Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Releases Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Budget, Prioritizing Education, Community Facilities, and Infrastructure Across Howard County

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today submitted his proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to the Howard County Council. This carefully crafted $432.6 million package provides critical resources for education, community facilities, public safety, flood control, infrastructure maintenance, transportation, and more. Ball’s proposed budget and detailed letter to the County Council can be found online on Howard County Government’s website.

The CIP calls for capital projects to be funded through a combination of:

• $120.7 million in General Obligation bonds;
• $79.1 million in one-time Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) funding; and
• Low-interest loans, grants, and other designated sources.

This variety of sources exemplifies Howard County’s ongoing efforts to control its debt service levels and diversify funding streams.

Education

Ball’s proposed FY27 CIP Budget fully funds the capital funding requests for the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), Howard Community College (HCC), and the Howard County Library System (HCLS). This commitment to educational institutions ensures that residents of Howard County can access quality facilities that promote lifelong learning, from our libraries and our schools to our community college.

Ball’s proposed FY27 CIP Budget fully funds the Board of Education’s (BOE) capital funding request for the fifth consecutive year. The budget recommends $116.6 million in local and state funding to create the best teaching and learning environment for students and educators. Funding includes $98.6 million from the County – representing the highest local funding in more than 25 years and exceeding last year’s $66.7 million by nearly 50 percent – reflecting a $32 million increase in support for school construction and renovation priorities. Notably, the local funding contribution is also $9 million higher than the BOE’s initial request in fall 2025 due to lower State funding assumptions that were shifted to the County in the BOE’s final budget request approved on February 26, 2026.

This capital budget prioritizes safety, critical infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and school capacity across many HCPSS educational facilities, including:

• $52.2 million to support various renovations and address maintenance needs across the school system, including HVAC replacements, lab maintenance, athletic needs, air quality, special education needs, security measures, and more;
• $16.8 million to address new electrical, mechanical, plumbing, technology, roofing, and life safety systems at Oakland Mills Middle School, and the addition of 195 seats to expand the school’s capacity;
• $5 million to renovate Dunloggin Middle School’s existing facility and expand its educational program space by adding 136 seats to the school;
• $6.5 million to address deferred maintenance at Patapsco Middle School based on the facility condition index and to meet capacity and programmatic needs;
• $5.3 million to plan and construct a new elementary school – Elementary School #43, adding 490 new seats in the county’s southeast area;
• $6.2 million to address roof replacement and maintenance across educational facilities;
• $6.8 million for information technology investments and parking enhancements. 

Additionally, while not included in the BOE’s capital funding request, the County continues advancing efforts to secure land for High School #14 in Elkridge. The State of Maryland recently approved Howard County’s request to convert approximately 29 acres of parkland at Troy Park for the future High School 14 in Elkridge. Combined with other County-owned land at Troy Park, Howard County is now able to dedicate approximately 49 acres of land at Troy Park for High School 14.

Howard Community College

This proposed budget fully funds Howard Community College’s FY27 Capital request, providing significant support to advance HCC’s priorities, including $3 million in County funding to address deferred maintenance and other systemic renovation needs. This proposed budget also includes major interior improvements, café upgrades, systemic renovations, and necessary modifications to college buildings and facilities. The budget also advances the construction of the new Cathy and Danny Bell Workforce Development and Trades Center at HCC. Combined with $11 million in prior County appropriation, construction on this vital project is progressing rapidly with additional support of $2.1 million in state aid and $3.3 million in HCC funding.

Howard County Library System 

Following the County Council’s bipartisan approval of legislation in December 2025 to advance Howard County Library System’s new Central Branch at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront, Ball’s proposed FY27 Capital Budget fully funds the HCLS FY27 Capital request, including $7.5 million in anticipated State and federal funds for conceptual design and land acquisition for the new Central Library. This critical grant funding builds upon $10 million in previously allocated State funding for a new Central Branch, allowing the County to continue advancing this project in FY27 without additional local appropriations needed in the current fiscal year. Importantly, the County has updated the total estimated project budget for the new Central Branch, which is approximately 10 percent lower than the project budget developed three years ago.

Public Safety

In continuing to prioritize critical infrastructure to support Howard County’s public safety needs, this budget includes $8.5 million toward funding the Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS), specifically:

• $2 million to support the new Station 15, located at HCPSS’s Central office property off MD 108, for which construction is slated to begin in FY27; 
• $4.5 million to support land acquisition efforts for Station 16 in western Ellicott City;
• $500,000 towards the department’s rural fire protection program;
• Continued systemic improvements of existing stations; and 
• Building designs to transform the former State Armory in Ellicott City into DFRS’s new headquarters, as well as supporting future equipment storage needs.

The budget also includes $600,000 for public safety system enhancements to support the Howard County Police Department’s Computed Aided Dispatch system, real time information center, and other public safety hardware and applications.

Additionally, $1.3 million has been set aside for continued renovations to the Howard County’s Detention Center, including completion of security alarm system upgrades and improvements to the inmate emergency response system.

This budget also includes $1.9 million for overall systemic public safety improvements, including U.S. Digital and CCTV upgrades at various fire stations, various system upgrades, deferred maintenance, and other miscellaneous repairs at County fire or police stations.

“In Howard County, our residents shouldn’t only be safe, but they should feel safe. These investments help build on collective efforts to prioritize public safety and enhancing our commitment to building a safe community,” said Ball. 

Community and County Facilities

Ball’s proposed budget makes key investments to meet the evolving needs of the community, with particular emphasis on youth development, recreation, arts, and cultural enrichment. The proposed budget includes $34.4 million in new funding for the new Elkridge Community and 50+ Center located in the Elkridge Civic District. Combined with $36.7 million in previously approved funding for the project in Fiscal Year 2025 and Fiscal Year 2026, construction of this new facility is slated to commence this year. At approximately 73,000 square feet, this multifunctional facility will include a new and expanded 50+ center, youth programming spaces, recreational amenities, flexible community areas that support a wide range of public activities, and a destination playground. Once completed, the facility will strengthen community engagement by creating a central location for Elkridge residents to gather, learn, and participate in a wide range of activities.

Following the successful conversion of Howard County land at Troy Park in Elkridge for the future High School 14, the County identified $13 million in land acquisition savings that can be dedicated toward other community projects in the Elkridge area. This funding will be directed to support key community amenities in Elkridge, including new Community Garden Plots and a new state-of-the-art Multi-Sport Athletic Facility. Of the $13 million, Ball’s budget directs $12.5 million toward the land acquisition and design of the Multi-Sport Athletic Facility. This 100,000 square foot facility will serve Howard County residents and athletes from surrounding jurisdictions as a major venue for training, competitions, and regional athletic events.

In addition, as Ball announced on March 19th, he has included $3.5 million for the design of the first-ever County-owned ice rinks at Meadowbrook Athletic Complex in Ellicott City. Once complete, this modern ice sports facility will provide year-round recreational and competitive opportunities, including public skating, lessons, summer camps, youth and adult leagues, figure skating clubs, youth hockey groups, and special events. 

Finally, Ball’s proposed FY27 Capital Budget also includes funding to support Phase 2 of The Capitoline Center in Ellicott City, which will advance the planned relocation of the County’s successful Roving Radish program, shared kitchen space, and exterior renovations and site work to the historic courthouse complex. Ball officially opened the first phase of The Capitoline Center earlier this year, welcoming the Howard County Arts Council to its new location and opening Howard County’s first Asian American and Pacific Islander Cultural Center.

Flood Control, Infrastructure, and Technology

In his proposed FY27 Capital Budget, Ball has included $37.2 million to continue implementing elements of his comprehensive Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan. This includes a $23 million low-interest State Revolving Loan for the North Tunnel, a $10 million low-interest State Revolving Loan for Pond T-1, and a $4.2 million grant for the Maryland Avenue Culverts. Following the devastating 2011, 2016, and 2018 floods in Historic Ellicott City, this Plan has made major progress towards addressing flooding in the Tiber-Hudson Watershed and protect Historic Ellicott City. In the last year, the County completed construction of the H-4 Pond, continued construction on the North Tunnel, and began design for the T-1 Pond.

