About Regina
Servant leader
I am Regina McLendon, a proud Oakland Mills graduate, longtime resident, and Principal of Oakland Mills Middle School. For more than 30 years I have served Howard County students and families as an educator, mentor, and community leader.
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Through my work as a school principal and initiatives like The Ubuntu Project, I see every day what our community truly needs: stronger mental health supports for families, secure jobs that pay a living wage, and affordable housing so people can stay and grow here. These are not abstract policy points to me they are the daily realities of the students, parents, and neighbors I serve.
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I am running for County Council in District 2 because I believe every family deserves safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a voice in the decisions that shape their lives. My vision is rooted in community and proven leadership—working together to ensure Howard County remains a place where all of us can thrive.
Values & Vision
Regina's approach involves a deep understanding of community needs. She listens, strategizes, and implements policies that benefit all. Here's how her process unfolds:
Education and Youth Opportunity
As a principal, I see every day the promise in our young people. Every child deserves rigorous academics, strong social and emotional supports, and opportunities that prepare them not just for graduation, but for life.
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I will work to keep schools safe and nurturing, expand mentorship and afterschool programs, and build strong partnerships with families and community organizations. I will also fight for budgets that prioritize classrooms, support and retain educators, and ensure resources reach students and teachers where they are needed most.
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Education must also connect to real opportunities—career exploration, workforce training, apprenticeships, and leadership pathways. When we invest in our youth, we invest in the strength of our entire community. I will champion policies that put students first, remove barriers, and open doors of opportunity for every child in Howard County.
Public Safety and Community Well-Being
Public safety is personal for me. In the Oakland Mills community, we have endured heartbreaking losses, including the recent deaths of two of my former students. I have sat in hospital waiting rooms, stood beside grieving families, and listened to young people question if they are safe in their own neighborhoods. These experiences shape my belief that safety must mean more than policing, it must include healing, prevention, and opportunity.
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I am committed to strengthening relationships between our community and first responders, including our police and fire departments, built on trust, respect, and accountability. At the same time, I will continue to advance initiatives like Ubuntu, restorative justice circles, and partnerships with mental health agencies that provide real support for youth and families.
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True community well-being requires a holistic approach, one that addresses trauma, expands mental health resources, and ensures our young people feel seen, heard, and valued. By investing in prevention and building stronger community partnerships, we can honor those we have lost and create a safer, healthier Howard County for everyone.
Affordable Housing and Stability
Every family in Howard County deserves a safe and stable place to call home. Rising housing costs have pushed too many of our neighbors to the margins, making it harder for working families, young professionals, and seniors to stay in the community they love.
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I believe we must expand affordable housing options, protect tenants from displacement, and ensure that new development includes opportunities for all income levels. Housing is not just about buildings—it’s about stability, dignity, and opportunity. When people have secure housing, they can focus on work, school, and building stronger futures.
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By working together, we can create policies that keep Howard County inclusive, vibrant, and accessible for every resident.
Transportation and Complete Streets
Complete Streets initiatives are essential for creating safer and more sustainable commutes for everyone. By focusing on the US-1 corridor and neighborhood connectors in District 2, we can ensure that walkers, cyclists, buses, and drivers share the road safely. Our pilot projects have demonstrated effective strategies, and now it's time to expand on those successes while addressing any challenges we've encountered. Together, we can make our streets accessible and welcoming for all.
Flood Resilience and Climate Readiness
It’s essential to act swiftly when it comes to flood control. I am committed to advancing the Ellicott City Safe and Sound projects, ensuring we secure necessary state and federal funding. Our goal is to apply resilience standards to all vulnerable areas throughout the county. Rest, we will see these plans through to completion.
Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency
Howard County families deserve a government that is careful with every dollar and open about how decisions are made. I believe in smart budgeting that invests in schools, public safety, and community services while avoiding waste and holding agencies accountable.
Transparency builds trust. I will push for open communication, clear reporting, and meaningful opportunities for residents to have a voice in how their tax dollars are spent. By putting people first and budgets on the table, we can ensure county government works for everyone.
Health, Seniors, and Mental Health
As a community leader, I see every day how access to quality health care impacts people of all ages—whether it’s young people needing mental health support, families struggling to find affordable care, or seniors seeking services that let them age with dignity.
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I believe Howard County must expand access to health and mental health services, strengthen programs that support seniors, and invest in prevention and wellness. When we care for the health of our residents at every stage of life, we build a stronger, more compassionate community for all.
Small Business and Local Jobs
Small businesses are the backbone of Howard County’s economy and the heart of our neighborhoods. I believe we must invest in policies that help local businesses grow, create good-paying jobs, and keep our economy strong and inclusive.
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That means supporting entrepreneurs, expanding workforce training, and ensuring county contracts and resources are accessible to local and minority-owned businesses. When we strengthen small businesses, we create opportunity and stability for families across our community.
Government That Listens
Howard County deserves leaders who listen to the people they serve. Too often, decisions are made without enough input from the very residents most affected. I believe government works best when it is transparent, accountable, and rooted in community voices.
I will create real opportunities for residents to be heard, from town halls to accessible communication, and ensure their concerns shape county policy. A government that listens is a government that earns trust and delivers results for everyone.
