Howard County stands as a beacon of excellence, recognized not just within our region but also across the country. Here's a glimpse at the national accolades that have shined a spotlight on Howard County in 2023.

Happiest in the East



Columbia was named the second happiest city in America, and it is the only city on the East Coast in the top 25. This recognition speaks to our concerted efforts to improve the quality of life for all our residents here in Howard County.

People want to live, work, play, and grow here because of our connected green spaces, quality schools, robust businesses, and the strong sense of community. Howard County’s focus on building a diverse and inclusive community makes it a great place to live and thrive.

Best Place to Live

In Howard County, we invest in creating the best quality of life for all. Our community is a flourishing hub of arts and culture, jobs, and economic vitality, and is an example of increasing energy independence.

We are honored to be recognized as the Best County in which to live in the entire state of Maryland. From our education system to housing and everything in between, Howard County is a place where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can live their fullest and best life.

Safest City in Maryland

Since taking office as Howard County Executive in 2018, my unwavering commitment has been to forge the safest communities possible. Through focused engagement and strategic investments in public safety, coupled with strides in transparency and accountability, we've built something truly remarkable. Columbia's recognition as Maryland's safest city is a shining affirmation of the exceptional quality of life, we value in Howard County.

I extend my deepest gratitude to our law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, social workers, community advocates, and proactive citizens. It's through our collaborative efforts that we've secured this accolade once more. Public safety is and will always be a paramount concern. While we celebrate our current standing, I am fully aware that our journey towards safety is ongoing, and our resolve to ensure that every corner of Howard County feels secure continues.

Perfect Points for Diversity

Howard County remains a place where diversity and inclusion are more than just talking points, they are fundamental principles by which we strive to live. I'm thrilled that Columbia received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index. 

While we have made incredible strides over the last four years, we still have more progress ahead to advance civil rights for LGBTQIA+ persons. Every resident deserves the right to live openly as their true selves and not be discriminated against for who they are and who they love. This score from the Human Rights Campaign affirms we are making that vision a reality.

51 National Association of Counties Awards

Howard County is a center of innovation and transformation. These awards reflect that Howard County is the very best place where people of all ages, abilities, races, religions, and socioeconomic statuses can become their very best selves.

Howard County received the most awards in Maryland this year, including a Best in Category award for our Complete Streets project in Oakland Mills. This record number of awards could not be possible without our incredible employees who help make Howard County the best place to live, work, play, and grow for all.

Columbia Voted Best Place to Raise a Family

It is humbling to be ranked Maryland’s best. As I recently shared, Columbia has been named the “Best Places to Raise a Family” for 2023 by WalletHub and the “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” for 2023 by Livability. In fact, Columbia ranked 13th best in the nation on both lists and is the only Maryland city to make or top the list.

Having raised my family in Columbia, I have always known what a special place Columbia is to all its residents and visitors. From its top-ranked schools to its flourishing hub of arts and culture, recreational activities and green space, Columbia continues to thrive and live up to James Rouse’s vision of creating a city that is diverse and welcoming to all who visit and call it home.

Our incredible education system in Howard County attracts many parents and families who wish to grow their family. By investing in education, we’re investing in our future. Here is a look back at how our education was supported in 2023.

Schooley Mill Park Expansion

Earlier this year, we cut the ribbon on the new playground at Schooley Mill Park designed to be a model of inclusion and age-friendly for all. The 30-year-old playground received an entire facelift and the now includes features to accommodate cognitive, communicative, social/emotional, and sensory disabilities.

Inclusion was a priority at every step of this project, from the parking lot to a wheelchair accessible merry-go-round. This new playground will inspire children of all ages and abilities to stay engaged and active while encouraging healthy social interaction with others.

Read more about the playground here.

YEP! We Can

In the face of the challenges brought on by the pandemic, particularly for our 10 to 18-year-olds, we took action in 2023. The Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) Grants were launched during a rally at Columbia’s People Tree, championing accessible and supportive activities for our youth through community and nonprofit initiatives.

