Howard County Council Legislative Public Hearing - March 17, 2026

The Howard County Council held a legislative public hearing on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. (rescheduled from March 16 due to inclement weather). The hybrid meeting was conducted in person and via WebEx, with live streaming and broadcast on channels 44 (Verizon) and 1071 (Comcast). Councilmembers Opel Jones (Chair), David Yungmann, Liz Walsh (virtual), and Deb Jung were present; Christiana Rigby was absent. The hearing covered appointments, financial bills, and general legislation. The council will hold a work session on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10 a.m., and a legislative session for final consideration on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Public Comments & Testimony

Appointments

• CR211-2025 (Valoria Walker – Commission on Aging): Walker testified in support of her appointment, citing her healthcare background, master’s degree in management of aging services, and end-of-life doula work.
• CR5-2026 (John Mobley – Board of Electrical Examiners): Mobley testified in support, noting his experience as a master electrician, small business owner, and Air Force veteran.
• CR8-2026 (Juan Valdez – Commission for Veterans and Military Families): Valdez testified in support, describing his Purple Heart award, combat service, and work with the Wounded Warrior Project.
• CR38-2026 (Melissa Terlaje – Economic Development Authority Board): Terlaje testified in support, highlighting her role as Chief Government Relations Officer at Johns Hopkins APL, engineering background, and desire to connect businesses.

CB18-2026 – Lease with Preservation Maryland for Historic Jail

• Emily Ayaki (Bureau of Real Estate Management) testified in support, stating the 40-year lease would allow Preservation Maryland to restore and occupy the historic jail, with the county maintaining exterior spaces.
• Nicholas Redding (Preservation Maryland CEO) testified in support, noting the project has raised nearly $4 million, will create a preservation innovation center, provide University of Maryland studio space, and interpret the site’s history including two documented lynchings.

CB19-2026 – Multiyear Renewable Energy Power Purchase Agreement

• Tim Latimer (Office of Community Sustainability) testified in support, explaining that the joint PPA with CI Renewables would save the county $3–$3.5 million and partners $11.8–$13.9 million over 25 years. He emphasized that federal tax credit deadlines require council approval by early April.
• Luke Smith (CI Renewables) testified in support, stating the company will finance, build, and operate the solar systems at no upfront cost, and that the county’s 2020 PPA has saved over $30 million.
• Maureen Evans (Howard Community College) testified in support, noting HCC’s rooftop installation at Clark Library (257 kW) projected to save $475,000–$558,000 over 10 years, and the PPA will eliminate greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking nearly 36,000 gas-powered vehicles off the road over 25 years.
• Dr. Cornell Brown (HCPSS COO) testified in support, listing eight HCPSS sites. He noted estimated savings of $8.2–$9.7 million over 25 years for the school system. Councilmember Yungmann asked about the use of the Marriott’s site, and Brown confirmed it would be used for solar panels.

CR39-2026 – PILOT for Fall River Terrace Apartments

• Kelly Simeno (Housing Director) testified in support, stating the redevelopment will replace 56 existing affordable units with 76 units (31 at 80% AMI, 25 at 50% AMI, 20 market rate). The PILOT is needed to close a $2.1 million gap. Chair Jones questioned community support, noting that a follow-up meeting was virtual and residents could not participate. Simeno acknowledged the concern.
• Jessamine Duval (Columbia Housing Center) testified in support, stating the PILOT will generate $140,000 more in first-year taxes and that the project aligns with Columbia’s founding vision.
• Jackie Ng (Housing Affordability Coalition) testified in support, emphasizing preservation of 56 affordable units, the addition of 20 market-rate units, and six for-sale townhomes. She also noted universal design features.
• Jennifer Broderick (Bridges to Housing Stability) testified in support, citing the housing crisis and need for high-quality affordable housing.
• Alexandra Hoffman (Enterprise Community Development) testified in support, detailing the project timeline (financial closing end of 2026, occupancy early 2028) and that the PILOT requires at least $300/unit/year plus surplus cash, expected to reach standard tax levels by year 10.
• Dan Kelleher (Community Homes Housing Inc.) testified in support, thanking the council for prior approvals and noting the redevelopment improves the gateway to Columbia Town Center.

