For the past three years, the Southern County Task Force has been working to revitalize some of Harford County’s most underserved communities via safety improvements, community cleanups and other initiatives.

The task force is a partnership among county government, local businesses, nonprofits and community members that works to navigate challenges and opportunities in Edgewood, Belcamp, Joppatowne and some of Aberdeen.

The task force was created in 2023 by Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly after he said the needs of residents in the southern county were being ignored.

Under the leadership of Robert Wagner, a former member of Harford’s County Council, the task force has:

  • Installed 14 neighborhood security cameras
  • Installed 82 brighter streetlights
  • Conducted 13 community cleanups, totaling 43 dumpster loads
  • Increased street sweeping services by 300%
  • Resurfaced 64 roads
  • Enhanced code enforcement targeting abandoned and unsafe structures
  • Used $2.3 million in community service grants
  • Built a new park and made several upgrades to parks and recreation fields
  • Increased recreational program participation by 62%
  • Facilitated local cultural events
  • Helped with small business grants and other business assistance
  • Replaced and repaired bus shelters

The work completed by the task force primarily stems from requests and concerns raised by community members.

“Community partnerships are essential to continuing our progress,” Cassilly said. “Government, businesses, nonprofits and individuals cannot do it alone, but by working together, we are making all of Harford County the best it can be.”

The task force holds community meetings that allow residents to learn about the work being done and make requests. Residents can learn more about the Southern County Task Force and submit comments at harfordcountymd.gov/3766/Southern-County-Taskforce-Updates.

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