Dear Friends,

Our FY25 Operating Budget makes significant investments in public education by directing $52 million over the required Maintenance of Effort (MOE) funding to the Howard County Public School System. Through collaboration, we have proposed a budget plan that funds the Board of Education’s requested Operating Budget priorities and provides sufficient funding to restore important educational programs that our community values. As part of this plan, HCPSS has identified $6.1 million in budget balancing strategies that do not affect any additional programs or positions.

Together, our County Funding of $52 million over MOE combined with $6.1 million in budget savings identified by HCPSS will ensure that we fund the Board’s educational priorities for FY25 while also supporting our Gifted and Talented Program, Third Grade Strings, the Environmental Education Program, the Summer Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP), and the Mathematics Engineering and Science Achievement Program (MESA).

This pathway toward restoration was only made possible through our ongoing partnership and continued dialogue with Acting Superintendent Barnes and the Board of Education. Together, we will continue our efforts to ensure the best teaching and learning environment for all students and educators in Howard County.

Let's Get Innovative!

Join creative, inspiring, and empowering industry leaders for our 2024 Howard County Innovation Summit! This exciting summit will include educational sessions, creative discourse, and networking opportunities for all. I encourage you join us as we innovate, envision, and transform on Tuesday, June 4th at 8:00 a.m. Together we will ignite creativity, foster collaboration, and drive transformation.

Empowered By Connection

Happy Older Americans' Month Howard County! I had the pleasure of greeting the attendees of our Office on Aging and Independence's (OAI) fabulous showcase at our new 29,000 square feet East Columbia 50+ Center last week.

It was wonderful to see so many enjoying art and fitness classes, the entertainment, and the mocktails!

This month’s theme is Powered by Connection. I encourage all those 50+ to take advantage of all OAI offers so that you can stay connected and stay well.

Commemorating Yom HaShoah

As we commemorate Yom HaShoah, we honor the memory of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. This solemn day reminds us of the atrocities of the past and underscores our commitment to never forget. During Jewish American Heritage Month, we must remember that these atrocities were driven by hate and fear. In Howard County, every person is welcomed and valued because we know that our diversity is our biggest strength.

Let us take this moment to reflect, to support one another, and to recommit ourselves to building a world free from hatred and bigotry. Together, we can ensure that the lessons of the past guide us toward a future of unity and peace.

Picture-Perfect Memories

To finish off our Small Business Week visits this past week, we had the pleasure of joining The Portrait Salon. Located in Savage Mill, The Portrait Salon hosts multiple studios offering a wealth of photography services to our community. A special shoutout to The Portrait Salon's partners, Anne Kelly Looney and Chris Marcinek! Thank you for all the good work you do, and the memories you help make for Howard County.

It's Not Iron-ic!

During Small Business Week, we celebrate the strength and role our small businesses play in building our community’s infrastructure and future. This past week, we had the chance to visit Iron Fabrication Services, Inc., a leading fabricator and steel supplier. They contribute their services to many large scale commercial and residential buildings all throughout the region, and we’re glad that they’ve made their home here in HoCo. Thank you to Bechara Rizk, President of Iron Fabrication Services for providing us with insight on how her company contributes to Howard County's success every day. 

Iron Fabrication continues to craft excellence throughout our community. 

Vote. Vote. Vote.

It is election year and early voting has begun! Now through this Thursday May 9th, early voting centers are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. To find an early voting center near you, click HERE.

I encourage you to be proactive, engaged and cast your vote.

Wayfinding Our Way!

Throughout Howard County, our network of sidewalks, pathways, and bike lanes play a vital role in strengthening these connections.

This summer, I’m pleased to share that we will begin construction of our highly anticipated bicycle wayfinding project. This countywide effort will install directional signage along major bicycle corridors. The first phase will include five color-coded routes that direct bicyclists to routes and popular destinations in Ellicott City, Elkridge, and Columbia. The full wayfinding plan envisions as many as ten routes that will stretch from Woodstock down to Laurel.

This wayfinding signage builds upon our historic investment of more than $50 million toward sidewalks, pathways, bike lanes, and other active transportation improvements over the past five years.

He's a Runner, He's a Track Star!

I had the pleasure of joining our friends at the East Coast International Showcase, an international track & field training camp and tournament that brings over 1,000 U.S. and international students to train and compete in Howard County. Thank you to Howard Community College, Long Reach High School, and our entire Howard County community for hosting athletes from all across the world. A special shoutout to Puma for sponsoring this incredible event and to Sanjay Ayre, Olympian, track star, and founder of the East Coast International Showcase. With his organization 2 Eagle Sports & Entertainment, Sanjay makes tournaments and education more accessible to student athletes all across the world. 

Health Warrior

This Small Business Week we also visited Warrior Centric Health in Ellicott City. They are boldly taking on the health equity dilemma by providing solutions that allow healthcare facilities to deliver care to more patients, especially veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, reservists, and their families. A special shoutout to Ron J. Steptoe, CEO and co-founder of Warrior Centric Health. An 8th-generation military veteran, Ron brought a personal and professional wealth of expertise to Warrior Centric, enacting real change in our healthcare system.  

Warrior Centric Health is here to help Howard County fight for a healthier and stronger community for everyone. Please join me in celebrating our wellness leaders!

Queen Takes a Bow...or Book

This past National Small Business Week, we visited Queen Takes Book, a local bookstore reigniting our love for literature right here in Oakland Mills. This establishment embodies the power reading provides to connect, delight, challenge, and engage. A special thank you to the owner of Queen Takes Book, Katie McNally for opening her store in our community, and taking the time to tell us more about her business. Be sure to check them out and shop their diverse collection of books.

Learn more about how you can take a book at www.queentakesbook.com.

It's Hot in Here!

This past week was National Small Business Week and we celebrated by thanking some of our amazing small business owners for their vital contributions to our community and economy. I recently visited Anderson Fire Protection, Inc., a leader in the fire protection industry. The majority owner, co-founder, president and CEO, Maria Garcia Anderson is a powerhouse that oversees all aspects of the firm. She brings 30 years of experience in the fire protection industry to Anderson Fire Protection, Inc. They offer a variety of services from fire sprinkler and alarm installation, inspection, monitoring, and consulting. We are so glad that they are around to safeguard our community’s success.

Learn more about them at www.andersonfire.com. 

Happy Jewish American Heritage Month! 

This month is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Jewish American neighbors and businesses. This May, as we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, we encourage our community to combat antisemitism as well as recognize and uplift the rich cultural heritage and essential influence of Jewish Americans throughout our Nation and right here in our community. Thank you for all that you and your community contribute to Howard County. Our rich backgrounds and cultures coming together, are why we are the best place to live, work, play, grow, and thrive for all.

Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! 

In partnership with our Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission, we are excited to share exciting events happening in and around Howard County that celebrates the tapestry of cultures that make us the best place to live, work, play, grow and thrive. Please visit www.howardcountymd.gov/boards-commissions/AAPI for clickable event details!

Strike That Pose!

In memory of Zachary Lederer’s courageous battle against cancer, the Zaching Against Cancer Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to uplift, assist, educate, and create opportunities for cancer patients worldwide. Zachary’s remarkable strength and resilience during his fight against the disease continues to impact the lives of cancer patients today. His legacy serves as a beacon of hope, motivating countless volunteers and donors who share his vision.

Each year, on Zachary’s birthday, Howard County Government takes a moment to celebrate his life and recognize those who draw inspiration from his story. Even after 12 years, we persistently strive to enhance cancer care and work towards finding a cure.

It's Time to Accelerate!

Our Innovation Center in Gateway is a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth for our entire region. I joined Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) to cut the ribbon on “The Accelerator”, a new multipurpose space on the first floor of the Innovation Center in Gateway. Not only does it have an open floor plan, modern material and vibrant local art, but it is also specially designed to extend HCEDA’s ability to provide resources and programs to support entrepreneurs and businesses. Special thank you to CEO Jennifer Jones and the HCEDA team for their work to help promote and prepare businesses in a welcoming way.

Counting On Our Awesome Educators! 

Mayfield Woods Middle School Magnificent math teacher Norah Storey MacPhee has been selected as a State finalist for the Presidential Awards in Mathematics and Science Teaching. That’s right – this is one of the highest teaching awards in the nation. Ms. Storey and other nominees will be reviewed by a prestigious national committee for the Presidential awards, but she is already an honored winner here at home. Congratulations and best of luck!

A Distinguished Principal

A shoutout to Glenwood Middle School Principal Melissa Shindel! Based on her collaborative leadership and commitment to excellence, she was recently named Maryland’s National Distinguished Principal by the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals. She is the first middle school principal in Maryland to earn this honor and we are so fortunate to have her serving in our school system. Thank you to the incredible Principal Shindel for inspiring the Cobra community!

