B’more Involved keeps you informed and engaged in activities around the region. Each month, discover opportunities to shape the Baltimore region's future through surveys, events, and public meetings. Don’t just stay informed—get involved and make an impact!

In the February 2026 Issue: We’re highlighting opportunities to weigh in on regional and state transportation budgets, share feedback on major projects like the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study, attend upcoming public meetings, apply for safety grants, explore commuter and biking programs, and get winter road safety tips — and stay connected through the BMC Engagement Hub.

CHECK OUT THE BRTB'S 
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING BUDGET

Did you know? The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) receives federal funding each year to plan the future of transportation in our region. We use this money to set priorities and begin studies, data collection, and public outreach—and community input helps shape those decisions.

Specific tasks we’re planning this year ($3.4M total):

• Exploring faster, more reliable bus service and safer streets
• Preparing for new transportation technology and future travel options
• Using data to understand flooding risks and protect our transportation system
• Supporting walkable, transit-oriented communities
• Improving how the public can share ideas and shape decisions locally 

Learn more, take the survey, or share comments (online, by text, email, or voicemail) by Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Share your thoughts at yourregionyourvoice.org/BRTBbudget
 

MARYLAND RELEASES TRANSPORTATION BUDGET 

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has released its six-year transportation budget, totaling $22.1 billion, for fiscal years 2026–2031. This budget shows how transportation money will be spent across the state to improve safety, keep systems running, and support access to jobs and services. Additional state funding approved last year helped Maryland bring in more federal dollars for transportation.

In the Baltimore region, this plan includes upgrades to the Baltimore Light Rail and improvements at the Port of Baltimore—two systems many people rely on every day, whether they ride transit, work at the port, or depend on goods moving through it. The goal is to make these systems safer, more reliable, and better prepared for the future.

The budget includes $10 million to plan future transportation projects. This funding supports early planning for priority highway, walking, biking, and transit projects. It is part of a new process to help choose the projects that move forward. 

Public feedback shared during the CTP Tour meetings in all jurisdictions helped shape this program. The next step is review and approval by the Maryland General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session (January–early April). This is when lawmakers hold hearings and vote on the budget—and when the public can still learn more, follow the discussion, and share their views with elected officials.

View the MD transportation budget at ctp.maryland.gov
 

MDTA WELCOMES COMMENTS ON THE
CHESAPEAKE BAY CROSSING STUDY

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is holding public hearings to share updates and gather feedback on the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study.  The hearings will focus on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and MDTA’s recommended option (Alternative C). 

Review the study, learn about potential impacts, and provide testimony at one of these public hearings: 

• Monday, February 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. (Virtual) 
• Tuesday, February 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. 
  Broadneck High School (1265 Green Holly Drive, Annapolis, MD 21409)
• Thursday, February 12 at from 5 to 8 p.m. 
  Kent Island High School (900 Love Point Road, Stevensville, MD 21666)

Comments will be accepted through Monday, March 9.

Learn more at baycrossingstudy.com
 

UPCOMING REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION BOARD MEETINGS

Several regional transportation boards are meeting soon, and the public is welcome to attend.

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) sets regional priorities for major transportation investments—such as roads, transit, biking, and walking—and helps decide how federal transportation funds are spent. The BRTB meets monthly. Their next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24 at 9:00 a.m. 

Learn more at baltometro.org/BRTB

The Baltimore Regional Transit Commission (BRTC) provides oversight and advice on transit services in the Baltimore region, including reviewing Maryland Transit Administration activities and budgets.  The next meeting is set for Friday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid). 

Learn more at baltometro.org/BRTC
 

NEW PILOT SEEKS TO HELP COMMUTERS ALONG MD 295

MDOT has launched a six-month pilot along MD 295 (between West Nursery Road and I-95) to help make people's commutes easier. Through the Commuter Choice Maryland Program, this pilot promotes options like transit, carpooling, vanpooling, and other commuter benefits to reduce traffic and make daily trips more reliable—especially as the corridor continues to face challenges after the Key Bridge collapse.

