Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball launched the “StayCOVIDSafe” campaign to amplify public health messaging during the holidays and winter months. The campaign launch corresponds with a revamped website, staycovidsafe.howardcountymd.gov and updated COVID-19 data dashboard to make it easier for residents and businesses to find information surrounding the County response, support and resources.

Howard County Government is offering residents a variety of FREE holiday tree recycling options through the County’s “Merry Mulch” program. Since 1993, the Merry Mulch program has kept thousands of trees out of the landfill, helping to save money and the environment. All collected trees are delivered to the Composting Facility at Alpha Ridge Landfill and recycled into compost and mulch. Residents are reminded that mask wearing at Alpha Ridge Landfill is always mandatory on the premises.

Today, County Executive Calvin Ball and the Howard County Health Department released guidance for residents to “StayCOVIDSafe” this holiday season.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball pre-filed legislation to improve the Forest Conservation Manual, which would implement the outdated Forest Conservation Act and be the strongest update in Maryland.

Howard County Government offices, animal shelter, Alpha Ridge Landfill, Cedar Lane and Schooley Mill Activity Rooms, Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, Robinson Nature Center, Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, and county historic sites will be closed on Friday, December 25th in observance of the Christmas holiday. Additionally, the County’s 50+ centers remain closed at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced $500,000 in CARES Act funding will go to support Howard County residents in need of energy assistance through the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC).

County Executive seeks applicants to fill two vacancies on the Commission on Veterans and Military Families – one family member of a veteran or active duty service member and one veteran who is a member of a veteran organization.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced Vegan Soul Bakery will be the newest addition to the Long Reach Village Center revitalization, occupying approximately 2,393 square feet.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball reminded residents and commercial users that masks must be worn at all times when visiting Alpha Ridge Landfill in Marriottsville.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball signed CB-63, The Liberty Act, which prevents County employees from asking about the immigration status of residents, discriminating based on immigration status, and requiring that certain information related to citizenship be kept confidential in Howard County. Additionally, Ball penned a letter to the Biden Administration Transition Team emphasizing the need for changes to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and their current operations around the country.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a grant of $2.47 million to Patuxent Commons, a unique and innovative housing development proposed for Columbia that will provide housing for people with disabilities in an inclusive community setting.

County Executive Calvin Ball is reminding residents to enroll for health coverage ahead of the deadline one week from today, December 15, 2020. Any Maryland resident who is currently uninsured may enroll today for one of the Maryland Health Connection's (MHC) private health plans. In areas of Howard County, the number of uninsured residents has doubled since the pandemic.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball released the following statement regarding the passing of former U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes:

County Executive Calvin Ball marked the first anniversary of the detailed “Age-Friendly Howard County” initiative. The initiative encompasses a three- to five-year plan to join the AARP network of age-friendly states and communities, an affiliate of the World Health Organization (WHO). Achieving this designation requires focused efforts to create a “livable” community and ensure Howard County continues to evolve as a great place to grow up and to grow older. 

Today, County Executive Calvin Ball announced Howard County’s comprehensive strategy to better understand the scope of COVID-10 spread among the population through serology testing. Ball shared a multi-pronged approach to introducing serology testing:  

Today, County Executive Calvin Ball announced Howard County’s comprehensive strategy to better understand the scope of COVID-19 spread among the population through serology testing.

Governor Hogan has called on County governments across the state to assist with needed staffing for testing and vaccination sites and to support increasing clinical needs in hospitals. Howard County stands ready to support COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, Sykesville Mayor Ian Shaw and County Department of Recreation & Parks Director Raul Delerme announced the completion of new improvements - improved parking, sidewalks, stormwater management controls and other amenities, to South Branch Park.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has announced the launch of a new pilot program to provide venison to local food banks. Any hunter, hunting in Howard County, can participate in the program by simply donating their deer to one of three local processors. The processed venison will then be delivered to the Howard County Food Bank by the County's Roving Radish.

Today, Columbia was recognized as the “Safest City in America” by WalletHub for the third year in a row. 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 three criteria, home & community safety, natural-disaster risk, and financial safety.   

Howard County’s Department of Public Works will hold a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, December 15th to discuss plans for a stream restoration project to stabilize an unnamed tributary to the Little Patuxent River at a site behind 3951-3959 Ducks Foot Lane.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball released the following statement in regards to the Circuit Court ruling of a preliminary injunction on the lawsuit between the Columbia Association and Inner Arbor Trust Downtown, Columbia Arts and Culture Commission, and It’s My Amphitheater Inc.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced the County has met its recent goal to stockpile a 90-day supply of personal protective equipment ahead of the winter months.

County Executive Calvin Ball and community leaders are encouraging Howard County residents to “Shop Small, Shop Local” this Saturday and throughout the upcoming holiday season.

Howard County Government offices, courts, animal shelter, Recreation & Parks’ community and athletic centers, activity rooms and historic sites, and the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be closed on Thursday, November 26th in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. As there will be no curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scrap collection on Thanksgiving Day, the County’s holiday "slide” schedule will be in effect for the remainder of the week.