An Apple For Our Teachers of the Year

In Howard County, we love our teachers and appreciate all they do. They are among the best in our nation! I recently visited our Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Teachers of the Year to say “Thank You” for their excellence and dedication to our students. Jessica Nichols, a superb social studies teacher at River Hill High School, is our nominee for the Maryland State Department of Education Teacher of the Year award. From Ellicott Mills Middle School, Jeanette Swank was selected as our exceptional representative for the distinguished Washington Post Teacher of the Year award. Both amazing educators engage and inspire students and co-workers in and out of the classroom. We are honored to have you in our schools. Congratulations!

Our Soaring Principal of the Year

Congratulations to our outstanding county educators! HCPSS recently announced that Centennial High School’s Dr. Joelle Miller is the 2024 Principal of the Year. She will represent our school system as a nominee for The Washington Post Principal of the Year as well. She is a great leader for our Eagles and beyond! Thank you and congratulations, Principal Miller, as you keep soaring to greatness.

Bus A Move!

Last fall, we approved our five-year Transit Development Plan, which envisions new Regional Transportation of Central Maryland (RTA) connections to important locations throughout Central Maryland. In the proposed FY25 budget, we are putting this plan into action by committing $120,000 dollars to extend RTA transit service to the HCPSS Central Office campus, which includes the Applications and Research Laboratory and the Homewood Center. These options expand opportunities for students from every corner of Howard County.

This vital connection builds upon our free bus pass program for HCPSS and Howard Community College (HCC) students. This year alone, more than of our 750 middle and high school students, who live throughout Howard County, have taken advantage of free RTA bus passes, which are available through the Transit app. This empowers our students to travel between home, school, a first job, and other destinations in Howard County.

As we create more transit routes, we also recognize the importance of maintaining a modern and reliable bus fleet. This year, we will also commit $1.7 million toward bus replacements and new bus purchases for our RTA system and the future FLASH bus rapid transit route.

A Vino Scholastico Time!



I had a great time stopping by HCC to support its Education Foundation at Vino Scholastico. The work of the foundation is important to providing for student scholarships and academic needs. Thank you to Dr. Willis, the Board of Trustees, and all the staff and faculty who remain committed to ensuring our Dragons have access to high quality education. Together, I know that we can help our students get there, from here.

Exploring Our Rights

I had a wonderful time joining our Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) for its Landlord-Tenant Conference. During this impactful day, both landlords and tenants gained valuable information on their rights, obligations, and received guidance on county services. They also built stronger bonds of communication with each other. By learning more about collective rights, building credit, and lowering debt, we are helping all our residents improve financial wellness on their journey HOME.

Special thank you to Tracy Rezvani and the entire OCP team for pulling together an empowering event!

One School, Many Cultures



In Howard County, our diversity is our strength. By celebrating our differences, we are creating avenues for people to be their best selves and authentically live their purpose. I was excited to see that exemplified at the 5th Annual Dayton Oaks Elementary School PTA Cultural Festival. From the food and cultural attire to the performances and thoughtful presentations, this was an incredible showcase of our community.

Thank you to Principal McKinney and Ms. Thakker for hosting another incredible festival with our amazing Dayton Oaks family.

Join My Team!

My office is currently looking to fill several vacant positions. To learn more and apply, please click the respective link below.

• Health Benefits Program Manager (Assistant HR Administrator), Office of Human Resources – Position leads and directs the daily management and administration of the benefits program to include health insurance plans for active employees and retirees, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, leave of absence management, and other ancillary benefit programs.  
• Engineering Manager I (Deputy Bureau Chief of Utilities) - Public Works, Bureau of Utilities – Manages the technical/engineering aspects of the Bureau of Utilities, as well as the support functions to include operational budgeting and accounting for the Utility Fund and purchasing for the Bureau.
• Regulation Support Technician I - Public Works/Utilities, Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant – assist in the daily operation of the Howard County Industrial Pretreatment Program.
• Senior Attorney - Employment Law and Litigation, Office of Law – Work involves handling a wide variety of complex legal issues for County Government involving labor, employment, personnel, and other matters, including representing the County in civil litigation and administrative proceedings, and advising agency administrators and legislative policymakers, decisionmakers and decision-making bodies.
• Preschool Camp Directors & Assistant Directors - Department of Recreation & Parks – Recreation & Parks is seeking active, engaging and responsible staff for preschool summer camps. Responsibilities will include supervising children and planning curriculum as well as the daily operations and administrative responsibilities of the camps.
• CAD Administrator (Technical Services Support Specialist II) – Police Department, Communications Division – Provides information technology management services for Howard County Police Department, and more.
• Therapeutic Recreation Aquatics Operator - Department of Recreation & Parks – Oversees all aspects of the swimming lesson, open swim and Water Exercise and aquatic program at the Cedar Lane Therapy Pool.
• Career Coach - Office of Workforce Development – Coordinates career exploration resources, identifies and collaborates with partners to develop career exploration activities and administers these activities in the middle and high schools. 

