Margery,

At the beginning of October, County Executive Calvin Ball delivered his annual State of the County Address, highlighting the continued strength and progress in Howard County. Over the past several years, significant investments have been made to enhance infrastructure, services, and community well-being, with more coming soon.

In Elkridge, the County is taking important steps to support its growing population by securing land and developing plans for the much-anticipated High School 14. Additionally, the County has purchased 25 acres for the new Elkridge Community Center. This facility will serve as a hub for the community, offering space for an athletic center, meeting rooms, a gymnasium, early childhood education rooms, activity spaces, and a 50+ Center. Plans will include future expansion for a pool. The next community engagement session on the center’s development is scheduled for November, with further details coming soon.

Furthering the County's commitment to families and children, a new childcare facility is slated to open on Route 1. This center will provide care to nearly 80 children from the Elkridge, Jessup, and North Laurel areas.

To address transportation challenges, the County is launching a pilot micro-transit program aimed at improving "last mile" connections along the Route 1 corridor, specifically in Elkridge and Jessup. This initiative is designed to enhance accessibility and provide flexible transit options for residents.

In healthcare, the Howard County Health Department has started the new Community Health Works program. This program will focus on proactive outreach and prevention strategies in Elkridge, Jessup, Laurel, Savage, and Columbia. Dedicated healthcare professionals will work directly with these communities to improve overall health outcomes and address critical needs.

Recognizing the importance of mental health support, especially for those in the justice system, the County will open a new Mental Health Unit at the Howard County Detention Center. This unit will provide vital services, creating a clearer pathway for detainee's reintegration into the community and addressing a significant gap in mental health care within the detention system.

These initiatives reflect Howard County's ongoing commitment to investing in our communities and ensuring that residents benefit from improved infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, and public services. Stay tuned for more updates as these exciting projects continue to unfold!

On October 7th, the County Council convened for our October Legislative Session. The Council voted on several pieces of legislation, including the following:

• CR134-2024: A resolution supporting an application to the State of Maryland for the designation of the Eastern Howard County Enterprise Zone as part of the Maryland Enterprise Zone Program. This bill passed in a 3-2 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.



• CB49-2024: An act making emergency appropriations pursuant to Section 610(b) of the Howard County Charter and amending the Annual Budget and Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2025 to provide additional spending authority in the Economic Development Authority for farmer grants; and declaring that this Act is an Emergency Bill necessary to meet a public emergency affecting life, health or property. This bill passed in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.



• CB52-2024: An act amending the membership of the LGBTQIA+ Commission to add that up two members can work or attend school in the County; amending the appointment requirements for the college student; and generally relating to the LGBTQIA+ Commission. This bill passed in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

New legislation was introduced at the October 7th Legislative Session, including:

• CB58-2024: An act amending the process for the issuance and appeal of citations for violations of animal control provisions of the County Code; providing that appeals may go to the Animal Matters Hearing Board or to the District Court; providing that the Board may take certain actions; and generally relating to the enforcement of animal control provisions of the Code. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

• CB59-2024: An act amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to allow Self-Storage Facilities, Indoor as a conditional use in the Business: General (B-2) zoning district, under certain conditions; and generally relating to Self-Storage Facilities, Indoor uses. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

Vote!

The 2024 Election is around the corner! Make sure you are prepared and ready to cast your vote.

Election day is Tuesday, November 5th, with voting held between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM. If you plan to vote on Election Day, please confirm your polling location and registration by using the voter lookup website.

If you are voting by mail, ensure your ballot is placed in a ballot drop-box by 8:00 PM on Election Day, November 5th. Find the closet drop-box by visiting the Board of Elections website.

In-person early voting will occur Thursday, October 24th through Thursday, October 31st from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM and take place at the following locations:

• Gary J Arthur Community Center 2400 MD-97, Cooksville, MD 21723
• Meadowbrook Athletic Complex 5001 Meadowbrook Ln, Ellicott City, MD 21043
• Bain 50+ Center 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, MD 21044
• St John Baptist Church 9055 Tamar Dr, Columbia, MD 21045
• North Laurel Community Center 5411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel, MD 20723

50+ Center Events and Programming

The Office of Aging and Independence offers various fall activities and events at its 50+ centers. This month's offerings include a series of walking events for Walktober - a month-long celebration of movement. If you are unable to attend Walktober events and would like to get moving, join a walking club at your local 50+ center.

