BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, January 17, 2024) – Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) is beginning plans for a four mile trail connecting Elkridge Main Street to the BWI Trail at Stoney Run Road. A public comment period on the preliminary plans will close on February 16, 2024, and will include a meeting at the Howard County Library Elkridge Branch on February 6 at 6 p.m.
The trail 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. The trail will connect with another developing segment of the PRG at Elkridge Main Street, and extend south to connect with the existing BWI Trail, expanding the connections available to bicyclists, pedestrians, equestrian riders and other users.
BMC is collaborating with Anne Arundel County, Howard County and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to develop plans for the trail.
This initial comment period invites members of the public to weigh in early on the concept. Another comment period later this year will present proposed routes for public review, and a third comment period will invite members of the public to share additional feedback on a single ‘preferred alignment’ before design and construction moves ahead. These comment periods seek to ensure that we can consider your feedback at every stage of planning.
Learn more about the project and how to comment at publicinput.com/prg.
Anyone wishing to discuss the project in more detail is welcome to join a public meeting at the Howard County Library Elkridge Branch on Tuesday, February 6 from 6 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Parking on site. Transit accessible via RTA Route 409 at Rowanberry Drive / Elkridge Library. Anyone who cannot attend may view meeting materials at publicinput.com/prg.
Ways to comment include:
- Online at publicinput.com/prg
- Email prgstoneyrun@publicinput.com
- Text keyword ‘PRGStoneyRun’ to 73224
- Call 855-925-2801 x 3937 toll-free and leave a voicemail
- Reach @BaltoMetroCo on social media with #BRTBListens
- Join our public meeting Tuesday, February 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Howard County Library Elkridge Branch, 6540 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge, MD 21075
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Baltimore Metropolitan Council provides a regional forum for members, 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 (Thursday, December 14) – The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), the Baltimore region’s council of governments and metropolitan planning organization, released its 2023 Annual Report. The report includes the agency’s audited financial statements and a peek at the agency’s work in the previous fiscal year.
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, chair of BMC’s Board of Directors, said that the agency’s planning work will help communities across the region realize a vision for a safer, more resilient and more connected future.
“Our efforts lay the groundwork for realizing that vision in the years to come,” said County Executive Ball. “Through our collective efforts, we seek to help our region invest in and capitalize on outcomes that boost quality of life for all.”
For the first time, BMC released an interactive digital version of the annual report, featuring embedded content and links to learn more about the agency’s work.
Highlights in BMC’s 2023 Annual Report include:
- Developing the Resilience 2050 long-range transportation plan, which anticipates $70 billion of major capital investments to the region’s transportation system in the coming decades, and boosts projects centering safety and transit access.
- Preparing for the new Baltimore Regional Transit Commission, which was recommended by BMC’s Regional Transit Governance & Funding Workgroup and will be a significant step toward giving the Baltimore region a voice in the future of our transit system.
- Pursuing regional transportation priorities through initiatives like the Transportation & Land Use Connections grant program, which quickly unlocks resources to improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and the Patapsco Regional Greenway, an envisioned 40-mile trail network connecting Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to Sykesville in Carroll County.
- Releasing a Climate Change Resource Guide and toolkit for planners in local jurisdictions with information, insight and next steps to help communities across the region best prepare for the effects of climate change with the available resources.
- Saving consumers $74 million on electricity compared to standard rates through the bulk purchasing Energy Board, which includes county and city governments, public schools and communities colleges and nonprofits.
- Building on the impact of ongoing programs such as Chesapeake Connect, which brings together leaders from across greater Baltimore to connect, reflect and learn from peer regions, and Bike to Work Central Maryland, which has rebounded strongly with a return to in-person participation.
BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly thanked the agency’s board members and staff, as well as partners in agencies, organizations and businesses throughout the region.
“We’re grateful to work with talented public servants dedicated to supporting the health and advancement of our communities,” Kelly said. “We are hard at work to advance the shared goals of our region.”
Learn more in the full 2023 Annual Report. You can also sign up for BMC newsletters, and follow the agency on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X.
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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.
