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Press Release

Press Releases

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, January 30, 2023) – Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) released the recommendations of the Baltimore Regional Transit Governing and Funding Workgroup on Monday. The workgroup was formed by the BMC Board of Directors in July of 2022 to develop recommendations for the future of transit in our region.

The workgroup was chaired by Delegate Tony Bridges (Baltimore City, District 41), a member of the BMC Board of Directors. “I’m proud of the results from this group, and I’m looking forward to keeping our momentum rolling,” said Bridges. “Acting on these recommendations would be a big step toward achieving more equitable, accessible and accountable transit for Baltimore.”

The workgroup included more than a dozen leaders from local community groups, planning agencies, businesses and unions. Senator Mary Washington (Baltimore City, District 43) represented the State Senate on the workgroup. Members met monthly through fall 2022 to develop the recommendations, hearing public comments at each session.

The report includes five recommendations for timely action by our local governments, the Maryland General Assembly and the Moore-Miller administration.

  1. To create a Baltimore Regional Transit Commission;
  2. To require a Regional Consolidated Transportation Plan tour;
  3. To restructure the LOTS Programs so that flexible funds can support both existing and growing transit;
  4. To reconstitute and empower the Maryland Transportation Commission to provide oversight and transparency to the CTP process; and
  5. To conduct a formal study of the creation of a Baltimore Regional Transit Authority.


See the full report for more details.

Report pages
The report includes five recommendations for timely action by our local governments, the Maryland General Assembly and the Moore-Miller administration.

“This could be a game changer for helping more residents across the region access jobs, healthcare, education, recreation – everything that supports increased quality of life,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, BMC’s board chair. “Our transit system is important to every county in the Baltimore region and we look forward to partnering with the Moore-Miller administration on these efforts.”

The report notes that the Baltimore region is the only large metropolitan area in the nation with a transit system operated by a state agency without the oversight of a board or commission. Local stakeholders lack influence on how the regional transit network is planned, built, operated and funded.

The report recommends the creation of a Baltimore Regional Transit Commission to support the operations of MTA’s core service network in the Baltimore region as a first step. It also highlights the need to support growth of the region’s Locally Operated Transit Systems, particularly in areas not currently served by Maryland Transit Administration (MTA).

 “Baltimore’s transit system is one of the largest in the United States, but our communities have little voice in their own system,” said Dr. Celeste Chavis, a professor of transportation and urban infrastructure studies at Morgan State University and workgroup member. “Execution of the recommendations in this report will have a profound impact on decades to come.”

The report highlights a lack of investment in Baltimore’s core transit network. After the cancellation of the Red Line, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) moved forward with the construction of the Purple Line in the DC suburbs. The Purple Line’s cost overruns alone have exceeded the entire estimated costs of the Red Line. Meanwhile, Baltimore’s regional transit system hasn’t seen a new rail line since 1993.

The report also notes that MTA has identified a nearly $2 billion in funds needed to maintain a state of good repair for their assets over the next decade. Finally, the report recommends that the Maryland General Assembly formally study the merits of an independent Baltimore Regional Transit Authority. That recommendation calls for a final report in the fall of 2024.

BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly thanked the members of the workgroup for their thoughtful participation, and feels optimistic about the prospect of meaningful progress.

“These recommendations outline early but important steps in a much longer journey,” Kelly said. “We have a really significant opportunity here.”

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Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve quality of life and economic vitality. As the Baltimore region’s council of governments, BMC hosts the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) and supports local government by coordinating efforts in a range of policy areas including emergency preparedness, housing, cooperative purchasing, environmental planning and workforce development.

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.

Press Releases

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.

 

US 40 Shared-Use Path Options Map
Join a meeting to discuss these options at the Havre de Grace Community Center on February 9 at 6:00 p.m.

 

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.

