Keeping Up with Christiana!
Greetings!

Welcome to our January Newsletter! As we continue into the new year, I wanted to share a few key COVID-19 updates from the Howard County Health Department.

Starting today, Howard County began vaccinating residents who fall under Phase 1B. This group includes:

  • All licensed, registered and certified health care providers
  • Front line hospital staff
  • Nursing home residents and staff
  • Assisted living, independent living, and other congregate facilities
  • Law enforcement, firefighters, EMS
  • Education staff, including K-12 teachers, support staff and daycare providers
  • Correctional health care staff and officers
  • Front line judiciary staff
  • Continuity of government
  • Adults age 75 and older

For residents age 75 and older: ALL HOWARD COUNTY RESIDENTS AGE 75+ that want to be vaccinated should complete this questionnaire and provide their contact information to the Health Department. Everyone who completes this survey will be added to the Health Department's contact list. You will get a separate email with appointment and registration information.

For residents age 65 - 74: After prioritizing those most vulnerable adults age 75 and older, the Health Department will begin to open vaccinations to Howard County residents ages 65-74 in February. Howard County residents ages 65-74 who wish to join a separate contact list for Phase 1C vaccine availability should complete this survey.

Additional surveys are being developed for other Phase 1B populations, including childcare workers and educators. The Howard County Health Department has begun by prioritizing older adult vulnerable populations. For more information on Howard County's vaccination efforts, please visit the Howard County Health Department's website.

As we continue into 2021, please don't hesitate to contact my office if you are experiencing any issues in your community or would just like to get in touch. We are here to help with your concerns and listen to your feedback. Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy January!
Yours in service,
Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3
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January 19, 2021
COVID-19 Update
As COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases continue to increase in Howard County and across the country, I am closely following all updates on the local, state, and federal levels. To date, there have been over 13,500 recorded cases of COVID-19 in Howard County, and 202 of our Howard County neighbors have lost their lives to this disease. Additionally, the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations remain at an all-time high, with over 1,800 Marylanders currently hospitalized due to COVID-19.

These cases and hospitalizations reflect a dangerous situation, with widespread community transmission continuing to take place. One of the primary drivers of this increase in cases is smaller, social gatherings at home. Now more than ever, I strongly encourage you to limit interactions with non-household members, wear a mask whenever you go out, and adhere to the Howard County Health Department's guidance.
The Howard County Health Department is encouraging all residents to remain vigilant and follow COVID-19 safety protocols by limiting interactions with other people, wearing a mask in all public settings, and practicing physical distancing. For information on COVID-19 testing locations and availability, please visit the Howard County Health Department's website.
Legislative Wrap-Up
On January 4th, the County Council convened for our January Legislative Session to hold a vote on outstanding legislation. The County Council took action on the following legislation:

  • TAO1-FY2021: legislation restoring $54.6 million from Howard County's Contingency Fund to fund the construction of the New Cultural Center in Downtown Columbia. This legislation was passed by the County Council on January 4th in a 3-1-1 vote. Moving forward on this project means that residents and families of all economic backgrounds are able to not only enjoy the Downtown Columbia area, but live there as well. That is something that we should continue to celebrate as this project moves forward in the coming years. You can read more about the project here. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
January 2021 Legislation
On January 4th, the County Council returned from recess for our January Legislative Session to introduce new legislation. I have included some upcoming legislation of interest below:

  • CB1-2021: legislation requiring a license, inspections, and standards for private animal shelters located in Howard County. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.

  • CB3-2021: legislation making emergency appropriations to fund unanticipated expenses related to COVID-19 response efforts in Howard County in 2021. This legislation provides $6.5 million in additional relief funds for small businesses, housing assistance, food & utility assistance, childcare support, and other items. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.

  • CB7-2021: legislation amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to allow structures within 750 feet of a MARC station platform to exceed 100 feet in height up to a maximum of 180 feet in height under certain circumstances. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of Annapolis Junction Town Center, LLC.

  • CB8-2021: legislation amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to allow all CAC (Corridor Activity Center) zoned properties to reduce the required commercial square footage below 20 square feet per dwelling unit if the Department of Planning and Zoning finds based on a market study submitted by the developer that the reduction is necessary for the financial viability of the project. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of Blue Stream, LLC.

  • CB9-2021: legislation repealing a prohibition against the installation of certain multiuse sewerage systems; and generally relating to private sewer systems. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by David Yungmann.

  • CR12-2021: legislation adopting a new Forest Conservation Manual, following the Howard County Council's adoption of new forest conservation regulations in 2019. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.