Committed to fostering a supportive environment, we recognize the need for our young people to have safe, engaging spaces post-pandemic. YEP! opens doors for them to connect and grow through various programs outside of school, ensuring they have the resources to become their best selves.

Read more about YEP! here.

A Brand New School!

Located in Jessup, the 42-acre site at Guilford Park High School seats more than 1,600 of our students and is Howard County’s first high school to open since 2005. When I took office, it was a priority to ensure this project could finally come into fruition; from us finalizing the deal to working with our state and local partners to invest more than $130 million and beyond. It has been a long road leading here so we would see this day, this reality.

I’m so grateful for the partnership with our Howard County Delegation, County Council, Howard County Public School System, Howard County Board of Education, and, most of all, our community for seeing this project become a reality. Congratulations to Principal Wazilewski and our entire Guilford Park Panther community.

Your Child

We know that the success of our students starts early with a strong educational foundation for our youngest learners. To fulfill our vision for an excellent early childhood education, I committed $22 million to the Faulkner Ridge Center to advance a new regional pre-k facility for your child. This investment of state pass-through funding will renovate, revitalize, and reopen the Faulkner Ridge Center with 260 new seats for pre-kindergarten.

This investment in the Faulkner Ridge Center builds on our fiscal year 2024 Operating Budget of $1.1 billion for education, an increase of more than $47 million over FY23. This is the largest increase in local funding to HCPSS in Howard County’s history, accomplished by exceeding Maintenance of Effort by $71.6 million, reflecting our commitment to supporting the needs of our students and educators.

Bold Budget: Systemic Improvements

We continue to prioritize our educational facilities to ensure the best teaching and learning environments for all our students and educators. Our FY24 Capital Budget, which funded 100% of the Board of Education's school budget request, for the second year in a row, included $26.3 million in systemic renovations to support various renovations and maintenance needs across the Howard County Public School System.

These renovations include HVAC and infrastructure systems at Jeffers Hill Elementary School, Manor Woods Elementary School, Forest Ridge Elementary School, St. Johns Lane Elementary, Atholton Elementary School, and Lime Kiln Middle School. In addition, it includes indoor air quality and security upgrades and turf field replacements.

Outdoor Spaces at hOMe

Our students and educators deserve the best teaching and learning environment so that they can recognize and achieve their full potential. At Oakland Mills High School, our students and educators can achieve that with their new outdoor classroom.

This community-supported project helps provide our students with an opportunity to learn outside, close to nature, and in a space that encourages collaboration. A special thank you to Principal Jeff Fink, Ms. Amy Brooks, the Oakland Mills Village Board, and every person who helped ensure this project could come to fruition!

Closing the Gap

The past two years have been especially challenging for our students, families, and educators. The pandemic exacerbated already existing disparities in student learning levels. We provided a $2 million investment in support services for students and families to help close the achievement gap. The funding supported HoCo STRIVES (Strategies to Reach an Inclusive Vision and Equitable Solutions), which is an umbrella for the many initiatives in place to address the achievement gap, and now to address learning loss brought on by the pandemic.

This vital initiative included afterschool and summer programming, mental health services, and free meals. The investments we are making now will have a positive impact on our children and families, especially those who have less opportunities and ensure they have the resources to be successful. 

Full STEM Ahead

Earlier this year, I provided a $13 million investment to ARL for a renovation and expansion that will increase access to world-class Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs, tackling a long-standing waitlist, and preparing students for the future. The funding was part of the $35 million in state pass-through grant funding that was awarded to Howard County by the Maryland General Assembly in 2022.

Through this investment, we plan to expand capacity at ARL and ensure that more of our students can take part in these educational opportunities and build brighter futures.

