Department Directory

Our mission is to hear petitions for and issue decisions regarding zoning reclassifications, special exceptions and variances to zoning, and critical-area provisions of the County Code.

The Board provides impartial oversight of the care and services provided for the individuals under public guardianship.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers and anyone wishing to plan for the future by providing options and resources that will enable them to live independent and meaningful lives.

The Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board advises the County Executive and the County Council on the establishment of agricultural districts and the purchase of easements.

Agriculture remains a top industry in Maryland with 381 farms totaling 28,111 acres in Anne Arundel County alone. Anne Arundel County has resources in place to support our county farmers and agricultural producers and meet the needs of the agricultural business community.

The Amusement License Commission advises the Director of Inspections and Permits on matters related to commercial bingo operations and the proposal of ordinances and the adoption of regulations to implement the provisions of Article 11, Title 2 of the Anne Arundel County Code.

Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control is dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of animals and ensuring safe human-animal interactions.

The Animal Matters Commission consists of seven members. Members include a representative from the Police Department, the Health Department, a Veterinarian and four (4) citizen members.

The Animal Welfare Council, created by Executive Order Number 15, is committed to the goal of promoting the sensitive and humane treatment of domestic animals and wildlife in Anne Arundel County

The Annapolis Senior Activity Center provides activities for seniors in the Annapolis area. The Activity Center is part of the Department of Aging and Disabilities.

The General Assembly is Maryland's legislative body and directly represents the electorate. The state has 47 districts represented by 47 Senators and 141 Delegates.

The 16 branches of the Anne Arundel County Public Library serve the residents of Anne Arundel County and strive to be the essential connection to learning and enrichment for all.

Anne Arundel County Trail is an extensive network of recreation and transportation trails that include the B&A Trail, BWI Trail, Broadneck Peninsula Trail, and WB&A Trail.

Our mission is to provide strategic and technical advice and services to encourage business development and job creation, to promote and assist high-value-added business sectors, and to coordinate public-private-partnership efforts related to strategic development projects.

The Anne Arundel County Workforce Development Corporation develops and executes job training plans consistent with federal, state and local laws.

AAWDC is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation that provides innovative, high quality workforce development services to Anne Arundel County businesses and citizens. AAWDC is the bridge between understanding the workforce and talent development needs of local and regional businesses and preparing individuals to meet their full career potential.

The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council is a group of County residents who volunteer to serve in an advisory capacity to the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities, the County Executive, and other governmental bodies as established under the 1965 Older Americans Act.

The Arnold Senior Activity Center provides activities for seniors in the Arnold area. The Activity Center is part of the Department of Aging and Disabilities.

The Arts Council is a non-profit organization created in 1992. Our mission is to encourage and invest in the visual arts, performing arts and historic preservation for the people of Anne Arundel County.

Our mission is to: revitalize declining neighborhoods through the targeting of joint public and private investment; preserve and increase the supply of affordable rental housing through new development and redevelopment of existing units; promote healthy homeownership through financial support, homebuyer education and the rehabilitation and construction of affordable units; ensure affordable housing for those with special needs, including the homeless, the elderly, and the physically and mentally challenged; and enhance the quality of life in low-income communities by supporting neighborhood revitalization activities and services for low-income children, youth, and families.

The Arundel Community Development Services (ACDS) is a private, nonprofit organization that was created in 1993 to address housing and community development needs in Anne Arundel County.

ArundelStat is the performance management and data analytics team for Anne Arundel County Government.

The Athletic Division sponsors league play in a variety of sports by providing recreational opportunities for youth and adults.

Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, Beverly Triton Nature Park offers passive recreation, such as walking trails, cartop boat launch and fishing.

The Bicycle Advisory Commission advises the County Executive, County Council and County Departments on the implementation of the County's Pedestrian/Bicycle Master Plan.

