ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has announced that Columbia has been named Maryland’s “Happiest Cities in America” for 2026 by WalletHub. Ranked in the top 15 happiest cities in America, Columbia previously ranked in top ten in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Once again, Columbia has been recognized as one of the happiest cities in America. Envisioned by Jim Rouse to be a 'garden for growing people' and designed to bring people together, Columbia offers walkability, beautiful parks and open spaces, a vibrant arts and culture community, outstanding schools, and a strong local economy. Columbia is a thriving community where neighbors support one another and families grow together and where the spirit of inclusion, diversity, and community engagement continue to make it a welcoming place to live, work, and play.
The personal finance outlet, WalletHub compared 182 of the largest U.S. cities to determine which is home to the happiest people in America. The outlet examined each city based on 29 key indicators of happiness, including depression rates, income growth, and average daily leisure time. Columbia ranked notably in the following metrics:
- 3rd – Emotional & Physical Well-Being
- 162nd – Income & Employment
- 101st – Community & Environment
This latest recognition joins Columbia’s long list of accolades, which over the last two years, has included Columbia receiving a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2025 Municipal Equality Index for fifth consecutive year and being named one of the Best Cities to Find a Job, Best Places to Live in the U.S., Best City to Live and Raise a Family in America, and Happiest Cities in America.
Since taking office in December 2018, Ball’s administration has worked tirelessly to ensure Columbia continues to grow and be a vibrant and inclusive community that reflects Rouse’s original vision. Just last year alone, Ball and his team took major steps in fortifying Columbia’s future.
Ball kicked off 2025 with the unveiling the County’s Department of Planning and Zoning’s transformative Gateway Preferred Master Plan. This Master Plan introduces Gateway as a forward-thinking Innovation District designed to fuel sustainable job creation, foster long-term economic growth, and attract the brightest minds in research, entrepreneurship, and technology. Ball also unveiled the county’s first-ever Enterprise Zone in January. An economic gamechanger, the Eastern Howard County Enterprise Zone is a massive incentive program for businesses in Columbia Gateway, as well as along Route 1, offering tax credits to businesses looking to reinvest in their properties and tax benefits to those looking to grow their employment base.
Additionally in April 2025, Ball broke ground on the new Performing Arts Center (PAC) and Artists Flats in Downtown Columbia. The PAC will grow and expand Downtown Columbia as a destination for the arts, becoming a part of a broader network of arts organizations in the area, including the Merriweather Arts & Culture Center, Inner Arbor Trust, the Lakefront, Color Burst Park, and the Chrysalis. Ball was also joined by Howard County Police Department Chief Gregory Der in April to announce the creation of new assignments and additional permanent police resources in Downtown Columbia to enhance community safety.
In July 2025, he joined the Columbia Association (CA) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between Howard County Government and CA to enhance collaboration and strengthen local action on climate and energy independence. Also in July, he broke ground on two impactful redevelopment projects that will expand affordable housing options in Columbia once complete.
Moreover, in October 2025, Ball provided a comprehensive update on the implementation of the Downtown Columbia Plan. A 30-year master plan for the revitalization and redevelopment of Downtown Columbia, the Downtown Columbia Plan focuses on land use, transportation, environmental, community conversation, and housing policies.
Finally, in December 2025, Ball announced the Howard County Council had approved his two pieces of legislation – Council Resolution 223-2025 and Council Bill 69-2025, to advance affordable housing and begin the planning and design process of a new Howard County Library System Central Branch in Downtown Columbia.