Greetings!

I hope you are enjoying the crisp fall weather and the changing colors that make this season so special in Howard County. As Halloween approaches, many families are preparing costumes and getting ready for an evening full of excitement with laughter, and candy. It is one of my favorite times of the year because it brings our neighborhoods to life with smiling faces and creative decorations.

As we celebrate, I want to remind everyone that safety should always come first. Halloween is an exciting time for children, but with busy streets and limited daylight, it is important to stay alert and take extra precautions to keep everyone safe.

When heading out for trick or treating try to go with friends or family instead of walking alone. Stick to areas with sidewalks and streetlights and avoid walking on dark or narrow roads. Carrying a flashlight or wearing something reflective helps make you more visible to drivers.

For drivers, please slow down in neighborhoods and stay alert for children crossing the street. Keep an eye out for children who might cross the street unexpectedly, especially in neighborhoods with heavy foot traffic. If possible, avoid driving on Halloween night. 

There are more opportunities to celebrate the Halloween fun in Howard County. Participate in Halloween Tricks, Treats, and Trees at the Robinson Nature Center on Saturday, October 25th and Sunday, October 26th. This fun and nature inspired event includes exploring the trails, discovering nature’s tricks, making potions with a witch, watching Halloween puppet shows, and enjoying crafts and sensory play. Morning trail activities are designed for younger children; afternoon activities are for older children. The cost to attend is $10 per child, $5 per adult and children under one can join for free. To register or choose a time slot, call the Robinson Nature Center at 410-313-0400 between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday or visit the Center's website.

By following simple safety tips and joining in community events like these, we can make sure Halloween remains a joyful and safe celebration for all. Thank you for helping keep our neighborhoods friendly, bright, and full of happy memories this season.

Wishing you a safe and happy Halloween! 

On October 6th, the County Council convened for our October Legislative Session. The Council voted on several pieces of legislation, including the following:

• CR167-2025: A resolution approving the terms and conditions of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement by and among Howard County and CIR Vineyard 2 LLC, CIR Vineyard 3 LLC, CIR Vineyard 4 LLC, CIR Vineyard 5 LLC for the construction and operation of a solar array located on property located at 3855 Manor Lane, Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland. This bill was tabled in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

• CR169-2025: A resolution authorizing the County Executive to grant an easement containing approximately 3,600 square feet to Baltimore Gas and Electric Company so that BGE may extend electric service to new EV charging facilities at the Elkridge Library. This bill was tabled in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

• CB59-2025: An act amending the Howard County Code to remove the cap on the duration of the property tax credit for seniors and retired military personnel; and generally relating to the property tax credit for seniors and military personnel. This bill failed in a 2-3 vote. Introduced by Councilmember Deb Jung.

• CB60-2025: An act amending the Property Tax Credit for Seniors in order to amend certain eligibility requirements; amending the Property Tax Credit for Seniors and Retired Military in order to increase the duration of the tax credit to 10 years. This bill passed, as amended, in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

• CB66-2025: An act amending HoCo By Design, the general plan for Howard County, to include the Gateway Master Plan and recognizing that the Plan is a comprehensive, long-range redevelopment vision for the future of Gateway, an area comprising approximately 1,100 acres of commercial and industrial properties. This bill passed, as amended, in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

On October 6th, the County Council convened for our October Legislative Session. Below is some the legislation under consideration by the Council:

• CR167-2025: A resolution approving the terms and conditions of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement by and among Howard County and CIR Vineyard 2 LLC, CIR Vineyard 3 LLC, CIR Vineyard 4 LLC, CIR Vineyard 5 LLC for the construction and operation of a solar array located on property located at 3855 Manor Lane, Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

• CR169-2025: A resolution authorizing the County Executive to grant an easement containing approximately 3,600 square feet to Baltimore Gas and Electric Company so that BGE may extend electric service to new EV charging facilities at the Elkridge Library. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

• CR183-2025: A resolution pursuant to Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, approving the Howard County Board of Education’s Capital Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2027 for the purpose of submission to the Interagency Commission on School Construction. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

• CR184-2025: A resolution approving the terms and conditions of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement and extension request by and between the Howard County, Maryland and Orchard Club, LLLP for an existing 196-unit housing community located at 6330 Orchard Club Drive, Elkridge, Maryland, which has served mixed income residents since 1991. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive. 

• CR186-2025: A resolution amending the 2025-2034 Solid Waste Management Plan to add a statement endorsing the study of a Pay as You Throw (PAYT) program; and generally related to the Solid Waste Management Plan. Introduced by Councilwoman Christiana Rigby.

• CB67-2025: An act updating certain Consumer Protection provisions of the County Code; updating certain definitions; providing that the Office of Consumer Protection shall issue subpoenas instead of summons; clarifying provisions related to prohibited deceptive or unfair trade practices; adding practices that may be considered prohibited deceptive or unfair trade practices; clarifying certain legal processes; amending certain penalties; making certain grammatical and technical changes; and general relating to Consumer Protection provisions in the Howard County Code. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive. 

This legislation, and more, will be up for a vote on Monday, November 3rd at 7:00 PM.

Savage 7K and 1-Mile Historic Walk

Built of stone from the Little Patuxent River, Carroll Baldwin Hall has been serving as Savage, Maryland’s community center for over a century. Preserving the Hall takes lots of support from the community. Help preserve the Hall by participating in the Savage 7K and 1-Mile Historic Walk on Sunday, October 26th at 8:00 AM. Funds raised from each year’s event help restore and maintain this historic gem.