The Board renders final decisions on appeals related to zonings, licenses, permits, and executive, administrative and adjudicatory orders. Powers and functions of the County Board of Appeals. (a) In General. The County Board of Appeals shall perform its functions as a board that is independent of both the legislative and executive branches of the County government. Charter, Sec. 602.

The Board of Elections is responsible for overseeing the conduct of all State and Federal Elections held in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

The Board of Electrical Examiners hears complaints with reference to violations of Title 11, Article 4, of the Anne Arundel County Code and advises the Director of Inspection and Permits of its findings and recommendations.

The Board of License Commissioners regulates the retail sale of alcoholic beverages, processes liquor licenses, and enforces the liquor laws within Anne Arundel County.

The Brooklyn Park Senior Activity Center provides activities for seniors in the Brooklyn area. The Activity Center is part of the Department of Aging and Disabilities.

The Budget Office is responsible for developing and implementing the County's annual Operating and Capital budgets.

The Building Inspections and Enforcement Division of Inspections and Permits performs all required inspections for building and trade work permits.

The Building Permit - Plan Review and Inspections Division performs engineering plans review and field inspections in accordance with Anne Arundel County adopted codes and ordinances.

The Bureau is responsible for the design, support, and oversight of construction projects within the County's Capital Improvement Program and engineering support for the Watershed Protection and Restoration Program

The Bureau of Highways is responsible for all maintenance activities associated with the County’s 6,715 roads or approximately 1,825 centerline miles of the County’s roadway system.

Each year, the Bureau produces, treats, and safely delivers nearly 13 billion gallons of public water to more than 110, 000 properties and collects and treats 12 billion gallons of wastewater from our 118,154 customers.

The Bureau is responsible for collecting recycling, yard waste and trash from over 169,000 curbside customers. The Bureau also is responsible for the operation of the Millersville Landfill and the County's Recycling Centers.

The Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration is responsible for the environmental assessment, restoration implementation, and ecological evaluation work associated with the County's clean water obligations under its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit and the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).

The Police Department's Central Records Section provides professional service in processing and disseminating public records to the general public, other law enforcement agencies and persons of interest in a courteous and timely manner.

Our goal is to provide service and support to the County Agencies and Departments who ultimately serve the great citizens of Anne Arundel County.

The Charter Revision Commission, created by Sec. 1203 in the County Charter, is responsible for conducting a comprehensive study of the County government and recommending revisions to the Charter as necessary, including the matter of the revision of the Councilmanic districts of the County.

Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks offers a state-licensed child care program that provides a safe and supportive environment in accordance with the Maryland State Department of Education’s standards.

The Circuit Court is the highest common law and equity court of record exercising original jurisdiction within Anne Arundel County. As trial courts of general jurisdiction, Circuit Courts have very broad jurisdiction, generally covering major civil cases and more serious criminal matters. Circuit Courts also may decide appeals from the District Court of Maryland and certain administrative agencies.

The Anne Arundel County Citizens Environmental Commission advises the County Executive on actions to protect the county’s environmental resources.

The Clerk's Office provides both judicial and non-judicial services. Our judicial departments include Civil, Family, Juvenile, Criminal and Courtroom Clerks. Our non-judicial services include License (business & marriage), Land Records, Notary and Passport Services.

The Homeless Coalition is a collaborative and well-coordinated community based planning and advocacy organization that seeks to ensure the needs of persons who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness within the County are being met.

The Code Compliance/Forestry Division investigates non-permitted complaints involving unauthorized development and construction activities.

The Anne Arundel County Commission for Women was created in 1975 to serve as a resource and advocacy group for women of the County and to advise the County Executive on issues of significance to women.

To promote and enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The County has various programs and initiatives in place to facilitate revitalization and promote reinvestment in some of the County’s older communities and commercial corridors.

The Anne Arundel County Council is the elected legislative body of the county and is vested with the lawmaking power thereof... (AA County Charter, Section 306)

Restore trust in government, create economic opportunity for all, implement smart growth policies, and promote health and wellness. These are the principles that guide us as we govern and work to make Anne Arundel County The Best Place - For All.

