Commissions
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) was established in 1969. It is comprised of 11 members and a non-voting student member, 18 years old or under. Commissioners must live in Howard County and represent the diversity of county residents. The duties and responsibilities of the Commission are prescribed by law and include recommending a civil rights policy to the County Executive and the County Council. This includes having the authority to conduct surveys and studies concerning civil liberties in order to promote equality in the community. In addition to hosting the annual HRC awards, they support OHRE outreach activities.
The Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission (MLK) was established in 2016 by order of the Howard County Executive to encourage and coordinate appropriate ceremonies and activities honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Commissioners are appointed by the County Executive to serve an initial term of two years. Each year, the MLK celebration takes place on the third Sunday of January. The Day of Service takes place the next day on the third Monday of January. The Day of Service provides a variety of service opportunities throughout the community that is representative of Dr. King’s dedication to servant leadership.
Based on recommendations from the Howard County LGBTQ+ Workgroup (convened from November 2019-April 2021), the County Executive and the County Council voted to establish the LGBTQIA+ Commission to continue the much needed work of equity, inclusion, communication, understanding, and respect for all gender and sexual identities in October 2022. The purpose of this Commission is to advance policy and systemic change for all persons who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, non-binary, and who identify in other capacities along the LGBTQIA+ Spectrum.
The Commission is comprised of a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 21 members who meet bi-monthly as of January 12, 2023.
Based on recommendations from the La Alianza Latina Workgroup (convened from September 2020-March 2022), the County Executive and the County Council voted to establish a permanent La Alianza Latina Commission in order to continue the work of advancing policy and systemic change for the uplift of Latino families, businesses, and residents in October 2022. La Alianza Latina aims to assist constituents and educate them on certain services and programs that may seem out of reach – such as accessing community resources, starting a business, or purchasing a home.
The Commission consists of a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 19 members, representing a variety of backgrounds throughout Central and South America. La Alianza Latina Commission meets bi-monthly, beginning in January of 2023.
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission advises the Howard County Executive on policy initiatives and advocates on issues that affect the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Consisting of a minimum of 17 and a maximum of 25 members, AAPI hosts public bimonthly meetings and presents annual reports. AAPI organizes cultural events and has informative discussions on emerging issues. It is with the hope that these conferences will foster stronger relationships between the AAPI and the community. The Commission is dedicated to creating a safe place where AAPI residents feel valued and heard in the community.
Based on recommendations from the Interfaith Advisory Council (convened from January 2024-June 2025), the County Executive and the County Council voted to establish a permanent Interfaith Advisory Commission in order to advise the County Executive on how communities of differing belief systems can serve as trusted partners in advancing human rights, confronting hate and intolerance, promoting dialogue, and strengthening the County's response to community needs in April 2026. The Commission acts as a platform for education and awareness and advises on best practices for the integration of traditions, bridging divides between diverse communities, encouraging dialogue, combatting extremism, and building trust.
Consisting of a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 20 members, the Interfaith Advisory Commission will hold quarterly public meetings, anticipated to begin in fall of 2026.
This 2026-2030 Commission Action Plan describes a meaningful path for Commission engagement in government processes, aligned with the County priorities and the mission and vision of the Office of Human Rights & Equity. Howard County Government cannot solve all our challenges alone, and ensuring active participation from our community is enshrined into our core practices is essential to crafting a County where operationalizing equity and protecting and promoting human rights remain paramount.
This Action Plan rightfully aligns with the understanding that community members are the foremost experts in their own lived experiences, needs, and values. Prioritizing the input of key community members who directly represent our wider constituency 02 a path of access for historically marginalized groups and individuals to shape the government that serves them. It is essential that we, as Howard County Government, take concrete steps to address the historical exclusion of members of our constituency, making our promise of inclusion a reality.
By providing guidance and recommendations and taking targeted actions in our 12 priority areas, our Commissioners will be essential partners in co-creating a framework of County resources and services that more effectively serves all residents. Through their service, they will serve as liaisons with their communities, enhancing trust and engagement with County Government departments and offices.
This Action Plan serves as both an invitation and a commitment, for it is not enough to build a door without opening it for all to walk through. Through our partnership with our Commissioners, we will continue to demonstrate our commitment to becoming the best county not just overall, but for all - by being data informed, people driven, and expanding opportunity for all.