Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced several impactful investments for the Elkridge community in his Fiscal Year 2026 Capital budget.
The proposal includes $25 million for the new Elkridge Community and 50+ Center, a 67,000-square-foot facility with a gym and spaces for older adults. Transportation upgrades include safer sidewalks along Montgomery Road and the HoCo RapidRide service connecting residents to Route One. The budget also allocates $120,000 for restoring the Brumbaugh House and creating an Elkridge History Museum.
In addition, the proposed budget includes $500,000 for Arts For All, funding permanent public art installations at the Elkridge Community Center featuring a new, iconic public art installation through the Arts For All program in partnership with the Howard County Arts Council. The nationally recognized public art firm, MIG, has been commissioned to help procure the public artwork for the Elkridge Community Center.
“Today, with County Executive Ball’s announcement of $500,000 for Arts For All in Elkridge, we are not only making a strong commitment to integrating art into public spaces – we are taking a significant step forward in making the arts accessible to all,” said Coleen West, Executive Director of the Howard County Arts Council. “With this investment, we will be commissioning one or more permanent sculptures at the Elkridge Community Center that will leave a lasting legacy.”
“Public art has the power to transform spaces, foster community pride, and create lasting cultural connections. With the launch of the Arts For All program and the selection of Elkridge Community Center as a public art site, we are ensuring that creativity is woven into the fabric of everyday life in Howard County,” said Ann Berchtold, Director of Public Art and Placemaking, MIG.
“As the Public Art Consultant for this procurement, my role is to guide a process that is inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the community’s vision. This initiative is about more than just installing art—it’s about engaging residents, amplifying local voices, and making art accessible to all. We are excited to collaborate with the community to bring this vision to life and create a piece that truly reflects the spirit of Elkridge.”
“These investments will help build a connected, creative, and sustainable community for Elkridge,” said Ball.
You can view photos of the announcement on the County’s Flickr webpage and video on the County’s YouTube webpage.