ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced he has pre-filed legislation with the Howard County Council to establish Interfaith Advisory Commission.
In 2024, Ball created the County’s first-ever Interfaith Advisory Council (IAC) to help combat hate around Howard County, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. The 16-member council was tasked with providing recommendations on best practices to address religious intolerance in the county, as well as social and community issues, and assist at-risk populations who are suffering from homelessness, addiction, mental illness, domestic violence, food insecurity and poverty.
In its final report, the IAC expressed the need for continued work to address issues of intolerance facing faith communities and to further coordinate services to address the needs of at-risk populations in Howard County. The establishment of the Interfaith Advisory Commission will allow for that.
The creation of our Interfaith Advisory Commission will allow us to carry on the important work started by the IAC and will serve as an invaluable tool towards reducing religious conflict and promoting peace locally. This commission reflects my administration’s vision to formally weave the voice, leadership, and service of the faith community into the work of Howard County Government and ensure we are serving all community members with compassion, justice, and care.
The Commission will act as a platform for education and awareness and advise on best practices for the integration of traditions, bridging divides between diverse communities, encouraging dialogue, combatting extremism, and building trust. In addition, the Commission will look towards collaborating and coordinating on shared social issues addressed in the IAC’s Plan, including: health and wellness; economic development; education; workforce; environmental stewardship; veterans; older adults; food insecurity; crime and policing; transportation; and youth engagement.
“Faith communities across the county and in Howard County have long served as anchors of compassion, service, and stability. They are thriving hubs of community engagement and are trusted voices in times of both celebration and crisis,” said LaKeisha McClendon, Administrator, Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity. “This Commission will serve as a bridge between government and diverse communities of different beliefs, advising on policies and initiatives that promote inclusion, respect, and shared responsibility for the wellbeing of all residents.”
The Commission will consist of at least 16, but no more than 20 members, including:
- The following ex-officio members:
- Bill Barnes, Superintendent, Howard County Public School System
- Dr. Daria J. Willis, President, Howard Community College
- Tonya Aikens, President and CEO, Howard County Library System
- The following appointed members:
- Ten to 12 members who represent a diverse variety of faiths and congregations, with no more than four members coming from the same faith community;
- At least two members from the general public, with consideration given to individuals who may have “lived experiences” tied to key issues including, without limitation, housing insecurity, disability, and immigration; and
- At least one student representative under the age of 19, who attends a high school or secondary school in Howard County and who shall serve a one-year term from July 1st to June 30th.
Members will be appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council.
With meetings held quarterly, the Commission will be tasked with:
- Acting as a bridge between the County and faith communities by identifying opportunities for collaboration, communication, and shared problem solving on issues of public concern;
- Providing guidance on how faith communities can help expand access and increase accessibility to County services and supports for residents experiencing vulnerability, including, without limitation, housing instability, food insecurity, health disparities, disability, and economic hardship;
- Recommending inclusive, culturally responsive practices that help County agencies and public-serving institutions better engage diverse religious and belief communities; and
- Encouraging education, dialogue, and public awareness that celebrate religious diversity, counter misinformation and fear, and strengthen social cohesion across communities.
The Commission will be required to submit an annual report every year on or before February 28th.
In addition to the IAC, Ball, the County’s Office of Human Rights and Equity, and the Council also launched the inaugural “Bridges to Interfaith Understanding” program in early 2025. Led by the IAC, this program brought together a cohort of individuals dedicated to deepening their understanding of faith, culture, and community. The program aimed to foster dialogue, reduce religious intolerance, and build connections among diverse faith communities in the county.
To learn more about the IAC, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/boards-commissions/interfaith-advisory-council.