The Howard County Office of Community Sustainability aims to protect and enhance the quality of life in our communities by addressing environmental and economic issues affecting County citizens and future generations. Guided by principles of science, ingenuity, sustainability and stewardship, the Office engages in water quality, economic development, agriculture, energy and education initiatives.

The Howard County Police Department provides a secure environment for the citizens of Howard County by protecting life and property, reducing the opportunity for crime and disorder, enforcing the law, assisting victims and providing other police-related services as required by the community in a manner consistent with the values of a free society.

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.

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

The Office of Procurement and Contract Administration maintains approximately 775 annual contracts for the goods, services and capital improvement projects that allow Departments to serve the residents of Howard County.

Providing excellent facilities and building services, preserving citizen investment and improving our community.

The Spending Affordability Advisory Committee presents its budget recommendations to the County Executive on or before March 1 of every year.

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 Columbia Downtown Housing Corporation (CDHC), serves as the Downtown Columbia Housing Foundation as per Title 28, Subtitle 2 of the Howard County Code.

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.

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