Press Release

New Statistics Illustrate COVID-19’s Economic Impact in Q2 of 2020

BALTIMORE, MD (December 21, 2020) – The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (“BMC”) issued an update to its Baltimore Regional Recovery Dashboard entitled “Monthly Employment by Industry and Jurisdiction” featuring employment figures from January of 2019 to June of 2020. This data, pulled from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), includes the newest employment figures available from Q2 of 2020. This QCEW release is the first publicly reported data from the early months of the pandemic. BMC’s dashboard aims to illustrate the initial economic impact of COVID-19 on jobs in the Baltimore Region.

Maryland experienced a 14.1% decline in total employment in April of 2020 as compared to April of 2019. The Baltimore Region saw a 13.7% drop in jobs during the same period, with Queen Anne’s leading in percentage job loss among counties in the region at 24.4%. Anne Arundel County saw a 16.2% drop, while Baltimore County experienced a 15.1% loss.

Looking at employment in February of 2020 – prior to government restrictions on businesses and social gatherings – as compared to June of this year, the state as a whole saw a 9.1% decline in employment while the Baltimore Region experienced a loss of 8.9%. Howard saw the largest drop in jobs among counties in the region during this same period with an 11.2% decline, while Anne Arundel experienced a loss of 10.5%.

“We know our neighbors and local businesses are struggling amid COVID-19 and this important update will provide elected leaders with the first regional picture of the pandemic’s impact on employment,” said Baltimore County Executive and BMC Board Chair Johnny Olszewski. “As leaders we must continue to do whatever we can to use data to inform our decisions and this new tool will help us better understand the challenges—and develop solutions—to support our hardest hit workers and industries.”

The dashboard also isolates employment data by industry and jurisdiction. Industry data is presented at both the 2-digit and 4-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) levels. Two-digit industry codes represent broad sectors of the economy, such as healthcare and construction, while 4-digit industry codes represent more specific industry groups, like offices of physicians and residential building construction.

Among the top 20 4-digit NAICS industries by total number of jobs, Maryland saw the largest percentage declines in employment among four main categories when comparing April of 2020 to the same month last year. Specifically, these were: amusement and recreation industries (golf courses, bowling alleys, gyms, etc.) down 66.2%; traveler accommodation (hotels, motels, etc.) down 64.6%; restaurants down 47.9%; and department stores down 36.7%. These four industries alone accounted for a loss of approximately 140,000 jobs across the state year over year.

Alternatively, during the period between February and June of 2020, traveler accommodation lost 46.3% of its jobs, amusement and recreation industries lost 38.3%, restaurants were down 25.8% and department stores declined 24.9% statewide.

In the Baltimore Region, among the top 20 4-digit NAICS industries by total number of jobs, four saw the most significant percentage declines in employment year over year from April 2019 to 2020: traveler accommodation dropped 64.8%, restaurants lost 50.9%; employment services decreased 27.9%; and physicians’ offices declined 14.4%. Collectively, these four industries accounted for a loss of approximately 66,000 jobs in the region.

However, between February and June of 2020, the four hardest hit industries at the 4-digit NAICS level by percentage employment loss in the Baltimore Region shift slightly: traveler accommodation dropped 45%, restaurants lost 27.4%, individual and family services (non-residential child and elder care) dropped 16.7%, and employment services decreased 14%.

In addition to the percent change in employment, the dashboard also displays jobs over time for all 2-digit NAICS industries and the top 20 4-digit NAICS industries by total private employment at the state, region and county levels. While the declines in employment between February and June of this year noted earlier are illustrative, this comparison obscures the fluctuation in jobs in the intervening months and does not account for seasonal employment changes.

Restaurants, for example, employed roughly 87,000 employees in the Baltimore Region in February of 2020. By April of this year, the industry was down to 44,000 employees in the region, but back up to 63,000 workers in June, recovering almost 20,000 positions. However, year over year, the industry was down roughly 30,000 employees from June of 2019, when it employed 94,000. Similarly, traveler accommodation accounted for roughly 11,000 jobs in February of 2020 for the region. This industry hit a low of approximately 4,000 employees in May, but recovered 2,000 jobs, reporting total employment of 6,000 in June of 2020. Again, year over year, this industry experienced a drop of roughly 6,000 jobs from June of 2019, when it employed over 12,000. Both industries, we note, typically see peak employment during the summer months.