On Saturday, October 19th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the East Columbia 50+ Center, the Office of Aging and Independence is hosting "Aging in Place: Your Home, Your Community, Your Choice." This event is a seminar featuring discussions about housing, health, transportation, finances, and staying connected. Register for this free event by contacting Margaret Fries at 410-313-6029.

Stay up to date with our 50+ centers by checking out the 50+ center fall newsletters and the Office of Aging and Independence's newsletter, The 50+ Connection.  

Backpacks and Fades

The North Laurel Community Center is hosting "Backpacks and Fades" on Sunday, October 20th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Professional barbers and stylists will be on-site to offer free haircuts and styles. Please note, if your child would like to have their hair braided or cut, be sure their hair and scalp are clean, and hair is blow-dried before they arrive. Participants will also receive free backpacks with school supplies!

Registration in advance is strongly recommended! To learn more and register, visit the Recreation & Parks website.

Gorman Road at Skylark Boulevard Roundabout Community Outreach Meeting

The Department of Public Works is holding a community outreach meeting regarding the Gorman Road and Skylark Boulevard Roundabout project. this meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 22nd from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Murray Hill Middle School. At the meeting, resident will be able to preview the plans to convert the intersection of Gorman Road and Skylark Boulevard into a single-lane roundabout. The goal of the project is to enhance traffic operations and safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists in the North Laurel Emerson subdivision.

Learn more about the project and meeting at the Department of Public Works website.

Vaccine Reminder

As we head into the fall, make sure your vaccinations are updated! The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people receive the influenza vaccination by the end of October. Additionally, the CDC recommends people receive an updated COVID-19 vaccination each year. Updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations help protect against new strains. Learn more about current regulations by visiting the CDC's website.

For the 2024-25 flu season the Howard County Health Department will offer both Flulaval Trivalent flu vaccine (for the general population ages 6 months and older) and a limited supply of Fluzone High-Dose flu vaccine (for individuals 65 years and older). These vaccinations will be offered at various locations throughout the County, the next clinic is scheduled for Friday, October 25th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the United Way Family Center Harvest Festival located at 7115 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia.

To find vaccinations close to you, use the vaccines.gov flu shot finder.

MIHU October Open Enrollment

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DCHD) is now accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) homeownership program October open enrollment period. The MIHU program is our inclusionary zoning program that offers homes at reduced prices and rents to income eligible families.

Applications are available online and are due by 4:00 PM on Tuesday October 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.

Learn more by contacting DHCD's Housing Opportunities Programs Division at 410-313-6318, emailing moderateincomehousing@howardcountymd.gov, or visiting DHCD's open enrollment website.

Cranksgiving

The Office of Transportation and the Downtown Columbia Partnership is hosting its annual Cranksgiving event - a food drive on two wheels. Cranksgiving gives residents the opportunity to exercise while collecting perishable food items and raising awareness about Howard County's pathways.

On Saturday, November 2nd from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, participate in the event by biking from your home to the Cranksgiving drop-off site at the Plaza at The Mall in Columbia (10300 Little Patuxent Parkway). On the ride to the Plaza, participants will be tasked with picking up food from grocery stores and have a variety of route options. To learn more and register, visit the Cranksgiving website.

Elkridge Pedestrian Improvements

Pedestrian safety improvements are coming to Elkridge and the Route 1 Corridor!

On the County level, the Department of Public Works is designing plans for intersection improvements at the intersection of US 1 and MD 103 (Capital Project J4212). These plans include the addition of bike lanes, crosswalks, and pedestrian infrastructure.

Improvements to the Route 1 corridor, specifically at US 1 and Doctor Patel Drive and Rowanberry Drive are currently listed as potential deferrals in the Maryland Department of Transportation's Draft Consolidated Transportation Plan. This is due to budgetary challenges at the State level. Recognizing the importance of these critical upgrades, the State has committed to finding ways to implement these changes. Currently, they are examining options for short-term solutions to make this corridor safer for pedestrians.

