Public Engagement

We want YOUR voice to be heard as we continue updating the County's General Plan and set the vision for HoCo's future.

Following the release of the HoCo By Design public draft and the input submitted during the public comment window (December 2022-January 2023), the HoCo By Design team has refined the draft plan. An updated version has been prepared for Howard County's Planning Board, which endorsed the plan at a public hearing on March 9, 2023.

The County Council has begun holding work sessions to review the plan. F or more information, click here.

Catch up on what we've heard from the public so far. Access our public engagement documents here:

HoCo By Design's Engagement Summary is a snapshot of the project's engagement efforts from 2020-2023. During that time, stakeholders from across the community shared their vision and ideas for Howard County's future. Read the Engagement Summary here.
Since July 2020, we've been gathering your feedback from various public engagement activities. Now we've compiled your written survey comments in a recently expanded Comments Log, featuring feedback we've received through October 2022. Tap here to access the Comment Log 7.0.
Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Focus Group Summary is now available! Tap here to read the synopsis of the feedback we received from our DEI focus groups.

Public Engagement Activities

What?	When?	Description
Public Draft Comment Window	December 1, 2022 – January 31, 2023	Read the public draft.
County in Motion Draft Chapter Release	September 23-October13, 2022	Read about the policies presented in the County in Motion draft chapter and watch a recording of the County in Motion Meeting to learn more about the draft chapter!
Supporting Economic Prosperity Draft Chapter Release	August 2-23, 2022	Read about the policies presented in the Supporting Economic Prosperity draft chapter and watch a recording of the Supporting Economic Prosperity Meeting to learn more about the draft chapter!
Life Outdoors Draft Chapter Release	June 8-29, 2022	Read about the policies presented in Life Outdoors draft chapter and watch a recording of the Life Outdoors Meeting to learn more about the draft chapter!
Quality By Design Draft Chapter Release	May 10-31, 2022	Read about the policies presented in Quality By Design draft chapter and watch a recording of the Quality By Design Meeting to learn more about the draft chapter!
Dynamic Neighborhoods Draft Chapter Release	March 21-April 10, 2022	Read about the policies presented in Dynamic Neighborhoods draft chapter and watch a recording of the Dynamic Neighborhoods Meeting to learn more about the draft chapter!
Draft Plan Workshop Series: Key Topics	August 31-September 15, 2021	Members of the public learned about emerging ideas and recommendations, providing input that will help shape the draft General Plan.
What Makes Howard County a Special Place	July 2020-August 2021	Community members shared comments about what makes HoCo a special place to them.
New Town/Columbia Design Sessions: Focused Discussions on Columbia’s Future	May 18 and May 19, 2021	A series of design sessions focused on the New Town/Columbia area's design and community character.
Growth Choices Workshop	March 22-April 5, 2021	Participants had an opportunity to give feedback on four different scenarios for Howard County's growth over the next 20 years. Read the Growth Choices Workshop Engagement Summary here.
Draft Planning Themes Survey	January 28-February 8, 2021	An online survey in which participants reviewed draft planning themes and topics, then answered a series of questions to provide feedback. Learn more about the Themes here.
Topic Focused Discussions	December 14-15, 2020	These topic-focused meetings were an opportunity to hear consultants present information about high-level existing conditions, top trends, and findings from a series of physical assessments. Learn more about the assessments here. The December 14 meeting covered land use, community character, and supporting infrastructure. Watch a recording of the meeting or view the presentation PDF. The December 15 meeting covered market, transportation, agriculture, and environment. Watch a recording of the meeting or view the presentation PDF.
On The Table Conversations	September 1-December 7, 2020	Participants hosted a conversation with family, colleagues, and friends to discuss what the County’s goals should be and how to work together to improve or maintain our quality of life.
Community Ideas Exchange Workshop	November 6-December 7, 2020	An all-virtual 3-D interactive workshop in which participants provided input and elaborated on their ideas for the different planning themes, development choices, design considerations, etc.
Better Communities Online Game	November 6-December 7, 2020	This map-based activity allowed participants to decide where growth should occur in the County and what development pattern it should follow, outlining the trade-offs associated with growth.
Online Distance Engagement Survey	August 8-September 21, 2020	The Distance Engagement Survey helped inform the public engagement process by determining how people are connecting to and communicating with each other while following social distancing protocols.
BYOQ: Bring Your Own Questions	October 21-November 10, 2020	These meetings were an opportunity to meet the project team, hear project updates, and offer input for HoCo By Design.  Oct. 21 meeting #1 recorded here. Oct. 21 meeting #2 recorded here. Nov. 10 meeting #1 recorded here. Nov. 10 meeting #2 recorded here.
Planning Advisory Committee	October 14, 2020	Since October 14, Planning Advisory Committee meetings are being held virtually and recorded for public viewing. View the agenda and meeting presentation.

About Public Engagement

Our Public Engagement efforts target four main goals, as described in the General Plan Guidelines:

Educate the Public

HoCo By Design educates Howard County residents about participation opportunities to learn about and give feedback on relevant planning issues, both big and small.

Collaborate Through Public Engagement

HCBD hosts public engagement activities to facilitate an exchange of information that fosters a high degree of collaboration and cooperation.

Inform the Project Team

Participants' ideas, preferences, and visions for Howard County's future are shared with the HCBD project team to inform them in the planning process.

Present Findings for Feedback

The HoCo By Design team presents milestone findings for public reaction and comment.