BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, July 26, 2023) – The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) voted to adopt the Resilience 2050 long-range transportation plan, 2024-2027 Transportation Improvement Program and associated Air Quality Conformity Determination at their meeting on Tuesday. The plans apportion an anticipated $74 billion investment in the Baltimore region’s transportation system.
Todd Lang, Director of Transportation for Baltimore Metropolitan Council, the agency that staffs and supports the BRTB, said that the plan represents progress for the region.
“It’s an important step to get the plan in place so that we can allow for some of these major projects to move forward,” said Lang. “We’d like to thank the members of the public who have shown up today and throughout the planning process.”
In the coming years, the region’s transportation system – including roads and bridges, transit, sidewalks, bicycle and shared-use paths – will face factors such as increased demand, changing user needs and climate impacts. The investments in the BRTB’s long- and short-range plans lay the groundwork to meet these challenges, continue to improve mobility and better serve the transportation needs of communities across the region.
The BRTB released drafts of the plans to the public on May 17 and sought comments through June 20. This comment period followed nearly two years of drafting and development, including public comment periods on goals and strategies for Resilience 2050, as well as on a series of white papers with more detail on planning areas. The BRTB hosted one virtual and seven in person open house meetings in May and June to discuss the plans in more detail with any interested parties. The BRTB ultimately received more than 100 comments from individuals and groups.
These comments largely include positive sentiment toward investments in transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, as well as negative sentiment toward spending on roadway expansion. A few members of the public joined the meeting and called for the BRTB to delay voting in order to rework the plans, shifting investments from roadway to transit facilities. However, the BRTB voted unanimously to adopt the plans, noting that the documents can be amended and will be updated in the coming years.
D’Andrea Walker, Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation Director and representative for Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, BRTB Chair, acknowledged the frustrations expressed in several public comments, and stressed that the BRTB hears those concerns.
“But we also don’t want to slow down the process of implementing long-term projects we’ve been waiting for,” Walker said. “We have a new administration in Annapolis, and we have a new secretary at MDOT. We have the ability to move in a new direction as related to transit.”
Bruce Gartner, Howard County Office of Transportation Administrator and representative for Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, BRTB Vice Chair, also noted that changes in state leadership create new opportunities to advocate for increased transit investments in the region.
“These things take time to change,” Gartner said. “The comments are not in vain – they help set us up for continued momentum and action.”
Gartner said that public comments inform future planning efforts, and can help the BRTB continue to adjust to the evolving needs and priorities of communities in the region.
In drafting Resilience 2050, the BRTB made several adjustments based in part on public feedback, including additional scoring criteria boosting transit candidate projects. Notably, Resilience 2050 includes twice as much transit investment as the BRTB’s previous long-range transportation plan, including funding for an east-west transit corridor in Baltimore City, Bus Rapid Transit on US 29 in Howard County and 17 transportation hubs around the region.
The adopted plans will now be shared for review with federal agencies including the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and Environmental Protection Agency. Meanwhile, progress continues on transportation projects around the region that appeared in the BRTB’s previous long- and short-range plans.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, planners from the Howard County Office of Transportation shared more details on the development of a Complete Streets policy supporting improved mobility for users of all modes, recently named by Smart Growth America as the strongest Complete Streets policy of any jurisdiction in the country.
A recording of the meeting is available online. The next BRTB meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 22.
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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.
BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, June 28, 2023) – The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) named Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski as FY24 Chair in a June 27 vote. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball will serve as Vice Chair, a position Olszewski held in FY23.
“Expanding access to accessible, equitable, reliable, and resilient transportation is essential in building a stronger, more connected Baltimore region,” says Olszewski. “It is an honor to lead such a dedicated group of public servants who share this transformational vision and are focused to doing all we can to make it a reality for all our residents.”
As the region’s federally designated metropolitan planning organization, the BRTB includes elected leaders from Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Harford and Queen Anne’s Counties, Baltimore City and Annapolis as well as representatives of Central Maryland RTA, Maryland Transit Administration and the Maryland Departments of Transportation, Planning and the Environment.
