The Office of Consumer Protection is a division of the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services. The Office helps to protect Howard County consumers by mediating disputes, taking enforcement action or providing tips on how to avoid scams or make smart purchasing decisions.

The Office of Human Resources (OHR) coordinates the administration of all personnel related tasks for Howard County Government.  The office actively promotes a philosophy of equal opportunity for all through the impartial application of rules and regulations pertaining to hiring, promotion, training, compensation, and benefits.

The Office of Community Partnerships promotes collaboration among Howard County’s human service providers to support individuals seeking to attain self-sufficiency. The Office also administers the County’s Community Services Partnership Grant program, coordinates the County’s response to homelessness, and supports initiatives of the Howard County Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency.

Local Boards are convened in qualifying jurisdictions to determine the highest need and best use of funds and to select Local Recipient Organizations that will provide emergency food and shelter services.

This center is a 46,000-square-foot, silver LEED-certified community center that includes a swimming pool, splash pad, basketball and volleyball courts, classrooms, fitness and exercise rooms with cardio and PRECOR strength training equipment, a climbing wall and more . 

The Office of Community Partnerships promotes collaboration among Howard County’s human service providers to support individuals seeking to attain self-sufficiency; administers Howard County’s Community Services Partnership Grant program; coordinates the County’s response to homelessness; manages the MultiService Center; and supports initiatives of the Howard County Board to Promote Self- Sufficiency.

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 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 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.

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.