Agencies

- Organization Chart
This chart outlines the organization of Baltimore County government, beginning with the voters of Baltimore County.

An Alphabetical Listing

- 9-1-1 Central Communications Center
The 9-1-1 Center receives emergency calls, assesses the availability of response vehicles and manpower, and dispatches appropriate units to handle all public service emergencies in Baltimore County.

- Aging
The Department of Aging administers programs and activities that help senior citizens remain healthy, active, and independent members of the community. This chart outlines the organization of Baltimore County government, beginning with the voters of Baltimore County.

- Animal Control
Animal Control enforces the animal control laws and operates Baltimore County's Animal Shelter.

- Appeals, Board of
The Board of Appeals hears a variety of appeals arising from zoning decisions, disability retirement cases, building permits, code violations, Animal Hearing Board and other matters as provided by statute.

- Auditor
The Office of the County Auditor operates as part of the Legislative branch of County Government. It provides independent auditing and other fiscal services to the County Council.

- Budget and Finance
The Office of Budget and Finance provides public policy analysis and fiscal expertise in support of all agencies of Baltimore County government.

- Circuit Court
The Circuit Court hears major civil cases, serious criminal matters including death penalty cases, juvenile and family law cases.

- Clerk of the Court
The Clerk of the Court keeps records related to marriage, divorce, deeds, land records, and other civil and criminal proceedings.

- Commission on Arts and Sciences
The Commission on Arts and Sciences oversees the equitable distribution of grant funding made available through state and county government.

- Commission on Disabilities
Baltimore County believes that a Commission on Disabilities is necessary to advise on the coordination and development of the County's policies for citizens with disabilities.

- Commission on Environmental Quality
CEQ encourages protection and preservation of the natural environment in Baltimore County and its waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay, by educating the community to make environmentally sustainable decisions and enlightening, advising, and initiating dialogue with County officials.

- Communications
The office serves as a resource to Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith and county agencies in communicating with the public regarding county services, programs, initiatives and issues of interest to the community.

- Community College of Baltimore County
The Community College of Baltimore County provides degree, certificate and continuing education programs. 

- Community Conservation
The Office of Community Conservation preserves, stabilizes and enhances the human, physical and economic condition of urban communities through cooperative public-private programs which address specific neighborhood concerns and foster local self-reliance. 

- Cooperative Extension
The Cooperative Extension Office offers educational programs and assistance to the community in the areas of agriculture, food safety, nutrition, 4-H and youth development.

- Corrections, Department of
The Baltimore County Department of Corrections is comprised of the Baltimore County Detention Center, the Pre-trial Services Division and the Alternative Sentencing Division. Its purpose is to ensure public safety and provide a safe environment for employees, the inmate population, and the community.

- County Executive
The County Executive is chief elected officer in Baltimore County government and administers its daily operations.

- Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
Created by the County Executive, the Council studies the Baltimore County juvenile and criminal justice systems, identifies deficiencies and formulates policy, plans and programs for improvement. 

- Economic Development
Each year, hundreds of businesses turn to Baltimore County Economic Development when they are ready to expand or relocate. It can assist with site selection, financing, workforce development and training.

- Elections
The Board of Elections' web pages provide information about voter registration, elections, voting and running for office.

- Emergency Preparedness
The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management plans for and responds to all types of manmade and natural disasters

- Ethics Commission
The Ethics Commission administers the Public Ethics Law of Baltimore County, which contains standards for ethical behavior by public officials and legal requirements for lobbyists.

 - Fair Practices & Community Affairs
The Office of Fair Practices and Community Affairs promotes cultural diversity, participation by minority businesses in government contracts and community awareness.

- Fire
The Fire Department provides fire protection, emergency medical services, fire prevention and safety education.

- Health
The Health Department's primary purpose is the prevention of disease and promotion of health.

- Human Relations Commission
Article 3, Title 3, Subtitle 11 of the Baltimore County Code, 2003 establishes and mandates the Baltimore County Human Relations Commission to investigate the complaints of discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, education, public accommodations and financing.