The BRTB develops short- and long-range plans for regional transportation investments. The latest short-range plans include funding for ongoing projects such as connecting a 40-mile Patapsco Regional Greenway trail network, making historic town centers more accessible and improving stretches of I-695, I-70 and I-95 in Baltimore County, among other corridors around the region. Meanwhile, the recent Resilience 2050 long-range plan anticipates unprecedented funding for transit, including an east-west corridor, and favors projects prioritizing safety, multi-modal accessibility and climate resilience.
“Our residents deserve a modern transportation system that is safe, reliable and responsive to the needs of our communities,” says Ball, who also chairs the Board of Directors of Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), which staffs and supports the BRTB’s work. “I look forward to working with County Executive Olszewski and all our partners in the region to realize this vision.”
Todd Lang, BMC’s Director of Transportation, thanked Olszewski, Ball and the other BRTB members for working together to pursue common goals and help the region’s communities thrive.
“The BRTB will no doubt be busy in the next year,” Lang says. “We have a really strong team in place to meet this moment.”
The BRTB’s next meeting will take place on Friday, July 21 at 9 a.m. Members of the public are welcome to join in-person or online, and can sign up to make a formal public comment during the meeting.
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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.
BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, May 26, 2023) – Bike to Work Central Maryland wrapped its 26th annual festivities in the Baltimore region with a record number of events connecting riders around the Baltimore region throughout Bike to Work Week, which ran May 15-21.
The packed slate of programs included over a dozen Pit Stops marking National Bike to Work Day, plus more than 30 bike shops around the region joining as Pickup Spots. Registration was on par with last year’s 25th anniversary celebration, continuing a resurgence after two years disrupted by the pandemic as riders geared up and rolled out together again.
Bike to Work Week is a campaign that celebrates bicycling as a healthy commuting option while promoting public awareness of its safety and environmental benefits. Bike to Work Week helps raise awareness of the rules of the road for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, and also highlights the need to improve bicycle facilities to improve safety. Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) coordinates Bike to Work MD along with many other regional safety initiatives.
After cycling to City Hall on Bike to Work Day, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, a BMC board member, said he was proud of progress on making biking safer and more accessible. “If you are looking for a clean commute,” said Mayor Scott, “Invest in a bike.”
Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, who has professional experience planning bike infrastructure for communities in Maryland, joined Mayor Scott and others for the ride through Charm City. She said that she and Governor Wes Moore are committed to making biking and other alternative modes of transportation safer, more accessible and more affordable, adding, “Let’s grab life by the handlebars and keep on riding!”
Speaking alongside Mayor Scott, Lieutenant Governor Miller and others, BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly thanked all the people and agencies who have collaborated to grow Bike to Work in Central Maryland. He noted that the program has shifted away from an exclusive focus on biking to work and sought to include all biking trips, including commuting, running errands or just biking for fun.
“Consider biking everywhere – to the store, to school, to your favorite neighborhood library or park,” Kelly said. “It’s good for your health, for your wallet and for the environment.”
Beloved Bike to Work Pit Stops returned this year to City Dock in Annapolis with Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley, Landon C. Burns Park in Westminster and off Main Street in Bel Air. Also in the mix were new events at Penn Station, Patterson Park, the National Aquarium and other spots. Hundreds of riders claimed free t-shirts at our events and Pickup Spots, and seven lucky registrants also won $100 gift cards to the bike shops of their choice.
Planning is underway for Bike to Work 2024, which will run May 13-19.
Bike to Work Central MD is supported by the generous sponsorship of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, Downtown Columbia Partnership, Anne Arundel County Commuter Crew, Clean Air Partners, Go Howard, Baltimore and Carroll County Rideshare, Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland, Bike HoCo, Maryland Department of Transportation, Columbia Association, Harford Transit LINK and Harford County Public Library, as well as media partner WBAL-TV.
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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.
BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, May 17, 2023) – The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) is drafting plans for $74 billion of investments in the region’s transportation system. A public comment period on the draft Resilience 2050 long-range transportation plan, 2024-2027 Transportation Improvement Program and Air Quality Conformity Determination will close on June 20, and include opportunities online and in-person to learn more and weigh in.
