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 Public Gardens Focus Group was established via Executive Order 2024-06 and is charged with making recommendations towards a preliminary concept plan with desired garden features, site elements and gathering spaces.

The Howard County Office of Agriculture is dedicated to preserving Agriculture in Howard County as a viable industry. The Office provides the agricultural industry with business support, technical assistance, promotion and acts as a liaison between farms and other county agencies.

The Office of Community Partnerships promotes collaboration among Howard County’s human service providers to support individuals seeking to attain self-sufficiency; administers Howard County’s Community Services Partnership Grant program; coordinates the County’s response to homelessness; manages the MultiService Center; and supports initiatives of the Howard County Board to Promote Self- Sufficiency.

Employees operate the County landfill, implement and manage recycling programs, oversee residential curbside collections and administer stormwater management.

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.

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 Office of Cable Administration oversees the performance of cable providers in Howard County and the operation of the public access cable channel. The Office of Cable Administration advises the County Executive and the County Council on matters related to the cable operators.

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.

This workgroup monitors health policy developments and evaluates major capacity decisions, including Certificate of Need considerations, to provide timely, evidence-based recommendations to County leadership.