Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball released the completed Housing Opportunities Master Plan (HOMP) and announced new affordable housing initiatives for the County. Ball included $5 million towards the establishment of a Housing Opportunities Trust Fund in his proposed FY 2022 operating budget to fund various HOMP initiatives, which are all aligned with the HOMP.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has announced major milestones in Howard County’s effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The county’s 7-day average positivity rate is 1.14%, the lowest to date, 7-day average case per 100,000 of the population is at 3.07, the lowest since March 2020, and a COVID utilization rate of 4.7% at Howard County General Hospital, the lowest since October 2020.  

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball signed an Executive Order that reinstates any previously suspended effects of deadlines and due dates as of July 1, 2021.

Howard County Government offices, courts, animal shelter, 50+ centers and Alpha Ridge Landfill will be closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 31st. As there will be no Monday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scrap collection on Memorial Day, the County’s holiday "slide” schedule will be in effect for the remainder of the week. 

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced residents, businesses, and visitors can enjoy the traditional 4^th of July fireworks at Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia this summer.  Guidance and recommendations for parades and other events also provided.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is currently seeking applicants, specifically parents, interested in serving on the Commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, June 30th.

While Howard County Government offices, 50+ centers and animal shelter will be closed on Friday, June 18th in observance of the Juneteenth National Freedom Day holiday, there will be regular Friday curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection services on the 18th. 

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball joined the Howard County Veterans Foundation to announce $50,000 in County funding for the final design of the Howard County Veterans Monument and launch a capital campaign.

The Howard County Human Rights Commission is now seeking nominations for its 2021 Human Rights Commission Individual, Student and Organization Awards, which honor exemplary citizenship, dedicated leadership and outstanding achievement that have made significant contributions in eliminating or eradicating discrimination, while advancing human and civils rights, in Howard County. The deadline to submit a nomination is Sunday, August 15th.

The victim is listed in critical condition.