BRTB planea un nuevo segmento del Patapsco Regional Greenway
BALTIMORE, MD (miércoles 18 de octubre de 2023) – El Consejo Metropolitano de Baltimore (BMC) está desarrollando diseños para un sendero de 5,5 millas que conecta la cervecería Guinness Open Gate con el Southwest Area Park en el condado de Baltimore. Un período de comentarios sobre los planes se cerrará el 5 de diciembre de 2023 e incluirá una reunión pública en la sucursal Arbutus de la biblioteca del condado de Baltimore el 1 de noviembre a las 6 p.m.
En colaboración con el condado de Baltimore, BMC publicó un estudio de cuatro rutas potenciales para el segmento para comentarios públicos en marzo de 2023. El análisis de los 31 comentarios sobre ese estudio, que incluyó un sentimiento positivo hacia el sendero y una consideración cuidadosa de las propuestas de diseños, informó el desarrollo de un 'alineación preferida.' Los miembros del público pueden compartir sus comentarios una vez más antes de que BMC complete un plan de diseño del 30 por ciento para el segmento de senderos a principios del próximo año.
El segmento será parte de Patapsco Regional Greenway (PRG), un sendero de uso compartido previsto de 40 millas que conectará el puerto interior de Baltimore con Sykesville en el condado de Carroll a lo largo del valle de Patapsco. Hasta la fecha, se han completado más de 12 millas del PRG.
Obtenga más información sobre el proyecto y cómo comentar en publicinput.com/pgr
El período de comentarios públicos sobre las recomendaciones se cerrará el 5 de abril de 2023 e incluirá una reunión pública en el Centro Comunitario Roger Carter el 21 de marzo.
Cualquiera que desee discutir el proyecto con más detalle puede unirse a una reunión pública en la biblioteca del condado de Baltimore, sucursal Arbutus, el miércoles 1 de noviembre de 6 p.m. a 7:30 p. m. Estacionamiento en el lugar, acceso al transporte público a través de MTA Local Link 76 en Southwest Park & Ride, MTA Local Link 32 en Oregon Avenue y Elm Road o mediante el tren MARC en Halethorpe. Cualquiera que no pueda asistir puede ver los materiales de la reunión en publicinput.org/prg.
Se anima al público a compartir comentarios sobre la alternativa preferida antes del domingo 5 de diciembre de 2023.
Las formas de comentar incluyen:
- En línea en publicinput.org/prg
- Correo electrónico prgsouthwest@publicinput.com
- Llame gratis al 855-925-2801 x2711 y deje un mensaje de voz
- Envíe la palabra clave 'prgswareapark' al 73224
- Llegue a @BaltoMetroCo en las redes sociales con #BRTBListens
- Únase a nuestra reunión pública el miércoles 1 de noviembre de 6 p.m. a 7:30 p.m. en la Biblioteca Pública del Condado de Baltimore, Sucursal Arbutus, 955 Sulphur Spring Road, Arbutus MD 21227
- Obtenga más información sobre el proyecto y cómo comentar en publicinput.com
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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.
BMC encuentra los 'puntos críticos' para el desarrollo residencial en la región de Baltimore
BALTIMORE, MD (viernes, 18 de agosto de 2023) – Los sitios en el sur de Baltimore, Crownsville y Maryland City encabezan los 'puntos críticos' para el desarrollo residencial en la región de Baltimore, según el último Informe de puntos críticos de actividad de permisos de construcción residencial del Consejo Metropolitano de Baltimore (BMC).
El informe no incluye datos del condado de Baltimore. Debido a un cambio en el software en el condado de Baltimore, la información de permisos desde noviembre de 2021 hasta diciembre de 2022 no estuvo disponible para su recopilación. Por esta razón, el alcance del informe se limita a la ciudad de Baltimore y los condados de Anne Arundel, Carroll, Harford, Howard y Queen Anne, y las comparaciones con años anteriores se ajustan para excluir el condado de Baltimore.