“The data shows a dramatic initial reaction to COVID restrictions, with a sudden loss of jobs between March and April of 2020, followed by a gradual uptick in employment in many industries through June,” said BMC Executive Director Michael B. Kelly. “The data suggests the infusion of funds from the federal government to businesses and localities helped prevent a deeper loss in employment. We will continue to track and report this information to help our region’s leaders frame essential economic recovery efforts.”

A small but meaningful example of emerging employment opportunity, warehousing and storage jobs grew by 29.1% from April 2019 to 2020, adding roughly 6,000 employees across the state. From February to June of 2020, the same industry grew its employment by 21.5% or approximately 5,000 jobs statewide to a high of nearly 32,000 over the period covered.

In the Baltimore Region, services to buildings and dwellings (landscaping, janitorial, carpet and upholstery, etc.) added 8% employment, grocery stores increased 4.9%, and electronic instrument manufacturing added 3.6%, collectively adding a total of 3,000 jobs between February and June of 2020.

About the Baltimore Regional Recovery Dashboard

Launched in July of 2020, the dashboard is a tool to help policymakers understand and track the impacts of COVID-19 upon the seven county metropolitan area. Hosted on BMC’s website, the dashboard features data from across the organization’s areas of focus, including employment statistics, impacted industries, development permit activity, telework eligibility, and transportation.

About the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages

The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) as “[a] program [that] publishes a quarterly count of employment and wages reported by employers covering more than 95 percent of U.S. jobs, available at the county, MSA, state and national levels by industry.” The Q2 2020 QCEW data was released to the public on December 2, 2020. The Q3 2020 data is scheduled for release on March 9, 2021. For more information, visit https://www.bls.gov/cew/.

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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.

 

BMC is honored to have provided technical support to this important work. We thank GBC for their leadership and look forward to continuing our collaboration to enhance our region’s workforce system.

Greater Baltimore Committee Issues Workforce Development Report

[Baltimore, MD, October 19, 2020] 

The Greater Baltimore Committee has released a comprehensive report which identifies the top 20 occupations likely to produce the most family-supporting jobs in the Baltimore region over the next decade, while also outlining recommendations to enhance education and training systems and address structural racism, gender inequities and systemic barriers to workforce participation and advancement.

 

The report, Preparing for the Future. A Regional Workforce Development Initiative, includes more than 50 recommendations to ensure the region has a pipeline of skilled workers to fill high growth family-supporting jobs.

The top 20 family-supporting occupations identified in the report are in four industries projected to experience growth in family-supporting jobs in the decade ahead: business services, construction, information technology and healthcare.

“Focusing on business sectors that are projected to see the greatest growth in the next decade, the report will provide a roadmap to ensure that our region has the educated and skilled workforce to meet the needs of those industry sectors,” said Donald C. Fry, President and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC).

“The next step will be to implement the recommendations and the GBC is committed to guiding that effort.”

“This report is an urgent call to action,” said Calvin Butler, Senior Executive Vice President, Exelon, Chief Executive Officer, Exelon Utilities, GBC Chair, and chair of the GBC Regional Workforce Development Initiative Steering Committee, which guided the development of the report during the past 18 months.

The report was directed by the GBC Board of Directors to ensure the region’s educational and workforce development systems can meet future industry needs.

“By increasing business engagement with education and workforce systems we will see a transformative impact on the quality of our workforce and the growth of the regional economy,” said Butler.

Diane Bell-McKoy, President and CEO, Associated Black Charities and a member of the steering committee, said a key goal will be to address racial and systemic barriers to training and jobs.

“A key goal will be to address structural racism and how it inhibits access to upwardly mobile jobs, employment preparation, employment and upward mobility for Black and Brown workers. Addressing this issue can create a “win-win” for our economy and all employers in our region,” said Bell-McKoy. “This is crucial to the economic success of the region.”

According to the report, “Deliberate, decisive action by all parties…is required to dismantle systemic racism and to address persistent discrimination on the basis of race, gender and disability.”

Growth industries identified in the GBC report were drawn from the 2018 Baltimore Metropolitan Council’s Family-Supporting Jobs Report. That report defined family-supporting jobs as occupations that pay an hourly wage that allows working adults with less than a bachelor’s degree to provide for their family’s needs.

