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.

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.

This workgroup examines drivers of preventable emergency department use and hospital readmissions and recommends strategies to reduce unnecessary acute care utilization.

This workgroup assesses healthcare workforce capacity and well-being and recommends strategies to strengthen and sustain Howard County’s health workforce.

This workgroup is responsible for identifying barriers to health care access and recommending strategies to improve how Howard County residents navigate and receive primary and preventive care.

The Office of the Local Children’s Board (LCB) is committed to creating equitable services and opportunities to improve the lives of Howard County children, youth, and families. The Office seeks to increase inclusiveness, awareness and access to affordable and quality behavioral health care while coordinating resources to meet the needs of the community. 

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.

We are a combination system of nearly 900 career and volunteer providers operating from 13 stations across Howard County.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball signed an Executive Order establishing a Howard County planning group to organize a celebration in honor of the U.S.’s 250th anniversary in July 2026.

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.

On March 17, 2025, County Executive Ball signed Executive Order 2025-03 to establish the Economic Competitiveness and Opportunity Now, or “ECON,” Task Force. Comprised of government officials, business leaders, and education partners, the ECON Task Force will develop a comprehensive economic resiliency and competitiveness plan to guide Howard County’s winning economic strategy now and through the next decade.

YES! is a focused effort to align organizations and groups across the County who are doing youth-focused work—especially in mentorship, conflict resolution, economic mobility, and programming.

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

This workgroup evaluates behavioral health service capacity and access and recommends strategies to improve coordination and outcomes for individuals with behavioral health conditions.

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.

The Task Force will evaluate and provide recommendations on how to carry forward New Town's planned community framework.