Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Provides Comprehensive Update on Downtown Columbia Plan Implementation

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today provided a comprehensive update on the implementation of the Downtown Columbia Plan. As part of this update, Ball announced that he has submitted two pieces of legislation with the County Council intending to advance affordable housing and a new Howard County Library System (HCLS) Central Branch in Downtown Columbia. Photos from the event can be found on the County’s Flickr website.

Ball’s submitted legislation includes a resolution endorsing his pursuit of a Purchase and Sale Agreement to acquire land for the new Central Branch from The Howard Research and Development Corporation (HRD), an affiliate of Howard Hughes Communities. Additionally, Ball submitted a budget amendment that enables the County to begin utilizing previously allocated State funding for design of the new Central Branch. During the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Capital Budget, the County Council directed the County Executive to begin negotiations for the purchase of land at the Columbia Lakefront for the purpose of constructing a new Central Branch.

During Thursday’s press conference, Ball also outlined the general terms of a land transaction to advance both the Downtown Columbia affordable housing plan and the Central Branch. Under this plan, the County will acquire a parcel at the Columbia Lakefront for a new Central Branch, while HRD will convey a parcel in the Merriweather District for the Howard County Housing Commission (HCHC) to construct affordable housing in accordance with the Downtown Columbia Development Rights and Responsibilities Agreement (DRRA).

Affordable Housing

The DRRA, passed by the County Council in 2016, created a new affordable housing plan for Downtown Columbia. Through this plan, 900 affordable housing units in Downtown Columbia will be constructed during the 30-year plan horizon through close collaboration between HRD, the County, HCHC, and Columbia Downtown Housing Corporation (CDHC). These 900 affordable housing units include:

• 400 Very-Low to Middle-Income Units: HRD must ensure between six and 14 percent of all new units (built after the Metropolitan and TENmflats near The Mall in Columbia) in each residential building must be Very-Low to Middle-Income units, which are affordable to households earning up to 30 percent and 80 percent of the Area Median Income respectively, of which 52 units have been delivered to date.
• 417 Low Income Units: The HCHC is responsible for the development of five affordable housing communities in Downtown Columbia. HCHC will construct five communities that are specifically designed to provide affordable housing to tenants whose annual income does not exceed 60 percent of the Area Median Income of which 87 affordable units are currently under construction at the Artist Flats.
• 83 Affordable Units: As part of a homeownership and a live-where-you-work (LWYW) program, of which 19 have been delivered to date.

In addition, HRD has already contributed more than $8.5 million to facilitate the affordable housing plan in Downtown Columbia while also supporting the development of sites, such as the Artist Flats, through the donation of land and close collaboration with stakeholders throughout the County. HRD is also responsible for annual Community Enhancements, Programs, and Public Amenities (CEPPA) fees and additional ongoing fees, which support the affordable housing plan.

To date, 26 Very Low-Income Units, 26 Middle Income Housing Units, and 19 LWYW units have been delivered, totaling 71 affordable housing units in Downtown Columbia. An additional 87 affordable housing units are under construction at the Artist Flats, which will bring the total delivered in Downtown to 158 units once complete. This equates to approximately 18 percent of the DRRA requirement for affordable housing in Downtown Columbia.

The HCHC is responsible for developing the five Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) sites to achieve the 417 affordable housing units. With the exception of senior housing, these buildings must be mixed-income, with no more than 50 percent of the units in each building being affordable. The five LIHTC sites and their expected unit generation are highlighted below:

• Performing Arts Center/Artist Flats: The Artist Flats project is currently under construction as part of the new Performing Arts Center on the site of Toby’s Dinner Theater. Artist Flats will be 174 total housing units, of which 87 will be affordable.
• Merriweather Site (C-1 Parcel): The C-1 parcel in the Merriweather District was originally intended for a joint affordable housing and library project. With the move of HCLS's Central Branch to the Columbia Lakefront, this site will now be exclusively dedicated for mixed-income housing. This project originally called for up to 120 housing units under the DRRA. With the move of the Central Branch, this site can accommodate more than 120 housing units, of which 50 percent will be affordable. The final number of units will be determined by the HCHC following additional financial planning and site design.
• Existing Central Branch Site: Upon completion of the replacement Central Branch, the existing Central Branch will be demolished. The site will then be dedicated for mixed-income housing under the DRRA. While the DRRA did not specifically express a housing unit target for this parcel, the HCHC estimates that the site can accommodate approximately 200 mixed-income housing units, of which 50 percent will be affordable.
• Banneker Fire Station Site: The DRRA calls for the Banneker Fire Station site to be redeveloped as a joint Fire Station/affordable housing project. This site is intended to include up to 100 affordable housing units for seniors.
• Future Downtown Transit Center Site: The DRRA calls for HRD to provide a transit center site as part of the Downtown Columbia redevelopment. This site has been tentatively identified in the Symphony Overlook Neighborhood. While the DRRA did not specifically express a housing unit target for this parcel, the HCHC estimates that the transit center site can accommodate approximately 100 mixed-income housing units, of which 50 percent will be affordable.

