The Office of ADA Coordination provides technical assistance to the public and County Government departments to ensure that County Government’s disability-related policies, procedures and practices are implemented in conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability rights laws. The Office also provides informal guidance to the public in disability rights matters involving non-public entities.

The Office on Aging and Independence promotes the full inclusion of persons with disabilities, addresses the needs of an increasingly diverse cultural community, and supports the desires of our residents to remain independent as they grow older. Our commitment to a No Wrong Door approach makes it easier for older adults, caregivers, adults with disabilities and their families to find the services they need. 

The Budget Office proposes spending levels to the County Executive based on revenue and expenditure analyses to ensure a balanced budget; prepares special management and financial reports, and monitors the purchasing, personnel and other spending requests of all county government agencies.

The Office of Community Partnerships promotes collaboration among Howard County’s human service providers to support individuals seeking to attain self-sufficiency; administers Howard County’s Community Services Partnership Grant program; coordinates the County’s response to homelessness; manages the MultiService Center; and supports initiatives of the Howard County Board to Promote Self- Sufficiency.

The nine offices of the Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) address the needs of multiple generations, tailor services to different cultural values, and promote full inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

The Office of Consumer Protection is a division of the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services. The Office helps to protect Howard County consumers by mediating disputes, taking enforcement action or providing tips on how to avoid scams or make smart purchasing decisions.

The Howard County Department of Corrections protects the public and the employees of the department by providing a safe, secure, and humane conditions for persons legally under its authority. Within this framework the department provides opportunities for offenders to become law abiding and productive members of society. 

The Office of Disability Services strives to promote the self-sufficiency and well-being of people with disabilities through information, referral, advocacy and education. The goal of the Office is to serve as a critical link to a network of community services focused on ensuring that those living with disabilities who reside and/or work in Howard County have the supports they need to be successful.

The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) is here is to help businesses start and grow in Howard County! Our hands on approach and knowledgeable staff are able to help assist businesses of all types and sizes work through their challenges and expand to the next level.

The Howard County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) develops and maintains emergency management plans, which encompass response, recovery, mitigation, and protection. OEM also provides guidance to support agencies on the development of disaster management plans. Staff provides countywide planning as well as training and exercise programs to help the County prepare for natural, technological, and/or man-made emergencies. In addition, OEM staff manage and coordinate the County's Emergency Operations Center during times of emergency.

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.

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.

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.

The Department of Housing and Community Development provides affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents of Howard County.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.