Loan Assistance Repayment Program

This past summer, I signed new legislation to help Howard County public school teachers repay their student loans. This is the first repayment program of its type in Maryland. Howard County Council Bill 14-2023, known as “Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Teachers,” provides $1.5 million over five years for student loan repayments. 

Full time teachers with a minimum of five years of service within the Howard County Public School System will be eligible for the program. Additional qualifications for teachers include a degree from an accredited college, board certification and no defaults on existing loans.

Five Decades of AwesOMe!

For five decades strong, Oakland Mills High School has grown and adapted to our constant changing educational landscape. More importantly, it’s where our students can truly find their potential to grow and thrive. With Advanced placement courses, specialized programs, and a commitment to technology integration, OMHS has consistently produced graduates who excel in higher education and professional fields.

Here’s to another 50 years and beyond to being the proud hOMe of our Scorpions!

An Empowering Summer

In March, we introduced the Summer Youth Engagement Program and the groundbreaking Esports Initiative at Howard Community College. These initiatives reflect our dedication to providing Howard County's young people with enriching experiences that foster skill development and positive community engagement.

We remain dedicated to ensuring that Howard County is a nurturing and inclusive community. As we reflect on the year, we celebrate the new paths we've created for our youth to engage, learn, and thrive.

Read more about all the programs available for our young people here.

Fostering a greener community is at the heart of fostering a healthier one. It's with immense pride that I reflect on the remarkable strides we've made in environmental stewardship, ensuring Howard County not only protects its natural spaces but also moves towards greater energy self-sufficiency. From the preservation of our precious green spaces to proactive flood mitigation efforts, let's take a moment to appreciate the sustainable steps we've taken to keep Howard County vibrant.

LEED-ing the Way

Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) new Waterloo Fire Station in Jessup has received the U.S. Green Building Council’s prestigious LEED Gold! This achievement is underscored by the integration of eco-friendly elements, including reflective concrete, low-flow water appliances, a geothermal system for HVAC, energy efficient boilers, EV charging stations and rooftop solar panels.

The station’s key environmental features include renewable energy for 49 percent of the building’s energy use, a reduction of indoor water usage by 46 percent and an energy cost savings of 60 percent.

Also, with the health and safety of the 20 DFRS career personnel and the Howard County Police Department (HCPD) officers who call Waterloo home (the station also features a satellite office for HCPD) in mind, and as part of the DFRS’s award-winning Carcinogen Reduction Program, this station was designed with intuitive zones to reduce the transmission of carcinogens between working and living spaces.

A Giant Leap Forward

The completion of the Quaker Mill Pond marked another giant leap forward in our efforts to implement the transformational Ellicott City Safe and Sound flood mitigation plan. It is our second major retention project to mitigate flooding and will reduce peak flow rates from the site for the 100-year storm by approximately 30 percent.

I’m deeply appreciative for all our local, state, and federal partners who continue to help us make significant progress on the safety of Ellicott City. We continue to move with urgency, cooperation, and resolve, to ensure that Ellicott City’s best days are ahead.

Net Zero by 2045

Building on our efforts to be more energy independent and environmentally focused, we launched HoCo Climate Forward, Howard County’s first climate plan since 2015 and first to add a focus on climate resiliency and environmental justice.

The science and facts tell us that climate change is one of the most urgent challenges of our generation and that we are running out of time to act. That’s why there is no better time to officially launch HoCo Climate Forward, our new and exciting Climate Action, and Resiliency Plan. This plan sets a course for reaching a 60 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2045.

Scrappers Delight

A valuable tool in our efforts to fight climate change, our Feed the Green Bin curbside food scraps program has diverted more than 3,000 tons of food scraps from households since its launch in 2013. Last year alone, we recaptured more than 400 tons of organic waste. Here in Howard County, we understand that small actions to reduce our environmental footprint make a big difference. That is why I recently announced the expansion of our Feed the Green program.