Mike Kelly, executive director of Baltimore Metropolitan Council, a planning organization which supports and staffs the BRTB, thanks the local and state partners who manage the region’s transportation system. Through the BRTB, these agencies collaborated to shape the goals and priorities of the Resilience 2050 plans and programs.
“This is a very exciting moment,” Kelly says. “These plans can help shape our region for decades, and we’re grateful to work with people who are dedicated to supporting the health and resilience of our communities.”
With a projected population growth of 12.6 percent by 2050, the region’s transportation system – including roads and bridges, transit, sidewalks, bicycle and shared-use paths – will face factors such as increased demand, changing user needs and climate impacts. The investments detailed in the Resilience 2050 long-range plan would help us meet those challenges within the limits of anticipated funding. The projects in the 2024-2027 Transportation Improvement Program have committed funding for project phases ranging from planning to construction. Both plans are now available for public review and comment.
To dig into the plans, learn more about potential projects near you and share your thoughts, please go to publicinput.com/Resilience2050.
BRTB Chair Sam Snead, the director of the Anne Arundel County Office of Transportation, notes that the BRTB will review public feedback from the comment period and vote on the draft plan at its July 25th meeting.
“On behalf of the BRTB, thank you so much for engaging in this step of the planning process,” Snead says. “We really look forward to reviewing your thoughts and feedback.”
Anyone wishing to discuss the plans in more detail is welcome to join one of eight public meetings – seven in-person and one virtual – during the comment period. These will include a presentation of the plans, as well as opportunities to ask questions and weigh in.
BMC will host a virtual meeting on Wednesday, May 24 at 12 p.m. EST. In-person meetings around the region include:
- Westminster – Wednesday, May 31, 6-8 p.m. at the Carroll County Government Building, Reagan Room 003, 225 North Center Street, Westminster MD 21157
- Bel Air – Monday, June 5, 6-8 p.m. at the Harford County Government Building, 1st Floor Conference Room, 220 South Main Street, Bel Air MD 21014
- Glen Burnie – Tuesday, June 6, 6-8 p.m. at the Henry L. Hein Public Service Building, Auditorium, 7480 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard, Glen Burnie MD 21061
- Towson – Wednesday, June 7, 5-7 p.m. at the Baltimore County Library – Towson Branch, Towson Meeting Room, 320 York Road, Towson MD 21204
- Stevensville – Thursday, June 8, 5-6:30 p.m. at the Kent Island Senior Center, 891 Love Point Road, Stevensville MD 21666
- Baltimore City – Monday, June 12, 6-8 p.m. at the War Memorial Assembly Hall, 101 North Gay Street, Baltimore MD 21202
- Ellicott City – Thursday, June 15, 6-8 p.m. at the Howard County Government George Howard Building, Columbia/Ellicott Room, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City MD 21043
Other ways to comment include:
- Online at publicinput.com/Resilience2050
- Email Resilience2050@publicinput.com
- Call 855-925-2801x1874 toll free and leave a voicemail
- Text keyword ‘resilience2050’ to 73224
- Reach @BaltoMetroCo or @BmoreInvolved on social media with #BRTBListens
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The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) 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. Usuarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1 Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500
Central Maryland inicia las celebraciones de Bike to Work 2023
BALTIMORE, MD (lunes, 15 de mayo de 2023) – La 26.ª semana anual de ir en bicicleta al trabajo en Maryland central comienza hoy, con eventos en toda la región a lo largo de la semana previa a las celebraciones del Día Nacional de Ir en Bicicleta al Trabajo el viernes 19 de mayo. Para tener la oportunidad de reclamar camisetas y premios gratis, los ciclistas de todos los niveles aún pueden registrarse en BikeToWorkMD.com.
El Consejo Metropolitano de Baltimore (BMC) trabaja con socios locales en toda la región para organizar programas de la Semana de ir al trabajo en bicicleta que promuevan los beneficios de andar en bicicleta, aumenten la conciencia sobre la seguridad de las bicicletas y construyan una comunidad conectada de ciclistas en la región.