The GBC coordinated with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council to analyze demographic data for the top 20 occupations and identify trends within occupations and across industries. For example, the analysis found that while African American workers represented 29% of the region’s population in 2018, African American workers only have representative participation (29% or higher) in 5 of the 20 identified occupations.

In addition to identifying high growth family-supporting jobs that did not require a four-year degree, the steering committee compiled a regional inventory of key education and training programs by sector, emphasizing those that culminate in postsecondary credentials.

The committee also analyzed training programs across the region – Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard Counties.

A key goal of the analysis, said Fry, was to develop recommendations for how business and industry can become strategically engaged to improve education, workforce training, workforce agencies and employer programs, as well as address racial and gender inequities and systemic barriers.

Fry said the GBC now plans to involve all business and industry stakeholders in implementing the report’s recommendations and ensuring there is strong coordination with education and training providers. The implementation plan will prioritize the order of recommendations based upon multiple factors including: business interest and engagement, existing priorities of local workforce boards, agencies and education partners, and available resources.

According to the report, “Business and industry leaders’ enhanced participation in education and workforce systems has the potential to catalyze opportunities for underserved populations, to dismantle systemic racism and sexist practices within the workplace, to increase diversity within businesses to reflect the rich diversity of the region, and to foster a more inclusive economy in the Baltimore region.”

Dr. Sandra Kurtinitis, President, Community College of Baltimore County and a member of the GBC Board, said the report is timely and valuable, given that family-supporting jobs will be needed as the nation recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Community colleges and workforce training programs will be at the forefront of the economic recovery and are more important than ever at this time,” said Kurtinitis.

Some of the observations in the report include:

• Programs and systems are needed to strengthen the delivery of rapid, industry-recognized credentialing to workers in transition.
• Too many individuals who have attended K-12 schools are not academically prepared to succeed in college or careers and require significant remediation.
• The State of Maryland and local jurisdictions invest less state/local dollars in basic adult education than peer states and localities.
• Citing administrative burdens, businesses often do not take advantage of federal dollars to support incumbent worker training.
• Structural racism contributes to ongoing disparities in access to opportunity, career advancement, and equal pay for persons of color across occupations and industries.

Among some of the report’s recommendations:

• Leaders in business and industry, education, workforce development and philanthropy coordinate to create rapid training and certification programs in high-need, high-growth industries to support workers in transition.
• Business and industry actively engage in K-12 partnerships, including direct involvement in Career and Technology Education (CTE), dual enrollment, youth apprenticeships and work-based learning programs.
• State and local governments increase resources to support basic adult education.

The GBC and workforce stakeholders advocate for revisions to the federal incumbent worker training program to streamline the process and make the program more attractive to employers.
Business, industry and workforce stakeholders take proactive measures to educate themselves on systemic racism, undergo professional training and executive coaching on advancing equity…and implement changes to address systemic racism and bias within organizations.”

“Business and industry have a tremendous responsibility to engage more directly with the workforce system, remove barriers and improve education and training programs so that all residents of the Greater Baltimore region can access the education and training needed to fill jobs in the high-growth occupations identified,” said Fry. “Family-supporting jobs and a skilled workforce to fill them are key to a thriving economy.”

 Read the Report  View the Appendices

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ABOUT THE GREATER BALTIMORE COMMITTEE

The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) is a regional organization of business and civic leaders that includes businesses, nonprofit organizations and educational and civic institutions. It is the leading voice for the private sector in the Baltimore region on issues relating to economic growth, job creation, workforce development, transportation, the business climate and quality of life. The GBC’s membership is comprised of over 500 member organizations, including large, mid-size and small companies, nonprofits, education and foundations in the Greater Baltimore region.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jeff Salzgeber (512) 743-2659

MEDIA ADVISORY

BALTIMORE (October 1, 2020) – Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists can expect to see the unexpected when a gaggle of social distancing, spandex-wearing “signal people” hit Baltimore area streets in high-priority areas this month. They’ll be wearing LED-lit backpack billboards with messages for drivers to stop for pedestrians, for walkers to always cross at signal lights and in crosswalks, and for everyone to stay alert and aware of their surroundings.

In recognition of October as national Pedestrian Safety Month, the unconventional messengers are allies of Look Alive campaign spokeswoman Signal Woman — the pedestrian symbol in “walk/don’t walk” signal light boxes who’s been brought to life and is now dishing out practical safety advice on Instagram (@SignalWoman) and Twitter (@Signal_Woman).

