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County Council Member · District 4 · Howard County · 2026 Primary
County Council Members serve as the legislative branch of county government, passing local laws and approving the annual budget that funds public schools, roads, and emergency services. They set local tax rates and make final decisions on land use and zoning, which determines where new homes and businesses can be built. This office is responsible for prioritizing how your tax dollars are spent and managing the long-term growth and infrastructure of your community.
View all candidates in this raceJanssen Evelyn is running for Howard County Council Member in District 4 as an experienced public servant, lawyer, father, and longtime community advocate based in Hickory Ridge. An immigrant from Barbados who arrived in Maryland as a child, he graduated from St. Mary's College of Maryland and Washington and Lee School of Law before building his career across local government in Prince George's, Howard, and Anne Arundel counties. His public service includes roles at the Howard County Office of Law, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer where he developed the county's first trade apprenticeship program, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer in Anne Arundel County leading economic development and housing policy, and inaugural Executive Director of the Anne Arundel County Office of Police Accountability implementing police reform systems. Beyond government, he serves as immediate past President of the Howard County Conservancy Board, Vice Chair of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, board member of Columbia Community Care, Member-at-Large of the Howard County NAACP, and former Hickory Ridge Village Board member. As a father raising two daughters in District 4, his commitment to the county is both personal and purposeful.
Sources: Campaign website
"Lets build a stronger, more inclusive community Join the movement in Howard County"
"This Campaign is built by neighbors and friends who believe that with the right leaders, our community can work for everyone."
"Janssen has spent his career helping communities solve problems and move forward together. As a lawyer and executive leader in local government, he has worked directly on daily operations, economic development, housing, and placemaking initiatives, in both Howard and Anne Arundel counties. He knows how local government works and how to make it work for people."
"As a father raising his family here, Janssen is committed to a District 4 where every child and every family can thrive. On the County Council, he will serve with experience, integrity and collaboration to strengthen our community, support working families, and ensure everyone has a place to belong."
Source: janssenevelyn.com
Strong Schools & Thriving Students
Great schools are the bedrock of a great community where every student has access to high quality education and a path to succeed.
“"As the son of an educator and a father of two HCPSS students, Janssen knows that children thrive when educators are supported and every child is seen, valued, and safe. Opportunity gaps remain, and without decisive action they will widen. Janssen will work for a school system where every student has access to a high quality education and a path to succeed."”
Safe Communities
True safety is more than the absence of crime—it is the presence of trust, opportunity, and support built through community connections.
“"As the first Executive Director of the Anne Arundel County Office of Police Accountability, Janssen helped build new systems that strengthened transparency and trust between residents and law enforcement. Howard County is one of the safest places in Maryland, thanks in part to the strong relationship between HCPD and the community. Sustaining that success requires continued attention to community health, youth support, and collaborative problem solving."”
Attainable Housing & Economic Opportunity
To build stability, connect residents to good jobs, support local businesses, and expand access to attainable housing while prioritizing living wage contractors.
“"When the cost of living rises faster than what families earn, our entire community feels the strain. To build stability, we must connect residents to good jobs, support local businesses, and expand access to attainable housing. As Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Janssen works every day on the issues that shape local incomes, housing availability, and business growth. He understands how policy translates into real outcomes for families — and what practical steps are needed to make communities more livable, affordable, and welcoming."”
Sustainable Environment
Environmental stewardship starts with community stewardship—protecting natural spaces, promoting sustainability, and engaging the next generation.
“"As President of the Howard County Conservancy and an avid community gardener, Janssen understands that environmental stewardship starts with community stewardship. Protecting natural spaces, promoting sustainability, and engaging the next generation are essential to a strong and healthy Howard County. Much like our natural ecosystem, our community flourishes when every individual is supported, valued, and able to play their part."”
Seniors & Aging with Dignity
Expanding access, promoting independence, closing disparities, and ensuring every resident can age with dignity while remaining active and connected.
“"In his parents' later years, Janssen and his family stepped into the role of caregiver. That experience deepened his understanding of the needs and challenges older adults face and how much families and loved ones shoulder in caring for them. It is why he is committed to expanding access, promoting independence, closing disparities, and ensuring every resident can age with dignity and remain active, engaged, and connected in the community they know and love."”
“"Great schools are the bedrock of a great community. As the son of an educator and a father of two HCPSS students, Janssen knows that children thrive when educators are supported and every child is seen, valued, and safe."”
Source“"To build stability, we must connect residents to good jobs, support local businesses, and expand access to attainable housing."”
Source“"True safety is more than the absence of crime. It is the presence of trust, opportunity, and support. As the first Executive Director of the Anne Arundel County Office of Police Accountability, Janssen helped build new systems that strengthened transparency and trust between residents and law enforcement."”
Source“"As President of the Howard County Conservancy and an avid community gardener, Janssen understands that environmental stewardship starts with community stewardship. Protecting natural spaces, promoting sustainability, and engaging the next generation are essential to a strong and healthy Howard County."”
Source“"As Deputy Chief Administrative Officer in Anne Arundel County, where he leads work on economic development, housing, and land-use policy. He understands how policy translates into real outcomes for families — and what practical steps are needed to make communities more livable, affordable, and welcoming."”
Source“"In his parents' later years, Janssen and his family stepped into the role of caregiver. That experience deepened his understanding of the needs and challenges older adults face and how much families and loved ones shoulder in caring for them. It is why he is committed to expanding access, promoting independence, closing disparities, and ensuring every resident can age with dignity and remain active, engaged, and connected in the community they know and love."”
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