May 22, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Today, Howard County Council passed Howard County's Rental Protection & Stability Act (CB-33) as amended, prohibiting an increase of commercial and residential rent during the State of Emergency.
"We remain committed to making Howard County a place where all of our residents thrive,” said County Executive Calvin Ball. “This much needed rental relief, which builds upon the $800,000 the County has provided to support rental assistance during the economic disruption this pandemic has caused, is critically important. I'm thankful to the County Council Members for passing the CB-33 as amended. Now more than ever, we must unite to invest in our future, and I look forward to signing this rental relief legislation."
Ball announced $800k in rental assistance and eviction relief in his proposed FY21 budget earlier this month.
Memorial Day Closures
Howard County Government offices, courts, animal shelter, 50+ centers and Alpha Ridge Landfill will be closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25. There will be no trash, recycling, yard trim or food scrap pick-up on Memorial Day. The county’s holiday "slide” schedule will be in effect; visit http://www.howardcountymd.gov/HolidaySchedule for more information. County operations will resume on Tuesday, May 26 at regular business hours; however, County Government buildings remain closed to the public at this time. For full details on Memorial Day closures, please click here.
“Memorial Day is a time to remember the fallen men and women of our armed services” said Ball. “While this pandemic continues to disrupt our lives, I hope that our residents will take a moment on Monday to remember those we have lost and their families.”
Child Care Updates
As Howard County continues to follow HoCo RISE framework for reopening, personnel of a recently reopened business are eligible for essential child care. Recently reopened businesses in Howard County include retail, manufacturing, and barber and hair salons. To see a full list of what is open, please click here.
Any personnel that must return to reopened business and need child care is able to get it through the Essential Personnel Child Care (EPCC) sites. These are child care providers that have been approved by the state to be open and taking care of children whose parents are deemed essential.
Howard County’s Office of Children and Families (OCF) is prepared to support child care providers as they reopen, as well as assist parents in finding child care. There are more than 170 approved EPCC programs in Howard County. The Office of Children and Families will update daily their directory of available providers as more become approved. If you need assistance navigating eligibility, registration or placement, please contact OCF by calling 410-313-2273 or email children@howardcountymd.gov.