Board of Appeals
Katherine Freeman, Executive Secretary to the Board, 240-777-6600
100 Maryland Avenue, Rm. 217 • Rockville, MD 20850

The Board of Appeals hears requests for special exceptions and variances as provided in the Zoning Ordinance. Variances from the development standards are also reviewed by the Board. The Board also holds public hearings and rules on appeals from administrative actions of certain governmental departments and agencies.

Board of Investment Trustees
Linda A. Herman, Executive Director, 240-777-8220
11 North Washington Street • Rockville, MD 20850

The Board oversees the investment programs of the County's retirement plans.

Circuit Court
Judge Ann S. Harrington, County Administrative Judge, 240-777-9180
Judicial Center • 50 Maryland Avenue• Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Circuit Court's primary function is adjudication of criminal and civil cases. The Court conducts hearings, court trials, and jury trials for civil, criminal, and support cases and provides public information services for criminal and civil case loads. The following activities support this program: case assignment, adjudication, jury administration, domestic relations, adjudication of child support enforcement cases, technical services, administration, custody and investigations, a law library, and the Trust Office. Other functions of the Circuit Court include mediation services and a video courtroom.

Mediation services, staffed by volunteers, are provided by the Court as an avenue for settling disputes. Three types of mediation are available to the Court: Mandatory Mediation when required by a judge; To Be Assigned (TBA) Mediation uses Bar Association volunteers to mediate cases awaiting Court trials; and Domestic Mediation which uses masters or attorneys to mediate certain domestic cases.

The video courtroom allows for bond reviews, arraignments, and motions from the Montgomery County Detention Center to the Judicial Center without requiring inmates to be transported.

Community Use of Public Facilities
Ginny Gong, Director, 240-777-2706
600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 300 • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

Community Use of Public Facilities provides community users and community groups with access to public schools and government facilities for community services, programs, and events. Services performed by staff in support of this function include: scheduling; information and referral; problem resolution; implementing and reviewing the Interagency Coordinating Board (ICB) policies with Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) staff, PTAs, and community-based committees; providing on-site monitoring of activities; and conducting training workshops.

Consumer Protection
Eric S. Friedman, Director
100 Maryland Avenue, #330 • Rockville, MD 20850
(240) 777-3636, FAX (240) 777-3768

Tip Line to anonymously report consumer deception or fraud: (240) 777-3681.

The mission of the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is to enforce consumer protection laws prohibiting unfair and deceptive business acts or practices to ensure a fair marketplace for consumers and businesses.  Activities include complaint resolution, law enforcement, education, legislation, licensing, advocacy, and outreach to vulnerable consumers.  The Office licenses new home builders, automotive repair and towing firms, appliance repair firms, and second hand personal property dealers.  The Office also serves as staff to the Commission on Common Ownership Communities.  Our webpage provides consumer protection information, a disclosure report on the number of complaints against merchants, and a complaint form.

E-Mail or call (240) 777-3636 for additional information.

Correction and Rehabilitation
Arthur Wallenstein, Director, 240-777-9975
51 Monroe Street, Rm. 1100 • Rockville, MD 20850

Provides progressive and comprehensive correctional services through the use of pretrial supervision, secure incarceration and community treatment and reintegration programs.

County Attorney's Office
Leon Rodriguez, Director, 240-777-6700
101 Monroe Street, 3rd Floor • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The County Attorney acts as the chief legal officer of Montgomery County Government and conducts all its legal business.

Economic Development
Pradeep Ganguly, Director, 240-777-2000
111 Rockville Pike, Suite 800 • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

Economic Development provides services to retain existing businesses and attract new ones to the County by conducting outreach activities through business visits, conferences, and workshops. Economic Development also serves as liaison to business organizations to identify and to assist new and expanding companies. The department provides land use planning expertise and economic analysis. Assistance includes needs assessment, financial and training services, site identification, development expediting, and coordination.

Programs include activities to: promote development of high technology and professional services; retain existing and attract new companies, as well as working with Federal agencies within the County; and promote international trade. Economic Development oversees the management and continuing development of the Shady Grove Life Sciences Center and the Maryland Technology Development Center (formerly Business Incubator Center).