“These five developments will be affordable and safe homes for hundreds of Howard County residents,” said Peter Engel, Executive Director of the Housing Commission. “The new homes will provide families and seniors with the ability to take advantage of all that the County has to offer, near to the many job opportunities that are vital for the local economy.”

During the press conference, Ball committed to continue his partnership with HCHC, CDHC, and HRD to ensure that the 900 units of affordable housing called for under the DRRA are achieved.

“The CDHC is committed to ensuring that Downtown Columbia becomes a truly inclusive community where people of all income levels can live and thrive", said Mary Ka Kanahan, President of the CDHC. "As stewards of the Fund dedicated to supporting LIHTC projects and a live-where-you-work program, we are proud to support the progress on the Merriweather site and the ultimate goal of delivering 900 affordable housing units as outlined in the DRRA. CDHC stands ready to invest in the priorities of this Administration to fulfill the DRRA and advance a vibrant, equitable future for Downtown Columbia."

Central Branch

HCLS's existing Central Branch was designed in 1978 and opened in 1981, nearly 50 years ago. At approximately 50,000 square feet in size, the Central Branch is no longer the largest library branch in the county and is undersized to meet the service demands and growing population, particularly as the flagship branch of HCLS.

Minor renovations to the building were completed in 2016 at a cost of $1.8 million, which supported interior alterations and interim fixes to ensure the continued use of the building. However, no major renovations have been completed in anticipation of the planned replacement of the Central Branch. Major building systems need replacement in the near future, including costly renovations for HVAC, plumbing, and elevators. The existing building does not lend itself to additions due to the sloped roofs, and the building envelope does not meet today’s energy standards. Furthermore, there is inadequate parking on-site to accommodate larger groups of visitors to the existing building, and HCLS must limit programming due to the building’s size.

Furthermore, since January 2024, more than 350 facilities and maintenance tickets have been submitted for the Central Branch, more than any other branch in the system. Many of these maintenance tickets have included elevator issues, which continue to persist due to the age of the building systems and contribute to deferred maintenance of the building. As a result, the existing Central Branch has exceeded its useful life expectancy and needs replacement.

Planning for a new Central Branch has been in the works for nearly 20 years. In 2008, HCLS's Master Plan called for a new Central Branch. In 2010, the Downtown Columbia Plan was approved, which called for a new Central Branch in Downtown Columbia that “could move the Howard County Library in the direction of an ‘Experience Library,’ an intellectual, interactive learning center combining visual exhibitions with interesting architecture and typical library elements.”

In 2016, the DRRA reaffirmed the plans to construct a new Central Branch in Downtown Columbia. In 2019, HCLS hired G4 Architecture, a firm that works with libraries across the country, to update its Master Plan. More than 4,000 people gave input through surveys and listening sessions, resulting in the prioritization of a new Central Branch, noting that the new Central Branch would “enable HCLS not only to maintain high-quality services, but also to expand its curriculum to meet current needs and emerging trends related to education, business, culture, and the arts.”

In spring 2023, Ball announced plans to fund a new Central Branch in Downtown Columbia. That same year, the State of Maryland contributed $10 million in restricted grant funding to advance planning and design of a new Central Branch. Since that announcement, the County has completed the following key milestones in the planning process:

• March 2023: Ball, alongside Governor Moore, announces plans for the Central Branch project at the Lakefront in Downtown Columbia
• April – May 2023: HCLS hires Due East Partners to facilitate community engagement through surveys and listening sessions, gathering input from more than 3,000 people
• May 2023: County Council approves the first $5 million in restricted State funds to advance planning efforts to review feasibility and financing options for Central Branch locations
• Fall 2023: County hires Arcadis to support community engagement and planning efforts
• Spring 2024: Arcadis hosts four public engagement sessions and conducts a survey
• Spring 2024: County gathers public input on library project through survey
• September 2024: County provides update to Library Board of Trustees on library planning process
• December 2024: County hires MEDCO to complete parking analysis, advance planning efforts, and develop funding options to support the library project
• May 2025: County Council approves the second $5 million of State funding; endorses Central Branch at Lakefront location; requests that the County Executive pursue acquisition of Lakefront parcel after resolving outstanding issues