I encourage interested persons to apply today! To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.

On this Month’s HoCo Community Chat Podcast

Our Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) Director Jackie Scott will highlight Older Americans Month and National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day this month during her HoCo Community Chat Podcast.

In her first segment, Jackie focuses on Older Americans Month and this year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” and how DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is connecting our older adults through its Virtual 50+ Employment Expo on May 30th. Jackie is joined by Expo Partner Consultant Ann Happ, the Jewish Council on Aging and OAI’s Administrator Ofelia Ross Ott for the segment.

In her second segment, Jackie is joined by Nicole’s Fun and Learning Family Child Care owner Nicole Smith and DCRS Office of Children and Families (OCF) early childhood program specialist Marissa Hill to discuss National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day on May 10th. Together, the women discuss the importance of licensed childcare providers and how they strengthen our families. 

For DCRS’s latest podcast, be sure to stay tuned on BuzzSprout or check out HoCo Community Chat wherever you listen to your podcasts. If there is something specific you want to hear discussed, email DCRS at communityresources@howardcountymd.gov.

It’s Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week!

Join me and DCRS’s OCF this Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 5th through May 11th) as we highlight the importance of caring for every child’s mental health and the positive supports essential to a child’s healthy development. Be sure to show your support all week long by lighting your home and/or business green, and be sure to wear green tomorrow, May 7th in honor of Children’s Mental Health Day!

You can also learn how to connect with available mental health resources in our area in this months’ OCF Parent Pages issue. In fact, next Monday, May 13th, OCF will be hosting a “Navigating Your Child’s Mental Health Journey” workshop from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. During this FREE virtual workshop, participants will learn about the stages of mental health and how to find local resources and supports to help you help your child. To register for this workshop, click HERE.

Howard County Virtual 50+ Employment Expo

If you are an older adult looking for employment opportunities, DCRS’ FREE virtual 50+ Employment Expo is here to help. Sponsored by OAI and held in partnership with the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington, D.C., this virtual event is set to take place on Thursday, May 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will provide attendees with the opportunity to:

• Network with other jobseekers via Zoom chat;
• Attend two virtual workshops relevant to your job search;
• Listen to area employers talk about their organization and openings; and
• Ask potential employers questions and get answers in chat.

Job seekers, to register to participate, click HERE today. To learn more about what other events OAI has scheduled this month in honor of Older Americans Month, click HERE.

If you are a potential employer interested in participating in our 50+ Employment Expo and have at least three job openings you are looking to fill with the right candidates, click HERE to register. 

Department of County Administration

Howard County is Redesigning its Flag!

Do you have a great design idea for a new Howard County flag? If yes, click HERE to learn how you can submit up to three original designs to be considered for Howard County's new official flag. For questions, email flag@howardcountymd.gov.

The deadline to submit your design(s) is Sunday, June 30th. 

Office of Emergency Management

WATCH vs. WARNING, Knowing the Difference

With the start of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season just one month away, our Office of Emergency Management is offering up this quick little reminder on how to remember the difference between a WATCH and WARNING. 

Think of it like baking a cake. A Cake WATCH means you have all the ingredients to bake a cake, but you haven’t start making the cake yet. Whereas a Cake WARNING means the all the ingredients have made the cake. 

You can also learn more about the different weather watches and warnings by visiting the U.S. National Weather Service's website.

Department of Finance

Aging in Place Tax Credit

Aging in Place tax credit applications are now open! To be eligible for this tax credit, applicants must at least 65 years old and at least 30 years, as of June 30th preceding the tax year, residing in a dwelling with an assessed property value up to $650,000.

The number of years qualifying individuals may receive the credit is eight years. The credit will automatically renew unless the homeowner is no longer eligible. The deadline to apply will be June 30, 2024.

Learn more about our tax credits at www.howardcountymd.gov/finance/tax-credits. 

Senior Tax Credit

The Senior Tax Credit, a credit of 25% of the county property tax, is available to residents aged 65 and older with a combined household income of $102,200 or less and net assets under $500,000, not including the value of their home. 

Applicants with income less than $60,000 are required to apply for the State of Maryland Homeowner Property Tax Credit.