Estudiando el transporte en los centros historicos de Ellicott City y Oella

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News Title
Estudiando el transporte en los centros historicos de Ellicott City y Oella
News Short Description
BMC, junto con los condados de Baltimore y Howard, revisará las condiciones de transporte en estas áreas del centro histórico y recomendará mejoras.
News Long Description

BALTIMORE, MD (jueves, 17 de noviembre de 2022) – El Consejo Metropolitano de Baltimore (BMC), en asociación con el condado de Howard y el condado de Baltimore, está desarrollando un estudio de las condiciones de transporte en los centros históricos de las ciudades de Ellicott City y Oella.

El estudio recopilará y analizará datos sobre las condiciones de transporte en estas áreas del centro histórico para los usuarios de todos los modos de transporte y recomendará formas de mejorar el acceso y la seguridad multimodal, la gestión del estacionamiento y la señalización. Un informe incluirá las mejores prácticas para implementar proyectos en los centros históricos de las ciudades de la región de Baltimore.

 

Historic Town Centers Open House Meeting Flier

Se llevará a cabo una reunión de puertas abiertas y un debate en el Roger Carter Community Center, Oella Room el 8 de diciembre a las 6:00 p.m.

Un período de comentarios públicos para recopilar comentarios sobre los desafíos y oportunidades de transporte en estas áreas comienza hoy y finalizará el 22 de diciembre de 2022. Los miembros del público pueden unirse al personal de BMC, el condado de Howard y el condado de Baltimore para una reunión de puertas abiertas y un debate en el Roger Carter Community Center en Ellicott City el 8 de diciembre de 6:00 p.m. a las 7:30 p.m.

Las formas de comentar incluyen:

Envíe un correo electrónico a historictowncenters@publicinput.com

Envíe la palabra clave 'historictowncenters' al 73224

Deje un mensaje de voz al 855-925-5621 x 5621

En línea en publicinput.com/historictowncenters

En las redes sociales con #BRTBListens

Únase a nuestra reunión de puertas abiertas el 8 de diciembre de 6:00 p. m. a 7:30 p. m., Roger Carter Community Center, Oella Room, 3000 Milltowne Drive, Ellicott City MD 21043

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El Consejo Metropolitano de Baltimore (BMC) trabaja en colaboración con los principales funcionarios electos de la región para crear iniciativas para mejorar nuestra calidad de vida y vitalidad económica. BMC, como el consejo de gobiernos de la región de Baltimore, alberga la Junta Regional de Transporte de Baltimore (BRTB), la organización federal de planificación metropolitana (MPO), y apoya al gobierno local mediante la coordinación de esfuerzos en una variedad de áreas de política que incluyen preparación para emergencias, vivienda, compras cooperativas. , planificación ambiental y desarrollo de la fuerza laboral.

La junta directiva de BMC incluye a los ejecutivos de los condados de Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford y Howard, el alcalde de la ciudad de Baltimore, miembro de las juntas de comisionados del condado de Carroll y del condado de Queen Anne, miembro del Senado del estado de Maryland, miembro de la Cámara de Delegados de Maryland, y un gobernador designado del sector privado.

Haga clic aquí para ver todas las noticias en español.

 

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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.

 

Historic Town Centers Open House Meeting Flier
An open house meeting and discussion will take place at the Roger Carter Community Center, Oella Room on December 8 at 6:00 p.m.

 

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:

 

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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.

Press Releases

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.

 

Annual Report Cover, Transportation Planning and Bike to Work panels
Click here to 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 4th Chesapeake Connect trip. A few months later, greater Baltimore’s 25th 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.

BMC desarrolla un plan conceptual de carril para bicicletas US 40 en el condado de Harford

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News Title
BMC desarrolla un plan conceptual de carril para bicicletas US 40 en el condado de Harford
News Short Description
El período de comentarios públicos cierra el 27 de noviembre e incluirá una reunión pública virtual el 2 de noviembre.
News Long Description

BALTIMORE, MD (lunes, 31 de octubre de 2022) – El Consejo Metropolitano de Baltimore (BMC) está desarrollando un plan conceptual para mejoras para ciclistas y peatones a lo largo de un tramo de la US 40 en el condado de Harford. El período de comentarios públicos sobre el plan se cerrará el 27 de noviembre de 2022 e incluirá una reunión pública virtual el 2 de noviembre a las 6:00 p.m.