Sign up for the Savage 7K and 1-Mile Historic Walk and learn more by visiting the Carroll Baldwin Hall website.

Interested in sponsoring or donating? Have any questions? Please email savage7@carrollbaldwinhall.org.

Experience Voices of Change: Embracing the Power of We

On Thursday, October 30th at 5:15 PM, join the Office of the Local Children's Board for a live theatre presentation at Howard Community College’s Smith Theatre of “Voices of Change: Embracing the Power of We." Geared towards audience members 13 and older, this event brings a voice to our often-unheard communities and a shared vision to support fairness and justice for all humanity through a collection of visual arts, multimedia storytelling, a keynote speaker, refreshments, and networking opportunities.

To reserve your ticket to this free event, visit the Board's Eventbrite website.

MIHU October 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 2025, the area median income for a family of four is $140,971. 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, October 31st.

Cranksgiving

The Office of Transportation is partnering with the Downtown Columbia Partnership to host its annual Cranksgiving on Saturday, November 8th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Participants of Cranksgiving can enjoy the County's pathway systems while donating food items. Bikers will start from their homes and make their way to the donation drop-off sites at the Plaza at The Mall in Columbia. On the way to the drop-off site, participants will have a variety of route options to choose from and will be tasked with picking up various food items along the way at the nearby grocery store of their choosing. 

Register and learn more about Cranksgiving, including which food items have been requested, at the Office of Transportation’s website.

Thanksgiving Lunch with Office of Aging and Independence

Celebrate Thanksgiving with the Office of Aging and Independence at its annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Wednesday, November 19th at the Ten Oaks Ballroom. Doors open at 10:30 AM and lunch will be served at 12:00 PM.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at a 50+ Center for $19 per person. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Howard County Food Bank.

For questions and more information about this year’s luncheon, call 410-313-5400.  

Speed Camera Fines

Howard County Police Department is reminding drivers that as of Wednesday, October 1st, the State’s updated Automated Speed Enforcement fines will be going into effect, meaning, if you are caught speeding in a Howard County school zone going: 

• 12 to 15 miles per hour (mph) over the posted speed limit, you’ll receive a $40 ticket (unchanged)
• 16 to19 mph over the posted speed limit, you’ll receive a $70 ticket
• 20 to 29 mph over the posted speed limit, you’ll receive a $120 ticket
• 30 to 39 mph over the posted speed limit, you’ll receive a $230 ticket
• 40 or more mph over the posted speed limit, you’ll receive a $425 ticket

Learn more about HCPD’s Automated Enforcement Program’s mobile speed camera system in school zones, by visiting their website.

Flu & COVID Vaccines

Stay protected this fall by getting your Flu and COVID vaccines. The Howard County Health Department (HCHD) is offering its free seasonal flu shot clinics. For a list of upcoming flu clinic dates, times and locations, visit HCHD’s Seasonal Flu website. 

For the 2025-2026 flu season, HCHD will offer both the Flulaval 2025-26 Formula vaccine (recommended for ages six months and older) and the Sanofi Fluzone High-Dose 2025-2026 Formula vaccine (recommended for age 65 and older. Walk-ups are accepted at all HCHD flu clinic events.

COVID vaccinations are available at most pharmacies in the area, and the State of Maryland is working to ensure availability continues. Learn more about the State's efforts and the COVID vaccine at the Maryland Health Department 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.

Make Your Fall Sustainable

Autumn is in full swing here in Howard County- crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and the approach of Halloween and cooler months. This month, I’m highlighting seasonal actions we can take to reduce waste, support the community, and protect our local environment.

DIY Costumes and Donation Ideas

The Fall season and Halloween bring lots of opportunities for creativity and for rethinking how we handle costumes, so they don’t end up as landfill waste. Most Halloween costumes from the store are made from non-recyclable oil-based plastics. These are not made to last longer than one night trick-or-treating; they are designed to end up in the landfill, and this contributes to nearly 2000 tons of plastic waste per year. Keep reading to learn how you can make garments count for the planet and your community.

There are many ways to make Halloween costumes more sustainable. For example,

use materials you already own like old clothes, accessories, hats, scarves, or fabric scraps to repurpose items and avoid buying new, single-use costume pieces. Swap or borrow costumes with neighbors or friends. If you have children, donate costumes that are too small or no longer fit. This shared approach extends the life of each piece. Use eco-friendly embellishments; fabric markers instead of spray paint, removable accessories rather than permanently altering garments, and thrifted items rather than new plastics. After Halloween, clean and store costumes for reuse next year or to pass along to others. Donating your costumes is another great option. Below is a list of local donation centers and thrift stores:

• 2nd Ave Thrift Superstore – Columbia
• Mustard Seed Thrift Shop – Elkridge
• Goodwill Retail Store – Columbia & Jessup
• Laurel Thrift Store – Laurel

• Second Chance Thrift Store – Elkridge
• HopeWorks Second Edition – Columbia
• Success In Style (Charity's Closet) – Savage Mill

Textiles and costumes that are thrown away add to landfill waste and can take anywhere from a few months to centuries to decompose. By donating or repurposing costumes, we reduce environmental impact and support local reuse!

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