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.

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

Please add a simple sentence to describe what this committee does and is responsible for.

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

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.

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 Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meets at 7:00 p.m., generally on the first Thursday of each month at 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.

The Office of Children and Families promotes the well-being of children birth to five years old by providing services and supports to their families and caregivers and supports the initiatives of the Early Childhood Advisory Council. The Office offers a wide array of services and resources to promote healthy development, school readiness and strengthen families.

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.

The Committee’s input will help ensure that the future vision for Gateway considers all the essential components of an innovation district.

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 Department of Planning and Zoning ensures the orderly and sustainable growth of the County by implementing policies, plans, and regulations that guide land use and development. Research and community engagement are cornerstones to these efforts that shape our community.