Trash, Bay, Watershed Protection Fee Hardship Tax Credit

Homeowners with limited income may qualify for a 60 percent credit against the Trash Fee and Watershed Protection Fee and an exemption from the State Bay Fee.

A family of four may qualify with income up to $78,000 for tax year 2024. Renters may also qualify for an exemption from the State Bay Fee.

The deadline to apply for this tax credit is June 30, 2024. Seniors who receive the Senior tax credit will receive the hardship credit.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Applications Now Being Accepted for Trainee Class 39

Want to become a firefighter or know someone who does? Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) is currently accepting applications for its Trainee Class 39. The job application can be found on the County's Careers website and will be accepted through 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 17th. 

To learn more about DFRS's recruitment/application process and employment qualifications, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/fire-and-rescue-services/recruitment.

Health Department

Answer the Howard Health Survey Call

Every two years, Howard County Health Department (HCHD) and partners from the Horizon Foundation, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center and the Columbia Association, conduct a health assessment survey to better understand the health needs of Howard County residents. This confidential and brief survey, conducted by an independent research firm, helps identify critical health issues to help improve the health of the county. If you see 443-853-9600 or Howard Health Survey on your caller ID now through June, please answer the call!

In the meantime, to view previous Health Survey reports, visit HCHD’s "Reports & Data" website. 

Office of Human Rights and Equity

Hate Has No Place: Reporting Hate Crimes and Hate Bias Incidents

I invite all to join our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) next Wednesday, May 15th at 7:00 p.m. at DCRS’s East Columbia 50+ Center, for a public forum on hate crimes and hate bias incidents (HBIs). Featuring a panel of subject matter experts, this event will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about reporting hate crimes and HBIs, as well as learn how these reports are investigated by law enforcement.

To be a part of this important event, click HERE to register. For questions and/or more information about this event, please email ohre@howardcountymd.gov. 

Department of Planning and Zoning

EV Charger Checklist

To assist electric vehicle owners with the install of an vehicle charger in a dedicated homeowners association parking spot, our Department of Planning and Zoning has put together this checklist, outlining the items you’ll need to submit your EV charger approval submission.  

For questions and/or more information, contact DPZ’s Development Engineering Division via email at ded@howardcountymd.gov.

Stay in the Know About the Future of Gateway

Stay in the know about DPZ's Gateway Master Plan by visiting the Plan's website, www.howardcountymd.gov/gateway, where you can also sign up to receive future Gateway Master Plan updates.

Route 1 Tax Credit Program

DPZ is accepting applications for this year’s Route 1 Tax Credit program! If you own a commercial or industrial property on the Route 1 Corridor, you may be eligible to receive up to $100,000 of tax credit for qualified façade and landscape improvements visible from the Corridor area. Eligible improvements include building façade upgrades, new signage, exterior painting and lighting, screening and landscaping, and other options. 

For more information or to apply: www.howardcountymd.gov/Route1TaxCredit.

Police Department

Warmer Weather Scams

With warmer weather, comes an increase in unsolicited door-to-door seasonal scams, like driveway paving and resealing, tree trimming and removal, utility service for gas or water problems, and roof repairs or inspection. To avoid falling victim to one of these warmer weather scams, our Howard County Police Department and DCRS’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) are offering up these tips. 

While some reputable companies do offer their services door-to-door, they are required to possess a Howard County Peddler/Solicitors Card. Residents should request to see this card in addition to a company identification card.

To report an unregistered salesperson, or to get more information about shopping for home improvement services, contact OCP at 410-313-6420 or email consumer@howardcountymd.gov. You can also find more information about scams by clicking HERE.

If you still have doubts, contractors and landscapers must be registered through Maryland state agencies. Ask for their license numbers and verify through the Maryland Department of Labor’s Licensing Queries website. 

Department of Public Works

Bureau of Highways

Caution, WET PAINT! 

Every spring and summer, as weather permits, the County's Department of Public Works (DPW) refreshes lane line marking paint to ensure that street markings are highly visible and our roadways are safe.

As DPW gets ready to launch its 2023 painting season this month, the department is reminding motorists to show caution and patience when they come upon a paint truck convoy driving slowly in the roadway. To avoid wet paint:

• NEVER pass the paint truck or trail vehicle;
• NEVER change lanes behind the striping truck or trail vehicles;
• DO NOT swerve back and forth to see around the paint truck or trail vehicle; and 
• If parked, wait five minutes before driving on the painted areas.