El plan conceptual examinará un segmento de cinco millas de la US 40 (autopista Pulaski) entre la estación de tren de Aberdeen en Aberdeen y Erie Street en Havre de Grace, y proporcionará una base para el futuro desarrollo, implementación y mantenimiento de un camino para bicicletas bicicletas y peatones a lo largo del corredor.

 

Project Site Map -- Aberdeen to Havre de Grace

Un mapa muestra el tramo de la US 40 entre Aberdeen y Havre de Grace considerado en este plan conceptual.

 

Dos opciones propuestas incluyen un camino de uso compartido a lo largo del tráfico en dirección oeste en el lado norte de la carretera, o un camino de uso compartido a lo largo del tráfico en dirección este en el lado sur de la carretera. Obtenga más información sobre los detalles de cada propuesta en línea en publicinput.com/us40bikeped.

Los miembros del público pueden comentar sobre las opciones propuestas. Los comentarios serán revisados por el personal de BMC y un comité asesor de partes interesadas, y ayudarán a dar forma al plan conceptual final.

Las formas de comentar incluyen:

Correo electrónico: us40bikeped@publicinput.com

Texto: palabra clave us40bikeped a 73224

Correo de voz: 855-925-2801 x 4009

En línea: publicinput.com/us40bikeped

En las redes sociales con #BRTBListens

Reunión pública: 2 de noviembre a las 18:00 h. a través de Zoom

 

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El Consejo Metropolitano de Baltimore (BMC) trabaja en colaboración con los principales funcionarios electos de la región para crear iniciativas para mejorar nuestra calidad de vida y vitalidad económica. BMC, como el consejo de gobiernos de la región de Baltimore, alberga la Junta Regional de Transporte de Baltimore (BRTB), la organización federal de planificación metropolitana (MPO), y apoya al gobierno local mediante la coordinación de esfuerzos en una variedad de áreas de política que incluyen preparación para emergencias, vivienda, compras cooperativas. , planificación ambiental y desarrollo de la fuerza laboral.

La junta directiva de BMC incluye a los ejecutivos de los condados de Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford y Howard, el alcalde de la ciudad de Baltimore, miembro de las juntas de comisionados del condado de Carroll y del condado de Queen Anne, miembro del Senado del estado de Maryland, miembro de la Cámara de Delegados de Maryland, y un gobernador designado del sector privado.

Haga clic aquí para ver todas las noticias en español.

 

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Press Releases

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.

 

Project Site Map -- Aberdeen to Havre de Grace
A map shows the stretch of US 40 between Aberdeen and Havre de Grace considered in this concept plan.

 

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.

BMC Energy Board obtiene ahorros récord de $32,5 millones

News Date
News Title
BMC Energy Board obtiene ahorros récord de $32,5 millones
News Short Description
Con un gasto anual en suministro de energía de $107 millones en el año fiscal 2022, la Junta de Energía es el mayor cliente de Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE).
News Long Description

BALTIMORE, MD (lunes, 19 de septiembre de 2022) – Un subcomité de compra de energía del Consejo Metropolitano de Baltimore (BMC) ahorró un récord de $32,5 millones en electricidad en el año fiscal 2022, y ha ahorrado un total de $216,5 millones desde su creación en 2006 en comparación a la alternativa de tarifa fija del servicio de oferta estándar de la empresa eléctrica local (BGE).

La Junta de Energía, un subcomité del Comité de Compras Cooperativas Regionales de Baltimore (BRCPC) de BMC, supervisa la compra de energía para los participantes, incluidos los gobiernos de ciudades y condados, escuelas públicas, colegios comunitarios y algunas organizaciones sin fines de lucro en todo el centro de Maryland. Las carteras combinadas de estos participantes, que incluyen electricidad y gas natural, representaron un gasto anual en suministro de energía de $107 millones en el año fiscal 2022.

