Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Advances Next Steps on Downtown Columbia Plan, Following Bipartisan Vote by the Howard County Council

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the Howard County Council has approved his two pieces of legislation – Council Resolution (CR) 223-2025 and Council Bill (CB) 69-2025, to advance affordable housing and begin the planning and design process of a new Howard County Library System (HCLS) Central Branch in Downtown Columbia. Both pieces of impactful legislation were approved in a bipartisan 4-1 vote by the County Council, progressing Howard County Government’s continued implementation of the Downtown Columbia Plan. 

With the passage of CR223-2025, Howard County will begin negotiating 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, this spring. This land transaction will both advance the Downtown Columbia affordable housing plan and development of a new Central Branch. Under the 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 to the Howard County Housing Commission (HCHC) to construct affordable housing in accordance with the Downtown Columbia Development Rights and Responsibilities Agreement (DRRA).

The Merriweather District site is expected to deliver more than 120 mixed-income housing units, of which half would be affordable. Furthermore, once the new Central Library is constructed, the existing Central Library will be demolished, and the site will be used to deliver additional mixed-income housing units as called for under the DRRA. The existing library site is expected to create approximately 200 mixed-income housing units, of which half would be affordable. Together, these two sites are expected to deliver more than 320 mixed-income housing units, significantly advancing the Downtown Columbia affordable housing plan.

Additionally, the passage of CB69-2025 enables the County to begin utilizing previously allocated, restricted State grant funding for design of the new Central Branch. During the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Capital Budget, the County Council directed Ball to begin negotiations for the purchase of land at the Columbia Lakefront for the purpose of constructing a new Central Branch. Ball and his team aim to present the County Council with their anticipated budget for the Central Branch project this spring. Ahead of the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Budget, the County will commence additional planning work and begin preparing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the design and construction of the new Central Branch.

Together, the major progress on affordable housing and the new Central Library will significantly advance economic development, tourism, and a strong business climate in Downtown Columbia. Over its 30-year planning horizon, the Downtown Columbia Plan calls for billions of dollars of investment in Downtown through the creation of 4.3 million square feet of office space, 1.25 million square feet of retail space, approximately 6,250 housing units, and 640 hotel rooms. This revitalization of Downtown Columbia has been a significant driver of employment growth and economic opportunity in Howard County since the Plan’s adoption in 2010.

Here’s what others had to say:

• Jennifer Jones, CEO, Howard County Economic Development Authority - “Libraries are proven economic engines, and the Central Library redevelopment is a strategic investment in Howard County’s future that strengthens our downtown and delivers a return on investment. This project ensures our county continues to grow as a vibrant, competitive, and innovative community.”
• Amanda Hof, Executive Director, Visit Howard County - “We are thrilled with the passage of this legislation, which moves forward a project with tremendous community and economic benefits. With over one million projected annual visitors, the new Central Library is poised to become one of Howard County’s most impactful destinations. Considering that three million visitors to Howard County generated $830 million in spending last year, this project could add millions in new annual visitor spending—directly supporting local businesses and energizing the surrounding area.”
• Jacqueline West-Spencer, Board Chair, Howard County Housing Commission - “The inclusion of 900 affordable homes in the Columbia Downtown Housing Plan was a major step forward for the redevelopment of Columbia and the people of Howard County. The creation of a Lakefront Library, which allows the Merriweather site to be fully dedicated to much-needed mixed-income housing, represents another significant milestone. The Howard County Housing Commission deeply appreciates the County Executive’s vision in advancing both projects together.”
• Peter Engel, Executive Director, Howard County Housing Commission - “These five developments will be affordable and safe homes for hundreds of Howard County residents and will provide families and seniors with the ability to take advantage of all that Howard County has to offer. A full spectrum of housing has been shown to be vital to the economic growth of the County and the region.”
• Mary Ka Kanahan, President, Columbia Downtown Housing Corporation - The CDHC is committed to ensuring that Downtown Columbia becomes a truly inclusive community where people of all income levels can live and thrive. 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."
• 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 Chair - “The Downtown Columbia Plan outlines an exciting vision for new public amenities and inclusive communities in the heart of Columbia. This vote on affordable housing ensure that people of all incomes can enjoy the vast resources Howard County has to offer.” 
• Christiana Rigby, County Council Vice Chair - “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."
• Tonya Aikens, President and CEO, Howard County Library System – “We are thrilled that the County intends to pursue the purchase of the land for the Lakefront Library allowing this long-awaited project to move forward. This new library 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.”
• 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 the County Council’s actions, 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 website here.

To learn more about the Central Branch, please visit the County’s website here.