The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council is comprised of public officials responsible for the administration of various aspects of the criminal and juvenile justice systems in Anne Arundel County.

The Cultural Resources Section protects Anne Arundel County’s historic sites, buildings, archaeological sites and landscapes. Preservation of our heritage safeguards the County’s historic and cultural resources.

The former United States Naval Academy Dairy Farm in Gambrills, Maryland, now operates under the authority of the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks.

The Department of Detention Facilities provides for the public safety by the detention and confinement of arrestees, pretrial detainees and convicted offenders in safe and secure facilities; monitors alternatives to incarceration; and prepares inmates for community reentry.

Our mission is to monitor the health status and environment of the County to identify and solve community health problems and to inform, educate, and empower the public regarding health-related issues.

The Department of Public Works provides services to ensure safe drinking water; to enhance wastewater treatment; to efficiently recycle, collect trash, and dispose of waste; to maintain, manage, and operate the County's road and bridge network; to design and construct County infrastructure; and to provide innovative environmental restoration projects that maintain a high quality of life for residents and visitors of Anne Arundel County.

The Development Division coordinates and administers all subdivision activity, administers the Critical Area Program as it relates to development, and regulates development activities through the permit process.

The Disability Retirement Pension Review Board for the Detention Officers’ and Deputy Sheriffs’ Retirement Plan (“Board”) is created by § 5-1-107 of the Anne Arundel County Code.

The Disability Retirement Pension Review Board for the Employees’ Retirement Plan (“Board”) is created by § 5-1-107 of the Anne Arundel County Code.

The Disability Retirement Pension Review Board for the Fire Service Retirement Plan (“Board”) is created by § 5-1-107 of the Anne Arundel County Code.

The Disability Retirement Pension Review Board for the Police Service Retirement Plan (“Board”) is created by § 5-1-107 of the Anne Arundel County Code.

Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, Downs Park offers a variety of natural and recreational activities throughout its 236 acres. Downs Park offers more than five miles of paved and natural trails.

The mission of the Commission is to study and advise the County Executive on matters relating to making school readiness a priority in Anne Arundel County.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department operates four district police stations. The Eastern District Police Station Commanding Officer Captain John Gilmer.

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division provides emergency and non-emergency medical services to the citizens of Anne Arundel County. These services will be delivered with a commitment to pride, equality, respect and integrity.

The Engineering Division oversees the review of public and private development plans to ensure compliance with County code and State Regulations.

The Board of Environmental Systems Examiners hears complaints with reference to alleged violations of Article 11, Title 4, and advises the Director of Inspections and Permits of its findings.

The Anne Arundel County Ethics Commission administers the Anne Arundel County Public Ethics Law.

The Facilities Management Division is responsible for all Administrative Buildings, Libraries, Police and Fire Stations, Senior Centers and Health Centers throughout Anne Arundel County.

The Office of Finance serves many different customers. Our customers include residents, businesses, other County agencies, taxpayers, homeowners, County employees, retirees, bond holders, and investors.

Our mission is to stand ready as an all-hazards organization to assure the safety of our communities. We respond to calls for service, fires, medical and other emergencies as well as promote fire prevention strategies and life safety programs. The Anne Arundel County Fire Department enforces fire code compliance to ensure that buildings and properties are safe.

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department’s Public Education Office is committed to preventing injury and loss of life through awareness and education.

The mission of the Health and Safety Division is to control and eliminate recognized workplace hazards, attain an acceptable level of risk and promote the wellness of workers.

The Fire Marshal Division is responsible for the enforcement of the Fire Laws of Maryland, provisions of the Maryland State Fire Prevention Code and Anne Arundel County Fire Prevention Code.

The Training Academy located in Millersville, MD provides training, education, and certification to fire personnel.

Fleet Administration is responsible for the vehicle maintenance of over 3,000 cars and trucks for Anne Arundel County.