Elections
Margaret A. Jurgensen, Election Director, 240-777-8500
751 Twinbrook Parkway • Rockville, MD 20851
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Board of Elections registers voters; conducts elections; assists persons seeking elective office with candidate filings and campaign fund reports; assists citizens seeking to place questions on the ballot; and preserves electoral information.

Environmental Protection
Bob Hoyt , Director, 240-777-7700
255 Rockville Pike • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Department of Environmental Protection protects and enhances the quality of life in our community through conservation, preservation, and restoration of our environment, guided by the principles of science, resource management, sustainability, and stewardship.

The two components of the department are Watershed Management and Environmental Policy and Compliance.

Ethics Commission
Barbara McNally, Executive Director, 240-777-6670
100 Maryland Avenue, Rm. 204 • Rockville, MD 20850

The Ethics Commission administers the County's Code of Ethics by encouraging and enforcing compliance and ensuring the ethical conduct of employees of the Executive Branch, County Council, selected Boards and Commissions, the Revenue Authority, Housing Opportunities Commission, Fire Corporations, and Rescue Squads. The Commission also serves in an advisory capacity to the Washington Suburban Transit Commission.

Finance
Jennifer Barrett, Director, 240-777-8860
101 Monroe Street, 15th Floor • Rockville MD 20850

The Finance Department manages financial operations, recommends and implements sound fiscal policies, safeguards public assets, and encourages a safe environment on public property.

Fire and Rescue Service
Thomas W. Carr, Jr., Chief, 240-777-2400
101 Monroe Street, 12th Floor • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

Fire and Rescue Service prevents fires and accidents through public education, inspections, and enforcement of applicable laws; and provides fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, and hazardous materials incidents through the combined efforts of career and volunteer personnel using tax and volunteer-generated funds.

General Services
David Dise, Director
101 Orchard Ridge Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Health and Human Services
Uma Ahluwalia, Director, 240-777-1245
401 Hungerford Drive • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

Health and Human Services assures the provision of integrated services addressing the health and human service needs of Montgomery County residents. The department develops and implements policies and procedures which further this end and maximizes the resources available for direct, customer-oriented services while maintaining adequate management oversight at minimum costs. Innovative approaches to service delivery and system coordination are piloted and evaluated by Health and Human Services. It also develops and maintains a broad network of community, non-profit, public, and private sector delivery organizations in a sustained and substantial partnership.

Hearing Examiner (Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings)
Francoise M. Carrier, Director, 240-777-6660
100 Maryland Avenue, Suite 200 • Rockville, MD 20850

The Office provides a hearing process for land use and other administrative matters that protects the due process rights of the participants as well as the public interest.

Housing & Community Affairs
Richard Nelson, Director, 240-777-3600
100 Maryland Avenue, 4th Floor • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Department of Housing and Community Affairs plans and implements activities that prevent and correct problems which contribute to the physical decline of residential and commercial areas. It maintains a marketplace that is fair to all parties (consumers and merchants, landlords and tenants, homeowners and their governing boards) and increases the supply of new affordable housing as well as maintains existing housing in a safe manner.

Housing Opportunities Commission (Affordable Housing)
Scott Minton, Executive Director, 301-929-6700
10400 Detrick Avenue • Kensington, MD 29895

The Housing Opportunities Commission makes housing available to eligible families of low and moderate income and provides necessary support services to encourage resident self-sufficiency.

The County provides funding for the Commission to acquire Moderately Priced Dwelling Units for rental to lower-income families; maintain community norms and relationships between homeowner associations and public housing residents; provide counseling and support services to low-income individuals and families in assisted housing; and provide information on available housing programs.

Human Resources
Joseph Adler, Director, 240-777-5100
101 Monroe Street, 7th Floor • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Office of Human Resources provides a human resources program to attract, develop, and retain a diverse, high-performing, and well-qualified work force. It provides services to employees, retirees, and others; and works in partnership with other County departments toward the accomplishment of mission goals and objectives through effective human resources management.