Howard County’s emphasis on stormwater and flood mitigation infrastructure goes beyond Ellicott City and extends to county-wide resiliency. That is why Ball’s proposed budget includes $1 million in funding for vulnerable watershed restoration and resiliency throughout the county. This vital funding will target various neighborhoods that are experiencing localized drainage issues. 

Ball’s budget also includes $14.8 million to maintain and upgrade the deteriorating outlet structures of many of Howard County’s existing stormwater management ponds. This work will make the ponds safer and more resilient in the face of global climate change. Out of the 187 ponds in Howard County, 63 are rated in critical condition, requiring an investment of nearly $13 million a year to address seven to eight ponds annually. Additionally, to meet State-mandated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit requirements, the County also needs to invest $3 to $4 million per year to construct projects that will treat existing impervious surfaces to improve water quality.

Additionally, to keep up with the growing demands on Howard County’s Department of Public Works (DPW) water delivery, sewer collection, and metropolitan district distribution systems, the proposed FY27 budget contains approximately $50.9 million in funding for maintenance, upgrades, and operational needs, including:

• $13.7 million for the water asset management program; 
• $6.6 million for the sewer asset management program; 
• $5.1 million to support the program for upgrades to various water and wastewater facilities; and
• $24 million to support maintenance, operation, and upgrades at the Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant

A key FY27 effort also included in the budget is $1.5 million to support DPW’s Service Line Stewardship Program to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s latest Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.

Furthermore, as technology continues to evolve, it is imperative to make improvements to our information technology (IT) systems to ensure they remain secure, stable, resilient, and up to date. The proposed budget dedicates $11 million toward technology modernization and infrastructure projects across the county that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technology, including:

• A $2 million investment in constituent management technologies to modernize user experiences incorporating AI tools, including the buildout of the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits new AI permitting platform;
• $1 million for the upkeep of the County’s fiber network;
• $1 million for public safety radio enhancements;
• $4.6 million for enterprise resource planning;
• $600,000 for additional public safety support; and
• $1.5 million for other IT system needs

“These investments will yield long-term benefits to enhance efficiency and accessibility for residents, increasing confidence, ease and interaction across government platforms,” said Ball.

The budget also proposes $7.9 million in County funding for energy management improvements to promote energy independence and efficiency in alignment with “HOWARD COUNTY CLIMATE FORWARD: Climate Action and Resiliency Plan.” This includes $4.7 million to leverage $3.2 million in anticipated grants, energy rebates, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Elective Pay to continue various energy efficiency projects, such as new geothermal heating and cooling systems and energy efficient equipment to replace aging systems. These investments aim to reduce climate pollution, promote energy independence, and yield operating budget savings by lowering utility bills and reducing equipment maintenance costs.

Additionally, the FY27 proposed budget also allocates $14 million toward the construction of community solar projects on County properties, including one solar array on a former landfill and four new solar carports over parking lots. The electricity generated by these solar arrays will have a tremendous return on investment to low- and moderate-income households, who can purchase energy at a 25 percent or greater discount off average utility rates. This funding is comprised of $7.3 million in County funding and $6.7 million in IRS Elective Pay and state grants. Funds generated by this project will support its future operating costs and will be used to repay any bond debt incurred.

Transportation

Through his proposed CIP, Ball continues to make substantial investments in Howard County’s accessible and reliable transportation network. This includes $12.5 million to support the continued implementation of Pedestrian Master Plan, Bicycle Master Plan, and Complete Streets Policy infrastructure across the county. Various multimodal projects include crosswalks, sidewalks, and shared-use pathway projects, including along Guilford Road, Montgomery Road, Cedar Lane, Tamar Drive, and US 1. This funding will also support the establishment of a new capital project for North Laurel Complete Streets to coordinate multimodal improvements across the North Laurel area. Finally, the County is also committing $500,000 to enhance and improve connections along school walking routes.

The proposed budget also allocates $2 million in County funding to support the design and construction of bus stations for Montgomery County’s extension of its Flash Bus Rapid Transit service along the US 29 corridor in Howard County, and other passenger amenities and access improvements at 50 Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland bus stops.

