Campaign Phone
3015693649
Campaign Instagram
amirnhoco
I would definitely work with County Council support staff to figure out where we can realign the budgets to free up the monies we need for our school system. I think the money is there. It's just a matter of ethics and prioritization. We need to make sure we're not spending on politically motivated projects. I would avoid raising taxes because people are already paying enough in taxes and we are in the midst of an affordability crisis.
Yes. I would continue to make sure our ADU policies allow for increased quality affordable housing options while keeping investors out of our ADU's. I would make sure we increase the percentage of inclusionary zoning on new developments while making it virtually impossible for developers to utilize easy outs via fee-in-lieu. I would increase funding to a housing trust fund to subsidize the inclusionary zoning units. We would find underutilized commercial areas to convert to residential.
Yes! We need to make an advisory panel for this and free up substantial funding for both of these initiatives. The advisory panel would help us understand how to best do this. I think using existing infrastructure/systems for this would probably be smartest so we're not reinventing the wheel. For example, if we can expand school capacity we can build childcare into our public school system, etc..
I know very little about this, but I highly doubt we'll meet our goals by 2030. I do think they are very important though. I think we need to seriously evaluate our power generation sources and realign accordingly, and we have to amp up power generation. We can also improve our bus system and make it low cost or free. On a state and federal level we need to advocate for high speed rail for people and cargo. We need to make a public tracker so people can follow our progress with the Climate Plan.
I definitely believe we should abolish ICE, so we need to whatever we can to make it as impossible as we can for ICE to operate in our county. I would also make a hard push to reform the Board of Appeals so residents can actually have a say over corporate interests in our county. If we had a strong BOA, WR Grace wouldn't be able to burn plastics in our air.
We need to increase training and programs for police to engage in a more holistic, human, and non-weaponized approach to policing. But the biggest thing we can do are economic changes and social welfare programs to reduce need and pressure on people. We need to strengthen our unions and increase living wage jobs, so people can easily find a path to a dignified existence, and don't face the pressures that drive them into crime. We need to increase affordable healthcare/counseling access.
Campaign Instagram
ChristianaRigbyHoCo
The current model is unsustainable: more than 60% of new county revenue growth is going to the school system and yet each year tradeoffs must be made to meet state demands. We must increase recurring revenue by expanding our tax base through thoughtful economic development while also urging the state to evaluate how Blueprint mandates are implemented. Pre-K, for example, was designed as a dual-delivery model; the state should test direct subsidies to families and other effective strategies.
Affordable housing is a critical issue in Howard County, with demand far outpacing supply. We must expand housing options across all ages and stages of life. County-backed construction loan financing can kickstart projects and give the county more control over development, allowing us to create needed housing where it’s most needed while addressing both affordability and fiscal challenges.
As a member of the sandwich generation, I live this crisis firsthand. Howard County lost 500 childcare spots during the pandemic while gaining 2,000 children under five. I worked with the County Executive to direct ARPA funds toward expanding capacity and county-run programs. Like housing, limited availability drives up costs and leaves families behind. Continued investment and creative partnerships are essential to meet demand for both childcare and eldercare.
Howard County has made meaningful progress on the Climate Forward plan, and aligning departments is key. As a councilmember, I prioritize oversight and accountability, regularly meeting with departments to track progress. I support strategies that reduce emissions, expand renewable energy, and strengthen resilience, ensuring the county stays on track to meet its climate goals.
Howard County plays a vital role in protecting residents’ Constitutional rights. We must safeguard life, health, safety, and welfare, set operational and location standards for local detention facilities, and ensure accountability. The county should also fund local nonprofits that provide direct legal assistance, helping residents defend their rights while respecting the limits of local authority under the Constitution.
Howard County is one of the safest communities in the U.S., but juvenile violent crime has risen. We are investing in youth through the Youth Engagement Strategies Council, expanded teen programs at community centers and libraries, and mentoring and employment opportunities. By supporting young residents and fostering positive relationships with public safety agencies, we can reduce crime while building trust and connection in our community.
