February 2025 Newsletter

Margery,

Last week, I attended a local forum hosted by County Executive Ball, where the stories shared by our civil servants left me deeply concerned for the future of our community and our nation. My heart breaks for our dedicated civil service workforce, who tirelessly keep America running and functioning.

I stand with 50,000 federal employees in Howard County during these uncertain times, and together, we will work to protect our democracy and the rule of law. In the face of the current challenges, let us strengthen our connections with each other and our neighbors, and provide support to those affected by the Trump Administration's actions.

Many of these employees are our family members, friends, and neighbors, and are facing extreme uncertainty about their jobs and future. The effects will ripple through all of us — local businesses, schools, and families alike.

To support those impacted by the Trump Administration policies, I have compiled a list of resources for federal employees, the immigrant community, and the LGBTQIA+ community on my website, under the "Resources" page. This page will be updated as more information and resources come available.

While our options feel limited and many are fearful of what each new day brings, we can always take action by supporting one another. Whether we are sharing resources or checking in on each other, our strength lies in community.

Thank you for your continued compassion and dedication to the well-being of our community. Let us remain united in the face of adversity and emerge stronger than ever.

Yours in service,

Christiana Rigby (she/her)

Councilwoman, District 3

February 13, 2025

January Legislation Wrap- Up

On February 3rd, the County Council convened for our February Legislative Session. The Council voted on several pieces of legislation, including the following:

CR161-2024: A resolution approving the urban renewal project for the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia pursuant to Section 13.1106 of the Howard County Code. This bill passed in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

CR162-2024: A resolution declaring that certain real property containing approximately 7.71 acres located at 8775 Cloudleap Court, Columbia, Maryland and acquired by the County pursuant to the urban renewal project initiated by Council Resolution No. 22-2014 is no longer needed by the County for public purposes; authorizing the County Executive to sell the property to Columbia Concepts, LLC or its subsidiary; waiving the advertising and bidding requirements of Section 4.201 of the Howard County Code; providing that the County Executive is not bound to sell the property if he finds that it may have a further public use. This bill passed in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

CB4-2025: An act pursuant to Section 612 of the Howard County Charter, approving a multiyear agreement between Howard County, Maryland and Montgomery County, Maryland for the extension of certain bus rapid transit systems to Downtown Columbia; authorizing the Executive to make changes to the agreement, under certain conditions; authorizing the County Executive to execute the agreement; and generally relating to the agreement. This bill passed in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the County Executive.

February Legislation

On February 3rd, the County Council convened for our February Legislative Session. Several new pieces of legislation were introduced, including the following:

CB9-2025: An act reorganizing the Executive Branch of County Government pursuant to Section 403 of the Howard County Charter; establishing a Department of General Services; establishing the appointing authority for the positions of Director and Deputy Director; setting forth the duties and qualifications of the Director; setting forth the functions of the Department; removing certain functions from the Department of Public Works that will be functions of the Department of General Services; and generally relating to the Executive Branch of County Government. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

CB10-2025: An act amending the Howard County Code to establish a Notice and a Requirement to provide an offer to the County and Housing Commission to purchase Mobile Home Parks or Motels offered for sale in the County; and generally relating to the sale of Mobile Home Parks, or Motels. Introduced by Councilmember Liz Walsh.

CB11-2025: An act amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to add the Research and Development Laboratory use to the Planned Employment Center (PEC) zoning district and prohibiting such research and development uses that involve commercial plastic pellets or feedstock which produces flue gas and requires a permit from the state of Maryland; and generally relating to research and development laboratory uses in the PEC zoning district. Introduced by Councilmember Deb Jung at the request of Anwer Hasan.

Residents can offer testimony on the legislation at the upcoming Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 18th at 7:00 PM. This legislation will be up for a vote on Monday, March 3rd at 7:00 PM.

VIEW COUNCIL LEGISLATION

TESTIFY AT A PUBLIC HEARING

VIEW COUNCIL CALENDAR

Community News, Events, and Updates

Know Everyone's 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.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month! This month is a time to honor the legacy, resilience, and achievements of Black leaders. Let's celebrate and uplift Black voices today and every day.

