Economic Resiliency and Opportunity
Christiana knows we must continue driving investment to Howard County to strengthen our local economy and protect household budgets, amid economic uncertainty in Washington. On the County Council, Christiana has:
- Sponsored and passed legislation to raise the minimum wage for working people in Howard County.
- Helped create the Gateway Business Park Enterprise Zone, bringing more than $80 million in investments and hundreds of new jobs to District 3 in its first year.
- Supported HoCo By Design, the Route 1 Redevelopment Plan, and the Gateway Master Plan to attract innovation and investment.
- Expanded opportunities for small businesses to open, grow, and work with the Howard County Economic Development Authority.
- Improved transportation access for workers, customers, and local businesses.
- Supported major investment along the Route 1 corridor to revitalize blighted areas.
- Strengthened oversight, transparency, and accountability in County decision-making to protect taxpayer resources.
Christiana will continue working to keep regulations clear and straightforward, attract responsible investment, and explore innovative ways to reduce everyday costs, like helping residents and businesses access more affordable energy options.
Housing Affordability, Availability, and Accessibility
Housing costs are rising faster than incomes, making it harder for families, seniors, and young people to stay in the community they call home. In addition, housing is also about safe neighborhoods, accessible homes, and communities where people can stay connected to jobs, schools, and services. Christiana believes housing policy must reflect real life and real needs. On the Council, Christiana has:
- Passed legislation requiring moderate-income housing and incentivizing accessible units in transit-oriented developments.
- Championed a full spectrum of affordable and accessible housing opportunities across the County, including Patuxent Commons, a unique community for people of all ages, abilities and incomes.
- Advocated for the full funding of the County’s Housing Opportunities Trust Fund to enable the County to preserve existing affordable housing.
- Shaped both the Gateway Master Plan and HoCo By Design to expand housing options countywide.
- Served on the Complete Streets Implementation Team to better connect housing, schools, jobs, and services with safe, accessible streets and public transit options for every neighborhood.
Howard County is stronger and more resilient when all families have access to housing that meets their needs. Christiana will continue working toward a future where residents of all income levels can thrive in our community. In her next term, Christiana will continue working to streamline regulations, preserve affordability, and ensure new housing meets the needs of a growing, diverse community.
Empowered Education System
Howard County’s public schools are a point of pride and a promise to our children. Christiana knows that strong schools require stable funding, thoughtful planning, and long-term commitment.On the Council, Christiana has:
- Secured funding for major school construction and renovation projects, including Guilford Park High School, Hammond High School, Talbott Springs Elementary School, and Oakland Mills Middle School.
- Fought for systemic repairs and upgrades across neighborhood schools.
- Supported changes to strengthen the County’s General Fund, allowing greater investment in teacher pay, mental health supports, and special education services.
- Helped update policies and fund programs to make it safer for students to walk, bike, or roll to school.
- Supported expanded programming and safe spaces for teens across communities in Howard County.
Christiana will continue to fight for sensible, sustainable tax structures that create stable County revenues and allow HCPSS to thrive. With reliable funding in place, Howard County can continue implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, making critical investments in teacher salaries and retention, universal pre-kindergarten, career and technical education, and more. She will also continue to prioritize school construction funding in the capital budget to expand capacity and ensure every student learns in safe, modern, world-class facilities.
Cleaner, Greener Environment in our Neighborhoods
Climate change isn’t abstract. It affects energy bills, public health, and quality of life. As a former environmental educator, Christiana brings both expertise and urgency to protecting Howard County’s green spaces and natural resources. On the Council, Christiana has:
- Supported the County’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan, our bold plan to reduce emissions, increase resiliency, and achieve environmental equity.
- Advocated for the expansion of the County’s Feed the Green Bin composting service, now available to all District 3 homeowners, reducing methane emissions and landfill costs.
- Championed building codes that require solar and electric vehicle ready infrastructure for all new buildings.
- Expanded community solar access and supported countywide solar power purchase agreements.
- Passed and sponsored the Geothermal Tax Credit to make renewable energy more affordable for homeowners.
- Advanced land conservation efforts to meet statewide preservation goals.
- Sponsored legislation to reduce plastics in our county by prohibiting plastic straws in restaurants and implementing plastic bag fees.
Climate change continues to be an immediate and growing threat to our world. Christiana’s approach targets the biggest sources of emissions, buildings and transportation, while making clean energy more accessible and affordable for residents. By doing so, we can build a more sustainable Howard County that works for our residents.