Additionally, the proposed budget includes more than $10 million in County PAYGO funding to address pavement preservation and roadway resurfacing needs along County owned and maintained roadways to ensure the County can effectively maintain its aging roadway network.

“In FY27, we will continue to focus on maintaining and repairing our County’s critical infrastructure, such as bridges, emergency structures, potholes, sidewalks, storm drains, and culverts, as well as reconstructing ad modifying existing traffic signals and intersections to include new pedestrian facilities and enhancing priority water and sewer projects,” said Ball. “The performance and reliability of all our transportation assets, both new and old, remains a top priority.”

Recreation & Parks

Howard County’s vast parks and recreational facilities are treasured by our community and visitors and Ball’s proposed FY27 CIP Budget features $16.4 million in local and state funding toward various park projects and renovations to existing facilities. The budget includes $12.9 million in County funding and $3.5 million in anticipated state and federal grants to fund parkland acquisition, aging infrastructure repairs, and site improvements to the Bollman Truss Bridge, Cedar Lane Park, Font Hill Wetlands Park bridge and pathway, Ilchester Park and Recreation Center, Rockburn Branch Park, and Western Regional Park.

The proposed FY27 budget also includes $3.9 million to fund improvements to County park roadways, parking lots, sports courts, and historic structures and sites. Furthermore, the budget advances an additional $3 million in County funding and $1 million in anticipated federal funding to support the design and first phase of construction at the new Public Gardens at the Longwood property in Glenwood, providing community members and visitors with a beautiful, reflective, and sustainable space.

Finally, with the anticipated receipt of approximately $2 million in Maryland Department of Natural Resources Program Open Space assistance, this budget includes funding to support a variety of county-wide systemic park improvements and the acquisition of future parkland.

The County Council has scheduled public hearings regarding the CIP on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM and on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 9:30 AM. A final vote on the budget is planned for Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM. To learn more about the County Council’s budget process and sign up to provide public testimony, please visit: https://cc.howardcountymd.gov/. 

Here’s what others had to say about Ball’s proposed FY27 Capital Budget:

