Task Force Making Plans for Economic Uplift in Howard County

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball recently announced the establishment of an Economic Competitiveness and Opportunity Now (ECON) Task Force via Executive Order 2025-03, bringing together economic experts, industry leaders, academic partners, and Cabinet members to ensure Howard County’s economy thrives in the face of threats.

“With Howard County home to roughly 50,000 federal employees, we know the impacts of federal government layoffs and a looming possible government shutdown, could subsequently have dire consequences on our county’s economy now and in the long term,” said Ball. “By working together, we are ensuring we are prepared to navigate any unchartered waters so that our local economy continues to thrive no matter what happens in our nation’s capital. Through resilience, innovation, and compassion, we will continue to prosper and thrive for our generations to come.”

Made up of private sector experts, educational and workforce professionals, practitioners and leaders across major industries, and members of Ball’s Cabinet, the ECON Task Force has been tasked with recommending solutions for Howard County’s most pressing economic challenges. The ECON Task Force will:

• Identify and recommend policies, regulations, strategies, and actions that strengthen Howard County’s economic competitiveness and growth;
• Review policies and procedures by departments and agencies that impact businesses’ ability to thrive in Howard County;
• Develop a consolidated economic resiliency and competitiveness plan that incorporates short-term and long-term strategies and actions from executive departments and offices represented on the Task Force; and
• Present recommendations to better assist and expedite local permitting and licensing requirements.

ECON Task Force members who spoke today include:

• Angela Cabellon, Ball’s Chief of Staff and ECON Task Force Chair
• Dr. Daraius Irani, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Applied Research, Towson University
• Tisha Edwards, President and CEO, Maryland Bankers Association
• Aaron Tomarchio, EVP of Corporate Affairs, Tradepoint Atlantic
• Tricia Hudson, Owner and Operator, Hudson Coastal Raw Bar & Grille

Following a recent press conference, the ECON Task Force hosted its first meeting. The Task Force will host a meeting in April, May, September, and October, with committee work being conducted during the summer months of June through August. The Chair emphasized that throughout this effort, the Task Force can provide recommendations that can be considered for immediate implementation. In November, the Task Force will present its final report to Ball for review and consideration.

“As Howard County’s first Chief Innovation Officer and the incident commander during the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that the only way to tackle complex challenges is by doing so together. By bringing together our most respected leaders, thought partners, and Cabinet members around the table, Howard County will remain competitive in an ever-changing economic landscape,” said Cabellon. “I am honored to lead an effort that isn’t just about waiting for a final report but about driving meaningful action along the way. Together we will ideate, iterate, and implement solutions in real-time to strengthen Howard County’s economic future.”

“As a lifelong economist, I have studied and lived through many economic highs and lows. While every era presents unique challenges, the forces of resilience, adaptation, and innovation remain consistent,” said Irani. “These are unprecedented times, particularly for regions like ours that are navigating the effects of a shifting federal workforce. The scale of change we are experiencing—whether through RIFS, retirements, or evolving industry needs—requires strategic thinking to plan for the future of Howard County’s local economy. We must work together—public and private sectors, educational institutions, and community leaders—toward solutions that make Howard County and our region more competitive.”

“I know that financial institutions play a critical role in stabilizing and strengthening economies—especially during times of uncertainty, and this Task Force provides a unique opportunity for industry leaders, government, and community partners to come together and ensure that Howard County’s economy not only weathers today’s challenges but emerges even stronger,” said Edwards. “The financial sector will continue to be a major driver of economic resilience in Howard County. By supporting small businesses, expanding access to lending, and ensuring financial security for our residents, we can help create an environment where businesses and families can thrive.”

“We know that a thriving workforce is the backbone of a strong economy and Howard County is poised to play a critical role in the economic vitality of the entire region,” said Tomarchio. “On behalf of Tradepoint Atlantic, we stand ready as a job creator, economic engine, and trusted partner for the County and region, bringing opportunity to businesses and workers alike. We are eager to explore new ways to enhance workforce development, infrastructure, and economic resilience—ensuring that Howard County remains a top destination for business investment and job creation.”

“Food service establishments are being plagued with labor shortages, rising food costs, and outrageous credit card fees…Just when we were attempting to get back to pre-pandemic levels, we are now being hit with some frightening realities and major uncertainties…Time is now. We need the action,” said Hudson. “Through support, with the commitment of public and private partners, we will find a way to traverse the specific issues that many of these industries are facing. There is hope, and as we work together, we hope for brighter days ahead.”