- Human Resources
The Baltimore County Office of Human Resources is responsible for recruitment and employment, merit system testing, classification, salary administration, records management, employee training.

- Information Technology
The Office of Information Technology provides leadership, technical expertise, training, infrastructure, services and technical support to County agencies.

- Labor Commissioner
The Labor Commissioner of Baltimore County is responsible for representing the County Executive in annual labor negotiations with the six labor unions representing general government employees, conduct grievance hearings and carry out the provisions of the Employee Relations Act.

- Landmarks Preservation Commission
The Landmarks Preservation Commission reviews and advises Baltimore County on historic structures. The Office of Planning publishes the meeting dates and agendas for the commission online.

- Law
The Office of the County Attorney is the legal advisor to the County in all civil matters as well as in criminal matters involving forfeitures of property incident to arrest and violations of the County Code.

- Library
The Library and its branches provide Baltimore County citizens with access to books, multi-media and computer-based informational services.

- Liquor License Commissioners
The Board of Liquor License Commissioners regulates and controls the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages within Baltimore County.

- Local Management Board
The Local Management Board maximizes the efficient and effective delivery of government and private resources to families and children so that they may lead self-sufficient, healthy and safe lives.

- Orphans' Court
The Orphans' Court is a court of limited jurisdiction specializing in cases involving disputes about wills and/or codicils, the administration of estates, guardianships over property left to minors and protection of minors’ assets.

- People's Counsel
The People's Counsel may appear before local, state and federal administrative agencies and courts to represent the interests of the public in any zoning matter. It also has the responsibility of defending any duly enacted Master Plan and/or Comprehensive zoning map.

- Permits and Development Management
The Department of Permits and Development Management issues all building permits and enforces the rules and regulations of Baltimore County for development, building, electrical, plumbing, livability and zoning codes.

- Planning
Working closely with citizens, elected officials and other government agencies, the Office of Planning formulates policies, plans and regulations to guide future growth and to preserve and enhance existing communities.

- Police
The Police Department enforces the laws and ordinances of the state and county, safeguards life and property, prevents and detects crime, preserves the peace, and protects the rights of all citizens.

- Public Schools
The Baltimore County Public School System is the 24th largest in the United States with 162 schools (103 elementary, 26 middle, 24 high, 5 special, and 4 alternative) serving over 107,000 students.

- Public Works
The Department of Public Works provides and maintains the public infrastructure systems, including county roads and buildings.

- Purchasing
The Bureau of Purchasing seeks to secure needed products and services for using agencies, our customers, at the lowest ultimate cost consistent with the quality, quantity and delivery requested.

- Recreation and Parks
The Department of Recreation and Parks operates Baltimore County's parks and provides recreational programs through its volunteer recreation councils.

- Register of Wills
The elected Register of Wills is responsible for appointing personal representatives to administer decedents' estates and for overseeing the proper and timely administration of these proceedings. It also serves as the clerk to the Orphans Court.

- Sheriff
The elected Sheriff provides security for the Baltimore County Circuit Court, serves summons and writ as directed by the Court and serves non-support warrants.

- Social Services
The Department of Social Services provides income support, housing and social work services to Baltimore County citizens in need.

- State's Attorney
The elected State's Attorney prosecutes the Felony, Misdemeanor and Juvenile cases occurring in Baltimore County.

- Sustainability, Office of
The Director and Sustainability Network of Baltimore County strive to improve the environmental sensitivity and sustainability of government operations.

- Volunteers, Baltimore County
Use this central resource to find volunteer opportunities for you and your family.

- Women, Commission for
The Commission for Women identifies and advocates for programs, legislation and services to meet the needs of the women of Baltimore County.

- Workforce Development
The Office of Workforce Development responds to the current needs of area businesses by providing access to well trained, job ready employees. It also provides training programs and expertise to ensure that individuals have the necessary skills to meet the demands of today's workplace.

- Zoning Commissioner
The Zoning Commissioner hears zoning cases, including variance, special exception, nonconforming use, and 'special hearing' cases. He also acts as Hearing Officer, conducting public hearings and granting approvals on proposed development plans.

Revised August 27, 2009