Howard County Executive Calvin Ball plans to host eight listening sessions across the county during the next several weeks.
The first session was Monday and the second is set for Thursday.
The sessions will allow business owners and residents to tell the county executive about their goals for the county , a news release said.
“We have made significant progress, together, over the last four years,” Ball said in the release. “However, I know that we can continue to make even more. Four years ago, we hosted several listening sessions to better understand how we can serve our community. I’m thrilled to launch another series of listening sessions across our county. [We] want to hear about the experiences, hopes, and vision that our residents want for our county. We will be bold and brave as we continue to expand opportunity for all. We will manifest the very best future beyond even what we can imagine for Howard County, our state, our nation, and our world.”
During the 2018 and 2019 sessions, residents provided nearly 500 comments on a variety of concerns, which helped shape Ball’s priorities for his first term as county executive, the release said.
Many of the comments urged the county government to focus on the environment and sustainability.
The sessions will be moderated by various county government department heads and partners through Feb. 1.
Jan. 12, 7-8:30 p.m.
- North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel
- Moderated by Raul Delerme, director, Recreation and Parks
Jan. 13, 5:30-7 p.m.
- Elkridge Branch Library, 6540 Washington Boulevard
- Moderated by Tonya Aikens, CEO, Howard County Library System
Howard County Times: Top stories
Jan. 19, 7-8:30 p.m.
- River Hill High School, 12101 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville
- Moderated by Kelly Cimino, director, Housing and Community Development
Jan. 25, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Ellicott City 50+ Center, 9401 Frederick Road
- Moderated by Bruce Gartner, administrator, Transportation
Jan. 27, 1-2:30 p.m.
- Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 2400 MD-97, Cooksville
- Moderated by Brandee Ganz, director, Technology and Communication Services
Jan. 30, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, 8045 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia
- Moderated by Yolanda Sonnier, administrator, Human Rights and Equity
Feb. 1, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Long Reach High School, 6101 Old Dobbin Lane, Columbia
- Moderated by Amy Gowan, director, Planning and Zoning
A sign language interpreter will attend the sessions. In case of inclement weather, sessions will be canceled if Howard County Public Schools are closed. Updates and details on the sessions are available at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/county-executive/2023-howard-county-listening-sessions.
Those unable to attend can send an email to future@howardcountymd.gov.