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.

Thanks for your interest in Reaching Resilience 2050, our Q&A series fleshing out the people and processes behind our latest long-range transportation plan. To read the plan in full, explore potential projects near you and learn how to share your feedback, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

Cynthia Burch is a Transportation Planner for Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

Hi Cindy! To get started, please tell us more about your work on safety.

I focus on traffic safety planning and programming throughout the region. I am an epidemiologist/researcher and joined BMC five years ago to support local planning. I work with a lot of local partners in the development and implementation of Strategic Highway Safety Plans (SHSP). All states must have a safety plan, our focus on local safety plans will help make our roads, drivers and non-motorists safer and aim to eliminate crash-related deaths. I also support other safety planning in the region, facilitate a safety subcommittee and work closely with state partners.

Right. Folks might recognize the #VisionZero and #BeTheDriver messages we share on social media. And what do you do to support Resilience 2050?

Safety is a priority in all projects, from planning to design to building. During the project proposal phase, I review each submission and score it for safety benefits. That criteria includes a connection to the agency’s local safety plan and benefit to an underserved area in the region. This year, the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board updated the project selection methodology to give a boost to projects prioritizing safety, which is critical to helping us pursue the vision of a safer transportation system for all users.

Nice! And you mentioned your committee. Who are the key partners you work with?

The primary safety partners are the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board in the region and the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office (MHSO). Local safety plans are designed to be multi-disciplinary and involve many different agency types for implementing projects. Key partners for increasing safety and eliminating deaths include, but are not limited to: engineers, planners, law enforcement, emergency medical services, school systems, health departments, non-profit organizations and community organizations.

And what key highlights do you hope folks take away?

Unfortunately, there has been a significant change in driving behaviors in the last five years that has resulted in more fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways. We are focused on turning that around and believe that a holistic approach with many different partners will yield improvement. Many partners both inside and out of traditional transportation fields are focused and trying new projects to save lives. This is particularly important for non-motorists, as pedestrians, bicyclists and others not in motor vehicles are the most vulnerable road users.

This is crucial work, so thank you. How can folks learn more and get involved?

Please feel free to reach out to me about safety planning throughout the region and I’m happy to make connections with the local safety teams. Being engaged at the local, regional or state level is appreciated and encouraged. The Baltimore Regional Safety Subcommittee meets quarterly and all meetings are open to the public. Please refer to our website for dates and times of upcoming meetings. Last, but far from least, please be a conscious and conscientious user of the transportation network. Slow down, put the phone down, driver sober and use sidewalks and bike lanes as intended.

That's all from Cynthia, but check out our other Reaching Resilience 2050 entries on Air Quality, Climate Resilience and Project Implementation. To learn more about our Resilience 2050 long-range transportation plan, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

Thanks for your interest in Reaching Resilience 2050, our Q&A series fleshing out the people and processes behind our latest long-range transportation plan. To read the plan in full, explore potential projects near you and learn how to share your feedback, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

Eileen Singleton is a Principal Transportation Engineer for Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

Hi Eileen! Let's dive in. Please tell us a bit about you and your work.

I’m a civil engineer, and when I joined BMC in 1998, I was hired to work on projects related to planning for intelligent transportation systems, or ITS. ITS projects use technology and interagency communications to improve how the transportation network operates. One example is the use of cameras and sensors to “see” traffic, and, using web and phone applications, to let travelers and operators know what’s going on. Another example is providing real time arrival information to transit riders. Climate resilience was not an explicit focus of my work back then but the resilience of the transportation network was certainly enhanced by the use of ITS, allowing the most people to use these facilities without building capacity and providing awareness of conditions to system operators and travelers. Over the last several years, my work expanded to include climate resilience explicitly, and we’ve developed documents to support climate resilience preparedness in departments of public works (DPWs) and transportation (DOTs): Climate Change Resource Guide and Climate Resilience Guidance for Local Jurisdictions. 

Wow! This type of work is more urgent than ever. How does it fit into the preparation of Resilience 2050?

