opportunity to view the proposed design concepts and provide feedback on SHA's Upper Little Patuxent Stream Restoration Project. 

Back in 2015, SHA completed a restoration project along approximately 4,250 feet of the Upper Little Patuxent River and an adjacent tributary. Unfortunately, following the project’s completion, the area experienced two unprecedented flood events associated with severe regional storms. While the restored floodplain successfully captured excess sediment and prevented downstream pollution during these storms, the accumulation of material and the physical force of the water created several site deficiencies:

• Restricted Floodplain Access – Accumulated sediment deposits have elevated ground levels along the stream, preventing high flows from spreading across the floodplain as designed.
• Streambank Erosion – Constrained water flow within the main channel has increased pressure on the banks, causing renewed erosion.
• Vegetation Loss and Invasive Species – Floodwaters damaged previously established native plants and introduced non-native invasive species from upstream seed sources.

To restore site functionality with minimal environmental disruption, SHA is looking to initiate a series of targeted adaptive management measures using low-impact techniques, including: 

• Sediment Removal – Removing accumulated sediments in targeted areas to restore proper elevation and reconnect the stream to its floodplain during high-water events.
• Streambank Re-vegetation – Installing native riparian vegetation to stabilize banks and reforest the stream valley. Replanting efforts include 710 trees, 159 shrubs, 2,974 live stakes (dormant wood cuttings), and 9,280 herbaceous plugs (grasses/sedges).
• Invasive Species Control – Executing a phased treatment program to suppress non-native plant species and establish native vegetation.

These corrective measures aim to restore functions lost during the severe storms, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and provide long-term structural stability to the channel and floodplain.

As SHA continues forward on the project's design, with 65 percent design completion anticipated this fall, its team seeks public feedback to improve and advance the project’s development. While there will be no formal presentation at the open house, SHA representatives will be on hand to answer questions and gather feedback. 

Funding pending, project construction is expected to begin in 2028.

For more information about this project, visit SHA's "Upper Little Patuxent Adaptive Management" website; for questions about the project and/or the meeting, email SHA's Water Programs Division at wpd@mdot.maryland.gov. 

Department of Recreation & Parks

Feedback Sought to Help Shape the Future of Recreation & Parks

As our Department of Recreation & Parks continues to update its Land Preservation, Parks, and Recreation Plan (LPPRP), the department invites county residents to join its planning team for its second, and final, Preserve + Play Open House next Wednesday, October 28th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Roger Carter Community Center in Ellicott City. As the LPPRP serves as the department’s five-year plan, guiding it on the management and stewardship of public lands, facilities, programs, and experiences, its staff is seeking community member feedback on its draft goals and actions for the future of recreation and parks in Howard County. 

To learn more about the LPPRP, visit Recreation & Parks’ “Land Preservation, Parks, and Recreation Plans (LPPRP)” website.

This is Halloween

Celebrate the spooky season this October with your beloved Recreation & Parks fan favorites! From The Haunted Experience to the Happy Haunted Hayride, Floating Pumpkin Patch, Halloween Tricks, Treats, and Trees, and more, there is something for everyone in your family – spooky and not-so-spooky, to get you in the Halloween spirit. Joining the spooktacular fun this Halloween season is Recreation & Parks new Autumn LEGO Train Garden at the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum in Ellicott City and Haunted Hallways at Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia. 

For each program, prices vary and spots are filling up fast, so be sure to visit Recreation & Parks' Active Network “Halloween2026” activity search webpage for a full list of events, dates, times, and registration opportunities.

What to Do When Schools are Closed

When Howard County schools are closed, Recreation & Parks is here to help with its School's Out programming. From science, sports, circus, drama, and more, there are plenty of activities and programs to choose from to keep your kids active when school is not in session. 

To learn more about what fun activities Recreation & Parks has planned this month and next, check out the following dates: Wednesday, October 28th, Tuesday, November 3rd, Wednesday November 25th, and Friday, November 27th, on Recreation & Parks’ Active Network website.

Fall Activity Guide Registration Now Open

Online, in-person, over-the-phone, and mail-in registration is NOW OPEN for Howard County and non-county residents for Recreation & Parks' Fall 2026 Activity Guide! From sports, dance and cooking classes, to a plethora of seasonal events and activities to do when school's out, there is something for everyone in this Activity Guide.

Office of Transportation

Public Meeting Planned for Hickory Ridge Area Transportation Projects

This past Thursday, October 15th, our Office of Transportation (OoT) hosted an open house-style public meeting to discuss two ongoing multimodal (bicycle and pedestrian connection) transportation projects in the Hickory Ridge area, specifically the:

• Hickory Ridge Road Pathway Design
• Cedar Lane Pedestrian & Bicycle Facilities Feasibility Study

Currently in the design phase, the Hickory Ridge Road Pathway project seeks to provide pedestrian and bicycle connections along Hickory Ridge Road between Martin Road and Broken Land Parkway. At the public meeting, the project’s current design plans, as well as new shared use path connections and improved pedestrian crossings and signals along Hickory Ridge Road, will be on hand for attendees to view.

The Cedar Lane Pedestrian & Bicycle Facilities Feasibility Study looks to evaluate the feasibility of providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities along Cedar Lane. The study area includes Cedar Lane from Owen Brown Road to MD 32, continuing along Sanner Road to Creekside Road. At the public meeting, attendees will be able to view the study’s initial findings, including multiple concept layouts for potential enhancements.

Both the Hickory Ridge Road project and Cedar Lane study are derived from the proposed improvements established in OoT’s 2020 Hickory Ridge Bike Corridor study, which investigated multimodal connection opportunities between the Village of River Hill, Village of Hickory Ridge, and Downtown Columbia.  

If you were unable to attend the meeting, the meeting materials are available on OoT’s “Hickory Ridge Area Transportation Studies” website. From the same site, community members can also complete an online survey to share their thoughts and feedback with OoT on these two projects. The survey will remain open until next Friday, October 30th.

If you have further questions about this project/study and/or meeting, please contact OoT at 410-313-4312 or email transportation@howardcountymd.gov.