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BALTIMORE, MD (Thusday, July 31, 2025) – As part of ongoing efforts to enhance emergency preparedness before the 2025 hurricane season, the Baltimore Metropolitan Council partnered with American Human Society to facilitate a two-day training exercise. Organized by Emergency Preparedness Planner Blake Fisher, the event brought together key emergency management partners from across the Baltimore region to address a critical aspect of disaster planning, caring for animals during emergencies. With 49% of Maryland households owning pets, ensuring their safety during disasters is essential for a comprehensive emergency response. The training is designed to help local jurisdictions develop and refine plans for pet sheltering, improving coordination, and enhancing the overall resilience of their communities. “Preparing for animal needs during emergencies will not be an afterthought,” said BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly. “Animals are family to so many Marylanders.” Participants learned how to set up and manage pet shelters during emergencies, ranging from logistics and staffing to health and safety considerations. The exercise supported and focused on inclusive disaster housing strategies from the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP).
The training brought together representatives from the Baltimore Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) jurisdictions, including Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County. Additional participants included the Maryland Department of Human Services and Prince George’s County Office of Emergency Management. “Our jurisdictions walked away with a deeper understanding of what it takes to open and manage a pet shelter during an emergency,” said Emergency Preparedness Planner Blake Fisher. For more information about preparedness and upcoming emergency planning, visit baltometro.org/community/planning-areas/emergency-preparedness.
### The Baltimore Metropolitan Council provides a regional forum for our members and state and local partners to identify mutual interests and collaborate on strategies, plans and programs that help improve economic vitality and quality of life for all. BMC operates its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500. |
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BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, July 28, 2025) – The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office has granted $30,800 to the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) to support the Bicycle Helmet Project as part of BMC's safety efforts. The grant will fund the procurement of bicycle helmets for distribution during public outreach. The project is part of a greater traffic safety effort from the BMC’s metropolitan planning organization, the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), which has seen an increase in bicycle-related crashes year over year in the Baltimore region. According to available data from 2019-2023, the Baltimore region accounts for more than 50 percent of statewide bicycle-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities. In 2023, nine out of Maryland’s 15 bicyclist fatalities occurred in the region. These statistics show that the rate of bicycle crashes and fatalities are disproportionate to the regional population. Additionally, studies showed that fatalities decreased by 73 percent when the cyclist was wearing a helmet, along with reductions across the board with regards to head, brain, and facial injuries. The BRTB considers pedestrians and cyclists to be a top priority in the region’s traffic safety initiatives, as they are the most vulnerable to serious and fatal injuries. This funding will help the BRTB reach its regional safety targets outlined in its Long-Range Transportation Plan, Resilience2050, which identified goals and strategies to develop infrastructure and safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists. The BRTB will seek out local partners within each local jurisdiction to distribute helmets and include instruction on proper wear during safety outreach events. The BRTB will also be procuring bicycle lights to promote visibility to drivers while riding. The Bicycle Helmet Project reinforces the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Serious About Safety initiative – an enhanced, department-wide initiative to drive safety goals and save lives. Combined with other outreach campaigns, such as Look Alive with Signal Woman, the BRTB hopes these resources will help eliminate bicycle-related traffic fatalities and injuries.