The Climate Change Resource Guide includes a chapter on historical climate trends and climate projections for the region. The information from this chapter was incorporated into the climate resilience chapter of Resilience 2050. And much of the Climate Change and Resilience White Paper developed for Resilience 2050 is taken from that Guide. The Guide also includes examples of climate adaptation strategies that can be used to reduce the impacts of climate change on DOT and DPW resources. Considerations of equity have been incorporated throughout Resilience 2050, and it is especially important to consider climate resilience of populations that have traditionally felt more of the burden of climate change impacts, including people of color, those who are low-income or have disabilities, children, and the elderly.

Speak on it! And who are the key partners you engage in this effort?

The target audience for the two climate projects is local DPWs and DOTs. In addition to staff from these agencies, we had participation by local staff members from planning and sustainability offices as well as state and federal partners. Each project had a steering committee that met with the consultant team several times to provide input on the documents. These partners also reviewed drafts of all documents and attended smaller topic-focused meetings with the consultant team. The Climate Resilience for Local Jurisdictions project also included three workshops – focused on transportation, water, and stormwater – and an even wider range of partners attended those to ensure our work is coordinated across agencies and levels of government. As local DPWs and DOTs incorporate resilience strategies, they will include a wider range of stakeholders from within their jurisdictions as well as from their communities

Speaking of, what key highlights do you hope folks take away?

A few things come to mind: 

• The climate of our region has been changing (refer to Chapter 2 of the Climate Change Resource Guide). Annual average temperature has been increasing over the last century and there is a clear upward trend. Also, sea levels in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries have been rising, leading to significant increases in “nuisance flooding” (i.e., flooding from high tides even during sunny days).
• Our local DPWs and DOTs have been seeing and responding to impacts from the changing climate (refer to Chapter 3 of the Climate Change Resource Guide).
• Climate change impacts have been felt disproportionately by vulnerable populations, including people of color, those who are low-income or have disabilities, children, and the elderly.
• Temperatures are projected to increase dramatically in our region in the coming decades (refer to Chapter 2 of the Climate Change Resource Guide).
• Total precipitation is not projected to increase that much overall but we will continue to experience more extreme precipitation events, like the major floods in Old Ellicott City in 2016 and 2018 (refer to Chapter 2 of the Climate Change Resource Guide).
• These changes have and will continue to directly impact our transportation network. Our DPWs and DOTs must continue to incorporate these changes into their plans, projects, and programs so our transportation network remains as resilient as possible and all of us can travel as safely and efficiently as possible.

Thanks. Lastly, how can folks learn more and stay involved?

If you’d like to learn more about our climate resilience work, you can check out our recent Climate Change Resource Guide and Climate Resilience Guidance for Local Jurisdictions. Chapter 2 of the Climate Change Resource Guide has an overview of how our region’s climate has changed and how it is projected to change between now and 2100. The Climate Change and Resilience White Paper also outlines some of the key topics from the Climate Change Resource Guide

That's all from Eileen, but check out our other Reaching Resilience 2050 entries on Air Quality, Project Implementation and Safety. To learn more about our Resilience 2050 long-range transportation plan, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

Thanks for your interest in Reaching Resilience 2050, our Q&A series fleshing out the people and processes behind our latest long-range transportation plan. To read the plan in full, explore potential projects near you and learn how to share your feedback, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

Anna Marshall is an Environmental Planner for Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

Hi Anna! First thing first, tell us about you and your work.

I serve as the environmental planner with a main focus on air quality. I lead the air quality conformity process, which is a federally required process under the Clean Air Act, as well as monitor and research new policies and goals from federal agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or major pollutants. I also work at Clean Air Partners, which is a non-profit serving residents in the D.C. and Baltimore metro region about air quality, how ozone is created and how people can help reduce emissions. 

Nice! Folks might recognize Clean Air Partners content from our social media channels. How does this work fit into the preparation of Resilience 2050?

The air quality conformity process is an integral component of Resilience 2050. Unfortunately, the Baltimore region does not yet meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, or NAAQS, for ground-level ozone. As a result, the EPA has classified the region as a moderate nonattainment area for the 2015 8-hour ozone standard, which is 70 parts per billion (ppb). Because of this classification, we need to complete the air quality conformity determination process to demonstrate that the transportation projects detailed in Resilience 2050 will not cause new air quality violations, worsen existing violations or delay timely attainment of air quality standards.

And who are the key partners supporting you in this process?

