Our Priorities

ACS has been advocating on behalf of Howard County’s nonprofit human and social service, cultural, environmental and faith-based organizations and the individuals and families that they serve since 1963. Our advocacy includes community wide education, bringing together decision makers to resolve issues, giving testimony before elected officials, and building partnerships to achieve advocacy goals. During election years, we host candidate forums, often in collaboration with the League of Women Voters, to build relationships with candidates and our members and educate them about our priorities.

The Public Policy Committee (PPC) is a key component of our advocacy work. PPC is made up of representatives our member community who serve as advisors to recommend advocacy priorities and actions to the ACS Board of Directors. All members are welcome to join the PPC. Email us at policy@acshoco.org to get involved with our advocacy work.

ACS Advocacy Priorities include:

Identify and dismantle the racism that is embedded in policies, institutional systems and structures, and interpersonal relationships.

Strengthen the nonprofit community by increasing its access to financial and non-financial resources from government, foundations, businesses, and the general public.

Increase the availability and accessibility of affordable housing for Howard County residents, particularly for people with low and moderate incomes, seniors, and people with disabilities. The goal is to promote long-term housing stability and functionally end homelessness.

Advance the abilities for individuals and families to have their financial needs met by supporting living wages, educational opportunities, technical/skill-based training, and other initiatives that will create a just standard of living for everyone.

Ensure that quality, affordable childcare is accessible to enable residents the opportunity to work and support the social-emotional development of children.

Enhance transit and mobility options and reliability for Howard County residents - particularly in communities that rely heavily on public transportation and walking, and for those individuals with mobility issues (i.e., seniors, people with disabilities).

Promote the health and environment of Howard County residents by addressing community needs in access to care, behavioral health, clean air and water, healthy aging, healthy weight, and maternal and infant health, while eliminating health disparities.

Last updated: October 22, 2020