La tasa de permisos emitidos para viviendas nuevas en la región de Baltimore en 2022 cayó un 9,3 por ciento desde 2021. Las condiciones cambiantes del mercado y el aumento de las tasas de interés sobre los préstamos contribuyeron a la desaceleración de los nuevos permisos, junto con muchos factores locales, regionales y globales.
El director ejecutivo de BMC, Mike Kelly, dice que los líderes de la región de Baltimore están evaluando esta tendencia y su implicación para la red de transporte de la región y las oportunidades para la propiedad de viviendas que generan riqueza.
“Nuestros pronósticos anticipan un crecimiento continuo de la población en toda la región en los próximos años impulsado por la calidad de vida y las oportunidades económicas”, dice Kelly. “Las nuevas familias, trabajadores, estudiantes y jubilados necesitarán lugares para vivir para ayudar a sostener ese crecimiento”.
Kelly agrega que BMC trabajará con los gobiernos locales de la región durante el próximo año para explorar las interacciones entre las viviendas nuevas y las existentes, la red de transporte de la región, las oportunidades económicas y el sentimiento público. Esto incluye un próximo estudio sobre la coordinación de la vivienda asequible y la planificación del transporte, así como la continuación del Programa Regional de Vales Basado en Proyectos para crear nuevas oportunidades de vida para las familias de bajos ingresos.
Los datos y la información del Informe de puntos críticos de actividad de permisos de construcción residencial de BMC y el Informe de actividad de construcción metropolitana que lo acompaña brindan un contexto importante para este trabajo.
BMC compila y mantiene la información de permisos de construcción de la región en una base de datos estandarizada, lo que proporciona un registro continuo de planes para proyectos residenciales y no residenciales nuevos y renovados de todos los permisos con un valor de construcción estimado de $10,000 o más. Esto puede ayudar a las agencias locales y estatales a prepararse para las tendencias anticipadas a medida que las comunidades crecen y cambian con el tiempo.
El distrito de planificación regional de South Baltimore de la ciudad de Baltimore recibió la mayor cantidad de permisos de unidades residenciales en 2022, con 960 unidades permitidas. Crownsville y Maryland City del condado de Anne Arundel quedaron en segundo y tercer lugar, con 767 y 463 unidades permitidas, respectivamente.
Los diez principales "puntos calientes de vivienda" de la región para los principales desarrollos residenciales en 2022 fueron:
- Stadium Square (sur de Baltimore, ciudad de Baltimore) con 650 unidades de uso mixto
- Beacon Square (Crownsville, condado de Anne Arundel) con 508 unidades de uso mixto
- Watershed Liberty (ciudad de Maryland, condado de Anne Arundel) con 304 unidades unifamiliares adjuntas
- Fieldside Grande (Aberdeen, condado de Harford) con 288 unidades multifamiliares
- The Quill (sur de Baltimore, ciudad de Baltimore), con 270 unidades multifamiliares
- Arinc Property (Crownsville, condado de Anne Arundel) con 250 unidades multifamiliares
- 3025 West Cold Spring Lane (Lower Park Heights, ciudad de Baltimore) con 165 unidades multifamiliares
- Watershed Gateway (ciudad de Maryland, condado de Anne Arundel) con 159 unidades unifamiliares adjuntas
- Tanyard Shores (Marley Neck, condado de Anne Arundel) con 156 unidades unifamiliares separadas y adosadas
- Perkins Homes (Este de Baltimore, ciudad de Baltimore) con 156 unidades multifamiliares y unifamiliares adjuntas
En 2022, el 54,7 % del total de permisos residenciales fueron para desarrollos multifamiliares o de uso mixto, convirtiéndose en la mayoría de los permisos emitidos por primera vez, mientras que el 23,3 % fueron para viviendas unifamiliares adosadas y el 22 % para viviendas unifamiliares separadas. casas En 2021, las viviendas multifamiliares y de uso mixto representaron el 41 % de los permisos, mientras que el 26,4 % fueron para viviendas unifamiliares adosadas y el 32,6 % para viviendas unifamiliares separadas.
