ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is seeking applicants interested in filling two seats on the Advisory Board on Consumer Protection. One applicant must represent a business interest group and the other should be a member of the general public of Howard County. The deadline to apply for these vacancies is April 19, 2024.
It's vital that our residents help inform the work of the Office of Consumer Protection. Our collaboration allows us to identify and address new scams, new issues and unmet needs in the community. I encourage interested residents to join this advisory board and support its efforts to improve consumer protection services here in Howard County.
Under Howard County Code §17.402(c)(3), the Board is composed of seven voting members: two members representing consumer interest groups, two members representing business interest groups, one member representing an economically-disadvantaged group, and two members representing the general public. Board member responsibilities include participating in community activities, developing programs, conducting research, reviewing legislation, and advising the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) and the County Executive on policies, programs and practices that can improve consumer protection-related services in the county.
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be Howard County residents, be 18 years of age or older, have an interest in consumer issues, and be able to attend board meetings, as well as work with the Board on activities and programs throughout the year as needed. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Department of Community Resources and Services, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, unless the Board decides in advance to meet virtually.
For additional information about serving as a commission member and to apply, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/boards-commissions. For questions regarding the application process, please email ApplyBC@howardcountymd.gov.
The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for consideration. If approved, the appointment will be forwarded to the County Council for confirmation.
About the Office of Consumer Protection
As part of the Department of Community Resources and Services, the OCP provides information about current scams, assists in resolving consumer-merchant and landlord-tenant disputes, and enforces Howard County consumer protection laws. The Advisory Board on Consumer Protection works with the OCP to educate and protect Howard County consumers. Board members also provide feedback and recommendations on the OCP's programs and how the Office educates county residents about consumer protection services.