The expansion includes 6,330 homes in the following areas: King’s Contrivance, Cherry Tree Park, Emerson, Hammond Village, Hunters Creek Farm, Jamestown Landing, North Laurel, Reservoir Overlook, Twin Oaks, Warfields Range, Wellington Farm and Wincopia Farms.

It Goes Down in the Green Bin

We're continuing our mission towards environmental sustainability, and I'm delighted to open the Organics Receiving Facility at the Alpha Ridge Landfill. This significant milestone allows us to expand our food scrap collection program to an additional 6,330 homes, meaning nearly 60% of our households can now take part in our "Feed the Green Bin" initiative. Since its inception in 2013, we have successfully diverted 3,000 tons of food scraps from the landfill.

In 2022, we made significant strides by repurposing over 400 tons of organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. With our expanding curbside food scrap collection, we're not only envisioning but actively cultivating a greener Howard County for all.

We know that when businesses advance, so does our community. The state of our business is resilient, robust, and relentlessly moving ahead to embrace the future. I truly believe the potential of Howard County is unlimited due to the framework created by our fiscal strength, our pandemic response, and our vision for future jobs.

Fostering a Flourishing Business Ecosystem

In Howard County, business doesn't just happen—it flourishes. It's the birthplace of innovation, where access to capital is plentiful, and growth is part of the culture. Positioned for prosperity, our county boasts a workforce with top-tier skills, ready and resilient in the face of global challenges. Here, the growth of business is synonymous with the progress of our community.

Hear it from our dedicated entrepreneurs: their journeys, their triumphs, their testimonies to resilience during these trying times. Recovery is not just a hope; it's a path we are actively traveling. Let's keep rallying behind our local businesses because their success is our success.

Larriland Farm

Howard County has a rich and diverse agriculture industry, and it’s important that we continue to support our local farms. I had such a wonderful time joining the Moore Family to celebrate the 50th year of Larriland Farm as a pick-your-own fruits and vegetable farm.

Please, join me in congratulating the Moore family on 50 years of this incredible family-run operation! Continue to support our local farms and businesses, every day of the year.

Ledo's Pizza



For 35 years, Ledo Pizza in Fulton has provided our community with undeniably delicious square pizza. It was a pleasure to join the Trott family to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Ledo Pizza at the Station House Restaurant in Fulton. This location was the very first Ledo’s to open in Howard County and the fifth Ledo’s to open nationwide.

FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center

During Small Business Saturday, I was happy to celebrate the grand opening of a new physical therapy office in Columbia. FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers Columbia North is a medical and scientifically driven physical therapy and fitness organization that was established in collaboration with doctors, therapists, and service business experts.  

This means that they'll be able to prescribe the best physical therapy practices that will help further all our commitments to our health and wellness. Thank you for choosing Howard County as your home, and I wish your ongoing success!

Ten Oaks Tavern



Congratulations to Ten Oaks Tavern on celebrating their 15th anniversary this year! Since the restaurant opened in 2008, Matthew Best and his team have provided an enjoyable dining experience to our Glenelg community.

Whether it’s bar munchies or a gourmet entrée, there is something delicious that everyone will enjoy. Thank you for choosing to grow in Howard County. Here’s to another 15 years of success and beyond!

Unique Kitchens and Baths

Also during Small Business Saturday, it was a beautiful day to celebrate the opening of Unique Kitchens & Baths’ newest location right on Main Street in Historic Ellicott City.

Their pristine designs and custom cabinetry offer our residents the opportunity to make their home just right.

We’re happy that they chose Howard County as their new home.

Tribos Peri Peri Chicken



It was a true highlight to welcome Tribos Peri Peri Chicken into the heart of Howard County in the beginning of the year. Their grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the addition of vibrant, tasty, world-flavored dishes to our community.

A heartfelt thank you to Amreen and Waseem for bringing their culinary passion to our local restaurant landscape. Wishing them continued success as they become a staple in our diverse and delectable dining scene!