Part of my role is leading the Interagency Consultation Group meetings, in which representatives from Maryland Department of the Environment, Maryland Department of Transportation and the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board are the voting members. Clean Air Partners is also a great resource, providing important information and messaging that can be shared with a variety of audiences.

Speaking of, what key highlights do you hope folks take away?

Ground level ozone, or smog, is caused by tailpipe emissions from cars, trucks and other vehicles. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted into the air while driving, and these gases then react with sunlight to create ozone. There is an opportunity to reduce ozone emissions by implementing transportation projects that reduce congestion, increase bike and pedestrian activities, and reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). We’re on the right track. Air quality in the Baltimore region has been improving, and ozone pollution has decreased. Small changes in your everyday routine can make a difference! Things like:

• Combine your errands into one trip
• Telework at least one day per week, if possible
• Bike or walk to work, and carpool!
• Don’t top off your gas tank once it is full. The extra gas will just evaporate off.
• Keep up with regular maintenance of your car. Not only will you be safer, the car will be more efficient.
• Limit outdoor activities and driving on high ozone days. You can check the air quality forecast where you live at: cleanairpartners.net

Taking notes here! How can folks learn more and stay involved?

You can visit cleanairpartners.net to get daily air quality forecasts, more information about air pollution, and ways you can help keep the air clean. You can also check out more information about our environmental work at baltometro.org/environment/planning-areas/air-quality. 

That's all from Anna, but check out our other Reaching Resilience 2050 entries on Climate Resilience, Project Implementation and Safety. To learn more about our Resilience 2050 long-range transportation plan, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

Thanks for your interest in Reaching Resilience 2050, our Q&A series fleshing out the people and processes behind our latest long-range transportation plan. To read the plan in full, explore potential projects near you and learn how to share your feedback, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

Regina Aris is Assistant Director of Transportation for Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

Hi Regina! To start off, tell us a little about your work at BMC.

I manage our team of subject matter experts to facilitate the planning processes for short- and long-term investments in our region’s transportation system. These investments support operations, system preservation and expansion of road, transit and bicycle/pedestrian facilities. At every stage, we follow federal rules for adopting plan goals and strategies, project prioritization, financial forecasting and public engagement to ensure that projects align with regional and local priorities. The plans prepared by our staff lay the foundation for funding, design and construction of new projects.

And how does this work fit into the preparation of Resilience 2050?

We develop a new long-range transportation plan (LRTP) every four years, and Resilience 2050 is our latest. This is where it all starts. MDOT and local jurisdictions submit candidate projects for inclusion in the LRTP, which we score on metrics such as priority, mobility and accessibility, safety and the environment. For Resilience 2050, we received 98 candidate projects and included 92 in the plan. We draw from projects in the LRTP to develop a short-range Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). When the TIP is approved, funding starts to flow.

Good stuff. Who are the key partners supporting this process?

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, which includes members representing the local jurisdictions and state agencies supporting our region’s transportation system, guides and approves our planning work. We work closely with these partners to develop and implement planned projects. We also work with expert consultants to tackle project-specific challenges. Additionally, local businesses, nonprofits and members of the public are important stakeholders to engage. We collect and consider feedback at every stage of planning, and we’re grateful to everyone who engages with our work.

Preach! And what key highlights do you hope folks take away?

In our outreach around previous short- and long-range plans, we heard clear calls to prioritize transit investments. For Resilience 2050, we altered our project scoring methodology to make transit projects eligible for more points than roadway projects. As a result, the plan includes all 36 of the transit projects submitted, and 56 of the 62 roadway projects submitted. We also increased the number of points for safety in response to the tragic uptick in deaths and serious injuries our transportation system has seen in recent years. We want to reverse this trend.

How can folks learn more and stay involved?

By following our social media channels, subscribing to our newsletters and checking our website now and then is a great start. This is where we’ll share more detailed plans for specific projects and the associated public involvement opportunities. When you see us asking for comments on a reconstructed bus facility, a trail extension or a bridge replacement, please take a few minutes to learn more and let us know your thoughts. Join our public meetings if you can. We’d love to have you.

That's all from Regina, but check out our other Reaching Resilience 2050 entries on Air Quality, Climate Resilience and Safety. To learn more about our Resilience 2050 long-range transportation plan, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, May 26, 2023) – Bike to Work Central Maryland wrapped its 26^th 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 25^th 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.