May 2025 Newsletter

Margery,

On May 21st, the County Council held a Special Legislative Session for the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. The session is recorded and available to watch on the County Council Website. Below are my remarks and final thoughts on the FY26 budget.

We are facing some of the most difficult budgetary challenges of our lifetimes: locally, statewide and across the country. Just last week, both the State of Maryland and the Federal Government saw their credit ratings drop from the highest AAA rating to Aa1. This isn’t just symbolic. It is going to have real consequences for all of us. A lower rating means higher interest rates, increasing the cost of capital projects like new State roads and bridges. While this doesn’t impact the County’s borrowing rate directly, we do not exist in a vacuum. It is incredibly hard to maintain a thriving County without strong, stable partners at the State and Federal level.

At the same time, our needs are increasing across every age and stage of life. Many of our residents are current or former government employees, federal workers, contractors, and public servants, and they are facing economic uncertainty because of layoffs, hiring freezes, funding cuts, and growing instability. The ripple effects go far beyond employment.

When the Federal Government pulls back, counties are left to absorb not only the human impact, but also the financial responsibility. The Trump Administration is pushing cuts to critical programs - SNAP, Medicare, Medicaid, FEMA, Planned Parenthood, and many more. These are foundational programs that Maryland and local jurisdictions, like ours, depend on to meet the needs of our residents. With these cuts, we will see, and are already seeing, increased demand for food pantries, housing assistance, public health clinics, and mental health services. The cuts to FEMA will shift more responsibility onto local emergency services, fire and rescue, and crisis response teams. The needs don’t just disappear, they become our responsibility, and the costs add up quickly, stretching a budget that is already under pressure. That is why this moment is so precarious.

To meet our same level of service for 330,000 residents, this budget is pulling from savings to cover costs that will repeat yearly. It is not sustainable. We will not have the same cushion next year as federal support continues to erode. Next year, this County is not going to have the financial flexibility to send an additional $14.5 million to the school system from one-time reserves. That’s not a threat; it is a financial reality. We need to be honest about our limits and do the best we can with the resources we have, for the good of the entire county.

Howard County is not alone in facing these difficult budgetary decisions. Neighboring jurisdictions such as Prince George’s and Baltimore County are reopening teacher contract negotiations. Montgomery County is considering a property tax increase, and Charles County is raising its recordation tax. Governments across the country are grappling with similar financial challenges and are forced to make cautious, thoughtful budgetary decisions. We are not immune to these pressures.

We need policy solutions that position us for long-term resilience. That means encouraging thoughtful, strategic growth and development that increases our tax base. Not expanding for the sake of expanding but growing in a way that sustains services and reflects our community’s values and priorities. With stronger, more predictable revenue streams, we could have more nuanced budget conversations about how to best fund our priorities, like education, without relying on volatile reserves or short-term fixes.

I want to express my sincere appreciation for the hard work that went into this budget. Managing the impacts of federal budget cuts has been challenging, and ongoing federal budget discussions only add to the uncertainty. Many departments are working with fewer resources than in previous years, and sacrifices are being made across the board to ensure that Howard County remains a vibrant and thriving community.

My support of the budget is not a sign that everything is okay. It’s a recognition that we are doing what we can today, and I am calling on all of us to come together and plan for a more stable and equitable tomorrow.

Yours in service,

Christiana Rigby (she/her)

Councilwoman, District 3

May 22, 2025

April Legislation Wrap-Up

On May 5th, the County Council convened for our May Legislative Session. The Council voted on several pieces of legislation, including the following:

CB18-2025: An act amending the definition of “Moderate income housing units”, establishing and retaining the School Surcharge rate at time of submittal of sketch plan; providing for a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for Disability Income Housing Units within a Transit Oriented Development (TOD); and exempting Transit Oriented Development (TOD) residential units from the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance School Capacity Test and generally relating to Transit Oriented Developments. This bill passed, as amended, in a 3-2 vote. Introduced by Councilwoman Christiana Rigby.
I was proud to introduce and support CB18-2025. Howard County is facing a housing crisis and without any action, it will only worsen. We are in a unique position to be able to strategically incentivize housing in controlled areas - TODs. I recognize concerns raised regarding overcrowding schools; however, our student yield report shows that residential units in these areas send the least number of students to our schools. This is not hyperbole, or conspiracy, this is real data. Additionally, Howard County has a desperate need for disability income housing. Through the Patuxent Commons project, we all saw how difficult it is to get these units built. At the moment, Howard County has one disability income housing unit. By encouraging a mix of disability income, low income, and moderate-income units in mixed-use, transit accessible places, we are creating a more vibrant Howard County.