  • CR15-2021: legislation appointing David Marker, Everlene Cunningham, McNeal Brown, Mahesh S. Kukata, Chris Oxenham, Ray Serrano, and Donna Hill Staton to the Councilmanic Redistricting Commission and naming Donna Hill Staton as the Chairperson of the Commission; and generally relating to Councilmanic Redistricting. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by the Chairperson.
Community Initiatives and Updates
MIHU - Open Enrollment Period
The Howard County Department of Housing & Community Development is currently accepting applications for their Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program! The MIHU program is designed to provide affordable homeownership and housing opportunities for eligible Howard County residents.

Residents who are interested in applying for the MIHU program can find and submit an application online. The enrollment period for MIHU homeownership applications is from January 4, 2021 through January 29, 2021.

For more information and to find the application, please visit this website.
Columbia Association - Virtual Town Hall
Columbia Association invites you to join a Virtual Town Hall event, focused on answering your questions about all things CA. This is an opportunity for residents, members and anyone interested in participating to get involved to hear directly from CA leadership.

This town hall will take place Thursday, January 21, at 7 pm on Zoom. It will also be streamed live on CA Live Stream YouTube channel and recorded for future viewing.

The event will include an overview of CA programs and facilities, a review of the impact of COVID-19 on the organization, a brief look at the latest budget considerations and statements by President/CEO Milton W. Matthews, and Board of Directors chair Andy Stack. You can register to attend here.
Maryland Rail Plan - Survey
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking input from MARC and Amtrak rail passengers, the general public, and other freight and passenger rail stakeholders through an online survey.

Your responses to this survey will help inform the update to MDOT's State Rail Plan!
You can take the Maryland State Rail Plan Survey here.
Leadership U - Applications Open
Leadership U is an experiential leadership development and community service opportunity. Eligible students must either live or attend school in Howard County.

Students apply as sophomores and participate in the fall of their junior year. This unique four-month program involves a week-long summer program of hands-on activities, as well as involvement in a student-driven, team community service project.  By providing experiential learning, mentoring, and unique opportunities, these students become confident, caring leaders in their communities.

Students can learn more at an information sessions being conducted via Zoom from 7-8 pm on the following evenings:  January 27, February 11, March 2. Students must register on this website to attend. Applications are due March 11, 2021.
Howard County Restaurant Weeks
Howard County Restaurant Weeks is underway! From now through January 31st, you can support Howard County's local restaurants, breweries, and distilleries during Restaurant Weeks.

During restaurant week, restaurants offer specially priced multi-course meals. You can find a list of participating restaurants and additional information here.

With the challenges that COVID-19 has caused for many small businesses and restaurants in Howard County, I hope you are able to join me in supporting our local restaurant industry in Howard County over the next several weeks.
COVID-19 Resources
Rental Assistance & Eviction Prevention
Additional funding for Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention Grants is expected to be available to Howard County residents in the coming days and weeks.

This funding is available to residents who are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage due to loss of income resulting from COVID-19.

Residents may apply for rental and mortgage assistance from Community Action Council of Howard County, Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, FIRN, or Family & Children's Services. You can find more information on the housing assistance grants and how to apply here.
Food and Utility Assistance
Howard County Government has dedicated additional funding to the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) for energy/utility assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are in imminent danger of utility cut-off and need assistance paying your utility bills, you can apply for assistance from the Community Action Council here.

CAC also provides food assistance to Howard County families in need. You can find more information and fill out an application for food assistance here.
Virtual Assistance Portal
Howard County Government has launched a Virtual Assistance Portal to help connect residents with disaster and emergency resources, including housing assistance, food assistance, employment assistance, utility assistance, and more.

You can visit the portal and learn more about the resources available here.
Unemployment Services
If you or a family member lost a job or experienced reduced income due to COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment insurance from the state of Maryland.

You can find more information and apply for unemployment benefits here. You can find more information on job opportunities and employment assistance here.
Howard County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) is a group of community organizations focused on collecting and deploying resources during a local disaster.

If you are able to donate, are in need of grocery/medicine delivery, or are in need of resources, please visit COAD's website here to learn more about their services.
District 3 Pre-Submission Meetings
There are currently no pre-submission meetings scheduled in District 3 this month.
Want to Get in Touch?
Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3

crigby@howardcountymd.gov
410-313-2001
Colette Gelwicks
Special Assistant

cgelwicks@howardcountymd.gov
410-313-2421
Felix Facchine
District Aide

ffacchine@howardcountymd.gov
410-313-3108
Please feel free to contact us by email or phone. Plus, you can stay up-to-date with Christiana by following us on social media, where we post daily updates on events, county news, legislative priorities, and Christiana's activity! Don't miss out on any District 3 news!