The Anne Arundel County Police Forensic Services Section is divided into six disciplines.

Fort Smallwood Park consists of approximately 90 acres at the tip of a peninsula in northeastern Anne Arundel County where Patapsco River and Rock Creek meet the Chesapeake Bay.

The task force was charged with researching and compiling data on crimes and suicide involving guns and recommending actions to help reduce gun violence in the county.

The Anne Arundel County Commission on HIV/AIDS promotes and enhances the quality of life for persons living with HIV/AIDS by advising the County Executive and the County Council on the coordination and development of government policies, programs, services, and allocation of resources for education and prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and community support for persons with HIV/AIDS.

The Homeland Security Unit promotes public safety and strengthened domestic security by providing services in partnership with local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies to prevent, investigate, and solve crimes while protecting Anne Arundel County citizens and visitors.

Our mission is to provide quality, affordable housing to very-low-income citizens, and assure that the residents of the Commission’s housing communities are safe and that the communities are vibrant and healthy.

The Human Relations Commission works to promote the fair and equal treatment of all Anne Arundel County residents and to counteract racism, discrimination, intolerance and hate/bias incidents in the County.

An advisory body that serves as a means for immigrant voices to be heard and understood, facilitates civic engagement among immigrants, and recognizes and legitimizes issues of importance to immigrants arriving in Anne Arundel County.

Our mission is to provide efficient plan review, permit processing, inspection of permits, complaint investigations, commercial license issuance, and inspection of private stormwater facilities.

An advisory body that serves as a means to advise the County Executive on needs of faith organizations and community, available resources , best practices and other relevant issues related to the County's various communities.

The Jennifer Road Detention Center is the Department of Detention Facilities' maximum security intake and pretrial detention facility.

This commission provides ongoing review of the systemic racism that contributes to the opportunity gap in the County and is charged with monitoring progress toward eliminating the gap.

Kinder Farm Park in Millersville is a 288-acre park that offers a variety of natural and recreational activities including walking, biking, bird watching, fishing and picnicking.

Lake Waterford Park is located on the corner of Pasadena Road and Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard. This regional park has 108 acres of diverse recreational and natural areas.

An advisory body that advises the County Executive on the distribution of grant funds received from the Special Fund for the area surrounding the Laurel Race Course.

The Licensing Division issues various kinds of licenses including taxicabs, building trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, etc), amusements, bingo, and gaming for fundraising.

The Anne Arundel County Local Emergency Planning Committee coordinates planning for hazardous materials incident response and the dissemination of information regarding chemical hazards in the community.

The Anne Arundel County Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB), which was established as part of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), sets priorities for, and exercises oversight over, workforce development activities funded under WIOA.

TheLondon Town Foundation Inc.Board of Trustees oversees policy with reference to use and development planning of the Historic London Town and Gardens. The Board also advises on the operation of the facility.

The Long Range Planning Section is the lead in preparing the County's General Development Plan, Region Plans, Town Center Plans, Water and Sewer Master Plan, and other functional plans as needed.

The Lula G. Scott Nutrition Center provides meals for seniors in the Shady Side area. The Nutrition Center is part of the Department of Aging and Disabilities.

The Board represents the interests of the County's maritime industry and offers guidance and provides assistance to County officials in matters concerning the commercial and recreational maritime industries in the County.

The Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts serves the Anne Arundel County community by providing a broad range of creative experiences through quality arts education and culturally diverse programs in the performing and visual arts.

The Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency (AACMHA) is dedicated to ensuring that Medicaid recipients and other low-income, non-insured county residents who meet certain criteria have access to a wide range of quality mental health services.

The Mental Health Agency Board of Directors advises the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, Inc.

The Office of Central Services is responsible for the operation & maintenance of the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department operates four district police stations. The Northern District Police Station Commanding Officer is Captain Elizabeth Smith.

