Hon. Allan Kittleman

Allan H. Kittleman, a lifelong Howard County resident, was elected Nov. 4, 2014 to serve as the County’s ninth County Executive, pledging to make transparency, fiscal responsibility and bipartisanship his top priorities. As County Executive, Kittleman has improved the delivery of community services for areas such as mental health, the aging population and programs for veterans.  He has championed expanded tax credits, making it easier for seniors and retired military to stay in their homes. In his first two years in office, Kittleman jumped-started key projects that had been sidelined for years.  Under his leadership, the County is moving forward on a site for a 13th high school in Jessup, establishing a nonprofit center in Columbia, working with Gov. Larry Hogan to fast-track the widening of Route 32 and taking ownership of the Harriet Tubman School, the last segregated African-American school in the county, to create an educational and cultural center.

Kittleman’s first major challenge after taking office was tackling a $16 million budget deficit. With careful, targeted reductions, he eliminated the deficit without furloughs or layoffs and ended the year with a modest surplus. Strong fiscal management has remained a top priority; accordingly, Kittleman has decreased the debt threshold for capital projects, maintained the County’s AAA bond rating and held the line on taxes. A reorganized Department of Community Resources and Services now embraces a "No Wrong Door" philosophy to cut through bureaucracy and serve residents more quickly and efficiently. Through initiatives like TRACKHoward and OPENHoward, and by hosting quarterly town hall meetings, Kittleman has made government more open, transparent and accountable. Kittleman also launched the #OneHoward initiative, a series of community conversations and events to promote dialogue and reinforce shared goals of diversity and inclusiveness. 

The Kittleman administration is finalizing pieces of the Columbia downtown redevelopment, as well as moving forward with revitalization efforts for the Long Reach and Oakland Mills village centers. Kittleman’s team continues to focus on rebuilding Ellicott City to be even better than it was before the devastating flood on July 30, 2016. He has announced his intention to build a new Circuit Courthouse to replace an existing, outdated facility in Ellicott City. Prior to becoming County Executive, Kittleman served in the Maryland General Assembly from 2004 to 2014 as the State Senator representing District 9. From 1998 to 2004, Kittleman represented Council District 5 on the Howard County Council. During his tenure in the Maryland General Assembly, Kittleman was known as a bipartisan, independent leader and tireless advocate for many legislative causes, including strengthening Maryland public schools, stimulating economic growth and increasing transparency in government. He demonstrated particular dedication to legislative matters involving civil rights, fairness and equity. As County Executive, he continues to work collaboratively, engaging County Council members to move forward on critical projects in every area of the County.

Kittleman earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a J.D. with honors from the University of Maryland Law School.   He and his wife Robin live in West Friendship. They have four children – Haley, Mary, Robby and James.