### The Baltimore Metropolitan Council provides a regional forum for our members and state and local partners to identify mutual interests and collaborate on strategies, plans and programs that help improve economic vitality and quality of life for all. BMC operates its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500. |
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BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, July 25, 2025) – The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) voted Howard County Government Executive Calvin Ball as the 2026 Chair at a meeting on Tuesday, July 22. Queen Anne’s County Commissioner Jim Moran will serve as Vice Chair. Calvin Ball was elected Howard County Executive in 2018. Prior to his election, he served four terms as the District 2 Howard County Councilman. In 2006, he made Howard County history when he was elected the youngest chair. He has also served as chair of the Zoning Board and of the Board of License Commissioners. Calvin has been a champion for advancements in the county’s education system, protecting its natural resources, improving public safety and advocating for an inclusive and transparent government. Jim was elected to the Queen Anne’s County Board of Commissioners in November 2014 after being appointed to a vacant seat in December 2013. He was re-elected in 2018, and again in 2022. He has served as the At-Large Commissioner for over 10 years. A military veteran who joined the U.S. Marine Corps 35 years to the day after his father did. Jim attended Anne Arundel Community College and worked in the concrete construction industry. In 1987, he started his own construction business, which became Increte of Maryland, Inc. in 1991. He then started another business in 2007, Mid-Atlantic Pigments LLC, which supplies color used in concrete construction. Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) Director of Transportation Planning Todd Lang thanked Ball and Moran for their continued hard work and support on the board. The BRTB includes elected officials from Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford Howard and Queen Anne’s Counties, as well as heads of state executive departments and lower level administrations. It will next meet again on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
### The Baltimore Metropolitan Council provides a regional forum for our members and state and local partners to identify mutual interests and collaborate on strategies, plans and programs that help improve economic vitality and quality of life for all. BMC operates its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500. |
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BALTIMORE, MD (Thursday, July 25, 2025) – The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) voted to adopt Resolutions #26-1 through #26-4 during its monthly committee meeting on Tuesday, July 22. Notably, Resolution #26-2 adopts a funding proposal for the coming four years to support 173 projects through the Transportation Improvement Program. The TIP includes $3.2 billion in federal money, supported by state and local match as well as Maryland Transportation Authority toll revenue. The largest category of funds supports highway preservation (A key project is the rebuild of the Francis Scott Key Bridge) and transit and rail preservation. While the Baltimore region is non-attainment for EPA air quality standards, modeling of projects in the short- and long-range programs, shows emissions measuring below State Implementation Plan budgets. A public comment period was held for the short-range program and air quality analysis with nearly 20 outreach events. Comments were received from 41 individuals and organizations. Resolution #26-4 addresses Transportation Alternatives funding, which will support construction of the US 40 Shared-Use Path in Harford County, a project that will give cyclists and pedestrians recreational and commuting travelling options. The funds will also support Safe Routes to School Coordinator positions in Howard County and Anne Arundel County, who will develop and implement education, engagement, and infrastructure projects to improve, encourage and increase the ability to safely walk or bike to school. In total, approximately $1.4 million in federal funds are recommended to fund these projects. ### Baltimore Metropolitan Council works with the region’s elected executives and state local partners to identify mutual interests and develop collaborative strategies, plans and programs that help improve economic vitality and quality of life for all. BMC operates its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500. |
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BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, May 29, 2025) – Sites in Greenleigh, Avalon Bay and Cross Keys are emerging as the ‘hot spots’ for residential development in the Baltimore region, according to the latest Residential Building Permit Activity Hot Spot Report from Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC). In 2024, 6,448 residential units were permitted in the Baltimore Region, a 12 percent decrease from 2023. BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly says that the decline in building permits is an issue of concern for regional leaders. "The best way to combat rising housing prices is to provide more options for families at all income levels,” Kelly said. “At the same time, residents are concerned about the existing traffic and crowding in their communities. “From a regional perspective, the challenge is to incentivize development in places with capacity for growth. Right now, much of this capacity is in the urban core, which could be a real opportunity for Baltimore City." BMC will work with the region’s local governments over the coming year to explore the interactions between new and existing homes, the region’s transportation network, economic opportunity, and public sentiment. The data in BMC’s Residential Building Permit Activity Hot Spot Report accompanies the 2024 Metropolitan Building Activity Report and provides essential insight for our community. The Metropolitan Building Activity Report details trends in total single-family, multi-family, and mixed-use permitting and includes data on all residential and non-residential construction. Together, these reports provide insight into trends in residential development. In 2024, Baltimore County received the most residential unit permits, with 1,511 units permitted. Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City followed with 1,305 and 1,273 units permitted, respectively. The region’s top ten ‘Housing Hot Spots’ significant for residential developments in 2024 were: 1. Greenleigh (Chase/Bowleys Quarters, Baltimore County) with 456 multi-family, single-family attached, and single-family detached units 2. Avalon Bay (Canton, Baltimore City) with 418 multi-family units 3. Cross Keys (Mount Washington, Baltimore City) with 331 multi-family units 4. Aberdeen Fields/Fieldside (Aberdeen/Havre De Grace, Harford County) with 204 multi-family units 5. Watershed (Maryland City, Anne Arundel County) with 183 single-family attached units 6. Brightview Hunt Valley Town Centre (Cockeysville/Timonium, Baltimore County) with 178 multi-family units 7. Aberdeen Overlook (Aberdeen/Havre De Grace, Harford County) with 158 single-family attached and detached units 8. Perkins Homes (Phase 4) (East Baltimore, Baltimore City) with 156 multi-family units 9. Four Seasons Kent Island (Kent Island, Queen Anne’s County) with 150 single-family detached and multi-family units -and- Blue Oaks (Odenton, Anne Arundel County) with 150 multi-family units Of the total permits issued in 2024, 41.2 percent of total residential permits were for multi-family and mixed-use developments, while 33.9 percent were for attached single-family homes, and 24.9 percent were for detached single-family homes. In contrast, in 2023, 50.1 percent of total residential permits were for multi-family or mixed-use developments, becoming the majority of permits issued for the first time, while 27.3 percent were for attached single-family homes and 22.6 percent were for detached single-family homes. BMC compiles and maintains the region’s building permit information in a standardized database, providing a continual record of plans for new and renovated residential and non-residential projects from all permits with an estimated construction value of $10,000 or more. This helps local and state agencies prepare for anticipated trends as communities grow over time. ### Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve quality of life and economic vitality. As the Baltimore region’s council of governments, BMC hosts the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) and supports local government by coordinating efforts in a range of policy areas including emergency preparedness, housing, cooperative purchasing, environmental planning and workforce development. BMC operates its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws. BMC offers interpretation services, including language translation services and signage for the hearing impaired, at public meetings upon request with seven days advance notice. BMC will not exclude persons based on age, religion, or disability. For assistance, contact the Public Involvement Coordinator, comments@baltometro.org, or call 410-732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500. |
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BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, May 16, 2025) – The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) has released the draft for the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for 2026-2029. A comment period on the draft closes June 15. The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a short-range document that includes proposals for bicycle, pedestrian, transit, bridge, highway and freight projects with specific funding over the course of four years. This year’s iteration of the TIP includes 172 projects for the Baltimore region, with an estimated budget of $6.2 billion. Key projects for the program include the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Odenton MARC Transit Oriented Development in Anne Arundel County, two segments of the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network in Baltimore City, the Aberdeen Transit Oriented Development Station Square project in Harford County, and the Maryland Transit Administration’s Red Line project across the Baltimore region. The 2026-2029 TIP includes more than $3.6 billion for highway preservation and expansion, $1.59 billion for transit and commuter rail preservation and expansion, $361 million for the Port and $394 million for emissions reductions, safety improvements and other spending. Support from US DOT accounts for about $3.2 billion of this funding, with state and local agencies providing $1.08 billion and toll revenues covering $1.89 billion. “Addressing the transportation needs of the Baltimore region, ensuring safer transit across our region, and developing a wider array of transportation opportunities are some of our priorities in this year’s TIP,” said Todd Lang, Director of Transportation Planning at Baltimore Metropolitan Council, the agency that staffs and supports the BRTB. “These projects will help move our region’s transportation network forward.” The draft TIP is accompanied by an Air Quality Conformity Determination, which assesses that the projects in the TIP will not delay the Baltimore region’s progress toward meeting national air quality standards. You can learn more about the draft 2026-2029 TIP and associated Air Quality Conformity Determination via yourregionyourvoice.org/BRTB-TIP. The BRTB is asking members of the public to complete a brief survey on the draft TIP, and welcomes open-ended comments on the projects or planning process.
Ways to comment include:
The BRTB will vote on the TIP and Air Quality Determination documents on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. ### Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve quality of life and economic vitality. As the Baltimore region’s council of governments, BMC hosts the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) and supports local government by coordinating efforts in a range of policy areas including emergency preparedness, housing, cooperative purchasing, environmental planning and workforce development. BMC operates its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws. BMC offers interpretation services, including language translation services and signage for the hearing impaired, at public meetings upon request with seven days advance notice. BMC will not exclude persons based on age, religion, or disability. For assistance, contact the Public Involvement Coordinator, comments@baltometro.org, or call 410-732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500. |
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BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, April 25, 2025) – The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) voted to adopt Resolutions #25-25 through #25-28 during its monthly committee meeting on Friday, April 25. The resolutions ask the board to consider a list of projects and goals for Fiscal year 2026, including the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and its associated budget. The UPWP is a document that identifies the transportation tasks and studies to be performed by Baltimore Metropolitan Council staff or one of the local jurisdiction members. The FY 2026-2027 UPWP requested $10.8 million for a range of studies, plans and projects. The other resolutions address initiatives for short-term projects, including:
### Baltimore Metropolitan Council works with the region’s elected executives and state local partners to identify mutual interests and develop collaborative strategies, plans and programs that help improve economic vitality and quality of life for all. BMC operates its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500. |
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BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, April 25, 2025) – Economic concerns are growing in the Baltimore region, with more residents worried about energy prices and the prospects of their household incomes, according to a new Pulse survey released today by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council. ### |
Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve quality of life and economic vitality. As the Baltimore region’s council of governments, BMC hosts the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) and supports local government by coordinating efforts in a range of policy areas including emergency preparedness, housing, cooperative purchasing, environmental planning and workforce development.