Since the commencement of President Trump’s second term, his administration has enacted a series of executive orders aimed at reshaping various facets of federal policy and administration, as well as restructuring the federal workforce. This has included:

• Enacting an immediate hiring freeze across the executive branch, with exceptions for military personnel and roles related to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety;
• Offering federal employees the option to resign by February 6th, in exchange for retaining full pay and benefits until September 30th, through the President’s administration’s Deferred Resignation Program; and
• Announcing a 50 percent reduction in the U.S. Department of Education workforce on March 11th.

In response to President Trump’s administrations actions, Ball has thus far:

• Hosted a Federal Workers’ Forum on Tuesday, February 4th, that was attended by roughly 400 federal workers, who shared their fears, issues, and situations about resigning or being fired, as well as had the opportunity to learn about County resources and guidance available to them.
• Held a Federal Worker’s Career Fair on Tuesday, February 25th, that welcomed nearly 600 people and connected impacted federal workers and contractors with public and private-sector employers to explore networking, job opportunities, and additional resources.
• Partnered with Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth to host a Howard County Federal Workers Town Hall on Tuesday, March 11th.
• Supported Congresswoman Elfreth’s anti-DOGE legislation introduced on March 11th in the State House.
• Testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee at its special “Freezing America’s Progress” hearing on Wednesday, March 12th, on the impacts the Department of Government Efficiency cuts would have on Maryland and Howard County.
• Joined the Howard County Economic Development Authority in hosting its Business Resource Expo event, “From Federal Worker to GovCon Entrepreneur – Your Next Starts Here,” on Wednesday, March 26th aimed at assisting former federal employees transform their part-time passion into full-time success. This semi-annual event offers valuable resources, networking opportunities, and expert guidance to empower our community during this period of change.
• Scheduled a second Federal Workers Career and Resource Fair for Tuesday, April 8th at 6:00 p.m. in Howard Community College’s Dwight E. Burrill Galleria.

Additionally, Ball’s administration has also:

• Established its hocohelp@howardcountymd.gov email address, to assist federal employees with finding answers to questions and accessing available assistance.
• The County’s Office of Workforce Development (OWD) has expanded its services to directly help federal workers tailor their resumes and give job searching advice. In the last month alone, OWD has helped nearly a thousand impacted federal workers and contractors.
• The County’s Department of Recreation & Parks is working on expanding its elementary school before and after childcare at its 23 Howard County Public School System public school sites. Anyone interested in becoming a Recreation & Parks childcare provider is encouraged to email RLCchildcare@howardcountymd.gov today.
• The Office of Children and Families CARE Center CARE line is a free information and referral service for people who have questions about children in Howard County, including childcare services. CARE Center staff work with families to identify their needs and find solutions. For assistance, call 410-313-CARE (410-313-2273) or email children@howardcountymd.gov.
• The County’s Department of Housing and Community Development is offering foreclosure prevention assistance to households facing unexpected financial crises and are behind on their mortgage payment. Federal employees who have recently lost employment may be eligible for this program.
• Individuals with disabilities are eligible for individualized support at the Columbia Workforce Development Center, which includes OWD, the Maryland Department of Labor, and the Maryland Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). Pursuant to Howard County Code, persons with disabilities who possess required qualifications for openings will have a preferred placement on our eligibility list. To learn more about the Columbia Workforce Development Center, email owd@howardcountymd.gov.
• The Community Action Council of Howard County, Inc. has expanded its Howard County Food Bank offerings to provide pre-bagged shelf staples to terminated or furloughed federal employees living in Howard County who need food assistance during this time for three months from the date of first visit; supplies are limited. Proof of residency and photo federal identification will be required.
• Individuals and/or families struggling with the weight of uncertainty, fear, and confusion are encouraged to call 988 to talk to someone today. Mental health is vital more than ever during these difficult times.
• State and federal assistance programs: impacted federal workers should review their eligibility to participate in state and federal assistance programs, including:

1. Unemployment Insurance through the Maryland Department of Labors’ Division of Unemployment Insurance
2. Maryland Health Connection’s Special Enrollment for Healthcare
3. Maryland Department of Human Services’ Temporary Cash Assistance

• While the County cannot provide legal advice, federal employees seeking legal advice can reach out to Maryland Legal Aid at 1-888-465-2468 or online at www.mdlab.org.Publisher’s Note: Maryland Newspapers LLC looks forward to providing regular coverage of news and events in Howard County, Maryland. Please support that effort by visiting HowardCourier.com daily, uploading our mobile app, and subscribing, if finances permit.