“We are thrilled that the County intends to pursue the purchase of the land for the Lakefront Branch allowing this long-awaited project to move forward. This new library branch will embody our mission as the community’s place to learn, grow, and connect, and we look forward to the educational opportunities this new building will provide for people of all ages,” remarked Tonya Aikens, Howard County Library System President & CEO.

During the community engagement process, the County conducted a public survey in spring 2024 that was completed by roughly 1,500 people. The survey sought information about preferences for the new Central Branch location and the preferred timeframe for project implementation. More than 60 percent of respondents believe a new Central Branch is needed within the next five years. The survey also found that:

• Nearly 70 percent of respondents visit an HCLS branch weekly or monthly;
• Nearly three-quarters of respondents indicated they primarily use the library to borrow books;
• More than 90 percent specified checking out books and materials as the most important service a library can provide;
• The most important interior space for the new Central Branch to feature is a children’s reading and activity area; and
• More than half of the respondents indicated that libraries are an important public amenity.

This public engagement built upon efforts by HCLS, begun in 2019 and continued in 2023, to thoroughly engage the community regarding the new Central Branch. In 2023, HCLS conducted listening sessions and a survey, which engaged more than 3,000 people. The results showed that the Central Branch is visited more than any other branch in the county. The HCLS survey and listening sessions also found that:

• 94 percent visit the library in person;
• 77 percent visit a library branch daily, weekly, or monthly;
• 70 percent want a new library to have community event spaces; and
• 64 percent want a new library to have outdoor spaces.

In December 2024, the County hired the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) to prepare various studies related to the Lakefront site option, one of the five sites that were shared with the community during the engagement sessions and survey. Specifically, MEDCO studied options for satisfying the parking requirements associated with the use of Lakefront site.

In his FY 2026 Capital bBudget, Ball requested the release of $5 million in State funds that were received in FY 2024 and previously held in a contingency fund. This request was approved by the County Council during the FY 2026 budget process. This funding will support the County’s efforts to finalize plans for the new Central Branch in Downtown Columbia. The $5 million in State funds supplements $5 million in existing State funds that were previously approved by the County Council in FY 2024.

Ball’s proposed legislation is expected to be heard by the County Council in November 2025. Should the legislation be approved by the County Council, the County will negotiate a purchase and sale agreement with HRD for acquisition of land at the Columbia Lakefront for the construction of a new Central Branch. As this land acquisition progresses, the County will also advance design of the new Central Branch starting this winter, with the goal of preparing a full budget for the project in our FY 2027 Capital Budget in April.

Here’s what others had to say:

• Senator Guy Guzzone, Chair of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee - “Today’s announcement marks an exciting step forward for Downtown Columbia, Howard County, and the State of Maryland. With $10 million in dedicated State funding to bring a new Central Branch to life, we’re ensuring that Howard County continues to lead the way in opportunity, inclusion, and innovation. Through the new Central Branch at the Lakefront and much-needed affordable housing in Downtown Columbia, we are creating communities where everyone succeeds.”
• Dr. Opel Jones, County Council Vice Chair - “The Downtown Columbia Plan outlines an exciting vision for new public amenities and inclusive communities in the heart of Columbia Today’s announcement on affordable housing ensure that people of all incomes can enjoy the vast resources Howard County has to offer.” 
• Christiana Rigby, County Councilmember - “By committing to a new Central Branch at the Columbia lakefront, we are fulfilling Jim Rouse’s original vision for a vibrant library in Columbia. This project renews Columbia’s legacy as a place where innovation and inclusion go hand in hand, while advancing long-awaited plans for new affordable housing in the Merriweather District.”
• Rob Mentz, HCLS Board of Trustees Chair - “Over the last six years, we have heard from thousands of county residents about their hopes and dreams for a new library. People expressed desires for spaces to gather and build community. Especially during these contentious times, libraries are the one place where everyone can come together to learn from each other, grow together, and connect across difference. On behalf of Howard County Library System’s Board of Trustees, we are thrilled that the County is moving forward with plans for the new and eagerly awaited Central Branch."
• Kristi Smith, President of the Maryland Region for Howard Hughes Communities - "Howard Hughes is proud to partner with Howard County as we continue to fulfill the vision of the Downtown Columbia Plan. With this announcement, the County is moving forward to unlock new housing opportunities and bring a world-class library to the Lakefront that can be shared and enjoyed by all. This reflects our collective long-term commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable community in the Merriweather District where people and businesses thrive.”
• Jolene Mosley, Chair of the Board of Education - “This showing of commitment to supporting our growing community through resources is wonderful progress in helping each community member thrive in Howard County. I look forward to seeing these increased educational resources become available to our community.”
• William J. Barnes, Superintendent, Howard County Public School System - “As the Superintendent of the Howard County School System, I am always eager to support and celebrate capital developments that will offer our students and families more valuable opportunities. I appreciate everyone involved for championing initiatives that make our county a place where every child and family can learn, grow, and succeed together."
• Daria J. Willis, President, Howard Community College - “Howard Community College is an enthusiastic partner of expanded services that support the health, wealth, and prosperity of our neighbors and friends. Our students and employees have benefited tremendously from the shared vision of Dr. Ball and the County Council in expanding affordable housing, literacy, and social programming anchored by educational access. We will remain a trusted part of the coalition building a downtown area that serves all, and which raises the quality of life standard for a community growing in diversity and innovation.”
• Shawn MacInnes, President and CEO of the Columbia Association - “Bringing the Downtown Columbia Plan to life will make this area an even greater source of community pride. The Central Branch at the Lakefront and new affordable housing are exciting additions that will help our community - and everyone who lives, works, and plays here - reach their fullest potential."
• Jackie Eng, Coordinator, Howard County Housing Affordability Coalition - "The Housing Affordability Coalition supports all actions that will move affordable housing in downtown Columbia forward. The need for the 417 DRRA-committed moderate and low income units is increasingly more critical as county rental costs continue to rise well beyond the reach of our community's workforce, young professionals, seniors and neighbors with disabilities."
• Bert Hash, Vice Chair, HCHC - "While the original vision for the redevelopment of Downtown Columbia remains an excellent one, the opportunity to pursue housing exclusively on the Merriweather site and to create a legacy library branch at the Lakefront is far too good to pass up. With the County Executive's leadership and the Council's approval, we can expect to create more new homes at a lesser cost and a faster pace than under the previous model. The Commission is grateful to be a partner in the remaking of Downtown Columbia."
• Paul Casey, HCHC Board member and long-time housing practitioner - "The Downtown Columbia Redevelopment Plan was adopted after five years of collaborative effort by the community and political leaders as a constructive way to continue to implement Jim Rouse's vision of a diverse, thriving Columbia. The area offers great schools, job opportunities, and enrichment activities that compare favorably to anywhere in the Country. And with the library at the lakefront, the Merriweather site can be optimized for a housing-only development, creating two new projects that help to ensure the realization of the Rouse plan. We are very fortunate to have political leaders with the foresight to plan and the courage to implement the new Columbia."
• Rev. Dr. Robert Turner, Senior Pastor, St. John Baptist Church and CDHC board member - “As a faith leader committed to justice, inclusion, and opportunity, I am excited to support the continued progress of the Downtown Columbia Plan. The addition of affordable housing and a new Central Branch reflects our shared vision of a community where every resident has access to knowledge, dignity, and a place to call home. We applaud County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball’s leadership in ensuring that Columbia’s growth remains equitable, innovative, and centered on the well-being of all its people.”
• Kelly Klinefelter, President of Howard Progressive Project - “We’re thrilled to see a vibrant, inclusive space like this library opening in the heart of downtown Columbia — a place where people can live, learn, and create together. As our community grows in density and vitality, spaces like this remind us that progress is about more than buildings — it’s about belonging. By pairing this plan with affordable housing solutions, we ensure that families of all incomes have the opportunity to be part of Columbia’s future.”
• Deeba Jafri, Community Advocate - "I am thrilled that the new Central Branch will be built. The old one simply isn't big enough. Libraries are so important as community gathering and learning spaces. I am grateful for everything this County Executive has done to expand these spaces for all of us in Howard County."

To learn more about the Downtown Columbia Plan implementation, please visit the County’s "Downtown Columbia Plan" website.

To learn more about the Central Branch, please visit the County’s "New Central Library" website.