The approach is an eye-catching way to draw attention to steps for preventing an increase in crashes between drivers and walkers that typically occur when fall brings less daylight and darker commuting hours. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, three of every four pedestrian fatalities occur after dark. Last year, there were 61 pedestrian fatalities and 238 serious pedestrian injuries in the Baltimore region.

The Look Alive campaign offers safety tips for drivers and pedestrians (see below). Learn more about the program at LookAliveMD.org.

WHAT:

Street campaign with walking billboards to promote pedestrian safety

DETAILS:

• October 1, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Eastern Avenue (MD150) at Rolling Mill
• October 3, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, South Calvert at East Lombard, Baltimore
• October 6, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Liberty Road (MD26) and Old Court Road

VISUALS:

Socially-distancing “Signal People” clad in white spandex from head to toe and wearing LED-lighted walking billboards with important safety reminders. Please make sure media vehicles are parked away from traffic.

STREET SAFETY TIPS

If you’re driving…

• Slow down and obey the speed limit.
• Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
• Be careful when passing buses or stopped vehicles.
• When turning, yield to people walking and biking.
• Look for bicyclists before opening your door.
• Allow at least 3 feet when passing bikes.
• Avoid using your cell phone and never text while driving.

If you’re walking…

• Cross the street at crosswalks and intersections.
• Use the pushbuttons.
• Wait for the walk signal to cross the street.
• Watch for turning vehicles.
• Before crossing look left, right, and left again.
• Be visible. Wear something light or reflective after dark.
• Watch out for blind spots around trucks and buses.
• Avoid using your cell phone when crossing the street.

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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 (Monday, October 5, 2020) – The Baltimore Metropolitan Council hosted several virtual biking events in the month of September motivating riders throughout the Baltimore Region to safely participate in biking activities. Cycle September began September 1st and lasted for the complete month, attracting 333 participants for the inaugural event in the region. An additional 675 people registered for the Love to Ride platform during the month of September, and will continue engaging in biking activities throughout the year. Finally, Bike to Work Week ran September 21-27, and drew 950 registrants

Bike to Work Week included online networking and encouragement for all riders, and opportunities to win prizes in place of the usual rallies and pit stop gatherings that participants have come to expect from this annual event. Registered cyclists were able to pick up a free t-shirt from local bike shops around the region.

The Love to Ride Cycle September Global Challenge was a fun, friendly, and free competition between workplaces, clubs, and individuals to see who can get the most people cycling in September – especially new riders. It served as another opportunity to ride for those who do not currently commute to work, as well as biking enthusiasts.

These programs help to promote biking as a safe alternative to motor vehicle travel. Biking promotes individual health, helps ease traffic congestion, and reduces emissions that contribute to air pollution.

About Bike to Work Week

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council organizes an annual Bike to Work Day celebration in the region. The event, which was previously scheduled for May 15th, was postponed, then converted to a virtual event, in light of COVID-19 restrictions. 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 highlights the need to improve bicycle facilities to improve safety.

About Love to Ride Central MD

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council has partnered with Love to Ride to bring more fun, more community, and more inspiration to get more people riding. Love to Ride is a biking encouragement website and app free to anyone who lives or works in the Central MD region.

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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.

Baltimore Region Celebrates Biking With Virtual Bike to Work Week Event and Love To Ride Challenge

BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, September 1, 2020) – Registration is now open for Bike to Work Week in central Maryland at BiketoWorkMD.com. To ensure the safety of riders, BMC is gearing up for a COVID-safe virtual Bike to Work 2020 celebration from September 21 to 27. The rallies and pit stop gatherings that participants have come to expect from this annual event will be substituted for online networking and encouragement for all riders, and even more prizes!

Cyclists who register for Bike to Work 2020 and ride during the week of September 21 to 27 can pick up a free t-shirt at one of twenty area bike shops around the greater Baltimore region and have a chance to win prizes. T-shirts are limited to the first 2,500 registrants. Registration for Bike to Work Week 2020 is open through Saturday, September 19th at BiketoWorkMD.com.

For those not commuting to work, the Love to Ride Cycle September Global Challenge is a fun, friendly, and free competition between workplaces, clubs, and individuals to see who can get the most people cycling in September – especially new riders.