Human Rights
Stowe, James L., Director, 240-777-8450
21 Maryland Ave, Suite 330 • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Human Rights Commission enforces anti-discrimination laws in housing, commercial real estate, employment, and public accommodations. The Commission promotes, monitors, and enforces fair housing laws relating to access and treatment. It provides training and technical assistance in civil rights laws and addresses community conflict motivated by prejudice, intolerance, and bigotry based on race, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation, and promotes increased understanding and tolerance among diverse groups.

Inspector General
Thomas J. Dagley, 240-777-8240
51 Monroe St., Suite 802 • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Office of Inspector General reviews the effectiveness and efficiency of programs and operations of County government and independent County agencies. The Office is also responsible for preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse in government activities. In addition, it proposes ways to increase the legal, fiscal, and ethical accountability of County government departments and County-funded agencies.

Intergovernmental Relations
Melanie L. Wenger, Director, 240-777-6550
101 Monroe Street, 4th Floor • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Office of Intergovernmental Relations represents County interests at the municipal, regional, State, and Federal levels and prepares the annual State Legislative Program. The Office is the liaison with State government and the County’s legislative delegation. In addition, the Office is the lead Executive Branch agency representing the County before the Maryland Association of Counties.

Legislative Oversight
Karen Orlansky, Director, 240-777-7990
100 Maryland Avenue, 5th Floor • Rockville, MD 20850

The Office of Legislative Oversight determines the effectiveness of legislation enacted by the County Council and makes findings and recommendations concerning the performance, management, and operation of programs and functions for which funds are appropriated or approved by the Council.

Liquor Control
George Griffin, Director, 240-777-1900
16650 Crabbs Branch Way • Rockville, MD 20855

The Department of Liquor Control administers the distribution and sale of all beverage alcohol in Montgomery County.

Management and Budget Office
Joseph F. Beach, Director, 240-777-2777
101 Monroe Street, 14th Floor • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Office of Management and Budget provides recommendations to the County Executive and County Council, and acts where appropriate on resource allocation, fiscal policy, and related matters in order to support the advancement of the elected officials' policy agendas and the effective and efficient operation of County Government.

Merit System Protection Board
Kathleen J. Taylor, Executive Secretary, 240-777-6620
100 Maryland Avenue, Rm. 113 • Rockville, MD 20850

The Merit System Protection Board oversees the merit system and protects employee and job applicant rights guaranteed under the merit system law.

People's Counsel
Martin Klauber, People's Counsel, (240) 777-9700
100 Maryland Avenue, Suite 226 • Rockville, MD 20850

The People's Counsel provides technical assistance to citizens and citizens associations to promote an understanding of the County's land use processes and to ensure effective citizen participation in hearings on rezonings, special exceptions, variances, subdivision, and site plans.

The People's Counsel may participate in hearings before the Board of Appeals, the Hearing Examiner, and the Planning Board. When participating in a hearing, the People's Counsel is a party of record and is entitled to notices, can make motions, introduce evidence, call witnesses, examine witnesses, and make arguments that the law and evidence warrant. The People's Counsel may file and argue and appeal to court the same as any other party.

Permitting Services
Carla Reid, Director, 240-777-6360
255 Rockville Pike, 2nd Floor • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Department of Permitting ensures compliance with Montgomery County's development and construction standards.

Police
J. Thomas Manger, Chief, 240-773-5000
2350 Research Boulevard • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Department of Police protects life and property and preserves peace and order.

Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board
Mary Law Miller, Chairperson, 301-279-8333
51 Monroe Street, Rm. 201 • Rockville, MD 20850

The Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board hears appeals from County residents and businesses regarding property tax assessments. The independent Board has three members who are appointed by the Governor. Decisions of the Board may be appealed to the Maryland Tax Court.

