Greetings!
Happy New Year! I hope everyone was able to start the new year happy and healthy. For those of you who have set an intention for 2024 to be more engaged and serve our community, consider volunteering with the Savage Volunteer Fire Company.
Earlier this week, I attended this month's membership meeting of the Savage Volunteer Fire Company (SFVC). It was a truly amazing opportunity to hear about the work of the volunteers and learn about how we can better support them. These members are our neighbors and friends who work tirelessly to keep us safe. We are a better community because of the volunteers.
I want to express my sincerest gratitude for each and every member of the Savage Volunteer Fire Company. Thank you for keeping us safe, informed, and prepared (and for bringing Santa around).
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter or EMS, please email svfcrecruit@gmail.com for more information. If you would like to support the Savage Volunteer Fire Company in another way, register for Cash Bingo on Saturday, January 20th at 7:00 PM. To purchase tickets and games in advance, visit the SFVC website.
As we continue through the winter, 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. Have a wonderful January!
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Christiana Rigby (she/her)
Councilwoman, District 3
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On January 2nd, the County Council convened for our January Legislative Session. Several new pieces of legislation were introduced, including the following:
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CB4-2024: An act repealing certain provisions of law that provide optional methods for a developer to provide moderate income housing units under the zoning regulations and that allow a developer to request permission from the Director of Housing to use alternative compliance to certain optional methods; repealing certain provisions of law relating to market-based required alternatives to the moderate income housing unit obligation; repealing certain provisions of law relating to alternatives to moderate income housing unit obligation in certain zones; repealing certain provisions of law relating to the sale of moderate income housing units; repealing certain provisions of law relating to the rental of moderate income housing units; altering certain definitions and certain regulations; and generally relating to the sale of moderate income housing units. Introduced by Councilmember Liz Walsh.
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Community News, Events, and Updates |
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Maryland Health Connection's open enrollment ends on January 15th. Make your health and well-being a priority this year by enrolling in health care coverage today.
Visit the Maryland Health Connection website to learn more and enroll.
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The Autism Society of Maryland is accepting applications for the Winter 2024 Hiring Program!
The Autism Hiring Program advances workplace neurodiversity and acceptance, connecting businesses to an untapped workforce of skilled Autistic adults and targeting jobseekers not supported by existing systems. Applications will be accepted until January 15th.
If you are an interested candidate or employer, email Linda Hoyt or call 410-290-3466. Candidates can apply at the Autism Society website.
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Gateway Master Plan Open House |
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The Gateway Master plan process has begun! Join the Department of Planning and Zoning on Thursday, January 25th from 4:00 PM to 7:00PM at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia for an open house. Participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback and learn about the planning process.
Learn more by visiting the Gateway Mater Plan website.
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Transportation Open House |
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The Office of Transportation is hosting a Transportation Open House on Tuesday, January 30th from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Kenneth S. Ulman Innovation Hub.
Stop by anytime to provide your input about the County's transportation priorities, approaches to solving transportation challenges, and specific projects. Topics of discussion include transportation safety, Complete Streets, transit and regional planning, and roadway maintenance and operations.
Learn more at the Office of Transportation's website.
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Human Trafficking Prevention |
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January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
Tickets are free and can be reserved at Eventbrite.
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Moderate Income Housing Unit Open Enrollment |
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The Department of Housing and Community Development is now accepting applications for the Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program January open enrollment period. The MIHU program offers new homes at a reduced sale price and rents to income eligible families and individuals. If you are a family of four and earn up to $103,639, you qualify under the homeownership program.
Applications are available online and are due by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, January 31st. Completed applications can be submitted online, mailed to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046, or dropped off at DHCD's Patuxent Woods Drive office by appointment only.
Applications for rental units are available online accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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The Bureau of Environmental Service is in the process of updating its 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan. The plan helps the County facilitate sustainable management of solid waste and recycling activities, goals, and infrastructure to protect public health and the environment for the next 10 years.
Provide your input and take the survey!
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Christiana's Climate Corner |
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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! |
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An Exciting Year Ahead
A lot will be happening in the realm of sustainability at the local and State level this year. Between the State and County, there are multiple climate and sustainability plans that we must advance forward. And, as the Council's representative for the Maryland Association of Counties, I will have the opportunity to closely monitor State legislation, especially legislation addressing climate resiliency and sustainability.
In Howard County, we will be busy working to implement many of the recommendations in the Climate Action Resiliency Plan. If you would like to stay up to date on the County's progress towards implementation, the Climate Forward Dashboard shows each of the different goals outlined in the Plan along with the status and co-benefits of implementation efforts. Concurrently, we must begin to carry out the policy recommendations in HoCo By Design.
At the start of last year, I introduced and passed legislation, CB5-2023, that directs the Administration to present recommendations pertaining to new building electrification. The Council will be receiving this report soon and I look forward to reviewing it. Additionally, I am serving as the Council representative to the Land Use and Transporation Regulation Advisory Group. This group is tasked with developing recommendations for comprehensive changes to the Design Manual Volume III, Subdivision and Land Use Regulations, and Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance for the purpose of supporting Howard County's Complete Streets policies. Our Complete Streets policies make transportation in Howard County more accessible for biking and walking, both of which are good for the environment.
I am excited to work with our many State and local partners as we push for a better future for Howard County!
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If you need assistance, Howard County can help. Read below to learn more about programs offered by the County and State. |
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District 3 Pre-Submission Meetings |
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There are no community pre-submission meetings scheduled in District 3. |
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Stay Connected with Christiana! |
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Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3
crigby@howardcountymd.gov
410-313-2001
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Colette Gelwicks
Chief of Staff
cgelwicks@howardcountymd.gov
410-313-2421
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Paige Goldscher
District Aide
pgoldscher@howardcountymd.gov
410-313-3108
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