“Bike to Work se ha recuperado de la pandemia a lo grande”, dice el director ejecutivo de BMC, Mike Kelly. “Estamos muy emocionados de reunirnos, prepararnos y montar juntos de nuevo”.
El programa de este año incluye eventos Pit Stop en vivo en Annapolis, Arbutus, Bel Air, Catonsville, Columbia, Towson, Westminster y varios lugares en la ciudad de Baltimore. El alcalde Brandon Scott, el director ejecutivo de BMC Mike Kelly y otros hablarán en una conferencia de prensa en el ayuntamiento para conmemorar el Día Nacional del Trabajo en Bicicleta el viernes 19 de mayo a las 9 a.m.
Pit Stops incluirá refrigerios, consejos de seguridad para bicicletas y soporte de mantenimiento, comentarios de líderes locales y más. Los inscritos también pueden reclamar una camiseta gratis en más de 30 puntos de recogida de tiendas de bicicletas en toda la región. Encuentre más detalles sobre las paradas en boxes y los puntos de recogida cerca de usted en BikeToWorkMD.com, o consulte este mapa interactivo:
En 2023, no solo vamos en bicicleta al trabajo. Considere andar en bicicleta en cualquier lugar: la escuela, la tienda, la biblioteca o el parque de su vecindario. Todos son bienvenidos a unirse a las festividades de Bike to Work, especialmente si no ha andado en bicicleta por un tiempo. Por su salud, por su billetera y por aire limpio, ande en bicicleta allí.
Siga a @Bike2WorkMD en Facebook, Instagram y Twitter para obtener actualizaciones y etiquete sus fotos y clips de ciclismo #BTWD2023 para ayudar a correr la voz. Además, cuéntaselo a tu familia, amigos y compañeros de trabajo para que puedan reclamar una camiseta gratis. Los inscritos serán automáticamente elegibles para ganar una de las siete tarjetas de regalo de $100 de la tienda de bicicletas participante de su elección.
Bike to Work Central MD cuenta con el apoyo generoso del Departamento de Transporte de la Ciudad de Baltimore, Downtown Columbia Partnership, Anne Arundel County Commuter Crew, Clean Air Partners, Go Howard, Baltimore and Carroll County Rideshare, Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland, Bike HoCo, el Departamento de Transporte de Maryland, la Asociación de Columbia, Harford Transit LINK y la Biblioteca Pública del Condado de Harford, así como el socio de medios WBAL-TV.
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El Consejo Metropolitano de Baltimore (BMC) trabaja en colaboración con los principales funcionarios electos de la región para crear iniciativas para mejorar nuestra calidad de vida y vitalidad económica. BMC, como el consejo de gobiernos de la región de Baltimore, alberga la Junta Regional de Transporte de Baltimore (BRTB), la organización federal de planificación metropolitana (MPO), y apoya al gobierno local mediante la coordinación de esfuerzos en una variedad de áreas de política que incluyen preparación para emergencias, vivienda, compras cooperativas. , planificación ambiental y desarrollo de la fuerza laboral.
La junta directiva de BMC incluye a los ejecutivos de los condados de Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford y Howard, el alcalde de la ciudad de Baltimore, miembro de las juntas de comisionados del condado de Carroll y del condado de Queen Anne, miembro del Senado del estado de Maryland, miembro de la Cámara de Delegados de Maryland, y un gobernador designado del sector privado.
Haga clic aquí para ver todas las noticias en español.
BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, May 15, 2023) – Central Maryland’s 26th annual Bike to Work Week starts today, with events around the region throughout the week leading up to National Bike to Work Day celebrations on Friday, May 19. For the chance to claim free t-shirts and prizes, riders of all levels can still register at BikeToWorkMD.com.
Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works with local partners around the region to organize Bike to Work Week programs promoting the benefits of biking, raising bike safety awareness and building a connected community of cyclists in the region.
“Bike to Work has rebounded from the pandemic in a big way,” says BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly. “We are so excited to be gathering, gearing up and riding together again.”