Free COVID-19 Test Kits

Free COVID-19 Test Kits are available to order through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Households can order up to four test kits at no cost. Tests will be able to detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants and provide instructions for verifying extended expirations dates for tests.

Order your test kits at COVIDTests.gov.

Boards and Commissions Opportunities

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

• Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission – seeks one college/trade school commissioner to advise the County Executive on policy initiatives and issues affecting the AAPI community. 
• 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.
• Commission on Disabilities – seeks applicants who demonstrate a broad-based interest in and/or experience with issues involving persons with disabilities and/or have a disability. 
• Design Advisory Panel – seeks up to two adult applicants with professional experience in urban planning and landscape architecture to review a variety of development plans, conditional use applications and design guidelines and encourage excellence in building architecture and site design.
• 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.
• LGBTQIA+ Commission – seeks four adult commissioners and one college/trade school commissioner to advance policy and systemic change for persons who are in the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission – seeks four adult commissioners to help coordinate appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. Appointed by the County Executive, Commission members serve an initial two-year term. 

If you are interested in learning more about these commissions and/or how to apply, visit the Boards and Commissions website.

HoCo Climate Forward 2024 Annual Report

Earlier this month, the Office of Community Sustainability released the HoCo Climate Forward 2024 Annual Report. This is the first annual report on the status of the Howard County Climate Forward: Climate Action and Resiliency Plan. The report highlights the County's progress toward our climate goals, set in line with Maryland's targets of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 60% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. Since 2005, we have reduced GHG emissions by 23%, with a recent increase in annual reduction rates from 1% to 2.7%. However, further acceleration is necessary to meet our targets.

Energy

Howard County has significantly invested in clean energy, completing 94% of its solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) projects, which now generate about 50% of the county government’s electricity. Both resident and commercial properties are adding more solar, bringing Howard County's total solar capacity to 134 MW. Community programs as weatherization services, EmPOWER Maryland, Civic Works, and LED lightbulb exchanges have contributed to increased energy efficiency.

Nature-Based Climate Solutions

There are continued efforts to work with nature to decrease GHG emissions. In a new pilot program, the Department of Recreation and Parks will be transitioning to battery-powered equipment for maintenance operations at Savage Park.

Transportation

Since fiscal year 2022, RTA ridership increased by 33%. This is because of strategic investments to increase the reliability of our public transit. In the past three fiscal years, 29 new buses were added to the RTA fleet and routes have been improved. Efforts are also being made to expand electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with EVs now making up 4.2% of all vehicles.

Waste

Through the Green Bin Composting Program, 399 tons of organic materials was successfully diverted from the landfill and turned into a useful product. This prevented 139 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions from being released into the atmosphere. After the most recent expansion of composting services, now almost 70,000 homes in Howard County are eligible for industrial composting. In addition, the Disposable Plastics Reduction Fund resulted in $349,312 in grants for 10 community grounds, 6,200 reusable bags distributed, 3,000 pounds of plastic reduced, and 20 litter clean-ups.

Emergency Preparedness

Climate action is being integrated into emergency preparedness, with the development of resiliency hubs and incorporating climate resiliency into the Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Water

The County made significant progress on developing, defining, and prioritizing projects within vulnerable watersheds. The County partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through the Corps’ Technical Assistance Cost Share Program to develop a county-wide assessment and prioritization of sub-watersheds within the County for future capital projects. This assessment is almost complete. A sub-watershed specific and detailed analysis is simultaneously in process for an area of known concern, and a FEMA grant award is being finalized to continue sub-watershed analyses in priority areas.

While we have made lots of progress, there is still work to come. GHG emissions reductions must increase from the current 2.7% to 4.7% annually to stay on track with our goals. Moving forward, collaboration between government, businesses, and residents is crucial for achieving these climate goals.

Stay updated with our progress towards climate goals by using the Climate Forward Dashboard, available online!

• Energy and Utility Assistance
• Food Assistance from the Howard County Food Bank
• Emergency Broadband Assistance
• Volunteer Opportunities

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

There are no community pre-submission meetings 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