About
In observance of America’s 250th anniversary, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball signed Executive Order 2024-11. This establishes a HoCo250 Planning Group to assist in the planning of celebrations across the county through events, projects, and activities that reflect their unique history and contributions to the national and local story.
The workgroup will consist of historians, civic leaders, cultural representatives, event organizers and county staff. They are tasked with planning celebrations across the County through events, projects, and activities that reflect the United States’ unique history.
The workgroup is required to provide a written report to the County Executive by November 1, 2025.
Countdown to 250
This anniversary is not merely a commemoration of our past but a celebration of our present and a guide for our future,” said Ball. “As we celebrate this 250th anniversary, we will honor the countless individuals whose sacrifices and triumphs have paved the way for the United States to become a beacon of hope and opportunity. I am excited to see what the 250th Anniversary workgroup will develop for our celebration.
Workgroup Information
- African American Community Roundtable
- Columbia Association
- Columbia Festival of the Arts
- The Mall in Columbia
- Merriweather Arts and Culture Center
- Downtown Columbia Partnership
- Economic Development Authority
- Elkridge Community Alliance
- Elkridge Heritage Society
- Ellicott City Partnership
- Historic Ellicott City, Inc.
- Howard County Tourism
- Howard Community College
- Howard County Fair Association
- Howard County Historical Society
- Howard County Library System
- Howard County Lynching Truth & Reconciliation, Inc.
- Howard County Public School System
- Howard Hughes Corporation
- Inner Arbor Trust
- Merriweather (IMA)
- Patapsco Heritage Greenway
- Savage Historical Society
- The Savage Mill
- DRP - Historic and Cultural Resources Division Rep
- DRP- Bureau of Recreation Representative
- DRP - Chairperson
- Veterans Organization Representative
- Up to 9 Community Members
- AAPI Commission Representative
- Commission for Women Representative
- Commission on Disabilities Representative
- Historic Preservation Commission Representative
- Interfaith Advisory Council Representative
- La Alianza Latina Commission Representative
- LGBTQIA+ Commission Representative
- Commission for Veterans and Military Families Representative
- County Administration
- Fire & Rescue Services
- Community Resources and Services
- Police
- Public Works
- Recreation & Parks
- Planning and Zoning
- Planning and Zoning
- Office of Emergency Management
- Office of Community Sustainability
- Transportation
Archived Meeting Agendas & Videos
| Dates | Agendas | Videos |
|---|---|---|
| January 27, 2025 | Link | |
| February 24, 2025 | Link | |
| March 24, 2025 | Link | Work Session Only |
| April 21, 2025 | Link | Work Session Only |
| May 27, 2025 | Link | Work Session Only |
| June 23, 2025 | Link | Work Session Only |
| July 28, 2025 | Link | Work Session Only |
| August 25, 2025 | Link | Link |
| September 8, 2025 | Cancelled | |
| September 22, 2025 | Link | Link |
| October 16, 2025 | Link | Link |
| October 27, 2025 | Link updated | Link |
| November 24, 2025 | Link | Link |
| December 15, 2025 | Link | Link |