County Seat / Form of Government

Bel Air serves as Harford County's government and commercial center. Municipal, county and state administrative offices along with the Circuit and District courts are located in the downtown area.

Since 1972, Harford County has operated under a charter system of government. The county executive serves as the head of the executive branch. Elected every four years, he or she is aided by a cabinet composed of directors from 23 departments and agencies including Public Works, Treasury, Planning and Zoning, Community Services, Economic Development and Parks and Recreation.

The six-member Harford County Council operates as the legislative branch. Six council members are elected every four years, one from each of the county's six voting districts. The remaining council member is elected at large to serve as council president. The panel meets in legislative session on the first three Tuesdays of each month.