CB22-2025: An act adopting a new flag description for Howard County, Maryland; setting out the design of the flag and the colors displayed therein. This bill passed in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

CB24-2025: An act adopting the International Building Code, 2024, the International Residential Code, 2024, the International Mechanical Code, 2024, the International Energy Conservation Code, 2024, and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2024 Edition. This bill was tabled in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

CB28-2025: An act amending the Howard County Code to require that the Code required fiscal analysis for each piece of legislation is now submitted and processed by the County Council Administrator; and generally relating to legislative fiscal analyses. This bill passed in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Council.

CB30-2025: An act amending the Howard County Code to add certain requirements to the membership qualifications for the Howard County Human Rights Commission. This bill passed, as amended, in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by Councilmember Liz Walsh.

CB31-2025: An act amending the membership qualifications for the Inspector General Advisory Board to correct a technical error. This bill passed in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by Councilmember Deb Jung.

May Legislation

On May 5th, the County Council convened for our May Legislative Session. During this time, the budget legislation was introduced.

On May 19th, the County Council convened for our May Public Hearing. Prior to the start of the Hearing, the Council introduced an emergency bill, CB45-2025. This bill was unanimously approved by the Council at the Special Legislative Session on May 21st for the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Adoption.

The Board of Education's budget process is still ongoing. There are two upcoming Work Sessions, scheduled for Tuesday, May 27th at 8:30 AM and Wednesday, June 4th at 10:00 AM. The Board will vote on their FY26 Budget on June 12th at 4:00 PM. Information regarding the work sessions and voting session can be found on the HCPSS Website.

CB45-2025: An act to modify the restriction on the use of excess surplus revenue pursuant to Section 615B of the Howard County Charter in order to use excess surplus revenue from prior years to further support the Operating Budget request of the Board of Education in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget; providing that this act shall be temporary and shall expire by June 30, 2026; and declaring that this Act is an Emergency Bill necessary to meet an immediate emergency affecting public health, safety or welfare. Introduced by the Chair at the request of the County Executive.

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Community News, Events, and Updates

Donations Needed - Howard County Food Bank!

The Howard County Food Bank at Community Action Council of Howard County needs your help to continue supporting residents! As a result of the Trump Administration's policies and executive orders, the Food Bank is seeing both an increased demand for service and a decreased supply of food.

You can help by donating much-needed food and essential supplies including rice, pasta, soup, tuna, diapers, feminine hygiene products, cereal, and more. All items can be dropped off at the Howard County Food Bank.

Together, we can support our neighbors! Learn more at the Community Action Council Website.

Savage Farmers Market

The Savage Farmers Market is back for the 2025 Season!

Visit every Wednesday starting May 28th until September 24th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Baldwin Commons for an exciting mix of local vendors. This year's lineup of vendors ranges from produce, honey, baked goods, plants, and more!

Learn more by visiting the Savage Farmers Market website.

HoCo RapidRide

HoCo RapidRide is here!

Launched in March, HoCo RapidRide is Howard County's new microtransit serving the Route 1 Corridor (Elkridge, Jessup, and Savage). Service also extends east to Dobbin Center, Snowden Square, and Gateway Overlook. This is intended to complement existing rides through the RTA.

HoCo RapidRide operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Seniors, HCPSS students, and Howard Community College students with valid identification can ride for free. All other riders will pay a fare of $2 per ride. Wheelchair accessible trips are also available.

Learn more and download the app by visiting the HoCo RapidRide website.

Bike Around Downtown

May is Bike Month! To celebrate Howard County's Office of Transportation is partnering with the Downtown Columbia Partnership to host its annual Block Party to kick off BikeAround Downtown Columbia. A weekend long event, running from 9:00 AM, Saturday, May 31st to 6:00 PM, Sunday, June 1st, BikeAround Downtown Columbia takes riders on a relaxing ride along the trails, pathways, and bike lanes of Downtown Columbia, Wilde Lake, and Harper’s Choice. Participants can join in the fun at any time during the event.

To get in gear for this spring’s BikeAround Downtown Columbia, be sure to first stop by Office of Transportation's kick off Block Party event on May 31st from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Merriweather District’s Color Burst Park. The party offers attendees the opportunity to learn more about how they can add bicycling to their everyday routines. Attendees will also have the opportunity to join members from Howard County Police Department’s Community Outreach and Pathways Section on a group lead ride along this year’s BikeAround Downtown Columbia route starting from Color Burst Park. These group rides will start at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM and are a great way for younger and/or less experienced riders to enjoy the course with seasoned cyclists as guides.

To learn more about BikeAround Downtown Columbia and/or to register, visit the BikeAround Downtown Columbia event webpage.

EcoAmbassadors

Howard EcoWorks is accepting applications for its Summer 2025 Workforce Development Program - EcoAmbassadors! This program is a paid summer internship for high school students aged 16 to 18 interested in environmental stewardship.

Participants work with their local communities to address environmental concerns by implementing projects to promote sustainable change in Howard County. The program gives participants an opportunity to gain expertise in a variety of environmental topics and to engage with environmentally focused youth across the County.

