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.

Amy Gowan, Director

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Department strives to deliver recreation and leisure opportunities that improve the health and well-being of the community and serve as model stewards of the environment by managing, protecting, and conserving our resources for a sustainable future. The Department maintains 9,768 acres of public lands and over 50 parks. It offers approximately 7,000 recreation programs (including leagues, classes and camps) each year.

The Howard County Risk Management office provides insurance, safety, loss control, claim handling and general risk management services for County departments and adjunct agencies.

The Howard County Soil Conservation District is an independent political subdivision of the State of Maryland which was created by State law (Agriculture Article 8-301). The District was developed as a means to help farmers and landowners implement necessary conservation practices.

The Department of Technology and Communication Services (DTCS) is responsible for supporting the County's many different jobs and functions necessary to run the government. We offer services that help departments meet their technology needs and objectives.

The Office of Transportation’s primary focus is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of public transportation services, walking, and bicycling in and around Howard County and ensure that connectivity is front and center in land use planning and site development.