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.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Established Impactful History and Historic Sites Advisory Workgroup to Preserve Our County’s Rich History on August 6, 2025.

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.

Offering resources and employment services to help business and job seeker customer in Howard County, MD.

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 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 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 Spending Affordability Advisory Committee presents its budget recommendations to the County Executive on or before March 1 of every year.

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 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.

This workgroup evaluates chronic disease prevention and management efforts and recommends strategies to improve outcomes through coordinated and integrated care.

This workgroup identifies social and environmental barriers to health and recommends strategies to improve health equity for Medicaid-insured and uninsured residents.

The Columbia Downtown Housing Corporation (CDHC), serves as the Downtown Columbia Housing Foundation as per Title 28, Subtitle 2 of the Howard County Code.

The Howard County Interfaith Advisory Council is established to address religious intolerance, enhance community support, and coordinate services for at-risk populations through interfaith collaboration and dialogue.

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 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.

The County Executive is the head of the executive branch of government in Howard County and is elected to a four-year term.

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.