Let's Roll



I had a great time joining Ayub Sabir at The Common Kitchen for the Grand Re-Opening of Let's Roll! 

Ayub, a seasoned presence in our Howard County dining scene, is ushering in a delectable new era with his dedication and flair. Let's Roll stands as a culinary tapestry, weaving in mouth-watering selections like Bulgogi Beef with an emphasis on inclusivity, from vegan to gluten-free and halal.

Oh, What a Cake!



For 15 years, Marcia and Oh, What a Cake! have been providing our community with mouth-watering custom-made cupcakes, wedding cakes, brownies, cake pops, cookies and more.

A Wilde Lake High School graduate, Marcia combines her passion for baking with serving our community delicious goodies. On December 9th, Oh, What a Cake! celebrated its 15th anniversary.

One Rock's Farm



Our local farmers are the cornerstone of providing fresh and healthy food to our community. Throughout the year, we celebrated our local agriculture and our farm-to-table businesses. One of the celebrations included the grand opening of One Rock Farm’s One Rock Farmacy!

Located in Historic Ellicott City, One Rock Farmacy is a market shop that sells locally-grown and locally-sourced produce, eggs, honey, sauces, flowers, and so much more. Thank you to David, Kevin, and the One Rock team for choosing Howard County to grow and expand your business!

In Howard County, we cherish our overall quality of life. This testament is only possible due to the efforts of those in service in both the Howard County Police Department, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, and every person who serves our community in uniform. 

Faith



As I announced during my 2023 State of the County address, no matter your faith, or where you reside in Howard County, every one of us should be able to worship freely and safely. That is why I’ve launched our one-time Nonprofit and Faith-Based Security Grant Program, available to eligible Howard County nonprofit and faith-based organizations who are experiencing heightened risk of hate crimes and threats of violence.

With grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $15,000, this grant program helped nonprofit and faith-based organizations cover costs associated with enhanced security operations and safety infrastructure to deter potential acts of violence and hate crimes against them. It is our responsibility to ensure our nonprofits, places of worships and residents are safe, feel safe and respected, and that Howard County continues to foster a welcome environment, full of compassion, love, and empathy towards all.

You Complete Me



I’m happy that Howard County received national recognition for having the best Complete Streets Policy in the country by Smart Growth America, making us the first jurisdiction in the nation to receive a perfect 100 percent score. This national recognition is the result of collaboration, hard work, and a truly inclusive process.

Complete Streets allow our children and students to walk and bike safely to schools and parks. It ensures that our neighbors with disabilities can access transit and other transportation modes. It provides unlimited opportunities for connections between our neighbors and neighborhoods, growing and strengthening our sense of community.

Whole Blood Program



For a long time, EMS clinicians had been limited in their treatment of critically injured patients suffering from significant blood loss. The best method of treatment was to stop the hemorrhaging before arriving at a hospital. Unfortunately, this has led to loss of critical time and even deaths. Through our pioneering medical initiative, the Whole Blood Program, we can now save more time and save more lives.

While not every trauma patient will need a blood transfusion, the ability to provide whole blood to critical patients increases their chances of survival even before they reach the hospital. We were proudly the first ground-based EMS department in Maryland to administer this groundbreaking medical initiative.

Our investment in infrastructure has added resources, improved communities and increased accessibility through a truly multi-modal transportation system that better connects Howard County to the Baltimore-Washington regions. These new buildings and programs help improve our overall quality of life in Howard County and ensure that every person can live their best life. 

Dill With It



We recognize the popularity of pickleball in our community and know the importance of ensuring adequate facilities are available for our residents. 

I was excited to join Howard County Recreation and Parks to open eight new pickleball courts at Western Regional Park. Our residents, especially those who are part of our active-aging community, enjoy the exercise, competition, and camaraderie that this sport provides.