El Informe de actividad de construcción metropolitana tiene más detalles sobre las tendencias en el total de permisos para viviendas unifamiliares, multifamiliares y de uso mixto. Publicado junto con el informe Punto caliente residencial, el Informe de actividad de construcción incluye datos sobre todas las construcciones residenciales y no residenciales. Debido al importante desarrollo a pequeña escala en estas áreas, muestra que Kent Island, Bel Air/Fallston y Ellicott City se encuentran entre los 10 principales distritos de planificación de la región.
Este informe también analiza los permisos emitidos para convertir espacios no residenciales, incluidos edificios históricos, en unidades residenciales. Este tipo de desarrollo generalmente se concentra alrededor del Metro Center de la ciudad de Baltimore.
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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 (Friday, August 18, 2023) – Sites in South Baltimore, Crownsville and Maryland City top 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).
The report does not include data from Baltimore County. Due to a change in software in Baltimore County, permit information from November 2021 through December 2022 was unavailable for collection. For this reason, the report’s scope is limited to Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Queen Anne’s Counties, and comparisons to previous years are adjusted to exclude Baltimore County.
The rate of permits issued for new housing in the Baltimore region in 2022 fell 9.3 percent from 2021. Changing market conditions and increased interest rates on borrowing contributed to the slowdown in new permits, along with many local, regional, and global factors.
BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly says that the Baltimore region’s leaders are assessing this trend and its implication for the region’s transportation network and opportunities for wealth-building homeownership.
“Our forecasts anticipate continued population growth across the region in the coming years driven by quality of life and economic opportunity,” Kelly says. “New families, workers, students, and retirees will need places to live in order to help sustain that growth.”
Kelly adds that 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. This includes an upcoming study on coordinating affordable housing and transportation planning, as well as continuing the Regional Project-Based Voucher Program to create new life opportunities for low-income families.
The data and insight in BMC’s Residential Building Permit Activity Hot Spot Report and the accompanying Metropolitan Building Activity Report provide important context for this work.
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 can help local and state agencies prepare for anticipated trends as communities grow and change over time.
Baltimore City’s South Baltimore regional planning district received the most residential unit permits in 2022, with 960 units permitted. Anne Arundel County’s Crownsville and Maryland City came in second and third, with 767 and 463 units permitted, respectively.
The region’s top ten ‘Housing Hot Spots’ for major residential developments in 2022 were:
- Stadium Square (South Baltimore, Baltimore City) with 650 mixed-use units
- Beacon Square (Crownsville, Anne Arundel County) with 508 mixed-use units
- Watershed Liberty (Maryland City, Anne Arundel County) with 304 attached single-family units
- Fieldside Grande (Aberdeen, Harford County) with 288 multi-family units
- The Quill (South Baltimore, Baltimore City), with 270 multi-family units
- Arinc Property (Crownsville, Anne Arundel County) with 250 multi-family units
- 3025 West Cold Spring Lane (Lower Park Heights, Baltimore City) with 165 multi-family units
- Watershed Gateway (Maryland City, Anne Arundel County) with 159 attached single-family units
- Tanyard Shores (Marley Neck, Anne Arundel County) with 156 detached and attached single-family units
- Perkins Homes (East Baltimore, Baltimore City) with 156 multi-family and attached single-family units
In 2022, 54.7 percent of total residential permits were for multi-family or mixed-use developments, becoming the majority of permits issued for the first time, while 23.3 percent were for attached single-family homes and 22 percent were for detached single-family homes. In 2021, multi-family and mixed-use accounted for 41 percent of permits, while 26.4 percent were for attached single-family homes and 32.6 percent were for detached single-family homes.
The Metropolitan Building Activity Report has more detail on trends in total single-family, multi-family, and mixed-use permitting. Released alongside the Residential Hot Spot report, the Building Activity Report includes data on all residential and non-residential construction. Due to significant small-scale development in these areas, it shows Kent Island, Bel Air/Fallston, and Ellicott City are among the region’s top 10 planning districts.
This report also looks at permits issued to convert non-residential space – including historic buildings – to residential units. This type of development is usually concentrated around Baltimore City’s Metro Center.
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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, 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.
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