The Carroll County Department of Economic Development is a governmental service organized with the intention of bolstering the local business community and economic strength of the area. The services available include business development consulting, expansion and relocation assistance, workforce training and development, financing options and assistance applying for tax credits.
Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks maintains local parks, trails and athletic fields, and offers a variety of programs for active youth and adults. The administrative offices are located in the Government Park off Truman Parkway, marked by a statue of two young athletes celebrating "sportsmanship." The department oversees two swim centers, two golf courses, skateboard parks, school-age childcare and rec sports leagues. The Program Guide has everything you need to know about recreational programs, swim lessons, special events, camps and activities each season. The guide is produced in both a printed form (which can be found at libraries, schools and government agencies) and online, with direct links for ease of registration. Forms that are required for participation in most county-sponsored activities can also be found online. Check the website for information regarding activity and game cancellations, facility use and park pavilion reservations.
The Municipal Building for the City of Greenbelt houses the offices of the City Manager. The City Manager handles city finances and development. The current City Manager is Michael P. McLaughlin.
The Department of Public Works is made up of three operation divisions and one administrative division including the street maintenance, solid waste and maintenance operations divisions, and the general administration section.
The DPW is headed by director Patrick Ryan. The operations center is located at 4633 Arundel Place.
DPW workers are certified by FEMA and MEMA in disaster management operations and are members of Hyattsville's CERT.
If you need a license or permit for just about anything, you will need to work with the Howard County Department of Inspections / Licenses / Permits.
Taxis, pets, rental properties, electricians—all need to be licensed by this department, according to regulations passed by the County Council.
The department also performs inspections of and issues permits for building and construction projects.
The health department offers immunizations, screenings, checkups and other medical services for county residents who lack adequate health insurance. It also offers free substance abuse, smoking cessation and counseling programs, with a wide range of programs for children, seniors and women.
The Baltimore County Council is in session year-round, meeting twice a month to vote on issues and hear testimony on bills. While all council members have offices in their districts, all of them also have offices in Towson. The offices and council chambers are on the second floor of the county courthouse. The current councilman for District 5, which includes Towson, is Vince Gardina.
The Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission is an entity created by the Maryland General Assembly to operate the parklands, develop public park systems and plan land use in Montgomery and Prince George's counties.
The commission also has its own police department hat surveys the park lands and responds to crime within them. It also works with Prince George's County Police Department regularly as well as the local University Park and Riverdale Park police departments.
The county seat has been stationed in Towson since the mid-1800s, after the city of Baltimore left the county. While many county services are now located in the newer courthouse facing Bosley Avenue, many administrative functions, including the county executive, the county council, the budget and finance office and the department of economic development, are still here.
In front of the courthouse, you'll find a spectacular garden designed by internationally-recognized landscape architect Wolfgang Oehme.
The Social Security office helps process applications, issue Social Security cards, and even host appeals for claims. This office is off Reisterstown Road in Garrison. Please see the official website for more information.
Howard County Tourism is a nonprofit organization that's dedicated to promoting the area as an ideal destination for tourists and residents alike. It's primarily paid for by grants from the county government and operates with a board of directors. In addition to functioning as a tourism advocate, it also works with local businesses and organizations to offer exclusive promotional benefits to attract tourists. The website features information regarding local sightseeing, lodging, shopping and events.
The Prince George's County Soil Conservation District is a government service that works to help protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the community. The office provides a full range of services for residents, focusing on conserving soil, water and related resources. Services include soil erosion prevention, flood control, wildlife preservation, and prevention of dam and reservoir impairment. The district also reviews and approves grading and sediment control plans for construction, and develops outreach programs that help protect the environment in the area. Visit the website for more information.
The Havre de Grace Parks & Recreation Committee operates out of the Havre de Grace Activity Center, located behind the Havre de Grace Middle School. The Recreation Committee manages the parks, fields and various activities that take place in town. The Committee's Recreation Specialist is Karen Green. The Activity Center also houses the Boys & Girls Club and hosts various events throughout the year, including the Decoy Festival.
The Baltimore County Office of Human Resources screens and recruits candidates to fill open county positions and provides resources, training, benefits and equipment for county employees. Since 2007, the department only accepts online applications for county jobs through its website. No solicitation is allowed at its Towson office.
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center works to improve communication between residents and county and other agencies and resolve issues and concerns, such as noise or zoning violations. The center also works to identify future servicing needs in the community. The body, which encompasses Bethesda, Cabin John, Friendship Heights, Chevy Chase, Garrett Park, Glen Echo, North Bethesda, Potomac and Rockville, also provides services including meeting space, wi-fi, and senior programs at its Edgemoor Lane location.
The Howard County Welcome Center is located in the former United States Post Office on Main Street in Ellicott City.
Rennovated in 2011, the new center is much like a small museum dedicated to the history of Howard County.
Visitors can also get advice and trip planning services, and buy a variety of photographic books exploring Howard County's history.
Elected to four-year terms, the Montgomery County Executive is responsible for enforcing county laws, proposing a county budget, developing legislation, appointing residents to boards, commissions and committees and, occasionally, advocating for the county before the state government.
The Office of the County Executive is located in the Executive Office Building along with the offices of many county departments.