Author: Jamie Potter

OCS and Libraries Partner for LED Light Bulb Exchange

LED Light Bulb package at Howard County Library

In February of 2023, the Office of Community Sustainability (OCS) launched a free ongoing LED exchange program at the East Columbia and Elkridge Libraries. Residents in the County can visit either library during business hours to exchange their used incandescent and CFL light bulbs for new LED light bulbs. Citizens should visit the circulation desk,… Read more »

OCS Releases Climate Action and Resiliency Plan Preliminary Report

Climate Action and Resiliency Plan Preliminary Report

On Monday, Dec. 12th the Howard County Office of Community Sustainability released the Preliminary Report of Howard County’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan titled HoCo Climate Forward. Once completed, the document, will be an update and expansion on previous climate action planning. However, different from past climate action plans, HoCo Climate Forward also focuses on resiliency… Read more »

HoCo Seeking Applicants for New Landmark Land Preservation Program

Environmentally Sensitive Land in Howard County

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the Howard County Conservancy announced the process for selecting properties for the first-in-state program to permanently preserve environmentally sensitive properties. The Purchased Conversation Easement pilot program provides financial incentives to non-profit property owners to protect sensitive areas. The program is modeled after the County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program which… Read more »

County Executive Ball Announces New Climate Goals and Climate Action Cabinet in State of the County Address

County Executive Calvin Ball Signing Executive Order on Climate Action

In the State of the County address on Wednesday, October 13, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball declared the State of Howard County to be strong. “We are award-winning environmental stewards. Our communities are safe, strong and accessible. And we have thriving businesses that are the backbone of our community,” said County Executive Ball. Along with… Read more »

Howard County is the First County in the Nation to Achieve LEED Platinum for LEED for Cities and Communities

Howard County Receives LEED Platinum for LEED for Cities

On August 31, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced that Howard County received LEED Platinum for the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED for Cities and Communities Program. Platinum is the highest designation for this certification category. “This recognition is an acknowledgement of efforts we have undertaken to become the most sustainable community in… Read more »

Chesapeake Conservation Corps Intern Highlight: Avery Farrell

Howard County Office of Community Sustainability wants to give a big thanks to our 2021-2022 Chesapeake Conservation Corps Intern Avery Farrell! The Chesapeake Conservation Corps (CCC) is a program run through the Chesapeake Bay Trust that increases access and opportunities to green careers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Corps places individuals (ages 18-25), many… Read more »

$11 Million Provided to Boost Food Safety and Protect Jobs at Maryland Wholesale Produce Market

Howard County Executive Ball Announcing 11 million to support Maryland Wholesale Produce Market

On August 4th, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, joined by Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder announced a transformational $11 million to support critical renovations to the Maryland Wholesale Produce Market in Jessup. The market supports the food chain of the entire Mid-Atlantic region. The funds include $1 million in Howard County’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget… Read more »

Howard County Launches Land Conservation Program for Non-Profits

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Announcing Launch of Land Conservation Program for Non-Profits

On July 12th Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced and committed $2 million to a new land conservation program with the Howard County Conservancy. “Preservation is core to our mission and the reason the Conservancy was founded 32 years ago by a group of concerned citizens,” said Howard County Conservancy Board Vice Chair Lisa Marini. This… Read more »

Howard County Signs Camp Ilchester Purchase Agreement

On June 17th, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, joined by Senator Chris Van Hollen, state and local officials, and community members celebrated the completion of the purchase agreement for Camp Ilchester. The County Executive’s proposal to include $6 million in the budget to acquire the 21-acre property from the Girls Scouts of Central Maryland (GSCM) was approved… Read more »