About the Ethical Investment Campaign
We are Howard County citizens who share a belief: our public dollars should be spent in a way that reflects our public values. In an age of accelerating climate collapse, inequality, endless war, and rising authoritarianism, how we spend our money matters. It’s a moral decision with real consequences.
Howard County’s current investment policy does not restrict investing in companies that profit from war, genocide, apartheid, illegal occupation, climate destruction, housing displacement, or human rights abuses. As a result, our public funds may be enabling corporations whose actions harm the very values our community stands for. Without transparency or ethical safeguards, county investments can deepen injustice instead of serving the common good.
All over the world—including right here in Howard County—communities are organizing for justice, peace, and a livable future. Our county should stand with these efforts, not against them. That’s why we’ve come together to propose a Charter Amendment for Ethical and Socially Responsible Investment.
This amendment would require Howard County to adopt a public investment policy that screens out companies engaged in environmental destruction, institutional racism, war profiteering, and corporate abuse. It would create more transparency and accountability in how public funds are managed—putting people ahead of profits.
This isn’t just about money. It’s about self-respect. It’s about democracy. It’s about aligning our local government’s investments with our shared values of justice, sustainability, and human dignity.
We’re not just dreaming of a better world—we’re organizing to build it. Join us in putting this amendment on the ballot and making Howard County a leader in responsible public investment.
Let’s put our values where our money is.
đź“„ Request Official Ballot Petition Form
*Maryland law requires original signatures on approved forms to qualify for the ballot.