Finance
The Finance Department ensures that the County’s financial resources are collected, protected, invested and distributed in a fiscally responsible manner, and provides optimal financial services to a wide range of constituents, including citizens, taxpayers, businesses, agencies and County employees.
Fire and Rescue Services
![Firefighter in full protective gear in front of flames](/sites/default/files/styles/card_272_x_176/public/2021-03/Fire%20background.jpeg?itok=QyRI8QmV)
We are a combination system of nearly 900 career and volunteer providers operating from 13 stations across Howard County. The department is located between Baltimore City and the District of Columbia and provides and receives automatic aid to and from our surrounding partners in Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Montgomery and Frederick counties. The department is statutorily responsible for the administration of the affairs for the county in fire suppression and prevention, fire training, arson investigation, rescue services and emergency medical services.
Health
The Health Department bureaus and programs strive to make Howard County a community in which health equity and optimal wellness are accessible for all who live, work and visit.
Housing & Community Development
![Oxford Square Community](/sites/default/files/styles/card_272_x_176/public/2021-03/Oxford%20Square.jpg?itok=msvMsO4e)
The Department of Housing and Community Development provides affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents of Howard County.
Human Resources
![Test](/sites/default/files/styles/card_272_x_176/public/2021-03/Columbia%20Md%201.jpg?itok=uwrNM1np)
The Office of Human Resources (OHR) coordinates the administration of all personnel related tasks for Howard County Government. The office actively promotes a philosophy of equal opportunity for all through the impartial application of rules and regulations pertaining to hiring, promotion, training, compensation, and benefits.
Human Rights & Equity
The Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity is an entity of the Howard County Government that seeks to eradicate discrimination, increase equal opportunity and protect and promote Human Rights in the county. The Office serves as a catalyst in fostering attitudes and beliefs among Howard County residents which confirm that all individuals have an equal opportunity to enjoy a wholesome and productive quality of life and can pursue their lives free of discrimination.
Human Trafficking Prevention
The Office of Human Trafficking Prevention’s mission is to help prevent human trafficking in Howard County, Maryland, and beyond. Its mandate to prevent both sex and labor trafficking is fulfilled in part through the work of the Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinating Council.
Inspections, Licenses & Permits
Under Director Robert J. Frances, P.E., the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits is the clearinghouse for processing licenses and permits, reviewing construction documents, and inspecting buildings and structures for code compliance.
Office of the Local Children's Board
The Office of the Local Children’s Board (LCB) is committed to creating equitable services and opportunities to improve the lives of Howard County children, youth, and families. The Office seeks to increase inclusiveness, awareness and access to affordable and quality behavioral health care while coordinating resources to meet the needs of the community.
Children & Families
The Office of Children and Families promotes the well-being of children birth to five years old by providing services and supports to their families and caregivers and supports the initiatives of the Early Childhood Advisory Council. The Office offers a wide array of services and resources to promote healthy development, school readiness and strengthen families.
Community Sustainability
![HC Rural Landscape](/sites/default/files/styles/card_272_x_176/public/2021-03/land-03.jpg?itok=GMuFKwzB)
The Howard County Office of Community Sustainability aims to protect and enhance the quality of life in our communities by addressing environmental and economic issues affecting County citizens and future generations. Guided by principles of science, ingenuity, sustainability and stewardship, the Office engages in water quality, economic development, agriculture, energy and education initiatives.
Office of Law
The Office of Law provides legal representation and advice to Howard County and its offices, departments, boards, commissions, and other agencies in an expeditious and professional manner. Pursuant to the Howard County Charter, the Office of Law does not advise or represent private citizens.
Planning & Zoning
The Department of Planning and Zoning ensures the orderly and sustainable growth of the County by implementing policies, plans, and regulations that guide land use and development. Research and community engagement are cornerstones to these efforts that shape our community.
Police
![Howard County Police Department Headquarters](/sites/default/files/styles/card_272_x_176/public/2021-03/home%20page.jpg?itok=NY4uHHN3)
The Howard County Police Department provides a secure environment for the citizens of Howard County by protecting life and property, reducing the opportunity for crime and disorder, enforcing the law, assisting victims and providing other police-related services as required by the community in a manner consistent with the values of a free society.
Procurement & Contract Administration
The Office of Procurement and Contract Administration maintains approximately 775 annual contracts for the goods, services and capital improvement projects that allow Departments to serve the residents of Howard County.
Public Information
The Office of Public Information guarantees that residents, employees and the public at-large, are kept accurately informed of county government services, activities and programs in a timely, effective and efficient manner.
Public Works
The Department of Public Works advances the quality of life for our community by providing exceptional level of public service. Employees coordinate the daily functions, customer service, the capital improvement program and real estate services.
Spending Affordability Advisory Committee
The Spending Affordability Advisory Committee presents its budget recommendations to the County Executive on or before March 1 of every year.
Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council
The Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council supports the care, education and health of our youngest learners.
Constituent Services
County Executive Ball is committed to a responsive government. Our team can help navigate the county bureaucracy, respond to questions or concerns, and assist those trying to access County services. Since December 2018, the County Executive’s Office has responded to more than 10,000 constituent cases from calls, emails, and letters.
Robinson Nature Center
![Robinson Nature Center](/sites/default/files/styles/card_272_x_176/public/2021-06/RobinsonNightSidePond.png?itok=Kr-s0nAn)
Revenue Authority
To finance, or operate cultural, recreational (excluding golf courses), and parking facilities.
Citizens' Election Fund Commission
A voluntary program for small donor financing of County Executive and County Council candidate campaigns.