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.
Calvin Ball presidirá la junta directiva de BMC
BALTIMORE, MD (jueves, 2 de febrero de 2023) – La Junta Directiva del Consejo Metropolitano de Baltimore (BMC) nombró al ejecutivo del condado de Howard, Calvin Ball, como presidente de 2023 durante una votación reciente. El comisionado del condado de Queen Anne, James J. Moran, se desempeñará como vicepresidente. Ball se desempeñó como vicepresidente en 2022.
“Estoy emocionado de liderar el crecimiento y desarrollo de nuestra región en 2023 y más allá”, dijo Ball. “BMC encarna el espíritu de 'juntos más fuertes', conectando a nuestras comunidades para aprovechar las oportunidades para todos. Durante el próximo año, esperamos que nuestras asociaciones con la Administración Moore-Miller y nuestros socios regionales avancen y mejoren nuestra calidad de vida general para todos".
BMC Board Chair Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive, and Vice Chair James J. Moran, Queen Anne's County Commissioner.
County Executive Ball es nativo de Maryland y residente de Columbia, donde él y su esposa Shani son orgullosos padres de dos hijas que asisten y se graduaron de las escuelas públicas del condado de Howard. En 2006, Ball hizo historia cuando fue elegido el presidente más joven en la historia del consejo del condado de Howard. Volvió a hacer historia en 2018, cuando se convirtió en el primer afroamericano en ser elegido ejecutivo del condado de Howard. Ball también se desempeña como presidente de la Asociación de condados de Maryland en 2023.
La junta directiva de BMC eligió por unanimidad a Ball como presidente y a Moran como vicepresidente en una votación realizada el 20 de enero. La junta directiva está compuesta por ejecutivos electos de los condados de la ciudad de Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard y Queen Anne, así representantes de la Asamblea General de Maryland y del sector privado.
“Siempre trabajé para expandir las oportunidades económicas, y ese es el núcleo de la misión de BMC”, dijo Moran, un veterano del Cuerpo de Marines y propietario de un negocio que fue elegido para un tercer mandato como comisionado del condado de Queen Anne en 2022. “De Centerville a Columbia, trabajaremos juntos para servir los intereses de nuestros ciudadanos”.
La Junta también dio la bienvenida a dos nuevos miembros, el recién elegido ejecutivo del condado de Harford, Bob Cassilly, y el dos veces comisionado del condado de Carroll, Ed Rothstein.
El director ejecutivo de BMC, Michael B. Kelly, enfatizó que las comunidades de Maryland comparten un interés en el éxito de la región de Baltimore como motor económico del estado. Con los próximos proyectos que incluyen un plan de transporte multimillonario de treinta años y un impulso para remodelar la gobernanza y la financiación del tránsito de Baltimore, los miembros de la junta desempeñarán un papel crucial en la orientación de las próximas décadas de desarrollo en la región.
“Con el Dr. Ball y el comisionado Moran a la cabeza, lograremos algunos logros importantes y sentaremos las bases para muchos más”, dijo Kelly. “Mi agradecimiento a ellos, y a todos nuestros miembros actuales y anteriores de la junta, por su servicio dedicado”.
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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.
BALTIMORE, MD (Thursday, February 2, 2023) – The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) Board of Directors named Howard County Executive Calvin Ball as the 2023 Chair during a recent vote. Queen Anne’s County Commissioner James J. Moran will serve as Vice Chair. Ball served as Vice Chair in 2022.
“I’m excited to lead our region’s growth and development in 2023 and beyond,” said Ball. “BMC embodies the spirit of ‘stronger together,’ connecting our communities to embrace opportunity for everyone. Over the next year, we look forward to our partnerships with the Moore-Miller Administration and our regional partners advance and improve our overall quality of life for all."
County Executive Ball is a Maryland native and a resident of Columbia, where he and his wife Shani are proud parents of two daughters who attend and graduated from Howard County public schools. In 2006, Ball made history when he was elected the youngest Chairperson in the history of the Howard County Council. He made history again in 2018, when he became the first African American to be elected Howard County Executive. Ball is also serving as 2023 President of the Maryland Association of Counties.