Hold On, We're Going HOME



Like many counties and regions across the nation, Howard County is faced with an ongoing housing crisis. The rising cost of housing impedes many of our residents from realizing and continuing their dream of calling Howard County home.'

Our comprehensive Housing Opportunities Meant for Everyone, or HOME, package aims to address our housing challenges head-on through policy changes and programmatic initiatives targeted at improving housing affordability and stability within our community, as well as protecting tenant rights.

When tha Wall Goes Down, Ya Better Be Ready



We've embarked on a new chapter in Howard County's commitment to mental health with the wall-breaking of the Behavioral Health Unit expansion at the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center.

Joined by Dr. Shafeeq Ahmed, we celebrated the start of construction on a state-of-the-art 24-bed facility that will enhance our capacity to provide compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. This expansion is more than just a building, it's a beacon of hope and a promise of support for our community members in need.

Howard County's standing as an exceptional place to live, work, play, grow, thrive, and grow older is a direct result of each community member's tireless efforts to reach beyond the expected. We are deeply grateful to those whose contributions have enhanced our collective wellbeing and propelled us towards new milestones.

Bus a Move

Across Maryland, we continue to provide opportunities for transportation connections between our neighbors and our neighborhoods, growing and strengthening our sense of community. Earlier this year, I joined Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski to announce a new partnership with RTA so residents can travel from Columbia to Catonsville.

The new route, Route 505, originates in Downtown Columbia with stops at the Long Gate Shopping Center and other destinations in Ellicott City, and then travels into Baltimore County with a stop at the Catonsville Walmart off US 40 and North Rolling Road. This stop in Catonsville created a new connection between RTA and MTA service, while also complementing MTA’s existing Express Bus 150 service and its plans to improve bus service between Catonsville and Baltimore City.

Education and Sharing



Education is a key to building the strength, resilience, and prosperity of our community. It is what helps us ensure that our future leaders have the needed skills to make our community thrive, for all.

Education & Sharing Day reminds us to renew our focus on moral and ethical education, while also encouraging our young people to become their best selves.

It was an honor to join Rabbi Yanky Baron, Chabad of Ellicott City, Lubavitch Center for Jewish Education, and many others to proclaim April 2 Education and Sharing Day in Howard County.

This blessed day reminds us of the value of working alongside our young people and those who want them to thrive, to co-create a community where everyone is welcomed, supported, and encouraged to be their best self. We honor the legacy of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson by reaffirming our commitment to supporting and encouraging the development of our children through education.

Celebrating the Golden Year



It was a pleasure to attend the Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia Campus Golden Gala to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Columbia Campus.

This illustrious campus opened in 1973 to offer an educational program for our deaf and hard of hearing community. During its inaugural year, only 15 students were enrolled in the program. Today, there are nearly 200 students enrolled, ranging from infants through eighth grade.

In Howard County, we strive to ensure that every person, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to live their best life. The Maryland School for the Deaf – Columbia Campus helps us achieve that goal through its innovative and rigorous academic programs that impact our entire community.

100 Years of Resurrection-St. Paul School

It was wonderful to join our Resurrection-St. Paul School family in Ellicott City to recognize and commemorate its 100th Anniversary! For the past century, Resurrection-St. Paul School has provided a strong academic foundation for thousands of young students from all backgrounds.

Originally opened in 1922 with only 75 students, the school has grown over the years and now has nearly 500 students enrolled.

Congratulations PFC Peele



Howard County has incredible public servants who also make significant strides on the national stage.

This summer, during the World Police and Fire games in Winnipeg, Canada, Howard County Police Department’s very own PFC Raymond Peele and his team won two gold medals and one bronze in volleyball, representing Team USA. One of the gold medals received was the very first gold medal received in Team USA history.

Recognizing Juneteenth



It was a joy to witness such a vibrant gathering of our community, coming together to both pay tribute to the significant history of Juneteenth and to look ahead to the future we're building together.