The Odenton Town Center Advisory Committee advocates for the goals and objectives of the Odenton Town Center.

The Office of Community Engagement and Constituent Services serves as the primary liaison between the County Executive and community members. The office works closely with community partners and local organizations to assist them in sustaining and accelerating progress toward community goals. Additionally, the office helps residents access county services and navigate the numerous county departments and agencies.

Our mission is to assure that County Government and the general public are prepared for any emergency. We manage the County's response to major emergencies and coordinate with all relevant County, State and Federal departments, offices and leadership and maintain strong partnerships with other jurisdictions.

Accelerating Digital Transformation to create a more effective and efficient County Government for our employees, citizens and communities!

The Office of Law issues advice and opinions on legal questions affecting the interests of the County.

The Office of Personnel supports the employees of Anne Arundel County Government who provide public services to our citizens.

Our mission is to plan the overall physical development and growth of the County, update and enforce the zoning code, and administer the subdivision and development regulations.

The Office of the County Auditor (OCA) is responsible for audits and reviews of County government.

The Office of the Sheriff provides law enforcement and public safety services by MEETing the needs of the Circuit Court and the Citizens of Anne Arundel County.

The Office of the State's Attorney is committed to justice by employing the highest ethical standards in vigorously prosecuting the guilty, protecting the innocent, and representing the interests of the State of Maryland in court.

Our mission is to identify and prioritize near-term and long-range surface transportation projects of all travel modes, including highway, transit and non-motorized (bicycle and pedestrian) projects.

The O'Malley Senior Activity Center provides activities for seniors in the Odenton area.

The Ordnance Road Correctional Center is the Department of Detention Facilities’ medium security for men and women who have been convicted and sentenced to terms up to 18 months.

Enjoy the natural beauty of Anne Arundel County by visiting a park or trail. The Parks Division provides a comprehensive system of recreational facilities with approximately 7,160 acres of recreation land and another 9,900 acres of natural resource land.

Our mission is to assess community human services needs and identify gaps in service, convene a neutral group of diverse stakeholders to build partnerships and develop solutions, fund services for children and families by leveraging State funding and increasing local resources, and advance the Governor’s priorities of reducing the impact of parental incarceration on children, families and communities; improving outcomes for disconnected youth; reducing childhood hunger; and reducing youth homelessness.

The Pasadena Senior Activity Center provides activities for seniors in the Pasadena area. The Activity Center is part of the Department of Aging and Disabilities.

The Pascal Senior Activity Center provides activities for seniors in the Glen Burnie area. The Activity Center is part of the Department of Aging and Disabilities.

The Pension Oversight Commission reviews any proposed ordinance or resolution pertaining to a County retirement plan and reports its findings and recommendations to the County Executive and County Council.

The Permit Center of the Department of Inspections and Permits intakes all permit and subdivision applications. It serves both residential and commercial customers.

The Anne Arundel County Personnel Board hears and decides employee issues for the County.

The Planning Advisory Board (PAB) makes advisory recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Officer and the County Council relating to the Master Plan, the zoning maps, and rules and regulations relating to zoning.

The Plumbing Commission hears complaints with reference to violations of Article 1, Title 4, of the Anne Arundel County Code.

The Police Accountability Board was established to work with law enforcement agencies to review, provide policy advice and report on disciplinary matters stemming from public complaints about police misconduct.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department was founded in 1937 by an act of the Maryland State Legislature, in recognition of the need for better and more consistent police services for the citizens of the county.

The Police Training Division is an integral part of the Anne Arundel County Police Department. The Police Training Division Commanding Officer is Captain Jon Mahaffee.

The Property Tax Assessment Appeal Board is the second step in the appeal process of property tax assessments.

The Purchasing Division of Central Services is responsible for purchasing supplies, materials and equipment for all County Government department and agency operations.

Quiet Waters Park is situated between the South River and Harness Creek. Visitors can enjoy trails, playground, or picnic among 340 acres of beautiful park land.

The Real Estate Division's primary role is to manage and oversee all Anne Arundel County owned property.

The Recreation Services Division is responsible for planning and implementing a wide variety of recreation programs, two swim centers and two recreation centers.

The Recreation Advisory Board makes advisory recommendations to the Director of Recreation and Parks relating to recreation programs, services and facilities.

Our mission is to create opportunities to enjoy life, explore nature and restore health and well-being.

The Research & GIS Section of the Office of Planning and Zoning maintains and provides demographic and geographic and economic information on Anne Arundel County.

The Anne Arundel County Retirement and Pension System Board of Trustees is responsible for the management and proper operation of the retirement and pension system.

Risk Management Division of Central Services provides services to the County's insurance needs.

There is a Salary Standard Commission composed of seven members appointed by the County Council. The Commission shall report to the County Council in accordance with Local Government Article, § 10-302, of the State Code.

In accordance with § 3-11-105 of the Anne Arundel County Code, the Self-Insurance Fund Committee establishes policies and adopts rules and regulations relating to the operation of the Self-Insurance Fund. In addition, the Committee reviews and approves claims for payment within the Committee's authority or approves settlements above its authority conditioned upon final approval of payment by the County Council.

The Severn River Commission provides counsel and advice to Anne Arundel County, the City of Annapolis and The State of Maryland, concerning matters related to the Severn River and its watershed.

A brand new 26,000 square foot facility is being developed next to Van Bokkelen Elementary School in Severn. The Center will be welcoming and inclusive for all community members.

The Site Inspections Division inspects grading, stormwater management and infrastructure work in addition to suspected violations in these areas.

The Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services will assist County residents to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency; provide services to strengthen individuals and families; and join our community partners in the protection of children and adults.

The Social Services Board of Directors advises the Department of Social Services of issues in Anne Arundel County.

The governing body of the Soil Conservation District shall be interested in and knowledgeable in conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources.

The South County Senior Activity Center provides activities for seniors in the Edgewater area. The Activity Center is part of the Department of Aging and Disabilities.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department operates four district police stations. The Southern District Police Station Commanding Officer Captain Timothy Davis.

The Anne Arundel County Police Special Operations Division provides a specialized police response for the department.

The Spending Affordability Committee makes advisory recommendations to the Office of Budget, the County Executive, and the County Council relating to spending affordability.

The Food Council shall be responsible for addressing inequity in the food system, creating an inclusive mechanism to launch and coordinate food policies and programs, reducing food insecurity in the County, and improving equitable access to nutritious food in the County, with a focus on supporting the local food economy and food infrastructure of low access areas.

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion provides leadership in the development of policies, programs, and procedures that ensure compliance with federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws, and integrate diversity, access, and inclusion into county operations.  We are a partner and resource for all departments as they work to improve access and inclusion countywide.

The Tipton Airport Authority is to acquire, construct, improve, equip, furnish, maintain and operate Tipton Airport.

It is the Mission of the Transportation Commission of Anne Arundel County to study the planning, design, delivery and operation of transportation services and facilities in the County.

University of Maryland Extension (UME) Anne Arundel County is a statewide, non-formal education system within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Maryland.

The Veterans Affairs Commission serves as a forum for all Anne Arundel County veterans of military service.

The Local Development Council serves as an advisory council to the county as it develops a multi year plan for the expenditure of local impact grant funds from Maryland Live! video lottery terminals.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department operates four district police stations. The Western District Police Station Commanding Officer is Captain Sara Schriver.

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman signed Executive Order Number 28, creating the Anne Arundel County Youth Advisory Council and Youth Corps.

The Zoning Administration Section of the Office of Planning and Zoning oversees the regulation and interpretation of the Anne Arundel County Zoning Ordinance and processes related applications.

The Zoning Enforcement Section of the Office of Planning and Zoning is charged with enforcing the Zoning Ordinance, which requires that all investigations be initiated by a written complaint.