The program runs from June 23rd to August 15th. Applications are due by June 1st. More information can be found on the Howard EcoWorks website.

Make the Solar Switch

Are you ready to make the switch to solar?

Howard County's Office of Community Sustainability is partnering with Solar United Neighbors to help residents learn more about the Switch Together program. The program uses the power of group buying to secure a competitive price through a reverse auction process in which vetted solar installers compete to offer their lowest price for a rooftop installation. The current program is expected to save the average Howard County household $6,201 on a typical-sized solar installation and the 30 percent federal tax credit can help further reduce the overall cost.

Registration is free and there is no obligation to proceed with a solar installation. The current discount is available to residents who register by Wednesday, June 4th. To learn more about Switch Together and/or to sign-up your home up for a free installation proposal, visit the Switch Together website.

Voluntary Water Restriction

Effective immediately, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) has issued a voluntary water restriction for public water customers in the surrounding area, including Howard County. Due to ongoing, below-average annual rainfall, Carroll County’s Liberty Reservoir, one of our region’s main drinking water sources, has dropped to its lowest point in nearly two decades.

While Baltimore City’s DPW has made operational changes at its plants (reducing the amount of water it draws from Liberty Reservoir and increasing use of the Loch Raven Reservoir in Baltimore County) residential and commercial public water customers regionally are being asked to voluntarily reduce their non-essential water use until further notice. Customers can help conserve water to protect our regional water supply by:

• Postponing lawn and garden watering;

• Avoiding car, boat, or equipment washing;

• Refraining from washing outdoor surfaces like sidewalks and driveways;

• 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.

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, i.e., a water bill from the County. It does not apply to properties on private wells.

For more information about this voluntary water restriction, visit Baltimore City’s DPW 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!

Reducing Stormwater Runoff

With spring rains in full swing and summer storms on the horizon, now is the perfect time to take action to reduce stormwater runoff in our neighborhoods. When rain falls on impervious surfaces like roads, driveways, and rooftops, it can’t soak into the ground. Instead, it flows quickly into storm drains, picking up pollutants like oil, fertilizer, and trash on its way to local streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. Fortunately, there are simple and impactful steps each of us can take to protect our waterways and reduce flooding, erosion, and pollution.

If you are looking for a place to start, Howard EcoWorks, Howard County's Live Green Howard, and Clean Water Howard have resources available online for installing rain gardens, rain barrels, storm drain stenciling, and more. Below is some of the helpful and relevant information from these great groups!

🌧️ Rain gardens are landscaped areas planted with deep-rooted native vegetation that absorb and filter rainwater. Native plants are especially effective because they require less maintenance and are adapted to our region’s soil and climate. The County's CleanScapes Program provides some homeowners reimbursement for work on their property to reduce runoff. Howard EcoWorks crews offer work to help design, landscape, and maintain beautiful, functional green spaces that manage runoff naturally.

🌧️ Rain barrels capture runoff from your roof and store it for later use in watering gardens or lawns. This not only reduces runoff but also conserves water during dry spells. Howard County residents, through Clean Water Howard, can often receive rebates or discounts for installing these simple systems.

🌧️ Replacing sections of your driveway or patio with permeable pavers or planting groundcover can make a big difference. The less hard surface area you have, the more rainwater can soak into the ground where it lands. To incentivize this work, Clean Water Howard offers credits which can be applied towards the Watershed Protection Fee.

🌧️ Storm drain stenciling can be a fun way to remind your neighbors that all the runoff from our rooftops, driveways, parking lots, and streets (and all the pollution with it) flows into a local stream and ends up in the Chesapeake Bay. Stenciling storm drains can help raise awareness about the runoff connection to our local rivers and help keep pollution out of our streams, rivers and the Bay. Be part of the solutions, stencil storm drains and let people know that there should be “Only Rain Down the Drain.” Clean Water Howard has a manual for stenciling and the necessary application.

🌧️ If you are interested in learning more about sustainability as it relates to all things plants and water, Howard EcoWorks maintains a Knowledge Center on their website.

By taking just a few of these steps, you can help reduce stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and support a healthier environment for everyone. Small changes at home can lead to big improvements in our community, and it starts with us!

Get Involved!

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.

Simulated Congressional Hearings

Volunteer as a judge for Simulated Congressional Hearings! The Simulated Congressional Hearing (SCH) is the culminating activity for fifth grade social studies. Throughout the year, students study four units of instruction: The U.S. Constitution, Our Changing Nation, Defending Freedom and We the People. The SCH is an authentic, performance-based assessment where students demonstrate their understanding of the founding of the U.S. Constitution and the impact of its creation. During the SCH, students present as experts on topics they have been learning about throughout the year. Judges are responsible for asking follow-up questions based on the student's presentations. Judges do not need to be constitutional scholars! Training is provided the morning of the event. Register online using this Google Form.

Howard County Boards and Commissions

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

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.
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.
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.
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.