This year’s program includes live Pit Stop events in Annapolis, Arbutus, Bel Air, Catonsville, Columbia, Towson, Westminster and several locations in Baltimore City. Mayor Brandon Scott, BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly and others will speak at a press conference at City Hall commemorating National Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 19 at 9 a.m.
Pit Stops will include refreshments, bicycle safety tips and maintenance support, remarks from local leaders and more. Registrants can also claim a free t-shirt at more than 30 bike shop Pickup Spots around the region. Find more details about Pit Stops and Pickup Spots near you at BikeToWorkMD.com, or check out this interactive map:
In 2023, we’re not just biking to work. Consider biking anywhere – school, the store, your neighborhood library or park. Everyone is welcome to join the Bike to Work festivities, especially if you haven’t biked in a while. For your health, for your wallet and for clean air, bike there.
Follow @Bike2WorkMD on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates, and tag your biking pics and clips #BTWD2023 to help spread the word! Plus, tell your family, friends and co-workers so they can claim a free t-shirt. Registrants will be automatically eligible to win one of seven $100 gift cards from the participating bike shop of their choice.
Bike to Work Central MD is supported by the generous sponsorship of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, Downtown Columbia Partnership, Anne Arundel County Commuter Crew, Clean Air Partners, Go Howard, Baltimore and Carroll County Rideshare, Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland, Bike HoCo, Maryland Department of Transportation, Columbia Association, Harford Transit LINK and Harford County Public Library, as well as media partner WBAL-TV.
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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.
BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, April 3, 2023) – Registration for this year’s 26th annual Bike to Work Week, which will run May 15-21, 2023, is now open at BikeToWorkMD.com. Riders of all levels are invited to register for the chance to claim free t-shirts and other prizes.
Baltimore Metropolitan Council works with local partners around the region to promote the benefits of biking, raise bike safety awareness and connect cyclists across the region through annual Bike to Work Central Maryland festivities. Last year’s 25th annual program included almost 1,800 registrants, a major rebound toward pre-pandemic participation. Let’s keep the momentum rolling!
This year’s program will include Pit Stops in Annapolis, Arbutus, Baltimore City, Bel Air, Catonsville, Columbia, Towson and Westminster featuring refreshments, gear, maintenance and other essentials for bike beginners, bike experts and everyone in between. Free t-shirts will be available to registrants at over 20 pick-up locations throughout the region (supply limited).
To see the full program and register for free, visit BikeToWorkMD.com.
In 2023, we’re not just biking to work. Consider biking anywhere – school, the store, your neighborhood library or park. Everyone is welcome to join the Bike to Work festivities, especially if you haven’t biked in a while. For your health, for your wallet and for clean air, bike there.
Follow @Bike2WorkMD on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates, and tag your biking pics and clips #BTWD2023 to help spread the word! Plus, tell your family, friends and co-workers so they can claim a free t-shirt and potentially other prizes!
Bike to Work Central MD is supported by the generous sponsorship of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, Downtown Columbia Partnership, Anne Arundel County Commuter Crew, Clean Air Partners, Go Howard, Baltimore and Carroll County Rideshare, Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland, Bike HoCo, Maryland Department of Transportation, Columbia Association, Harford Transit LINK and Harford County Public Library, as well as media partner WBAL-TV.
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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.
BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, March 6, 2023) – Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) has released recommendations for improving accessibility, signage and parking in downtown Ellicott City and Oella following a Historic Town Centers study. A public comment period on the recommendations will close on April 5, 2023, and will include a public meeting at the Roger Carter Community Center on March 21.
The nearly 50 recommendations include strategies for improving the experience of getting around Ellicott City and Oella for residents and visitors. These include increased bike and pedestrian infrastructure, improved management of parking, loading and deliveries, renaming parking lots, refreshing signage and implementing a parking shuttle, among others.
Working with Howard and Baltimore Counties, BMC concluded an open comment period late last year as part of the Historic Town Centers study, including an online survey with 86 responses and a public open house on December 8. These recommendations were developed in part from those public outreach efforts. We now invite participants to rank their top recommendations and share any additional comments, which will help Howard and Baltimore Counties coordinate implementation of the recommendations at their discretion.
