Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is set to sign three significant bills into law aimed at historic preservation, religious inclusivity, and affordable housing. The first bill authorizes a multi-year lease with Preservation Maryland to restore the historic Howard County Jail in Ellicott City, transforming it into the organization’s headquarters with added office, research, and community spaces. The second bill establishes a permanent Interfaith Advisory Commission to promote dialogue, education, and support among diverse religious communities, including representatives from local schools, colleges, and libraries.

The third bill finalizes an agreement with Fall River Terrace LLC to develop a 76-unit affordable housing complex in Columbia, with units allocated for households earning below 80% and 50% of the Baltimore area median income, alongside market-rate units. The bill includes a housing assistance contract to subsidize rent for 25 units and approves a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement to ensure the project’s economic viability. Together, these measures reflect Howard County’s commitment to community development, inclusivity, and historic preservation.