Visit the Recreation & Parks website for a list of Black History Month celebrations sponsored by Howard County Recreation and Parks and community organizations!

Women's History Month Student Essay and Poster Contest

In celebration of National Women's History Month, the Howard County Commission for Women is sponsoring the annual Student Essay and Poster Contest. The 2025 theme, "Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations" celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership.

Submissions are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, February 21st. Learn more and enter a submission on the Commission for Women website.

This year, winners will be announced at the Women's History Month Brunch on Saturday, March 15th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Federal Workers Job Fair

Howard County is committed to supporting our federal employees and contractors during this time of transition. As part of County Executive Ball's expanded efforts to provide career and employment resources, the Office of Workforce Development is hosting a Federal Workers Career Fair on Tuesday, February 25th at 6:00 PM at Howard Community College’s Dwight A. Burrill Galleria.

This free event will connect attendees with public- and private-sector employers actively hiring, as well as career support services, including resumé building assistance and job search guidance. Plus, participants will have the opportunity to get a professional headshot taken at no cost—an essential tool for making a great first impression in today’s job market.

Leadership Howard County

Leadership Howard County is accepting applications for Leadership U!

Leadership U is a great opportunity for high school juniors, who live or attend school in Howard County, to further their leadership skills and make an impact on our community. Learn more about the program by attending an upcoming information session on Thursday, February 27th at 6:00 PM or Wednesday, March 19th at 5:30 PM.

More information can be found at Leadership Howard County website.

Applications are due by April 7th!

Howard Community College Job Fair

On March 6th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Howard Community College is hosting a Job and Internship Fair across three locations - Burrill Galleria, Horowitz Lobby, and Duncan Hall 100.

This event aims to connect students, alumni, and community members with employers seeking talent. The fair will feature a diverse range of employers from various industries, offering internships, part-time, and full-time positions. It's a great opportunity for job seekers to network, learn about different career paths, and potentially secure their next opportunity.

Transportation Open House

On January 30th, the Office of Transportation held the second annual Transportation Open House. The event included updates on many transportation projects in District 3 including the Dobbin Road pathway, Cradlerock Way safety improvements, intersection improvements at MD103 and US1, pedestrian and bicycle access to Gateway, Oakland Mills Road sidewalk, Patuxent Branch Trail surface upgrade, Guilford Road sidewalk, North Laurel sidewalks, and more!

A full list of the projects and survey to provide feedback can be accessed on the Office of Transporation website.

Christiana's Climate Corner

Welcome to Christiana's Climate Corner, where I will be sharing updates on environmental and sustainability efforts in Howard County, including information on legislation, events, and opportunities for you to support sustainability efforts in our community!

High BGE Bills and the Climate Connection

If your recent BGE bill has been surprisingly high, you’re in good company. Many customers are experiencing sharp increases due to rising delivery rates and extreme weather. Since 2020, BGE’s gas and electric delivery charges have risen significantly—gas delivery costs are up 50%, and electric rates have increased by 30%. More information about the most recent rate changes can be found at the Maryland Office of the People's Counsel website.

At the same time, more frequent and intense weather patterns, driven by climate change, are increasing energy demand. Colder winters and hotter summers mean households are using more electricity and gas to stay comfortable, further driving up costs. For an in-depth review of ratepayer impacts, watch People's Counsel David Lapp presentation.

The Maryland General Assembly is currently considering legislation that could help in the future, but there are a few things you can do right now. Investing in energy efficiency—such as weatherproofing your home, upgrading to LED bulbs, or utilizing BGE’s free home energy audit—can help lower costs while reducing your carbon footprint. Switching from gas to electricity for heating and cooking can also be a cost-saving measure in some cases.

If you’re struggling with high bills, financial assistance and energy-saving programs are available. For the rest of the month, BGE is waiving late payments fees.

To learn more about this issue and about how you can save money and contribute to a more sustainable energy future, visit the following websites:

Boards & Commissions Openings

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

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