BMC operates its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws. BMC offers interpretation services, including language translation services and signage for the hearing impaired, at public meetings upon request with seven days advance notice. BMC will not exclude persons based on age, religion, or disability. For assistance, contact the Public Involvement Coordinator, comments@baltometro.org, or call 410-732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.
BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, April 1, 2025) – Registration is now open for Central Maryland's 28th annual Bike to Work Week, taking place from May 12 to 18, 2025. Riders of all levels can register at BikeToWorkMD.com for free to claim free t-shirts and other prizes.
Bike to Work Central Maryland is a program operated by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council that promotes the health benefits of biking, raises bike safety awareness, advocates for biking as a viable transportation option, and builds community relations among cyclists around the Baltimore region. Every cyclist, whether for work or recreation, is encouraged to participate.
Supported by sponsors and local partners, this year’s program contains events including group rides, bike social happy hours and commuter ‘Pit Stops’ leading up to National Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 16. Pit Stops will feature refreshments, gear and swag, safety and maintenance checks for beginners, experts and everyone in between.
Free t-shirts will be available to registered participants at bike shops and other pick-up locations throughout the region (supply limited). To register, learn more and find local events and pick-up spots, visit BikeToWorkMD.com.
Follow @Bike2WorkMD on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates. Share your own biking clips and tell your family, friends and co-workers. Show your support by claiming and wearing your free t-shirts as you ride out together!
Bike to Work Central Maryland is supported by the generous sponsorship of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, Downtown Columbia Partnership, Clean Air Partners, Anne Arundel County Commuter Crew, Go Howard, GoSmart Maryland, Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland, Harford County Public Library, the Maryland Department of Transportation, BikeHoCo, Lime, Columbia Association and Spin.
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The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) provides a regional forum for our members and state and local partners to identify mutual interests and collaborate on strategies, plans and programs that help improve economic vitality and quality of life for all.
BMC operates its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.
BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, March 11, 2025) – The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) opened a public comment period on its preliminary plans for an approximately 1.7-mile trail in the Cherry Hill neighborhood of Baltimore City.
The trail will connect the existing Middle Branch Trail to the planned Patapsco Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge. This will connect the neighborhood to the Patapsco Light Rail Station, offering new recreational biking and walking paths in the area that are comfortable and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
The trail will become a part of the Patapsco Regional Greenway (PRG), a planned 40-mile, shared-use trail running through the Patapsco Valley from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to Sykesville in Carroll County. Nearly 17 miles have been constructed to date, with 21 additional miles under design.
Members of the public are invited to provide feedback on the early concept plans during this comment period. Future comment periods later this year will present proposed routes and the preferred alignment before design and construction commence.
The project team will be hosting a community open house on Monday, March 24 at the Cherry Hill Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library (606 Cherry Hill Rd, Baltimore, MD 21225) between 5 and 6:30 p.m. Materials from the meeting will be available online at publicinput.com/CherryHillPRG.
Initial comments on the trail segment are welcome from Tuesday, March 11 through Monday, April 14, 2025. Ways to comment include:
- Online via a short survey at publicinput.com/CherryHillPRG
- Sending an email to CherryHillPRG@publicinput.com
- Texting keyword ‘CherryHill’ to 855-925-2801
- Leaving a voicemail toll-free via 855-925-2801x11148
- Finding us on Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn (comments on social media posts are reviewed, but are not included in the official public record)
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Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve quality of life and economic vitality. As the Baltimore region’s council of governments, BMC hosts the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) and supports local government by coordinating efforts in a range of policy areas including emergency preparedness, housing, cooperative purchasing, environmental planning and workforce development.
BMC operates its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.