The Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), provides funding to high-risk urban areas to improve their capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks and other disasters. UASI provides resources for the unique equipment, training, planning, and exercise needs of these high threat urban areas.

DHS UASIs are areas eligible to apply for and receive funding for the region.  The formula promotes a concept designed to build greater regional capabilities across a geographic area.   The Baltimore UASI is made up of seven jurisdictions in the Baltimore area:

Annapolis Anne Arundel County Baltimore City Baltimore County Carroll County Harford County Howard County