Riders can earn points for every mile they ride, every day they ride, and every new person they encourage to ride. Individuals only have to ride for ten minutes anytime, anywhere – for fun, fitness, transportation or even indoors – to be eligible for prizes and help their team climb the leaderboard.

Participants can also join the Cycle September Global Challenge as a member of the Love to Ride Central Maryland community by registering at lovetoride.net/centralmd. From the website, riders can join a company or group, or register a new group for Cycle September. To win prizes users simply log their rides via the Love to Ride website or app, or link to their favorite bicycling app.

About Bike to Work Week

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council organizes an annual Bike to Work Day celebration in the region. The event, which was previously scheduled for May 15th, was postponed, then converted to a virtual event, in light of COVID-19 restrictions. 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 highlights the need to improve bicycle facilities to improve safety.

About Love to Ride Central MD

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council has partnered with Love to Ride to bring more fun, more community, and more inspiration to get more people riding. Love to Ride is a biking encouragement website and app free to anyone who lives or works in the Central MD region.

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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.

[Baltimore, MD, August 27, 2020] The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $843,988 to the Baltimore region to conduct emergency housing and shelter planning through the FY 2020 Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP) on August 19, 2020.  Through a partnership between the City of Baltimore and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), the grant will fund regional housing and shelter planning at BMC in collaboration with a committee of local emergency management agencies in the Baltimore region known as the Baltimore Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). The project will produce individually tailored plans for each jurisdiction as well as one regional plan; and will support training and exercises for emergency management personnel.

The seven jurisdictions of the Baltimore UASI are: Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County. Collectively, the population of these counties and municipalities accounts for approximately 2.7 million of the 6.4 million residents of the state of Maryland.

“Access to stable shelter is essential to protecting our health and wellbeing — especially in a time of crisis,” said Johnny Olszewski, Baltimore County Executive and BMC Board Chair.  “I applaud the Baltimore UASI and BMC for working together to secure funding that will expand our region’s ability to provide regional housing and shelter planning.”

In 2019, the Baltimore region received a grant award from the RCPGP to hire two planners at BMC to conduct food and water disaster supply chain planning, training, and exercise activities.

The RCPGP-funded planners have been actively engaged in the COVID-19 response by providing subject matter expertise to the region’s emergency food distribution planning operations. These funds have allowed the Baltimore UASI to collaborate, share best practices, and document procedures and training.

“BMC has been instrumental in the response to COVID-19 in the region,” said Stephen Wantz, Carroll County Commissioner and BMC Board Vice-Chair. “Their work in providing resources, guidance and standards in food and water distribution throughout the pandemic has been extremely valuable.”

The FY 2019 RCPGP provided resources to address mass care operations in relation to food and water supply chain distribution efforts. The new FY 2020 RCPGP award will allow the region to continue to build upon the current mass care work and expand to address sheltering needs as it relates to all hazards. 
 

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BALTIMORE, MD (July 21, 2020) – The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (“BMC”) officially launched its Baltimore Regional Recovery Dashboard to help policymakers understand and track the impacts of COVID-19 on the seven county metropolitan area. Hosted on BMC’s website, the dashboard features data from across the organization’s areas of focus, including unemployment claims, impacted industries and transportation ridership. The dashboard utilizes Tableau, a data visualization tool, to provide information in an interactive format.

“To effectively combat this crisis across our region and state, it’s critical that leaders have the ability to look at the full picture and have the best data available to plan for our ongoing response — as well as our recovery,” said Baltimore County Executive and BMC Board Chair Johnny Olszewski. “This new dashboard will serve as a wide-angle lens, providing a range of data to help inform our long-term strategies so that we can emerge as a stronger, more resilient, and greater Baltimore.”

The dashboard presents unemployment insurance claims for all U.S. states, Maryland counties, and Maryland counties by industry at the 2-digit NAICS code level. Additional charts provide data on the sectors most exposed to economic impacts from COVID-19. “Exposed” sectors include those that have experienced significant reductions in demand, such as restaurants and bars, travel and transportation, entertainment, personal services, as well as certain types of retail and manufacturing. These dashboards compare the most exposed sectors across jobs, gross regional product, payrolled business locations, and median hourly wages.

The data shows, for example, that the Baltimore region is reliant on a larger share of exposed sector employment within its economy than its neighbors to the south in the Capital region. This suggests that the economic impact of the pandemic may be more acute in greater Baltimore than other regions with more diversified economies.

