Welcome to the Office of Community Initiatives

Israel C. “Izzy” Patoka, Executive Director

The Governor's Office of Community Initiatives coordinates community and volunteer activities statewide and advises the Governor on policies to enhance and improve community programs. This Office also oversees the work of the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism, Volunteer Maryland, Cultural & Ethnic Commissions and community affairs services within the Executive Branch of Maryland government. The Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives also serves as liaison to the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and the Federal Centers of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

The Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives mobilizes public support for volunteer service and community organizations and encourages civic participation by individuals, schools and community-related organizations. Through organization of events that recognize outstanding volunteer service and innovative grassroots organizations, the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives helps highlight and strengthen programs that directly serve localities.

The Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives works in a coordinated effort with the Governor’s Intergovernmental Affairs Office to enhance community and municipalities across State government and coordinate with federal and local governments, private sector entities, academia and community organizations to strengthen communities.

The Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives is the umbrella organization that is the host agency to the Governors ethnic Commissions. 

The office works with the leadership of faith-based organizations across the state to facilitate community improvement activities generated through those organizations, such as citizen patrol groups, neighborhood revitalization projects and neighborhood emergency response teams.

In cooperation with the Governor’s Grants Office, the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives will provide technical assistance to constituent groups as it relates to State departments and agencies. It will monitor community organizations receiving grants and other funding from or administered by the State of Maryland, to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes in compliance with State and federal policies.