the school system with 672 police, 482 public works, and 472 fire and rescue employees. The top ten private sector employers in Howard County are as follows: Awards Awards and recognitions achieved by Howard County or locations within it include the following: "4th Richest County in America", Forbes Magazine, 2017. "Best American Values", Newsmax Magazine: Ellicott City #17 (2009). "Best Place to Live", CNN/Money: Columbia (#1 in 2016); Ellicott City/Columbia (#6 in 2014; #8 in 2012; #2 in 2010; #8 in 2008; #4 in 2006.) "Best Places to Live for Pet Lovers", CNN/Money: Ellicott City, one of 10 (2009). "Best Place to Raise a Family", Forbes: #17 (2008). "Good Sports Community of the Year", Sports Illustrated (2005) "Great Public Library System", Hennen's American Public Library Ratings: #4 in population category in 2010; 8 times appearing in top 10 in a 10-year range. "Healthiest Maryland County", University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. (2013, 2012, 2011, 2010) "Heart Safe Community of the Year", International Association of Fire Chiefs. (2012) "Library of the Year", Library Journal. (2013) "Preserve America Community", Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. (2013) Top Outdoor Concert Venue for Merriweather Post Pavilion (a top five) by Pollstar (2012). "Tree City Community", Arbor Day Foundation. (23 years) "Venues that Rock", Rolling Stone: #4 outdoor venue, Merriweather Post Pavilion (2013). "Winning Community", National Civic League. (2001) Notable people K.A.A.N., a rapper and songwriter. Culture and attractions Blandair, an open space preserve Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge The Candlelight Concert Society The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company Clark's Elioak Farm Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts The Columbia Orchestra Ellicott City Historic Main Street Ellicott City Station The Enchanted Forest (closed – some features relocated to Clark's Elioak Farm) Howard County Center for the Arts Howard County Library Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center Larriland Pick-Your-Own Farm Merriweather Post Pavilion Rep Stage James and Anne Robinson Nature Center Savage Mill Shrine of St. Anthony Toby's Dinner Theatre Transportation Airports Howard County does not have any public or commercial airport facilities. A 1967 Airport Study Commission recommended a facility for 150–250 aircraft to provide economic development, but was not initiated. With the closure of Haysfield Airport, there is one privately owned airstrip, Glenair Airport in Glenelg. Commercial air service is provided by Baltimore–Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport. Public transportation Bus routes that operate in Howard County are managed by