El director ejecutivo de BMC, Mike Kelly, celebró el ahorro récord, que ayuda a amortiguar el aumento en los precios de la energía que enfrentan los participantes y las comunidades de la Junta de Energía en toda la región.

“En BMC estamos comprometidos a trabajar con nuestras agencias asociadas para apoyar la salud y la prosperidad de la región”, dijo Kelly. “Los ahorros generados por la Junta de Energía ilustran que juntos somos más fuertes”.

 

Chart depicting Energy Board year-over-year and net savings.

Con un gasto anual en suministro de energía de $107 millones en el año fiscal 2022, la Junta de Energía es el mayor cliente de Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE).

 

El presidente de la Junta de Energía, Matthew Carpenter, jefe de presupuesto y administración del condado de Baltimore, señaló que, dado que los precios han aumentado en muchos sectores, el precio de la electricidad y el gas natural ha experimentado algunos de los aumentos más pronunciados. Según un índice de precios al consumidor de la Oficina de Estadísticas Laborales publicado en marzo, el costo de la electricidad en la región de Baltimore aumentó un 18,4 por ciento en comparación con el año anterior, mientras que el costo del gas natural aumentó un 21,2 por ciento.

Explicó que los participantes de la Junta de Energía cubren colectivamente las compras de electricidad y gas natural durante un período de tres años, evitando los costos en los que incurrirían si los participantes individuales compraran energía a la tarifa estándar y ayudando a disminuir los impactos de los picos volátiles en el mercado de la energía.

“La estrategia de la Junta de Energía definitivamente ha valido la pena”, dijo Carpenter. “Este nivel de evasión de costos brinda la garantía de que los miembros se han tomado muy en serio la gestión de sus fondos públicos”.

El ejecutivo del condado de Harford, Barry Glassman, presidente de la junta de BMC, elogió el trabajo de la Junta de Energía como una colaboración bienvenida.

“Estoy orgulloso del papel de BMC en la obtención de estos ahorros”, dijo Glassman. “Ahora más que nunca, necesitamos más de este pensamiento inteligente y fiscalmente responsable en Maryland”.

Noel Chesser, asesor principal de la consultora de la Junta de Energía Enel X, dijo que dado que los precios mundiales del petróleo y el gas natural experimentaron aumentos históricos debido a una convergencia de factores, Enel X ha ayudado a los participantes con esfuerzos de ahorro de costos y energía. Señaló que Enel X también ha estado atento a los desarrollos en energía renovable y continuará ayudando a los participantes de la Junta de Energía a disminuir la dependencia de las fuentes de energía no renovables.

Para obtener más información sobre el Consejo de Energía, haga clic aquí.



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El Consejo Metropolitano de Baltimore (BMC) trabaja en colaboración con los principales funcionarios electos de la región para crear iniciativas para mejorar nuestra calidad de vida y vitalidad económica. BMC, como el consejo de gobiernos de la región de Baltimore, alberga la Junta Regional de Transporte de Baltimore (BRTB), la organización federal de planificación metropolitana (MPO), y apoya al gobierno local mediante la coordinación de esfuerzos en una variedad de áreas de política que incluyen preparación para emergencias, vivienda, compras cooperativas. , planificación ambiental y desarrollo de la fuerza laboral.

La junta directiva de BMC incluye a los ejecutivos de los condados de Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford y Howard, el alcalde de la ciudad de Baltimore, miembro de las juntas de comisionados del condado de Carroll y del condado de Queen Anne, miembro del Senado del estado de Maryland, miembro de la Cámara de Delegados de Maryland, y un gobernador designado del sector privado.

Haga clic aquí para ver todas las noticias en español.

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""

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.”

Chart depicting Energy Board year-over-year and net savings.
With an annual energy supply spend of $107 million in fiscal year 2022, the Energy Board is the largest customer of Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE).

 

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.

BMC Newsroom

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 15th 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.