Greetings!

Happy New Year! I hope you and your families had a relaxing holiday and are ready to start strong in 2026.

I began the year by introducing two important pieces of legislation: CR23-2026, which would amend the Howard County Charter to use gender-neutral language, and CR24-2026, which would expand the Board of Appeals from five to seven members.

CR23-2026 stems from a recommendation by Howard County’s LGBTQIA+ Commission to ensure the Charter reflects the diversity of our community. The resolution would update gender-specific terms such as “he,” “she,” “his,” and “her” to gender-neutral language like “they” and “their.” These changes do not alter the meaning or intent of the Charter, but instead promote clear, inclusive, and contemporary language consistent with good governance. Similar updates have already been made in jurisdictions across Maryland, including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Harford counties. If approved, this proposal will appear on the November General Election ballot for voter consideration.

CR24-2026 proposes expanding the Board of Appeals to better support its essential quasi-judicial role in ensuring due process, fair hearings, and consistent application of county land use and zoning laws. Adding members would strengthen continuity, increase capacity, and bring additional expertise and perspective to the review of appeals and applications. This proposal would also be placed on the November General Election ballot if the resolution passes.

Together, these measures reflect an ongoing commitment to inclusive governance and ensuring county boards and processes are equipped to effectively serve our community.

Both CR23-2026 and CR24-2026 were introduced at the Council’s January Legislative Session on January 5th. A public hearing on these resolutions, along with other legislation, will be held on Tuesday, January 20th at 7:00 PM. The Council is scheduled to vote on the resolutions at its February Legislative Session on Monday, February 2nd at 7:00 PM. As always, you can send the County Council testimony on any legislation by emailing councilmail@howardcountymd.gov.

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!

On January 5th, the County Council convened for our January Legislative Session. Below is some the legislation under consideration by the Council:

BGE Rate Increase Information from the Office of People's Counsel

According to a press release from the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel (OPC), Baltimore Gas and Electric customers will face higher energy costs as a result of new distribution rate increases. The OPC warned these hikes add to already high bills and are encouraging energy conservation and use of assistance programs. 

Effective January 1st, rates rose as listed below:

• Gas distribution rate: up by 4.2 ¢/therm (about $2.65/mo on average residential bills)
• Electric distribution rate: up by 0.1 ¢/kWh (about $1.07/mo on average residential bills)

Then on February 1st, rates will increase again as a result of a reconciliation charge approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission.

For more information about how these changes will impact your bill and ways to lower your energy bill, read the whole press release at the OPC website.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration & Day of Service

The Office of Human Rights & Equity (OHRE) and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission are hosting two important events to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

First, they are hosting the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Sunday, January 18th at 6:00 PM at the Horowitz Center. This celebratory event pays homage to Dr. King’s legacy of service and human rights with uplifting speeches, captivating presentations, and recognition of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Living the Dream” award recipients and student essay, oratory, and poster contest winners. Reserve your free ticket at the Eventbrite website.

Second, OHRE and the Commission are hosting the annual MLK Day of Service event on Monday, Monday 19th at 1:00 PM at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. Residents are welcome to stop by to participate in multiple service opportunities and activities aligning with Dr. King's ideals of equality, community service, and social justice. Reserve your free spot by visiting the Eventbrite website.

Child Care Fair

The Office of Children and Families (OCF) is ready to support Howard County families!

On Saturday, January 24th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the East Columbia 50+ Center, OCF is hosting Howard County's Child Care Fair. This annual fair provides parents, guardians, and grandparents with a one stop shop for their childcare and preschool, school-age, and summer program needs, as well as the opportunity to connect with teachers and program directors. Admission free and pre-registration is requested by visiting the Eventbrite website.

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.

MIHU January Open Enrollment

The Department of Housing and Community Development is accepting applications for its Moderate-Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program October open enrollment period. 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, people 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. Maximum income requirements vary based on household size. Additionally, applicants must meet credit score requirements and household income must be sufficient to qualify for a mortgage based on industry standards. More information about the MIHU homeownership program can be found on the DHCD website, by contacting the Department at 410-313-6318 (select option two) or emailing 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. For 2026, the area median income for a family of four is $146,982. 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 MIHU rental website for more information.

MIHU homeownership applications are available online and completed applications can be either submitted online, mailed to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046, or dropped off at DHCD’s Patuxent Woods Drive office. Applications will be accepted through 4:00 PM on Friday, January 30th.

Women's History Month Student Poster Contest

The Commission for Women is now accepting entries for its 2026 Women's History Month Student Poster Contest.

The contest is open to public, private, and homeschooled students in elementary, middle or high school. Submissions must depict this year’s theme, “Women Leading the Change to Shape a Sustainable Future,” which celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, innovation, and leadership. 

Posters must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Friday, February 6th.

For more information about the contest, visit the Women's History Month Student Poster Contest website or email women@howardcountymd.gov.

Route 1 Design Manual Update

The Department of Planning and Zoning is preparing to modernize the Route 1 Design Manual. This manual guides how buildings, streetscapes, signage, and landscaping should look along the Washington Boulevard corridor from Elkridge up through Savage. 

Over the next 12 months, the Route 1 Design Manual Update will involve:

• A thorough review of existing zoning, land-use patterns, and county policies.
• Stakeholder interviews and public workshops this fall to gather local input.
• Collaboration with a contractor to draft technical diagrams and implementation strategies.

A final design manual will be complete with signage guidelines, street-tree palettes, and architectural standards. Once this process is complete, residents and businesses will have clear guidance on how to shape the future of Route 1.

Learn more by visiting the Department of Planning and Zoning's website.

Know Your Rights

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

Learn more by visiting the Luminus website.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Smart Housing for a Sustainable Howard County

Howard County is updating its rules for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This change comes as part of state legislation (HB 1466) requiring counties to pass laws to allow ADUs and it also reflects the County’s and my ongoing efforts to increase access to housing. The County Council has a bill before it this month (CB3-2026) that includes specific rules for ADUs. 

What is an ADU? Simply put, it’s a smaller, self-contained home on the same lot as a single-family house. It can be inside the main house, attached as an addition, or detached, like a backyard cottage or garage apartment. ADUs include all the essentials, like a kitchen, bathroom, and living space, but are smaller and more flexible than the main house.

ADUs provide many benefits to our community. They expand housing options within our neighborhoods. Seniors, young professionals, caregivers, or extended family members can stay in their communities when larger houses no longer work for them. By building within existing neighborhoods, ADUs reduce pressure to develop untouched land, helping to preserve open space and natural resources. They also make smart use of existing infrastructure like roads, water, and sewer and reduce unnecessary new construction.

ADUs are good for housing and the climate. By encouraging walkable, transit-friendly, and compact development, they help reduce car trips and greenhouse gas emissions. They fit perfectly with Howard County’s General Plan, HoCo By Design, which emphasizes balanced growth, sustainable land use, and diverse housing choices. 

To help residents understand CB3-2026 and what it means for homeowners, the Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) is hosting an informational webinar on Monday, January 12th, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. 

As this legislation moves forward, the County’s work on ADUs reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and housing accessibility. Residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming webinar, attend the public hearing on Tuesday, January 20th, at 7:00 PM, and stay engaged as these updates progress. The bill will be up for a vote on Monday, February 2nd, at 7:00 PM.

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

Carroll Baldwin Hall Work Nights

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

Howard County Boards and Commissions

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are no community pre-submission meeting scheduled in District 3.

Christiana Rigby

Councilwoman, District 3

crigby@howardcountymd.gov

410-313-2001

Colette Gelwicks

Chief of Staff

cgelwicks@howardcountymd.gov

410-313-2421