As we come together each June 19th, we're reminded of the momentous day in 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of slaves. Although the official proclamation was made years earlier, Juneteenth stands as a beacon for African American freedom.

Celebrating Juneteenth National Freedom Day at the Columbia Lakefront highlighted the oldest known celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States. In Howard County, we recognized our first Juneteenth as an official county holiday in 2021, signifying a day for all in our community to unite in the pursuit of equality for every American.

Celebrating Independence

It was great to see all our residents and visitors enjoying our spectacular 4th of July fireworks at the Columbia Lakefront! As a boy, I used to come watch the Columbia fireworks display with my father. This community celebration is the perfect way to bring families and our community together, while celebrating all that makes us great. 

We are deeply saddened to have lost valuable leaders and community members in 2023 who helped move our community forward. The holes left by these individuals will never be filled. May their souls rest in peace.

Ryan Demby



He was a Sherriff's Deputy with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office. The loss of this young, vibrant, promising life is absolutely heartbreaking. Gone, but never forgotten, we are thankful for his dedication to serving our community. We continue to mourn the loss of a shining bright light in our community. 

Lloyd Self

He was the Chief Electrical Inspector for the Department of Inspections, Licenses, & Permits (DILP). Lloyd was a Master Electrician, not just by training, certification, or licensure, but by natural inclination, talent, and skills. He honed and nurtured his natural abilities by continually learning anything and everything about the field he loved and to which he dedicated his professional life. He was generous in sharing his knowledge with everyone he contacted, not just here in Howard County, but also at the national level.

Lloyd was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy (10 years active duty, 10 years active reserve), had been with Howard County for over 15 years, and was the 2022 Howard County Employee of the Year. Most importantly he was a valued colleague, mentor, and friend. He will be missed.

Sherman and Yvonne Howell

We also mourned the loss and celebrated the incredible legacy of a great servant, leader, and activist, my Fraternity Brother Sherman Howell and his wife Yvonne Howell. Our community has been blessed and enriched by their invaluable contributions.

As leaders in the Civil Rights Movement and a participant in the significant Selma to Montgomery March, the Howell’s did not just witness history – they made it. Sherman’s words at the screening of Selma in Howard County in 2015 echoed with the wisdom and courage of a life dedicated to justice and fairness.

As we reflect on their life and work, we also honor the depth of their knowledge in software development, finance, and foreign policy. May we remember and strive to uphold the principles Sherman and Yvonne Howell stood for, so that their legacy may continue to inspire future generations.

Retired Battalion Chief Richard Blankenship

Chief Blankenship was a highly regarded and well-respected member of our Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, and served with the department for nearly 36 years before retiring in 2008.

He was an outstanding leader and mentored many young firefighters during his career, and was a dear friend who helped me understand the power of service and serving our community. He leaves behind an impressive legacy, with three of his grandsons, Alexander, Zachary and Tyler, who are also firefighters with Howard County, as was his son, Richard Jr., who passed away from cancer in 2021. 

As we stand on the brink of 2024, our community reflects on a year that was a crucible of change and new beginnings. It is with deep gratitude that I continue to serve as your Howard County Executive. In the coming years, I am confident that together, we can face our challenges with courage and shape a future that reflects our shared aspirations and values.

The past year has tested us with fear, anxiety, discomfort, and loss, leading to a widespread sense of weariness. We've all felt the weight of division, the exhaustion from efforts that fell short, the drain from persistent fears. Yet, we are not defined by these trials. Our character is sculpted by our actions, our resilience, and our commitment to each other.

Throughout 2023, we seized the moment to embrace, activate, and enhance our potential during a critical time in our history. As we move forward, let us continue to confront our fears with boldness and bravery.

Your unwavering support is invaluable, and I am resolved to work diligently to ensure that Howard County remains the finest place to live, work, enjoy life, and prosper for everyone. Thank you, and let's look forward to a year of growth, unity, and achievement.