CR40-2026 – Charter Amendment to Allow Bond Financing for Housing Trust Fund

• Kelly Simeno (Housing Director) testified in support, stating the amendment would allow the Housing Opportunities Trust Fund to use bond financing, creating a predictable funding source. The county currently has a shortage of at least 6,100 affordable units for households earning under $60,000/year.
• Kelly Rives (JCRC) testified in support, citing a survey of 169 Jewish participants where housing was a top concern, and noting that the trust fund has only received $15 million to date.
• Fran Lepresti (Citizen) testified in support, stating that the county needs homes for people earning 60% or less of AMI and that the charter amendment is a needed tool.
• Paul Casey (Housing Commissioner) testified in support, noting that 856 housing trust funds exist nationwide, about 20% use bonds, and Montgomery County uses bonds. He addressed Councilmember Yungmann’s question about bond ratings, stating that bond issuance would be part of the county’s overall debt plan.
• Peter Engel (Howard County Housing Commission) testified in support, stating that 79% of renters nationwide have cut back on spending to cover rent, and that a bond-funded trust fund would create a revolving fund.
• James Bell (Citizen) testified in support, noting that default rates on such bonds are well under 1%.
• Erin Mansur (Clergy Alliance) testified in support, citing PATH listening sessions where housing was the top concern among 700 participants.
• Jessamine Duval (Columbia Housing Center) testified in support, citing a statewide survey finding 92% of Maryland voters say housing costs are a problem and 73% say there are not enough affordable homes.
• Dana Soar (Bridges to Housing Stability) testified in support, noting that the average two-bedroom apartment rents for $2,600/month, and that 1 in 4 county households have low incomes. She stated the county has a shortage of 9,000 affordable homes for those below 60% AMI.
• Jackie Ng (Housing Affordability Coalition) testified in support, citing the Spending Affordability Advisory Committee’s warning that population growth is slowing and housing costs are eroding competitiveness. She noted that Montgomery County’s housing initiative fund has produced thousands of homes.
• Nikki Highsmith Vernick (Horizon Foundation) testified in support, stating that the median home price in Howard County is about $630,000 and typical gross rent is $2,600/month.
• Claire Mansor (Preschool Teacher) testified in support, sharing her personal struggle to afford housing on a $30,000/year salary and noting that rent would exceed 50% of her take-home pay.
• Lisa Markovitz (People’s Voice Columbia) testified in support, stating that the bond term requirements will keep units affordable for a long time and that the amendment adds guardrails.
• Melissa Rosenberg (Autism Society of Maryland) testified in support, noting that the Patuxent Commons project received 2,300 applications for 76 units, demonstrating urgent need.
• Alex Hoffman (Enterprise Community Development) testified in support, stating that the trust fund has helped create over 200 units of mixed-income housing.
• Jansen Evelyn (Citizen) testified in support, noting that Howard County produces hundreds of units per year but needs thousands. He compared bonding to a tool but stressed the need for a dedicated revenue stream.
• Jim Sanders (Citizen) testified in support, focusing on seniors, stating that the perception of lack of affordable housing increases risk of depression and cognitive impairment. He noted that off-site construction can reduce costs by 30%.

CR41-2026 – Board of Education Operating Budget Amendment

• No one testified on this item.

CB20-2026 – Establish Interfaith Advisory Commission

• Lakeisha McClendon (Office of Human Rights and Equity) testified in support, stating that the commission formalizes partnership between county government and faith communities, which have been critical during COVID-19 and other crises. Councilmember Young asked about staffing impacts; McClendon acknowledged the workload but said they will manage and build a case for future resources if needed.
• Naresh Das (Jagannath Organization) testified in support, stating that a permanent commission is necessary infrastructure for a diverse county.
• Regina Clay (Life Change AME Church) testified in support, noting that faith communities have stood in the gap for housing, food insecurity, and emergencies. She noted the commission will meet quarterly.
• Chapella Lewis Daima (Ahavat Yeshua) testified in support, emphasizing that the commission does not violate separation of church and state and is needed now.

CB21-2026 – Enforcement of Owner Occupancy for ADUs

• Jessamine Duval (Columbia Housing Center) testified in opposition, stating that the bill adds unnecessary regulatory burdens (annual attestation, higher penalties) that will disincentivize ADU construction. She argued that existing owner-occupancy requirements in ZRA 218 are sufficient. Councilmember Yungmann questioned enforcement; Duval said penalties should be increased across the board, not just for ADUs, and that annual renewal is inconsistent with the usual two-year cycle.
• Jackie Ng (Housing Affordability Coalition) testified in support, but with amendments: she urged changing the rental license renewal to two years and clarifying that ADUs not rented (e.g., for family members) do not require a license.
• Jennifer Broderick (Bridges to Housing Stability) testified in opposition, stating that the bill’s requirements and severe penalties will discourage homeowners from creating ADUs, which are an important tool for affordable housing.

Discussion Items

• CB19: Councilmember Young asked Luke Smith why CI Renewables took on the risk; Smith cited trust in the county’s energy manager Leah Miller. Young also asked about the timeline for federal tax credits; Smith explained that safe harbor must be achieved by July 2026. Young praised Miller’s work.
• CR39: Chair Jones questioned Kelly Simeno about community engagement, noting that a follow-up meeting was virtual and some residents could not participate. Simeno acknowledged the concern. Later, during Alexandra Hoffman’s testimony, Jones reiterated that the meeting was not accessible, and Hoffman noted that the Harper’s Choice Architectural Committee meetings are normally virtual. Jones expressed concern that the community’s concerns were not fully addressed.
• CR40: Councilmember Young asked Paul Casey about the impact on bond ratings and whether other counties use bonds. Casey noted that Montgomery County issues bonds for this purpose and that the county’s AAA rating would be considered in each bond issuance. Young also asked Peter Engel about the same; Engel confirmed Montgomery County uses tax-exempt bonds.
• CB21: Councilmember Yungmann engaged in a back-and-forth with Jessamine Duval, arguing that the higher penalties are justified because ADU builders are aware of the rules, unlike accidental landlords. He indicated that the one-year renewal could be changed to two years. Yungmann also noted that a work session may not be held but that amendments are possible.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken at the public hearing.
• The council will hold a work session on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. to discuss the legislation.
• A legislative session for final consideration of the bills is scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026, at 7 p.m.
• Written testimony will continue to be accepted and considered.
• For CB19, the county administration noted that council approval by early April is critical to secure federal investment tax credits for solar projects; HCPSS and HCC boards will vote on the PPA on March 25 and 26, respectively.
• For CB21, Councilmember Yungmann indicated openness to amendments (e.g., two-year renewal) and suggested that the bill may be revised before final action.