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 March 2026 Issue: We’re highlighting opportunities to weigh in on our planning budget, get involved in the PRG Henryton Road Spur design process, and share feedback on projects like the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study. You’ll also find updates on BikeHoward 2026, a call for Bike to Work Week pit-stops, summer student programs, upcoming meetings, and more— and as always, how you can stay connected through the BMC Engagement Hub.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OUR
PLANS FOR THE NEXT YEAR?

Did you know? The 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.

We have proposed over a dozen PLANNING PROJECTS AND STUDIES ($3.4M total). An additional $7.5M supports ongoing staff work to meet federal requirements. Here are some highlights:

• 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
• Exploring faster, more reliable bus service and safer streets
• 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.

Let us know what you think at yourregionyourvoice.org/BRTBbudget
 

COMMUNITY DESIGN PROCESS FOR
PRG HENRYTON ROAD SPUR BEGINS MARCH 9

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), Carroll County, Howard County, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are working together to plan a new section of the Patapsco Regional Greenway (PRG). This segment will cross the South Branch of the Patapsco River and connect into the Greenway running from Sykesville to the McKeldin area of the Patapsco Valley State Park.

Before planning begins, we want to hear from you. What do you think about the proposed location? Are there challenges we should know about? How can we make the trail work for everyone?

A comment period will open Monday, March 9 and run through April 6, 2026. 

Comments will be welcome through an online or text survey, voicemail, or email. You can also join us at a Community Open House on Monday, March 23, at the Carroll County Public Library – Eldersburg Branch (6:00–7:30 p.m.).

Get updates at YourRegionYourVoice.org/PRG
 

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION NEWSLETTER HUB LAUNCHED

Did you know that each month we  share updates on active transportation projects, funding and grant awards, opportunities to provide input, and upcoming public meetings? Our Active Transportation Newsletter highlights efforts to make it safer and easier to walk, bike, and roll in communities across the region.

We now have a new online Active Transportation News hub where you can read the past two years of newsletters and sign up for future updates.

It’s an easy way to stay informed and get updates on projects. 

Subscribe at yourregionyourvoice.org/ATNews
 

BMC RESOURCE GUIDE EXPLORES
TRANSPORTATION TRENDS AND MORE

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) helps plan for the future of the Baltimore region by listening to residents and using data to support better decisions about transportation and other quality of life issues. 

One recent effort, Getting There: Your Transportation Story, invited people across the region to share their experiences in getting around—whether walking, biking, driving, or using scooters, a wheelchair, or transit. These everyday stories helped the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) better understand what’s working, what’s not, and where improvements are needed to make transportation safer, more reliable, and more accessible. 

BMC also publishes The Pulse, an annual, non-partisan survey released every fall that tracks what matters most to residents. Recent results show that many people are feeling the impact of the Key Bridge collapse, especially in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, and that access to public transit is important to a growing number of people.  

To learn more about these findings—and how they are used to guide regional planning—read the 2026 BMC Resource Guide. It includes survey results, regional data, and information on how decisions are made across the Baltimore region. 

Check out the BMC Resource Guide
 

BIKEHOWARD 2026 PLAN UPDATE:
JOIN AN UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE

BikeHoward is Howard County’s Bicycle Master Plan. It guides improvements for biking on roads and trails, including safety, infrastructure, and programs.

Howard County is updating the plan and wants to hear from you. Join the Howard County Office of Transportation and partners to learn more and share your ideas.

Upcoming Workshops

• North Laurel Community Center – Thursday, March 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.
• Central Columbia Branch Library – Tuesday, March 10 from 5 to 7 p.m.

A draft plan is expected in summer 2026. Come out and help shape the future of biking in Howard County. 

Visit bikehoward.com to get involved 
 

HOST A LIVE PIT-STOP FOR 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 events all week, including some Live Pit-Stops. These events are held at specific times with refreshments, safety checks, group rides, and other programs! Community members who register and bike to their selected location can pick up a free t-shirt and giveaway items at over 30 locations. 

Interested in hosting a Live Pit-Stop? Live Pit-stops can be as simple as setting up a table with snacks and signs, or as involved as getting sponsors and offering prizes or organizing a group ride to work. If you’d like to coordinate a Live Pit-stop location for Bike to Work Week 2026, please complete this form by Monday, March 16. Reach out to bike2work@baltometro.org with any questions.

Get alerts when registration opens at biketoworkmd.com
 

MDTA WELCOMES COMMENTS ON THE
CHESAPEAKE BAY CROSSING STUDY

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is welcoming comments on the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study.

Last month, MDTA released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and MDTA’s recommended option (Alternative C). 

Residents can review the study, learn about potential impacts, and provide public testimony on the project website. Comments will be accepted through Monday, March 9, 2026.

Share a Comment at baycrossingstudy.com
 

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2026
SUMMER TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (NSTI)

The National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) is a free summer program that introduces middle and high school students to careers in transportation and engineering. Students take part in hands-on projects, field trips, guest speakers, SAT prep, and activities that build confidence while experiencing university life.

NSTI offers two programs in 2026:  The Introductory Program (June 29 – July 10, 2026) for students entering grades 7–12 in Fall 2026, and the Advanced Program (July 20 – July 31, 2026) for returning NSTI students entering grades 9–12 who want a deeper engineering experience.

Both programs run weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM and include engineering projects and transportation facility tours. Participation is free. Applications are due March 20, 2026.

Apply today at smartercenter.org/education/nsti
 

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TRY A NEW WAY TO PAY FOR TRANSPORTATION

Gas taxes — and now electric vehicle (EV) fees in many states — fund most of our roads and bridges. But as vehicles use less gas (or no gas at all), drivers contribute different amounts. That makes it harder to maintain our transportation system in the future.

The Eastern Transportation Coalition (TETC) is partnering with Transurban to test a possible alternative: a Mileage-Based User Fee (MBUF). Under an MBUF, drivers would contribute based on how many miles they drive — not the type of vehicle they own. The goal is to strengthen the connection between using the road and paying for the road.

This pilot is designed for individuals working in the transportation industry and public-sector transportation partners in participating TETC states (Virginia excluded). Participants can test the technology, receive monthly sample statements (no real money is collected), and share feedback to help evaluate whether this approach could work in the future. Participation is free, and strong privacy protections are in place.

Learn more or enroll: at tetcmbufpilot.org 
 

SERIOUS ABOUT SAFETY: MDOT’S
COMMITMENT TO A SAFER MARYLAND

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has launched Serious About Safety, a department-wide effort to reduce crashes and save lives.

Despite ongoing investments in safer roads, enforcement, and public education, crashes remain too high. Over the past decade, serious injuries have stayed between about 2,600 and 3,300 each year. Traffic deaths are also still rising, with 2023 marking the highest number of fatalities in more than a decade.

Crashes also carry a steep price tag. Traffic crashes cost Marylanders about $15 billion each year—far more than congestion (about $6 billion) or repairing aging infrastructure (about $3 billion). These costs include medical care, lost wages, legal expenses, and property damage. Simply put, crashes cost Maryland more than almost any other transportation issue.

Serious About Safety strengthens efforts, focusing on safer design, pedestrian and bicycle safety, responsible driving, stronger laws, and better data. Reducing crashes will save lives—and billions of dollars. Contact seriousaboutsafety@mdot.maryland.gov to get involved or visit the link below.

Learn more at mdot.maryland.gov
 

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
 

UPCOMING REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION BOARD MEETINGS

These regional transportation boards are meeting soon. The public is welcome to attend.

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

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 virtual and is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 9:00 a.m. 

Learn more at baltometro.org/BRTB
 

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
 

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