Press Release

BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, January 25, 2023) – Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) is close to finalizing a concept plan for bicycle and pedestrian improvements along a stretch of US 40 in Harford County. A public comment period on two alignment options will close on February 22, 2023, and will include a public open house at the Havre de Grace Community Center on February 9.

Both options propose a shared-use path along a five-mile segment of US 40 (Pulaski Highway) between the Aberdeen Train Station in Aberdeen and Erie Street in Havre de Grace. One option proposes a path entirely along the westbound side of US 40. The other option includes a path from Aberdeen along the westbound side of US 40, a crossing at Lewis Lane in Havre de Grace and continued path to Erie Street along the eastbound side of US 40.

BMC concluded a comment period on initial options in November 2022, which included an online survey with 483 responses and a virtual meeting on November 2. The final options were refined based on feedback from those public outreach efforts, and the additional comment period will help ensure that all stakeholders have a voice in finalizing a preferred concept.

Learn more about the project details at publicinput.com/us40bikeped.

Members of the public are encouraged to share comments on the two proposed options by Wednesday, February 22. Anyone wishing to discuss the project in more detail is welcome to join us at the Havre de Grace Community Center on February 9 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: us40bikeped@publicinput.com
• Text: keyword us40bikeped to 73224
• Voicemail: 855-925-2801 x 4009
• Online: publicinput.com/us40bikeped
• Social media: @BaltoMetroCo
• Public meeting: February 9, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Havre de Grace Community Center, 100 Lagaret Lane, Havre De Grace MD 21078

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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 (Thursday, November 17, 2022) – Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), in partnership with Howard County and Baltimore County, is developing a study of transportation conditions in the historic town centers of Ellicott City and Oella.

The study will collect and analyze data on transportation conditions in these historic downtown areas for users across all transportation modes and recommend ways to improve multi-modal access and safety, parking management and signage. A report will include best practices for implementing projects in historic town centers around the Baltimore region.

A public comment period to gather feedback on transportation challenges and opportunities in these areas begins today and will close on December 22, 2022. Members of the public can join staff from BMC, Howard County and Baltimore County for an open house meeting and discussion at the Roger Carter Community Center in Ellicott City on December 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Ways to comment include:

• Email historictowncenters@publicinput.com
• Text keyword 'historictowncenters' to 73224
• Leave a voicemail at 855-925-5621 x 5621
• Online at publicinput.com/historictowncenters
• On social media with #BRTBListens
• Join our open house meeting on December 8, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Roger Carter Community Center, Oella Room, 3000 Milltowne Drive, Ellicott City MD 21043
  • UPDATE: View display boards from the December 8 open house here or on PublicInput:
    • General information
    • Parking
    • Wayfinding
    • Multi-modal

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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 (Thursday, November 3, 2022) – Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), the Baltimore region’s council of governments and metropolitan planning organization, released its 2022 Annual Report. The report includes the agency’s audited financial statement and highlights of major plans and projects from the previous fiscal year.

“We are reconnecting, healing and flourishing after a challenging and fragmented time,” says BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly. “We at BMC are proud to take part in this work and excited to build on our momentum as we look ahead.”

View the 2022 Annual Report.

In the last year, BMC oversaw development of a $4.26 billion Transportation Improvement Program and a Resilience 2050 long-range plan. Staff created tools to assist local planning efforts including population and employment growth forecasts, traffic safety performance targets and a climate change resource guide. BMC’s Regional Project-Based Voucher Program helped more than 30 families find affordable housing, and the Baltimore Regional Cooperative Purchasing Committee’s Energy Board saved a record $32.5 million on electricity.

As the region recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, BMC has increasingly returned to in-person programs. After cancelling a trip to Minneapolis slated for 2020, BMC took a group of Baltimore-area leaders to Philadelphia for its 4^th Chesapeake Connect trip. A few months later, greater Baltimore’s 25^th annual Bike to Work festivities saw almost 1800 participants joining in-person events around the region.

Along with the 2022 Annual Report, BMC is also launching a quarterly newsletter to keep readers looped in on the agency’s activities. Click here to sign up.

