Today, County Executive Calvin Ball and the Office of Workforce Development launched a Virtual Summer Youth Program to connect 14-24 year-olds with jobs in Howard County. This five-week paid program focuses on job readiness skills and career exploration in a structured virtual learning environment.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced today a new Temporary Use Permit for Outdoor Table Service for restaurants and bars that do not currently have outdoor table service or need to expand existing outdoor table service. Beginning today, June 4th, businesses can apply by visiting: https://accela1.howardcountymd.gov/citizenaccess/. If the proposed outdoor seating is located on private property, businesses may provisionally set up and begin using the outdoor seating; however Howard County may suspend, revoke, or require modifications to the arrangement should conditions that conflict with Howard County guidelines or safe operations arise. If the proposed outdoor seating is located on county property, businesses must wait for their permit to be issued before setting up new seating. 

Howard County has compiled mental health resources and support for residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic and recent racial injustices. County Executive Calvin Ball has been keen on raising awareness and providing more mental health services to youth, launching the “It’s OK to Ask” campaign in 2019.

Howard County has received its share of the CARES Act funding, nearly $57 million ($56,830,393), from the State of Maryland. As a jurisdiction with a population under 500,000, Howard County was required to submit detailed applications documenting how grant funding is projected to be spent and execute a grant agreement with the State. Additionally, half of the County’s share of grant funding, $28,415,197, was granted to the Howard County Health Department, while the remaining half was transmitted directly to Howard County Government. Howard County Government has access to at least $9 million in funds granted to the Howard County Health Department to cover County health related expenses during the pandemic.

Howard County has received its share of the CARES Act funding, nearly $57 million ($56,830,393), from the State of Maryland. As a jurisdiction with a population under 500,000, Howard County was required to submit detailed applications documenting how grant funding is projected to be spent and execute a grant agreement with the State. Additionally, half of the County’s share of grant funding, $28,415,197, was granted to the Howard County Health Department, while the remaining half was transmitted directly to Howard County Government. Howard County Government has access to at least $9 million in funds granted to the Howard County Health Department to cover County health related expenses during the pandemic. 

Today, County Executive Calvin Ball announced the lifting of additional restrictions for retail, barbers and hair salons, as well as religious institutions.