The reimagined plan boldly transforms the 1,000-acre business park into the Region’s innovation powerhouse
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced a bold new era is on the horizon in Howard County. The County’s Department of Planning & Zoning (DPZ) will host a public meeting, in-person on Tuesday, January 21st from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Recreation & Parks headquarters at 7120 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia and virtually via WebEx on Wednesday, January 22nd from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. to present the preferred option for the Gateway Master Plan.
The Master Plan will provide a comprehensive, actionable roadmap to guide Gateway’s long-term transformation as a premier “innovation district” – a regional destination for new research and ideas within an area that is dynamic, mixed-use, connected, and creative. Spanning approximately 1,000 acres of business and industrial space, the Gateway area’s size, central location between Baltimore and the District of Columbia, and current configuration offer considerable potential for future growth and development. The plan positions Gateway as the region’s nerve center for groundbreaking research, trailblazing ideas, and bold entrepreneurship.
“Columbia Gateway and the Gateway Master Plan represent an unparalleled opportunity to peer into the future of our region, a tomorrow brimming with audacious research, boundless experimentation and fearless entrepreneurship,” said Ball. “This innovation district will be a catalyst for fearless experimentation and dynamic partnerships, harnessing central Maryland’s strategic location and unique strengths to deliver a powerful hub for cutting-edge business growth and research breakthroughs.”
The introduction of the Master Plan preferred option marks the next phase in the Gateway Master Plan initiative launched one year ago in January of 2024. DPZ previously presented a range of master plan options to the public, engaging thoughtful discussions and gathering insightful feedback on design and land use possibilities for the next 10 to 30 years. The Gateway Master Plan effort builds on the vision laid out in the County’s recently adopted General Plan, HoCo By Design.
The planning process is guided by an appointed Advisory Committee comprised of key community stakeholders and subject matter experts, including Gateway property and business owners, representatives of Columbia Association, and other community members with expertise in economic development, innovation, housing, sustainability, and critical planning areas. The Committee’s input has helped ensure that the future vision for Gateway considers all the essential components of an innovation district, such as multi-modal transportation, affordable housing, sustainability and resiliency, and infrastructure needs.
At these public meetings, community members will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on the concepts presented and how the County can improve and build upon the area’s existing features to create a lively, walkable community for all.
“This illustrative concept lays the strategic framework for a destination that spurs novel research and generates new skilled jobs,” said Lynda Eisenberg, DPZ’s Director. “The Master Plan’s preferred option addresses the critical infrastructure needed to underpin a community of the future, including transportation, school facilities, housing, and business development resources.”
The public meeting will spotlight the comprehensive redevelopment approach, emphasizing the optimal land use mix, infrastructure priorities, open spaces, and public amenities. It will also delve into the distinctive characteristics of innovation districts, showcasing the transformative opportunities they offer for fostering dynamic environments that promote collaboration and drive sustainable economic growth.
“Gateway’s transformation into an innovation district represents a pivotal economic opportunity for Howard County,” states Jennifer Jones, CEO, Howard County Economic Development Authority. “By fostering collaboration between industries such as cybersecurity, defense, tech and academia, we are not only strengthening our competitive advantage but also driving sustainable job creation and long-term economic growth. Gateway’s evolution builds on our region’s strengths and positions the area as a hub of economic and cultural vitality.”
Registration is preferred to attend the in-person meeting and required to attend the virtual meeting. To register for the in-person meeting on January 21, please visit, HERE. Registration for the virtual meeting on January 22, can be found HERE. For more information about the Gateway Master Plan, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/gateway