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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, October 24, 2022) – Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) is developing a concept plan for bicycle and pedestrian improvements along a stretch of US 40 in Harford County. A public comment period on the plan will close on November 27, 2022, and will include a virtual public meeting on November 2 at 6:00 p.m.

The concept plan will examine a five-mile segment of US 40 (Pulaski Highway) between the Aberdeen Train Station in Aberdeen and Erie Street in Havre de Grace, and will provide a foundation for the future development, implementation and maintenance of a shared-use path serving bicycles and pedestrians along the corridor.

Two proposed options include a shared-use path along westbound traffic on the north side of the roadway, or a shared-use path along eastbound traffic on the south side of the roadway. Learn more about the details of each proposal online at publicinput.com/us40bikeped.

Members of the public can comment on the proposed options. Comments will be reviewed by BMC staff and a stakeholder advisory committee, and will help shape the final concept plan.

Ways to comment include:

• Email: us40bikeped@publicinput.com
• Text: keyword us40bikeped to 73224
• Voicemail: 855-925-2801 x 4009
• Online: publicinput.com/us40bikeped
• On social media with #BRTBListens
• Public meeting: November 2 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom

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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, September 19, 2022) – A Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) subcommittee on energy purchasing saved a record $32.5 million on electricity in fiscal year 2022, and has saved a total of $216.5 million since its inception in 2006 when compared to the local electric utility (BGE) standard offer service fixed rate alternative.

The Energy Board, a subcommittee of BMC’s Baltimore Regional Cooperative Purchasing Committee (BRCPC), oversees energy procurement for participants including city and county governments, public schools, community colleges and a few nonprofits throughout central Maryland. The combined portfolios of these participants, including both electricity and natural gas, represented an annual energy supply spend of $107 million in fiscal year 2022.

BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly celebrated the record saving, which helps cushion the surge in energy prices that Energy Board participants and communities are facing throughout the region.

“We at BMC are committed to working with our partner agencies to support the health and prosperity of the region,” Kelly said. “The savings generated by the Energy Board illustrate that we’re stronger together.”

Energy Board Chair Matthew Carpenter, Baltimore County’s Chief of Budget and Administration, noted that as prices have risen in many sectors, the price of electric and natural gas has seen some of the steepest increases. According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index released in March, the cost of electricity in the Baltimore region jumped 18.4 percent compared to the previous year, while the cost of natural gas jumped 21.2 percent.

He explained that the Energy Board participants collectively hedge electric and natural gas purchases over a three-year period, avoiding costs that would incur if individual participants purchased power at the standard rate and helping to lessen the impacts of volatile spikes in the energy market.

“The Energy Board’s strategy has definitely paid off,” Carpenter said. “This level of cost avoidance provides assurance that the members have taken the management of their publicly-entrusted funds very seriously.”

Harford County Executive Barry Glassman, BMC’s board chair, hailed the work of the Energy Board as a welcome collaboration.

“I’m proud of BMC’s role in securing these savings,” Glassman said. “Now more than ever, we need more of this smart, fiscally-responsible thinking in Maryland.”

Noel Chesser, a principal advisor with Energy Board consultant Enel X, said that as global oil and natural gas prices saw historic increases due to a convergence of factors, Enel X has assisted participants with both cost- and energy-saving efforts. He noted that Enel X has also kept an eye on developments in renewable energy, and will continue to help Energy Board participants decrease reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

To learn more about the Energy Board, click 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.

BMC’s Board of Directors includes the executives of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford and Howard counties, the mayor of the City of Baltimore, a member of the Carroll County and Queen Anne’s County boards of commissioners, a member of the Maryland State Senate, a member of the Maryland House of Delegates and a gubernatorial appointee from the private sector.

BALTIMORE, MD (Thursday, August 18, 2022) – The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) will convene a Transit Governance and Funding Workgroup to identify ways to improve transit governance and funding in the Baltimore region.

Established by BMC’s Board of Directors at its July 15^th meeting, the workgroup will be chaired by BMC board member, Delegate Tony Bridges. "Moving forward it is critical that our transit system work for residents and businesses throughout Baltimore," said Delegate Bridges. "I'm thankful to my fellow BMC board members for their leadership and to the members of the workgroup for their commitment to the issue."

