The mission of the Board of elections is to ensure federal, state and local elections are conducted timely, responsibly, and with the highest level of professional election standards, accountability, security and integrity, intended to earn and maintain public confidence in the electoral process.

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

The Task Force will evaluate and provide recommendations on how to carry forward New Town's planned community framework.

The Howard County Office of Agriculture is dedicated to preserving Agriculture in Howard County as a viable industry. The Office provides the agricultural industry with business support, technical assistance, promotion and acts as a liaison between farms and other county agencies.

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 Office of Disability Services strives to promote the self-sufficiency and well-being of people with disabilities through information, referral, advocacy and education. The goal of the Office is to serve as a critical link to a network of community services focused on ensuring that those living with disabilities who reside and/or work in Howard County have the supports they need to be successful.

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.

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 Office of Public Information guarantees that residents, employees and the public at-large, are kept accurately informed of county government services, activities and programs in a timely, effective and efficient manner.

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 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.

The Health Department bureaus and programs strive to make Howard County a community in which health equity and optimal wellness are accessible for all who live, work and visit.