The Howard County Health Department is preparing to enter Vaccination Phase 1B and begin providing vaccine to Howard County residents who are 75 years and older, beginning Monday, January 25.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, the Office of Human Rights and Equity and the Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission invite you to join them for multiple events this weekend to celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced Dr. Denise Boston as the County’s first Equity and Restorative Practices Manager.

Howard County’s Department of Housing and Community Development is now accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit program January open enrollment period, its first enrollment period of 2021.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball recognized the 118th Korean American Day with a virtual celebration with community members.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has announced that the County was selected to apply for Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to finance the North Tunnel and other flood mitigation projects as part of the Ellicott City Safe & Sound plan.

Howard County Government offices, courts and animal shelter will be closed in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday on Monday, January 18th. However, regular trash, recycling and food scrap/yard trim services will be in effect and the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be open.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball noted Howard County’s unemployment rate for November dropped to 4.9%, down from 5.7% in October. Howard County reached a peak unemployment rate of 8.1% in April 2020 and has seen that decrease steadily since then.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball joined with Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, and Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, to express support for the Transit Safety and Investment Act.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has directed the Department of Public Works to illuminate the George Howard Building in Ellicott City with purple lighting in support of the Baltimore Ravens as they begin their playoff run this weekend.

Howard County saw a 43% increase in opioid related deaths in 2020 compared to 2019, part of national and statewide trend as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated opioid and substance misuse. There was a 2.6% decrease in non-fatal overdoses compared to the previous year.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball updated the community on the COVID-19 vaccination process and distribution.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball released the following statement regarding the ongoing riots at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.:

Columbia has been named the second Best City for Jobs in the United States for 2021 by WalletHub, the personal finance outlet. WalletHub compared 182 cities — including the 150 most populated U.S. cities, plus at least two of the most populated cities in each state — across two key dimensions, job market and socioeconomics.  

A Howard County construction project to connect 8379 and 8369 Old Frederick Road in Ellicott City to the County’s public sewer main is expected to begin on or about Thursday, January 7, 2021. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late March.

As 2020 comes to a close, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball released his administration’s mid-term accomplishments and progress on behalf of the residents of Howard County. The County Executive continued his administration’s progress under his seven pillars that empowers Ready and Successful Students, establishes Safe and Engaged Communities, champions a Clean and Sustainable Environment, invests in Thriving and Healthy Residents, builds Reliable and Accessible Infrastructure, and expands Strong and Prosperous Businesses while fostering an Innovative and Efficient Government.  

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the closing on the Savage remainder property, a five-acre parcel located to the west of Savage Mill, for $1.725 million. Howard County has now officially taken ownership of the property and will preserve the property as open space. The County will use Program Open Space (POS) – state funding designated for outdoor recreation and open space areas for public use – to complete this transaction.

Howard County Government offices and more to be closed on Friday, January 1, 2021 in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday. There will be no Friday trash, recycling, yard trim and food scrap curbside collection on January 1st, as such, the County's holiday slide schedule will be in effect.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the Howard County Health Department released frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and its distribution. The FAQs address the safety, efficacy, and potential side effects of the vaccine.

Last week, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball leaders from all levels of government on the virtual Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Winter Web Series, in lieu of the larger annual winter conference. Amongst many of his colleagues, Ball was elected as MACo’s Second Vice President at the Annual Meeting and Board Installation. As Second Vice President, Ball will serve as Chair of the Conference Planning Committee and help guide the overall layout for the next event.   

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced emergency legislation to reallocate $6.5 million of Howard County funds in FY2021 to immediately ensure critical pandemic support for residents, businesses, and families.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced Jack Kavanagh, Director of the Department of Corrections, is retiring after 18 years of service to Howard County, and more than four decades of public service in the correctional field.

Howard County Recreation & Parks Department’s annual Truck or Treat event was honored with the respected Learning Resources Network (LERN)’s 2020 International Award in Lifelong Learning for Programming. An outstanding achievement, this beloved family program was chosen from a competitive list of over 100 nominations submitted from around the world.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball released the following statement regarding the recently passed COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress: