Application Deadline is Feb. 14
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is seeking applicants interested in serving on the Advisory Board on Consumer Protection. The applicants for these openings should be affiliated with a civic group that advocates for consumer issues or a group that represents local business interests in Howard County. The deadline to apply for these vacancies is Feb. 14, 2025.
“We take the job of protecting consumers from bad business practices seriously in Howard County. We need public collaboration to help identify and find resolutions to new scams and emerging negative business issues, while educating and supporting vulnerable consumers that need our help in the community,” said Ball. “I hope qualified residents will step forward to enhance our efforts to improve available consumer protection services in the county.”
Under Howard County Code §17.402(c), the Board is composed of seven voting members including two members representing consumer interest groups, two members representing business interest groups, one member representing an economically-disadvantaged group, and two members representing the general public. Board member responsibilities include participating in community activities, developing programs, conducting research, reviewing legislation, and advising the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) and the County Executive on policies, programs and practices that can improve consumer protection-related services in the county.
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be Howard County residents, be 18 years of age or older, have an interest in consumer issues, and be able to attend board meetings, as well as contribute to activities and programs as needed throughout the month and term of service. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. virtually or at the Department of Community Resources and Services, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia.
For additional information about serving as a commission member and to apply, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/boards-
The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for consideration. If approved, the appointment will be forwarded to the County Council for confirmation.
About the Office of Consumer Protection
The OCP provides information about current scams, assists in resolving consumer-merchant and landlord-tenant disputes, and enforces Howard County consumer protection laws. The Advisory Board on Consumer Protection works with the OCP to educate and protect Howard County consumers. Board members also provide feedback and recommendations on OCP’s programs and education of county residents about consumer protection services.
