Howard County Executive Calvin Ball released the following statement regarding the ongoing riots at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.:

Columbia has been named the second Best City for Jobs in the United States for 2021 by WalletHub, the personal finance outlet. 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 two key dimensions, job market and socioeconomics.  

A Howard County construction project to connect 8379 and 8369 Old Frederick Road in Ellicott City to the County’s public sewer main is expected to begin on or about Thursday, January 7, 2021. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late March.

As 2020 comes to a close, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball released his administration’s mid-term accomplishments and progress on behalf of the residents of Howard County. The County Executive continued his administration’s progress under his seven pillars that empowers Ready and Successful Students, establishes Safe and Engaged Communities, champions a Clean and Sustainable Environment, invests in Thriving and Healthy Residents, builds Reliable and Accessible Infrastructure, and expands Strong and Prosperous Businesses while fostering an Innovative and Efficient Government.  

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the closing on the Savage remainder property, a five-acre parcel located to the west of Savage Mill, for $1.725 million. Howard County has now officially taken ownership of the property and will preserve the property as open space. The County will use Program Open Space (POS) – state funding designated for outdoor recreation and open space areas for public use – to complete this transaction.

Howard County Government offices and more to be closed on Friday, January 1, 2021 in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday. There will be no Friday trash, recycling, yard trim and food scrap curbside collection on January 1st, as such, the County's holiday slide schedule will be in effect.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the Howard County Health Department released frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and its distribution. The FAQs address the safety, efficacy, and potential side effects of the vaccine.

Last week, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball leaders from all levels of government on the virtual Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Winter Web Series, in lieu of the larger annual winter conference. Amongst many of his colleagues, Ball was elected as MACo’s Second Vice President at the Annual Meeting and Board Installation. As Second Vice President, Ball will serve as Chair of the Conference Planning Committee and help guide the overall layout for the next event.   

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced emergency legislation to reallocate $6.5 million of Howard County funds in FY2021 to immediately ensure critical pandemic support for residents, businesses, and families.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced Jack Kavanagh, Director of the Department of Corrections, is retiring after 18 years of service to Howard County, and more than four decades of public service in the correctional field.

Howard County Recreation & Parks Department’s annual Truck or Treat event was honored with the respected Learning Resources Network (LERN)’s 2020 International Award in Lifelong Learning for Programming. An outstanding achievement, this beloved family program was chosen from a competitive list of over 100 nominations submitted from around the world.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball released the following statement regarding the recently passed COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress:

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.