A message from the County Executive:
BMC’s Board of Directors unanimously elected Ball as Chair and Moran as Vice Chair in a ballot collected on January 20. The Board of Directors consists of elected executives from Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard and Queen Anne’s Counties, as well as representatives of the Maryland General Assembly and the private sector.
“I’ve always worked to expand economic opportunity, and that’s the core of BMC’s mission,” said Moran, a Marine Corps veteran and business owner who was elected to a third term as a Queen Anne’s County Commissioner in 2022. “From Centreville to Columbia, we will work together to serve the interests of our citizens.”
The Board also welcomed two new members, newly elected Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly and two term Carroll County Commissioner Ed Rothstein.
BMC Executive Director Michael B. Kelly emphasized that communities across Maryland share a stake in the Baltimore region’s success as the state’s economic engine. With upcoming projects including a thirty-year, multi-billion dollar transportation plan and a push to reshape Baltimore’s transit governance and funding, the board members will play a crucial role in guiding the next decades of development in the region.
“With Dr. Ball and Commissioner Moran at the helm, we’ll make some important achievements and lay the groundwork for many more,” said Kelly. “My thanks to them, and to all our current and former board members, for their dedicated service.”
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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, January 30, 2023) – Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) released the recommendations of the Baltimore Regional Transit Governing and Funding Workgroup on Monday. The workgroup was formed by the BMC Board of Directors in July of 2022 to develop recommendations for the future of transit in our region.
The workgroup was chaired by Delegate Tony Bridges (Baltimore City, District 41), a member of the BMC Board of Directors. “I’m proud of the results from this group, and I’m looking forward to keeping our momentum rolling,” said Bridges. “Acting on these recommendations would be a big step toward achieving more equitable, accessible and accountable transit for Baltimore.”
The workgroup included more than a dozen leaders from local community groups, planning agencies, businesses and unions. Senator Mary Washington (Baltimore City, District 43) represented the State Senate on the workgroup. Members met monthly through fall 2022 to develop the recommendations, hearing public comments at each session.
The report includes five recommendations for timely action by our local governments, the Maryland General Assembly and the Moore-Miller administration.
- To create a Baltimore Regional Transit Commission;
- To require a Regional Consolidated Transportation Plan tour;
- To restructure the LOTS Programs so that flexible funds can support both existing and growing transit;
- To reconstitute and empower the Maryland Transportation Commission to provide oversight and transparency to the CTP process; and
- To conduct a formal study of the creation of a Baltimore Regional Transit Authority.
See the full report for more details.
“This could be a game changer for helping more residents across the region access jobs, healthcare, education, recreation – everything that supports increased quality of life,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, BMC’s board chair. “Our transit system is important to every county in the Baltimore region and we look forward to partnering with the Moore-Miller administration on these efforts.”
The report notes that the Baltimore region is the only large metropolitan area in the nation with a transit system operated by a state agency without the oversight of a board or commission. Local stakeholders lack influence on how the regional transit network is planned, built, operated and funded.
The report recommends the creation of a Baltimore Regional Transit Commission to support the operations of MTA’s core service network in the Baltimore region as a first step. It also highlights the need to support growth of the region’s Locally Operated Transit Systems, particularly in areas not currently served by Maryland Transit Administration (MTA).
“Baltimore’s transit system is one of the largest in the United States, but our communities have little voice in their own system,” said Dr. Celeste Chavis, a professor of transportation and urban infrastructure studies at Morgan State University and workgroup member. “Execution of the recommendations in this report will have a profound impact on decades to come.”
The report highlights a lack of investment in Baltimore’s core transit network. After the cancellation of the Red Line, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) moved forward with the construction of the Purple Line in the DC suburbs. The Purple Line’s cost overruns alone have exceeded the entire estimated costs of the Red Line. Meanwhile, Baltimore’s regional transit system hasn’t seen a new rail line since 1993.
The report also notes that MTA has identified a nearly $2 billion in funds needed to maintain a state of good repair for their assets over the next decade. Finally, the report recommends that the Maryland General Assembly formally study the merits of an independent Baltimore Regional Transit Authority. That recommendation calls for a final report in the fall of 2024.
BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly thanked the members of the workgroup for their thoughtful participation, and feels optimistic about the prospect of meaningful progress.
“These recommendations outline early but important steps in a much longer journey,” Kelly said. “We have a really significant opportunity here.”
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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.
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