BEL AIR, MD—Harford County has received a national award for its data-driven approach to improving the quality of life in its southern communities.
The National Association for County Community and Economic Development presented its Award of Excellence in the Planning/Policy/Program Management category to the administration of County Executive Bob Cassilly. The award was announced at the organization’s annual conference earlier in September.
Since taking office in 2022, Cassilly’s administration created the Southern County Taskforce to address long-standing issues like low home ownership, substandard housing, and high poverty rates in the area. The task force was designed to work across county departments, collecting data, developing action plans, and leveraging federal and state funding. It also partnered with community and business leaders and gathered public input to identify service gaps.
The effort has resulted in nearly $2 million in grants being used for a wide range of improvements. These include the installation of streetlights and security cameras, renovation of parks and community centers, home renovations, and downpayment assistance for new homeowners. Other projects include the restoration of the Citizens Care nursing facility to add 20 beds, a new senior citizen housing project, a new 5.5-acre park, and upgrades to public transportation and roads.
“For many years, our Route 40 corridor has heard lots of talk and seen very little action,” County Executive Bob Cassilly said. “From its beginning, the Southern County Taskforce has been action oriented and dedicated to addressing the unique challenges and tremendous opportunities in southern Harford County by effectively leveraging federal and state resources in collaboration with community members, local businesses and government.”
Cassilly added that the award is shared with the county’s partners who helped make the improvements a reality.
Photo: Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly, right center, and Southern County Taskforce Administrator Rob Wagner, left center, are joined by members of the administration to celebrate the Southern County Taskforce Award of Excellence in the Planning/Policy/Program Management category from the National Association for County Community and Economic Development.
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