Maria A. Bernadzikowski

The board discussed the potential for resuming in-person meetings, noting a need to ensure appropriate technology is available for accessible, hybrid proceedings. The Access Committee reviewed accessibility concerns for the new East Columbia 50+ Center and upcoming renovation plans for the Harriett Tubman facility. The Strategic Planning Committee collected member feedback to focus on key issues such as poverty, employment, education, transition services, physical and programmatic access, and law enforcement training, while also seeking data on county funding for non-profit organizations. Additionally, the 2021 Annual Report was noted as finalized and submitted, and the donation of sensory kits to the local police department for use with individuals with disabilities was announced.

This document presents an assessment of Howard County, Maryland's land development regulations and an annotated outline for a revised Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). It aims to identify strengths and weaknesses in current zoning, subdivision, and various design manuals, and provide recommendations for improved user-friendliness, internal consistency, and alignment with the county's PlanHoward 2030 goals. Key focus areas include streamlining processes, clarifying regulations, and addressing public concerns regarding development impacts, infrastructure adequacy, and decision predictability, to foster transparent and predictable development outcomes.

The agenda included a review of correspondence regarding development consent for the Merriweather site and a presentation of the Treasurer's report, encompassing 2025 financial statements, the 2026 budget, and loan status updates. The Board discussed governance items, specifically the potential addition of a Vice President position and the introduction of new board candidates. Furthermore, the meeting covered updates on the Marlow Master-Leased units, various Downtown Redevelopment Redevelopment Authority (DRRA) projects including construction updates for Artists Flats and the Banneker fire station, and preparation for the 2025 annual report.

The meeting agenda includes a vote on EBO certification applications, a review of purchasing reports, and a discussion regarding the disparity study.

The meeting featured a presentation from the Maryland Film Industry Coalition regarding the state's film production incentives, the importance of tax credits for site selection, and various legislative updates for the 2026 session. The Task Force discussed potential recommendations, such as exploring film commissioner membership, developing a film-ready certification model, and evaluating location database integration. During the public comment period, stakeholders suggested integrating the creator economy into the local strategy, improving permitting processes, and addressing workforce retention. Future work plans were established, including developing a location inventory, creating a resource directory, and identifying a film liaison structure.