An Event Filled Weekend In HoCo!

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Columbia.

In today’s Columbia Scoop:

New Affordable Housing Is Coming
Columbia Is One Of The Best Places In America To Raise A Family
HoCo’s Best Crab cakes!

Let’s get to it.

— Michelle Sinclair

Still Got It—Columbia Ranks Among Best Places to Raise a Family

This is the Columbia Scoop—and Columbia’s feeling the love! Our hometown is still one of the best places in the U.S. to raise a family—ranked No. 14 in WalletHub’s latest report. It scored especially high for affordability and family fun. While it’s been No. 1 before, this year’s ranking shows Columbia continues to offer a strong balance of value, safety, and opportunity.

SPONSORED BY MIKE SLOAN OF NORTHROP REALTY: Your trusted partner for Howard County Real Estate

Looking for a real estate agent who listens, strategizes, and delivers? Meet Mike Sloan of Northrop Realty, a seasoned professional with over 18 years of full-time experience, 1,200+ homes sold, and $500 million+ in sales. Named one of The Wall Street Journal’s Top Agents, Mike’s a competitor who thrives on challenges and relationships. A Howard County native and family man, Mike’s ready to put his expertise to work for you. Reach out to Mike to see how he can help.

THE DIGEST

HoCo Tackles Rent Crunch with 205 New Homes in Columbia

Big shovels, bigger impact. Howard County broke ground this week on two major affordable housing projects in Columbia—The Vision at Parkway and The Legacy at Cedar Lane. Together, they’ll bring 205 new homes to Harper’s Choice, doubling what was on those sites before.

We brought this up a few months ago—because housing is the issue. With 95% of county rentals already occupied and average rent topping $2,000 a month, folks need options. These projects deliver. From energy-efficient upgrades to playgrounds and coworking lounges, this is what forward-thinking development looks like. County Executive Calvin Ball called it “transformational.” He’s not wrong.

We’ll keep covering this as it unfolds—because if you live here, work here, or want to live here, this matters. ($)

Community Pushback Builds Over New Redistricting Scenarios 📚🚧

Tensions flared outside the Board of Ed Thursday as families rallied to “keep Centennial schools together.” Protesters cheered, chanted, and held signs as HCPSS unveiled three boundary scenarios—all moving some walkers onto buses and reassigning students from Ellicott City to Columbia schools. A final decision is expected in November. ($)

Go-Kart Track Faces Judgment Day July 31

This is a return lap for the Columbia Scoop 🏁 We’ve followed the saga of the Highland go-kart track since the start—and now, the finish line’s in sight. Built without permits, the track sparked major backlash. The Board of Appeals rules July 31. Will it stay? Or stall out for good? ($)

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LOCAL BUSINESS

7 HoCo Crab Cakes You Need to Know About

HoCo crab cakes—everyone’s got opinions, we’ve got answers 🦀 From golden-fried giants to no-filler lumps of love, we rounded up 7 spots serving the real deal (plus one worth crossing the county line for). These aren’t your average patties—they’re local legends. Ready to taste what makes Maryland proud? Meet the crustacean royalty ruling Howard County.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

SPONSORED BY REMEDY COLUMBIA:
Locally Grown, Community-Focused

Founded by two proud Columbia residents, Remedy Columbia is your neighborhood dispensary offering premium cannabis products and a personalized shopping experience. Whether you're seeking relief, relaxation, or inspiration, our curated selection and knowledgeable team are here to help. At Remedy, we believe in supporting our community, celebrating local culture, and making every visit feel like coming home. Visit Remedy Columbia—Where Healing Meets Home.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

This week’s featured event. . . Summer Concert Series @ River Hill Village Center Thursday, 630pm

Summer nights = live music. Head to River Hill Village Center on July 24 for the next Summer Concert Series show featuring Diamond Alley! Expect dance hits, rock, and variety starting at 6:30 PM. It’s free—just bring a chair!

THURSDAY 7-24

Shakespeare Beyond @ Rockburn Branch Park
Shakespeare with a Maryland twist! 🎭 Catch The Comedy of Errors, Hon! at Rockburn Branch Park-West on Thursday, July 24 at 7:30 PM. Free show, live music, and family fun included!