The appointed members of the workgroup include:

• Tony Bridges, Maryland State Delegate, Baltimore City, District 41
• Dr. Celeste Chavis, Associate Professor of Transportation and Urban Infrastructure Studies, Interim Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Morgan State University’s Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering
• Andrew Gena, Director of Strategic Research, Amalgamated Transit Union AFL-CIO/CLC
• Tasha Gresham-James, Executive Director, Dundalk Renaissance
• Ron Hartman, Senior Consultant, WSP USA
• Jon Laria, Managing Partner, Ballard Spahr
• Michael McMillan, President & Business Agent, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1300
• Tony Scott, Executive Director, Southwest Partnership
• Samuel Snead, Director, Anne Arundel County Department of Transportation
• Aaron Tomarchio, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Tradepoint Atlantic
• Adrea Turner, Chief of Staff, Urban Institute
• D’Andrea Walker, Acting Director, Baltimore County Department of Public Works & Transportation
• Mary Washington, Maryland State Senator, Baltimore City, District 43

“Public transportation plays an essential role in the advancement of people, businesses, the environment and overall economy of a city and a region,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “As our local economy emerges from the pandemic, we will need to adequately advocate for and invest in an inclusive transit system that truly connects all of our residents to educational and employment opportunities to drive economic growth for communities throughout Baltimore."

The workgroup has two objectives. First, the workgroup will prioritize one or more governance models identified in the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board’s 2021 Baltimore Regional Transit Governance and Funding Study. The 2021 study researched and identified five potential governance and funding structures for the region’s transit services, as well as a sixth option of maintaining the status quo. The workgroup will review options detailed in the 2021 study and make a formal recommendation to the BMC Board of Directors, Maryland General Assembly, and Governor. 

"The assembled transit, business and thought leaders are experts in their fields," said Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski, Jr. "I look forward to hearing the recommendations so we can work with the General Assembly and next Governor to provide meaningful and impactful transportation solutions for the Baltimore region."

Additionally, the workgroup will review funding associated with the Locally Operated Transit Systems (LOTS) program and develop options for increased equity and transparency in the distribution of those funds.

The Baltimore Regional Transit Governance and Funding Workgroup will meet on the first Friday of every month through the end of the year. Meetings will be held at the Baltimore Metropolitan Council’s office and will be open to members of the public. The first meeting will be on September 2, 2022. Click here to view the workgroup's opening presentation.

“This workgroup is a necessary step toward establishing a high functioning and more equitable transit system for the Baltimore region,” said Mike Kelly, executive director of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council. “BMC has taken a thoughtful and diligent approach in analyzing the region’s transit system and I’m pleased to see the issue of local input and decision-making is becoming central to the conversation.”

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The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve our quality of life and economic vitality. BMC, as the Baltimore region’s council of governments, hosts the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), the federal metropolitan planning organization (MPO), 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’s Board of Directors includes the executives of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford and Howard counties, the mayor of the City of Baltimore, a member of the Carroll County and Queen Anne’s County boards of commissioners, a member of the Maryland State Senate, a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, and a gubernatorial appointee from the private sector.

BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, May 31, 2022) – The 25th annual Bike to Work festivities in the Baltimore region concluded with almost 1800 registered participants, up from about 1200 in 2021, as more riders joined in-person events from Annapolis to Bel Air to Columbia to Westminster. About 650 registrants were taking part for the first time, which the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) celebrated as the organization seeks to expand the impact of Bike to Work.
 
“We are proud to coordinate this important initiative for the region,” said BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly. “For 25 years, we have worked with our local leaders and jurisdictions to promote biking as a healthy commuting option and to raise awareness for the safety of our fellow riders.”
 
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.
 
National Bike to Work Day fell on Friday, May 20, but the expanded Bike to Work Week which ran May 16-22 allowed for participants to engage in more events, including a ‘Lake to Lake’ ride from Druid Hill Lake to Lake Montebello and a Mayor's Bicycle Advisory Commission (MBAC) ‘Safety Ride’ at Eager Park.
 