Learn more about the project details at publicinput.com/historictowncenters.
Members of the public are encouraged to share comments on the recommendations by Wednesday, April 5. Anyone wishing to discuss the project in more detail is welcome to join us at the Roger Carter Community Center on Tuesday, March 21 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Those who cannot attend can view materials from the meeting on the project webpage.
Ways to comment include:
- Email: htc2023@publicinput.com
- Text: keyword htc2023 to 73224
- Voicemail: 855-925-2801 x 6735
- Online: publicinput.com/historictowncenters
- Social media: @BaltoMetroCo
- Public meeting: Tuesday, March 21, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Roger Carter Community Center, 3000 Milltowne Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
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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.
BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, March 1, 2023) – Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) is seeking comments on plans for a six-mile trail connecting the Guinness Open Gate Brewery to Southwest Area Park in Baltimore County. A comment period on the plans will close on March 30, 2023 and include a public meeting at the Halethorpe Community Center on March 14.
The segment will be part of the Patapsco Regional Greenway (PRG), an envisioned 40-mile shared-use trail connecting Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to Sykesville in Carroll County along the Patapsco Valley. To date, over 12 miles of the PRG are complete.
BMC is set to complete a 30 percent design plan for the six-mile Guinness to Southwest segment later this year. Working with Baltimore County, BMC will review comments on four alternatives for the trail and identify a preferred alignment. This preferred alignment will be finalized after additional public review, and the resulting 30 percent design plan will carry the project to final design and construction.
Learn more about the project details at publicinput.com/prgswareapark.
Members of the public are encouraged to share comments on the proposed alternatives by Thursday, March 30. Anyone wishing to discuss the project in more detail is welcome to join a public meeting at the Halethorpe Community Center on March 14 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Those who cannot attend can view materials from the meeting at publicinput.com/prgswareapark.
Ways to comment include:
- Email: prgswareapark@publicinput.com
- Text: keyword prgswareapark to 73224
- Voicemail: 855-925-2801 x 3619
- Online: publicinput.com/prgswareapark
- Social media: @BaltoMetroCo
- Public meeting: March 14, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Halethorpe Community Center, 1900 Northeast Ave, Baltimore MD 21227
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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.
BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, February 8, 2023) – The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) is seeking comments on a $10.7 million draft work plan and budget for fiscal year 2024 through March 9, 2023.
The BRTB, a federally mandated planning agency for the Baltimore region staffed and supported by Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), adopts a new work plan and budget for each fiscal year with a list of ongoing and upcoming projects. The draft work plan, known as the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), budgets $10,710,000 for fiscal year 2024.
Projects proposed for the fiscal year 2024 UPWP include:
- Analyzing changing trends in employment, commercial real estate and housing, with an eye on potential long-term implications for land-use, travel demand and other aspects of development in the Baltimore region.
- Creating recommendations for improving viability of transit-oriented development in the Baltimore region.
- Developing best practices for implementing, operating and funding micro-transit in the Baltimore region.
- Identifying ways to coordinate development of affordable housing and improved transportation networks in the Baltimore region.
- Assessing various inspection programs for traffic signal infrastructure and conducting field inspections to establish baseline conditions of traffic signal infrastructure in the Baltimore region.
Read the draft fiscal year 2024 UPWP, as well as answers to some frequently asked questions. Learn more and comment at publicinput.com/2024UPWP.
Members of the public are encouraged to share comments on the UPWP by Thursday, March 9. BRTB members will vote on adoption of the fiscal year 2024 UPWP at meeting on Friday, April 21, and will consider all comments before voting. Comments will also inform ongoing reporting on stakeholder sentiment toward the BRTB’s projects and processes.
Ways to comment include:
- Online: publicinput.com/2024UPWP
- Email: 2024UPWP@publicinput.com
- Text: keyword ‘2024upwp’ to 73224
- Voicemail: 855-925-2801 x 3664
- Social media: @BaltoMetroCo with #BRTBListens
- Mail: Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, 1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300, Baltimore MD 21230
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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.