If you have questions and/or for more information, please contact DPW's Bureau of Highways at 410-313-7450 or email highways@howardcountymd.gov.

Bureau of Utilities

Residential Water Meter’s Replacement Program

With 16,000 meters left to be replaced, DPW’s Bureau of Utilities continues its residential water meter replacement program as existing water meters in the system approach the end of their useful life. It is vital these meters replaced to ensure accurate and timely water usage data. .

To complete the water meter replacement program quickly and efficiently, the County has contracted with Vanguard Utility Service. Residents will receive notification in the mail prior to meter installers arriving in their neighborhood with instructions on how to schedule an appointment. 

To learn more, click HERE. For questions or concerns, contact the Bureau of Utilities at 410-313-4900.

Public Works Construction Report

To learn about DPW projects currently underway, click HERE. Searchable by project category and street name, from this site you’ll find additional project details, including news releases about the project. You can also contact DPW’s Customer Service Office at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov for further assistance.

If you have questions or are interested in finding out about a State road (numbered roadway) project in your area, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) “Project Portal” website.

Maryland State Highway Administration

Southbound I-95 Bridge Maintenance Project

As a reminder, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun work to clean and paint the bridge on Guilford Road over southbound I-95 in Columbia. Crews will work overnight hours Sunday through Thursday and while the work is being accomplished, a protective shielding will be in place underneath the bridge that will lower the clearance on southbound I-95 from 16 feet to 14 feet, six inches. There will also be occasional single-lane and shoulder closures and the State's Maryland SafeZones Automated Speed Enforcement system will be utilized to enforce the speed limit of 65 miles per hour. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be complete in June.  

To learn more about this project, click HERE. For questions, contact SHA.

Department of Recreation and Parks

Trail Reroute Project Meeting

Tomorrow, May 7th, our Department of Recreation & Parks will be

holding a public informational meeting about its Plumtree Branch Trail Reroute project from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at DCRS’s Ellicott City 50+ Center. This meeting will discuss the new proposed route, hazardous trees to be removed and plans for the area moving forward. 

For questions about this project and/or meeting, please contact Meagan Poe at 410-313-4697 or email mpoe@howardcountymd.gov.

Recreation & Parks Job Fair

If you are interested in joining our Recreation & Parks team, be sure to join us this Saturday, May 11th from noon to 3:00 p.m. at our Recreation & Parks Headquarters, located at 7120 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia, for a Job Fair. We are currently recruiting for all positions and attendees will have the opportunity to apply, interview and be hired on the spot!

To learn more about current Recreation & Parks job opportunities, click HERE, and be sure to stay tuned to www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-and-parks-job-fair to learn more about this event.

Get Your Wine in the Woods Tickets 

Don’t forget to purchase your tickets today for Recreation & Parks’ 2024 Wine in the Woods, returning to Symphony Woods in Columbia, next weekend May 18th and 19th. Celebrating its 30th year, I invite you to come celebrate the charm and character of this annual wine festival that has aged to perfection. For a complete list of musical performers, food truck vendors and artisans/crafters booked for this two-day festival, visit www.wineinthewoods.com. 

PLEASE REMEMBER, our Department of Recreation & Parks is the ONLY one selling tickets. Please DO NOT be scammed by fake third-party vendors claiming to sell tickets. 

Sponsors Sought for Summer Concert Series

With the start of summer less than two months away, Recreation & Parks is now accepting sponsorship for its free 2024 Summer Concert series. Offering Silver and Gold sponsorship levels, to learn more about how to be a sponsor for this year’s summer concert series, click HERE.

Department of Technology and Communication Services

We Want to Hear from You

As we continue to work towards ensuring our website, www.howardcountymd.gov, is easy to navigate and user-friendly, we'd love to hear from you on what upgrades you think need to be made to improve our site. To share your thoughts, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/survey. We thank you in advance for your feedback.

Office of Transportation

May is Bike Month

May is Bike Month and this year, our Office of Transportation is again joining the Baltimore Metropolitan Council’s region-wide Bike to Work Central Maryland Week celebration (May 13th to May 19th), by hosting an in-person Bike FROM Work Day event next Friday, May 17th. The party runs from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at Color Burst Park, features shirts, swag, prizes and more and celebrates cycling as a healthy, green and FUN commute mode. To register for this year’s Bike FROM Work Day event, click HERE.

Of course, participants can ride any time during the week to anywhere and pick up their event shirt at any participating bike shop or at our pit stop (the registration location for the pitstop is 6000 Merriweather Drive in Columbia) on the 17th.