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Howard Community College asks County Council to adopt $47.2M operating funding
Summary
HCC President Daria Willis asked the Howard County Council to adopt the County Executive's FY2027 operating budget for the college in full, noting $47.2 million in county support (a $1.3M increase) and emphasizing HCC's role serving about 22,000 students.
Daria Willis, president of Howard Community College, asked the County Council to adopt the County Executive's FY2027 operating budget for HCC in full, describing the county as the college's largest single source of operating support and saying the requested $47.2 million covers compensation and allows the college to hold tuition flat for county residents.
Willis told the council that HCC will educate more than 22,000 students in the coming year, with roughly three out of four students living in Howard County, and characterized the county's investment as essential to workforce development, dual-enrollment partnerships and access for first-generation students.
Board of Trustees Chair Vivian Moore Lawyer and other trustees echoed the call for full funding, saying the college's FY27 request reflects institutional discipline, repurposing vacant positions rather than backfilling and using one-time institutional funds for technology or cybersecurity. Student Diane Alexander described how HCC changed her life and urged continued county support.
The college requested a 3% increase in county support to meet compensation and operational needs while state aid remains flat, the college said. President Willis noted the proposed increase does not expand the college's footprint but allows it to meet existing commitments and keep tuition stable for county residents.
Council members thanked the college for its partnership; the council will review the request further in budget work sessions.