AMPED in the Park @ Color Burst Park
Turn up the volume Thursday, July 24 at 7 PM for AMPED in the Park 🎶 Los Karambas brings the rhythm to Merriweather District. It’s free—grab food, drinks, and a spot under the stars!

FRIDAY 7-25

Judy Center Grand Opening Celebration and Street Fair
Friday, July 25 from 5–7 PM, join the Judy Center at Stevens Forest Elementary for its Grand Opening Street Fair! Free food, games, music, a magician, and more—plus info on family support programs all year long.

Wisdom Child Care Presents Scoopin Into Summer
Scoop up some summer fun this Friday, July 25 at 4 PM 🍦 Wisdom Childcare is throwing a free, family-friendly bash with bounce houses, face painting, games—and yep, free ice cream! Bring the kids, bring your neighbors, and bring that summer spirit to Old Montgomery Road.

Dancing Under the People Tree @ The Lakefront
Fridays = fun at Lakefront Live! 💃🕺 On July 25th, dance to Disney tunes with CA instructors at 7 PM, then catch Inside Out 2 at dusk. Free and open to all!

EC Cryptocurrency Meetup @ Phoenix Upper Main
Join the Ellicott City Cryptocurrency Meetup Friday, July 25 at 6:30 PM at Phoenix Upper Main 🪙 Whether you’re crypto-curious or deep in Web3, come network, learn, and talk tech—no hype, no scams, just real conversation and good company.

Friday Music @ Clarksville Commons
Kick off your weekend with live music at Clarksville Commons! 🎶 The Sandra Dean Band hits the stage Friday at 7:30 PM with classic rock, blues, and soul. Grab takeout or a patio seat—chairs and blankets welcome. Free fun, great vibes, and all are welcome!

SATURDAY 7-26

Good Kid-Izen @ Color Burst Park
Saturday, July 26 at Color Burst Park, science takes center stage! Bring the whole fam for games, crafts, and a thrilling live show by Rocket Reba. It’s interactive, exciting, and totally kid-approved. Fun kicks off in the morning!

Night Fishing @ Cenntennial Lake
Fish Centennial Lake after dark! 🎣 Join Howard County Rec & Parks for Night Bite Fishing on Saturday, July 26. On-site check-in by 7 PM. $5, all ages welcome—details here!

SUNDAY 7-27

Play for All Fest @ Blandair Park
Celebrate inclusion at the Play For All Fest this Sunday at 10 AM 🌟 Head to Blandair Park North for a free day of fun, games, and community for all ages and abilities. It’s Howard County’s commitment to equity—on full, joyful display.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

CIVIL NEWS

HoCo’s Emergency Chief Says: Stay Ready, Stay Safe

Howard County’s top emergency planner says: don’t wait for Texas-style floods to get prepared. Maria Bernadzikowski wants folks to know their evacuation routes, keep those phone alerts on, and grab a NOAA weather radio. Pro tip—Ellicott City flood sirens aren’t just loud, they’re life-saving. Stay ready, HoCo.

County Budgeting That Deserves a Trophy

Howard County just earned some serious bragging rights. The Department of Finance scored the top national honor in government accounting—the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. It’s the gold standard, and HoCo nailed it. Transparency, accountability, and fiscal smarts? That’s how you keep taxpayers and wallets happy. 💰👏

Howard County Gets Charged Up for Electric School Buses

Howard County just scored a slice of Maryland’s $12M electric school bus grant 🍃⚡ The funds will help meet the county’s diverse needs—adding buses, chargers, and training. It’s part of a statewide push toward cleaner, quieter rides for students. Fewer emissions, lower maintenance, and healthier air? That’s a win for every kid in the county. ($)

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EXTRA SPRINKLES

Check Out the Pizza, Pours, and Chill Vibes at Pub Dog Columbia

Looking for laid-back vibes, fresh pizza, and local craft beer? Pub Dog in Columbia is your go-to. Known for their signature two-for-one draft beers, Pub Dog pairs crisp house brews with fire-baked pizzas made just the way you like. From classic pepperoni to bold specialty pies, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re catching the game or kicking back with friends, Pub Dog delivers great food, great drinks, and that easygoing atmosphere Columbia locals love.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.