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 Department of Public Works advances the quality of life for our community by providing exceptional level of public service. Employees coordinate the daily functions, customer service, the capital improvement program and real estate services.

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.

Under Director Robert J. Frances, P.E., the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits is the clearinghouse for processing licenses and permits, reviewing construction documents, and inspecting buildings and structures for code compliance.

The Inspector General Advisory Board consists of seven citizen members who are tasked with selecting the Inspector General, and providing advisory and ministerial oversight on the activities of the Office of the Inspector General.

The Howard County Sheriff's Office has been in existence and serving the citizens of Howard County since 1851. The Sheriff's Office offers a broad range of law enforcement services, such as Judicial Security, Summons Service, Warrant Service & Fugitive Retrieval, Domestic Violence Service & Assistance, Prisoner Transportation, and Landlord/Tenant Services.

The Department of Housing and Community Development provides affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents of Howard County.

The Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity is an entity of the Howard County Government that seeks to eradicate discrimination, increase equal opportunity and protect and promote Human Rights in the county. The Office serves as a catalyst in fostering attitudes and beliefs among Howard County residents which confirm that all individuals have an equal opportunity to enjoy a wholesome and productive quality of life and can pursue their lives free of discrimination.