Are you an employer along MD 295?
MDOT wants to work with you! Get free tools and support to help your employees commute more easily. Interested? Email CommuterChoice@mdot.maryland.gov to get started. The six-month pilot runs through this summer.

Employees and commuters can also participate
If you live or travel along the MD 295 corridor, you can help by sharing information about your commute and exploring transportation options that work for you. MDOT has resources to support alternatives to driving alone. Email CommuterChoice@mdot.maryland.gov to get in touch! 

Learn more at mdot.maryland.gov
 

LOCAL GRANTS TO HELP MAKE MARYLAND ROADS SAFER!

The Maryland Highway Safety Office is soliciting proposals for grants to help reduce vehicle crashes and save lives on the road.

Who can apply? Police departments, schools, hospitals, local governments, and nonprofits!

The grant money can go toward things like stopping distracted driving, encouraging seat belt use, making roads safer for walking and biking, and more. The program runs from October 2026 to September 2027, but you have to apply by February 28, 2026.

See how your organization can help at ZeroDeathsMD.gov
 

HELP SHAPE B’MORE INVOLVED IN 2026

B’more Involved is how we share transportation updates, engagement opportunities, safety info, and stories from across the Baltimore region. Your feedback helps us decide what to share more of, what to simplify, and what to change.

📣 Take our 2-minute survey and tell us what’s useful, what’s easy to read, and what you want to see in 2026.  

Take the survey at yourregionyourvoice.org/BmoreSurvey
 

BE THE DRIVER WHO SAVES LIVES:
BE ROAD READY THIS WINTER! 

Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can turn a small problem into a big one. A little preparation can help keep you safe and reduce stress if you get stuck or break down.

What’s in your trunk? Make sure you have:

🚗 A flashlight 
🔋 Jumper cables in case your battery dies
💧 Water to stay hydrated while you wait
⚠️ Reflective triangles so other drivers can see you
🧣 Blanket or extra layers – To stay warm in cold temperatures
🔥 Hand warmers – Small but helpful in an emergency
❄️ Small shovel – To dig out tires or clear snow around your car

If you need help on Maryland’s state-owned primary roads, you can call #77 for assistance.  Be prepared—your future self will thank you!  

Learn more at ZeroDeathsMD.gov
 

SAVE THE DATE FOR 2026 BIKE TO WORK WEEK!

Get ready to ride! Bike to Work Week 2026 returns Monday, May 11 through Sunday, May 17, 2026. Hosted by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, this week-long event encourages people across the region to try biking as a healthy, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to get to work, run errands, and connect with their communities. It’s all about making the Baltimore region more bike-friendly and accessible, including for people who don’t have a car.

We’ll have locally hosted events all week. Community members who register and bike to their selected location can pick up a free t-shirt and giveaway items at over 30 participating pick-up shops, live pit-stops or group rides throughout the region. 

Sign up to get alerts at biketoworkmd.com
 

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE BMC ENGAGEMENT HUB

Did you know the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) shares updates on a wide range of projects and plans — not just transportation? Stay connected, stay informed, and shape your region — Visit the BMC Engagement Hub today! 

Sign Up for Alerts – Get email or text updates for B’more Involved and other BMC newsletters. Update your subscriptions at YourRegionYourVoice.org. 

Visit the BMC Engagement Hub
 

OUR MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO ALL 

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board and its subcommittees meet regularly to plan for the future of transportation in our region.  

These meetings are open to the public. Some meetings are held in person at the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, located at 1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21230. All meetings are live streamed online via Zoom for your convenience.  

Check out our calendar at baltometro.org
 

JOIN THE TRANSPORTATION CORE - WE NEED YOUR VOICE 

If you live or work in Annapolis, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Harford, Howard, or Queen Anne’s County, we’d love to hear from you. The BRTB is seeking motivated volunteers from these areas to help shape the future of transportation and planning in our region.

By joining, you’ll take part in online surveys and a handful of virtual meetings each year. Your input helps us improve our projects, plans and outreach efforts.

Let’s build a better Baltimore region—together! Apply today