“COVID-19 has taken a toll on our region’s residents and threatens to have a protracted impact on our economy,” said BMC Executive Director Michael B. Kelly. “As a planning organization, our goal is to present the data and bring together the partners to frame our post-pandemic future.”

The dashboard also displays transportation data, including regional transit ridership and the percentage of people staying home by county. As of early July, transit ridership was still down 60% year over year, though it had improved from the low point of nearly -78% in late April. Similarly, Maryland Transportation Institute data shows that Baltimore City and Howard County residents stayed home at significantly higher rates than their counterparts in Queen Anne’s and Carroll Counties in the first week of July. The fewer people traveling has a corresponding impact on economic activity, such as retail and restaurant sales.

In the coming weeks, BMC aims to add additional data points around new building permits, as well as housing delinquencies and homelessness.

 

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) welcomes comments on its draft Budget & Work Program for Fiscal Years 2020-2021 through Thursday, March 12, 2020.

The BRTB is scheduled to vote on the final Budget & Work Program on Friday, May 1, 2020. 

What is the UPWP?

The BRTB’s Budget & Work Program is known as the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for Transportation Planning. It is a federal requirement that details projects, studies and other activities to be completed by BRTB members and staff of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC).

The BRTB develops this list of regional transportation planning activities every two fiscal years. This addendum includes an updated budget for FY 2021 of $8,901,750.

UPWP funds support staff for regional planning activities with some consultant assistance. New projects for FY 2021 include:

• Transportation and Land Use Connection Grants - Provide short-term consultant services to local jurisdictions for small planning projects that either improve access to existing communities and regional generators of economic activity or promote mixed-use, walkable communities and that support a variety of transportation alternatives. This is directly related to several strategies the BRTB adopted in developing the regional long-range transportation plan, Maximize2045.
• Patapsco Regional Greenway – Funds consultant services to advance the design and planning for a second segment of the Patapsco Regional Greenway, a proposed 30-mile trail from Sykesville in Carroll County to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
• Baltimore Region Transit Governance and Funding – Study, analyze and recommend alternative governance and funding models for the Baltimore area transit system to the current state-led model. Identify potential approaches that more equitably distribute governing and funding responsibilities, improve performance, accountability and increased ridership on Baltimore’s transit system. This proposed project is an outgrowth of the Regional Transit Plan for Central Maryland.
• Transit Priority Screening – Evaluate up to three corridors where local transit operates to see if travel time is improved by providing priority to transit vehicles at certain intersections controlled by traffic signals.
• Infrastructure in a Changing Climate – To address impacts that are already evident, this task will develop the Resource Toolkit for Planning, Operating, and Maintaining Local Infrastructure in a Changing Climate. The Toolkit will provide ways that operations and maintenance departments could consider climate change in their decisions today and in coming years to ensure operations remain as efficient as possible, while considering impacts on resources, staff, and on our community.

View the Addendum to the FY 2020-2021 UPWP or a list of Frequently Asked Questions

Download the Budget & Work Program for FY 2020-2021 or visit BMC to view a printed copy.

B’More Involved

The public is invited to provide feedback on these proposed regional transportation planning activities through Thursday, March 12, 2020.

To learn more about the UPWP and the proposed updated budget and projects, please view the recording below of the virtual public meeting held on Wednesday, February 19 at noon.

Virtual Public Meeting

Please send all comments in writing to:

ONLINE	EMAIL	TWITTER	MAIL	FAX
BRTB Comment Form	comments@baltometro.org	@BaltoMetroCo    @BmoreInvolved  #BRTBlistens	The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board 1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300 Baltimore, MD 21230	410-732-8248

 

The public may also provide feedback during the Public Comment Opportunity at the BRTB monthly meetings at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, Tuesday, March 24, or before the vote at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, May 1. at the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), located at 1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21230.

View:

The BRTB is the federally recognized metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for transportation in the region. BMC provides the BRTB with staff support.

The 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. 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.
 

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) board of directors voted to install Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. as its 2020 chair at its meeting on Friday, January 17th. Carroll County Commission President Stephen Wantz was selected to serve as Vice Chair. This meeting also marked the launch of BMC’s regional marketing campaign for the 2020 Census, aimed at reaching hard-to-count populations in greater Baltimore.