• William J. Barnes, Superintendent, Howard County Public School System: “I am extraordinarily appreciative of this unprecedented investment in our school buildings and capital needs. This commitment by the County Executive will result in critical upgrades, renovations, and repairs that will benefit so many communities across Howard County. I appreciate the collaborative efforts of County Executive Ball, the Board of Education, and the students, staff, and families who were deeply engaged and influential throughout the budget development process. My hope is that this historic investment accelerates the timeline for projects we wish could have been funded as part of the FY 2027 capital budget request.” 
• Jen Mallo, Chair, Howard County Board of Education: “The commitment to fully fund the Board of Educations requested capital budget will relieve elementary school overcrowding in the southeast part of the county, provide critical classrooms to meet the needs of preK learners, keep the school system moving towards meeting the goals of the Blueprint for Education, make it so we are not leaving money on the table from the state, renovate middle schools, make a real, substantive dent in deferred maintenance that has built up in recent decades, improve access for those who are mobility challenged, tackle critical security enhancements, and much more.  I thank the County Executive, the Superintendent and his team, and my colleagues for their steadfast belief in the importance of making our physical schools the best they can be for our students. This is what collaboration and cooperation can bring about.”
• Meg Ricks, Vice Chair, Howard County Board of Education: "I am incredibly grateful for this significant investment in our schools, students, and communities. Across the county and the Board of Education, we share deep concern about growing deferred maintenance and the needs of our instructional spaces. Even with increased funding in recent years, our list of needs continues to grow faster than we can address them. This investment by the County Executive enables us to make meaningful progress and positively impact communities throughout the county. I am especially appreciative of our staff and community members who have shown up year after year to advocate for our schools and do the hard work. When we come together with a shared commitment to collaboration, we can accomplish great things."
• Daria Willis, PhD, President, Howard Community College: "We are grateful for Dr. Ball's vision of a thriving Howard Community College, and the associated outcomes its growth can create for students, families, and communities throughout Howard County. We understand the delicate balance that all elected officials must strike in the budget-making process, particularly in lean economic times. HCC applauds the commitment of the County Executive and his entire staff in researching and advancing a budget that, through capital investment, prioritizes world-class teaching and learning, wealth building through career training, and the sustainability of our competitive academic programs and wraparound services for students of all interests and dreams."
• Tonya Aikens, President and CEO, Howard County Library System: “We are thrilled that the County Executive included critical funding in his proposed Capital Budget to continue moving the Central Library at the Lakefront forward. Continued investment in this landmark project represents a meaningful commitment to expanding access to knowledge, connection, and lifelong learning for all ages, from babies to seniors. We especially appreciate the County Executive’s ongoing collaboration and shared vision in advancing this project.”
• Rob Mentz, Chair, Howard County Library System Board of Trustees: ”On behalf of the Howard County Library System Board of Trustees, we thank the County Executive for fully funding our capital budget request and for his ongoing support of the new Central Library at the Lakefront. We look forward to our continued partnership as we advance this project for the benefit of the entire community.”
• Philippe DeRosier Jr., Manager of Fitness and Recreation, Howard Community College: “Howard County, Maryland really needs an indoor track and field complex, especially with how much talent is coming out of the area right now. From strong high school programs to college athletes, the growth is real, and you can see it with athletes like Ameer Mowad at Howard Community College and Zachary Johnson in YEP Track and Field. Coaches like Sanjay Aye are also doing big things, training so many local kids and helping raise the level across the county. Having an indoor facility would give athletes a place to train year-round and keep them close to home instead of having to travel elsewhere. Overall, it’s a step forward that would really help Howard County continue to grow and keep its talent right here.”
• Bud Buonato, Howard Huskies Director and Past President: “By adding two rinks here in Howard County, we’re able to reduce those barriers to entry, and provide more opportunities for kids to play. For programs like Columbia Figure Skating Club and the Howard County Youth Hockey Program, this new facility will be transformative in what we’re able to do. Consistent availability means better development and more practice opportunities. It creates a true home and creates the kind of foundation every strong program needs to build a lasting culture of pride and success.”
• Tami Shaw, Executive Director, Ellicott City Partnership: "The Ellicott City Partnership is proud to express our strong support for Howard County's FY27 proposed Capital Budget. This budget represents a continued and unwavering commitment to the safety and resilience of our historic community, and we are grateful to County Executive Ball for prioritizing the critical funding needed to advance the Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan. The investments outlined in this budget will drive meaningful, lasting progress on vital flood mitigation projects – such as the North Tunnel and the Maryland Avenue Culverts – that are essential to protecting the residents, homes, and businesses of Old Ellicott City for generations to come."
• Nikki Highsmith Vernick, President and CEO, Horizon Foundation: "Thanks to County Executive Ball’s leadership, and the work of many community partners, Howard County is now a national model for how to bring complete streets to life. These projects make a real difference in the day-to-day lives of our residents, and this administration should be immensely proud of this legacy. We must continue to make progress, particularly in historically disinvested areas, so we can achieve our vision of making Howard County a more walkable, bikeable, equitable, accessible and connected community.”
• Leslie Bauer, President, Howard County Farm Bureau: “On behalf of the Howard County Farm Bureau and the farming families we represent, I am extremely pleased that such generous funding has been included in the FY2027 Capital Budget for the future Agriculture Cultural Center at West Friendship Park. Our members have long advocated for a centralized facility that addresses the evolving needs of the ‘Rural West.’ This new facility is precisely the type of strategic investment needed to ensure our agricultural sector remains viable for future generations. The inclusion of a small business incubator and specialized research laboratory will provide local producers with essential resources to diversify their operations and improve sustainability. The Agriculture Cultural Center will serve as more than just a building; it will be a cornerstone for agricultural innovation and a gathering place for those who sustain our local food economy.”
• Kim Pezza, Chair, Howard County Environmental Sustainability Board: "County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball continues to be a champion for the residents of Howard County in his final year in office, honoring his commitment to address climate change and affordability by expanding solar energy across the county. The projects outlined in the FY27 Budget will provide at least a 25% discount on electric bills for low- and moderate-income (LMI) households, and some electricity will be provided at no cost to low-income households selected by the state."