Plus, nine official Pit Stops throughout the week reached cyclists across the region with snacks and drinks, bike check-ups, ways to get involved with transportation planning, and of course, free t-shirts and other Bike to Work swag (shirts were available all week at 25 pickup locations).
 
Harford County Executive and BMC Board Chair Barry Glassman visited a Pit Stop in Bel Air, hosted by Bike to Work Week 2022 sponsors Harford Transit LINK and the Harford County Public Library. Glassman acknowledged the work of Harford County Rideshare Coordinator Alan Doran and his team in incorporating cycling into the region’s transportation infrastructure.
 
“We’re excited to be back in-person and celebrating 25 years of Bike to Work Week,” Glassman said. “It’s a reminder that biking is a healthy way to get around – good for you and good for the environment.”
 
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott commemorated National Bike to Work Day by cycling to City Hall, with Pit Stops in Waverly and at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch. He was joined by Baltimore City Director of Transportation Steve Sharkey and other Department of Transportation officials.
 
“I encourage residents to consider biking as a viable option for commuting to work and wherever else you need to go,” Mayor Scott said at a press conference outside City Hall following the bike ride. “It’s a good way to participate in a healthy lifestyle and build community with folks in your neighborhood, in your family and across the city.”
 
Mayor Scott committed to making the city’s transportation infrastructure safer and more accessible, a sentiment echoed by other speakers, including Director Sharkey and MBAC Chair Jon Laria.
 
For Lanise Stevenson, who partnered with the organization Black People Ride Bikes to organize a weekly ‘Lake to Lake’ ride as a way to bring people together during the pandemic, advocating for safe and accessible cycling in the city is the name of the game.
 
“I wanted to address chronic loneliness for a lot of our residents, as well as accessibility,” Stevenson said, “And to provide an opportunity for people who look like us to be able to come together in an environment that made them feel welcomed, valued and supported.”
 
She worked with the city to teach folks how to ride, how to use safety equipment and how to stay safe on the road. She also advocated for improved bike lanes and other measures. Her efforts paid off — Stevenson celebrated growing the Lake to Lake group from fewer than 50 to over 200 riders on average, with families and friends coming together from all over to join in.
 
BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly thanked the sponsors, organizers and participants for a wonderful Bike to Work Week 2022.
 
“We are thrilled with this strong return to the expanded Bike to Work Week as we continue to emerge from the pandemic,” Kelly said. “Here’s to another 25 years of progress toward safer and more accessible cycling in the Baltimore region.”
 
Central Maryland’s next Bike to Work Week is May 15-21, 2023.

Bike to Work Week is supported by donations from generous sponsors: Anne Arundel County Commuter Crew, Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT), Baltimore and Carroll County Rideshare, Clean Air Partners (CAP), Columbia Association (CA), Downtown Columbia Partnership (DTC), Go Howard, Harford County Public Library (HCPL), Harford Transit LINK, Joe’s Bike Shop, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA), Trek Bicycle Corporation, and media sponsor WBAL-TV.

Captions (clockwise from top left): 1 - Chair of the Anne Arundel County Bicycle Advisory Commission Jon Korin, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley, Anne Arundel County Office of Transportation Director Sam Snead and Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, Jr. / 2 - Baltimore City Department of Transportation staff joined a no-drop ride from Druid Hill Lake to Lake Montebello. / 3 - Towson was among the many cities in the region to host Pit Stops for commuters on two wheels for National Bike to Work Day. / 4 - Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott hosted a press conference at City Hall after biking to work on National Bike to Work Day. For more photos, explore the online Bike to Work Week 2022 gallery.

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Notice
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board 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.

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve the quality of life and economic vitality. BMC, as the Baltimore region’s council of governments, hosts the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), the federal metropolitan planning organization (MPO), 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’s Board of Directors includes the executives of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford and Howard counties, the mayor of the City of Baltimore, a member of the Carroll County and Queen Anne’s County boards of commissioners, a member of the Maryland State Senate, a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, and a gubernatorial appointee from the private sector.

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