Public Defender
Paul DeWolfe, District Public Defender, 240-773-9600
27 Courthouse Square • Rockville, MD 20850

Public Information Office (Press Office)
Patrick Lacefield, Director, 240-777-6530
101 Monroe Street, 4th Floor • Rockville, MD 20850

The Office of Public Information provides communication with the public, the County Executive, departments and agencies, media, County employees, the County Council, and other elected officials, businesses, civic groups, and every other segment of the Montgomery County community through the mass media, Internet and intranet, press conferences, publications, and cable television programming.

Public Libraries
Parker Hamilton, Director, 240-777-0002
21 Maryland Avenue, Suite 310 • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Department of Public Libraries makes public library services available to the public. A full range of services is available at 22 library sites during all open hours, including: information service for adults and children; Public Access Catalog for access to indices and full text (also available 24 hours per day via dial-in and World Wide Web); automated phone renewal (24 hours per day, 7 days a week); regularly scheduled programming for preschool children; and meeting rooms for public use. A comprehensive collection of materials is maintained to meet patrons’ interests and needs.

Recreation
Gabriel Albornoz, Director, 240-777-6804
12210 Bushey Drive • Silver Spring, MD 20902
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Department of Recreation provides recreational, social, cultural, and physical programs to the community. The following programs are provided by the department: aquatics, camps and playgrounds, classes, community recreation centers, senior adult programs, special events, sports, and teen and therapeutic recreation.

Regional Services Centers

The Regional Services Centers represent the County in their respective regions, to ensure delivery of responsive and accessible services to all residents, with particular attention to the special characteristics, needs, and resources within each distinct region.

     Bethesda-Chevy Chase Services Center, Kenneth B.J. Hartman, Director, 240-777-8200
     4805 Edgemoor Lane • Bethesda, MD 20814
          Please E-Mail us for more information.
     Eastern Montgomery Services Center, Anise Key Brown, Director, 240-777-8400
     3300 Briggs Chaney Road • Silver Spring, MD 20904
          Please E-Mail us for more information.
     Mid-County Services Center, Natalie Cantor, Director, 240-777-8100
     2424 Reedie Drive • Silver Spring, MD 20902
          Please E-Mail us for more information.
     Silver Spring Services Center, Gary Stith, Director, 301-565-7300
     8435 Georgia Avenue • Silver Spring, MD 20910
          Please E-Mail us for more information.
     UpCounty Services Center, Cathy Matthews, Director, 240-777-8000
     12900 Middlebrook Road • Germantown, MD 20874
          Please E-MAIL us for more information.

The Revenue Authority owns and operates self-sustaining projects to serve the County’s economic, recreation, and transportation needs through enterprises conducted within its authority as a public corporation.

To accomplish its goals, the Authority engages in activities to construct, improve, equip, furnish, and maintain projects devoted wholly or partially for the public good, use, or general welfare. It initiates public projects designed to stimulate employment or economic growth, and develops and operates recreational facilities in the County. It also assists in funding County government projects through the issuance of Revenue Authority bonds.

Sheriff's Office
Raymond M. Kight, Sheriff, 240-777-7000
Judicial Center • 50 Maryland Avenue, Rm. 447 • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Sheriff’s Office serves the Circuit and District Courts in the conduct of judicial affairs. The Office provides transport and custody of prisoners and provides a safe environment for the daily operations of judicial activities, employees, and visitors in the courthouse.

Technology Services
E. Steven Emanuel, Chief Information Officer, 240-777-2900
101 Monroe Street, 13th Floor • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Department of Technology Services (DTS) assists the County in using information technology where it adds the most value and increases productivity. The Department's efforts also help to deliver information and services to citizens at work, at home, and in the community.

Transportation
Arthur Holmes, Director

Women, Commission for
Judith Vaughan-Prather, Executive Director, 279-8300
401 North Washington Street, Suite 100 • Rockville, MD 20850
Please E-Mail us for more information.

The Commission for Women fosters conditions that promote equal participation of women in the benefits, responsibilities, and opportunities of society.

Zoning and Administrative Hearings
Francoise M. Carrier, Director
100 Maryland Avenue, Rm. 200 • Rockville, MD 20850

The Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings (OZAH) provides a hearing process for land use and other administrative matters that protects the due process rights of the participants as well as the public interest.