BMC worked with participating counties to coordinate a campaign aimed at encouraging residents of greater Baltimore to get counted in the upcoming Census. The campaign targets populations that the U.S. Census Bureau defines as “hard-to-count,” including renters, seniors, low-income, parents of young children, and limited-English speakers.

“The Census plays a significant role in how federal funds are allocated to our counties and our region, which is why it is so important for everyone to be counted,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. “I am proud to serve as 2020 chair of the BMC and I’m proud of Baltimore County for engaging our county partners across the region to bring this campaign together.”

Campaign ads will describe why the Census is important, including its impact on federal funding for education, transportation, economic development, healthcare and other essential programs.

The following six jurisdictions participated in the campaign: Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Harford County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County and Carroll County.

“This marketing campaign is an example of local governments maximizing resources to make a regional impact,” said BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly. “I want to thank our Chair, County Executive Olszewski, for making this a priority.”

The regional 2020 Census radio ads will run on WERQ-FM 92.3, WLIF-HD2 106.1, WOLB-AM 1010, WWIN-FM 95.9, WLIF-FM 101.9, HFS-FM 104.9, WJZ-AM 1300, WCAO-AM 600, WLZL-FM 107.9 and Ke Pachanga radio stations. The campaign will air from Wednesday, January 15th through Sunday, June 14th. Messages will encourage listeners to visit census.maryland.gov for more information.

"As the liaison to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) supports collaboration and partnerships at every level with the goal of counting every person in Maryland in the 2020 Census," said Planning Secretary Robert McCord. "The Census is a family portrait we take every ten years and we need to show what Maryland really looks like by having everyone in the picture."

The campaign is financed in part with State funds from Maryland’s 2020 Census Grant Program.

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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.

Stakeholders gather to discuss 'Barriers to Employment Opportunity' in the Baltimore Region and 'Scaling Workforce Programming in Baltimore' reports

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, December, 16th, 2019) - The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) held a workforce policy briefing to announce the results of two critical research projects impacting workforce development in the Baltimore region on Monday, December 16th at 8:00AM. The event took place at BMC’s offices - 1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21230. The briefing included presentations on the Barriers to Employment Opportunity and Scaling Workforce Development Programming in Baltimore reports. Steuart Pittman, Anne Arundel County Executive and BMC board member, kicked off the morning with welcome remarks to a room of approximately 75 guests.
 
BMC’s Barriers to Employment Opportunity report tracks self-identified barriers to employment from job seekers in our local workforce area (Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, and Howard Counties), including current data and an analysis of how challenges have shifted over the last five years.
 
The report showed that some of the barriers identified were:

• Difficulties using technology and computers
• A need for new skills
• Affordability of professional clothes, transit fare, and other job-related costs
• Childcare costs
• Housing insecurity

 
“Barriers to employment opportunity continue to impact job seekers in the Baltimore region in complex and interconnected ways,” said Mike Kelly, Executive Director of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council. “We hope that this report helps our workforce development partners to develop programs that help jobseekers across the region find success.”
 
 Many Workforce Development stakeholders in the Baltimore region attended the briefing to learn more about the latest barriers survey data. Many of the attendees were educators, employers and workforce development professionals dedicated to creating opportunities and solutions in the Baltimore region.

Barriers to Employment Opportunity Report

 Linda Dworak, Director of the Baltimore Workforce Funders Collaborative, also presented an overview of the Scaling Workforce Development Programming in Baltimore report recently released by the Abell Foundation. Dworak highighted recommendations on how to achieve scale in local workforce development programming while advancing equity and without compromising quality.
 
The report finds that there is both labor market demand and organizational disposition for the expansion of current workforce development efforts in Baltimore City, which could put more job seekers to work. This finding prompts a call for increased funding for effective industry-sector workforce development approaches, including the expansion of local public-sector resources and investments by employers in target industry sectors. Further, the report emphasizes a focus on equity as both a process and an outcome.
 
“Baltimore City has many successful workforce development programs that need additional investment in order to scale,” said Dworak. “I am confident that this report and the work of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council will help us grow our proven models in order to connect more people with in-demand careers.”

Scaling Workforce Development Programming in Baltimore Report

Following the presentations, local workforce development experts discussed the implications of the two reports. The panel included Kirkland Murray, President CEO of Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation; Adrea Turner, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Senior Policy Advisor at the Greater Baltimore Committee; and Tiffani Truss, Director of Training Services at Jane Addams Resource Corporation.

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