Risk Management
The Howard County Risk Management office provides insurance, safety, loss control, claim handling and general risk management services for County departments and adjunct agencies.
Soil Conservation
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.
Technology & Communication Services
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.
Veterans & Military Families
The Office of Veterans and Military Families provides guidance, information and access to Howard County veterans, military families, their dependents and survivors; promotes activities that serve veterans of all ages; and collaborates with other service providers to address more complex issues.
Workforce Development
Offering resources and employment services to help business and job seeker customer in Howard County, MD.
Board of Elections
The mission of the Board of elections is to ensure federal, state and local elections are conducted timely, responsibly, and with the highest level of professional election standards, accountability, security and integrity, intended to earn and maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
County Administration
Bureau of Engineering
Engineering Great Communities
ADA Coordination
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.
Aging & Independence
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.
Community Resources & Services
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.
Consumer Protection
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.
Corrections
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.
Disability Services
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.
Economic Development Authority
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.
Emergency Management
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.
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

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

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

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.