Fall / 2016 COG Quarterly

Yule have to plan ahead

Holiday travel congestion is not new, but don’t throw out that holiday cheer just yet. There are ways to take hold of those reindeer reins and ease your travel anxiety. 16

welcome, bike share! Stations are popping up around the city since the program’s launch on Friday, October 28. Read on to find out how to get peddling. 06 dive into the creative world of makerspaces and fab labs BMC’s second “What’s on Tap” speaker series featured big picture economic ideas from the innovative minds at Local Motors and Open Works Baltimore. 08 goods on the move Ever thought about the journey of your holiday goods? From the ingredients in your sugar cookies to the Audi parked in the driveway on Christmas morning, By the Numbers gives a snapshot of how goods move into and around the region. 14

Highlighting BMC’s Regional Coordination www.baltometro.org TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION

Introduction 01

In the News Cooperative Purchasing 02 Housing 04 BMC’s fall 2016 activities foster a growing region Air Quality 05 Bike/Ped 06 Workforce Development 08 through planning, partnership and innovation regional roundup 10

By the numbers 14 he inescapable aroma of pumpkin-spice, and bustle of holiday travel. The idea is to Tcrisp air, and amber leaves all mean fall provide you with tips and tools so that your is in full swing. plans are executed with the ease of Santa cover story 16 traveling around the world in one night As the door-knocking of enthusiastic trick- and less like the movie “Planes, Trains or-treaters and political canvassers peters and Automobiles.” While we can’t take all leading locally 24 off, we hope you find a quiet moment to the stress out of your holidays, we hope enjoy this edition of COG Quarterly. some of the tips make your season a little b’more involved 26 brighter. Our fall has been a busy one at BMC. We hosted the eighth annual Meet the Primes Our Regional Roundup feature story from the vault 28 networking event for small- and minority- showcases the big impact of small business, owned businesses along with Baltimore namely agriculture. From locally produced Rock the Vote: Counting ballots, November 1948 Photo: By Paul S. Henderson, Henderson County. We attended the Columbia beer and wine, to delicious cheese and jam, Photograph Collection, Baltimore City Life Museum Collection, Historical Society Association’s visit from Rob Breymaier, we provide you with highlights from BMC’s an expert on promoting community racial report, Value-Added Agriculture: A Regional BMC Board of Directors integration, a strategy recommended in Focus, County Executive Barry Glassman’s Barry Glassman the Opportunity Collaborative’s Baltimore 2016 chairman initiative. So when you’re Harford County Executive Regional Housing Plan released in 2014. shopping for the perfect dish for your (BMC board chair) We celebrated the launch of Baltimore Thanksgiving table, consider supporting From all of us here at BMC, we wish Allan H. Kittleman Bike Share program, which includes the the local farmers and producers that are you and your family a happy and safe Howard County Executive (BMC board vice-chair) largest fleet of electric pedal-assist (pedelec) proud to call our region home. holiday season. We also look forward to bikes in the western hemisphere. reading your comments, questions or Steven R. Schuh Anne Arundel County Executive In Leading Locally, we highlight BMC and story suggestions, which you can send Finally, we explored the world of the Maryland Association of Counties’ to [email protected]. Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Baltimore City Mayor makerspaces and micro-manufacturing, (MACo) Next Generation 911 Roundtable Thanks, as always, for reading. and their benefits to the regional economy on September 23. This event brought Kevin Kamenetz Baltimore County Executive for the second installment of BMC’s together 80 county, state and regional “What’s on Tap” speaker series. public safety, emergency management Doug Howard COG Quarterly, as a digital publication, intends to Carroll County Board of Commissioners and GIS staff to discuss the challenges be interactive. So when you see text that is blue But as the trees shed their leaves, we look and embrace the opportunities created by William C. Ferguson or orange, it contains a hyperlink to more Maryland State Senator, D-46 toward what’s next. upgrades to 911 emergency systems. Michael B. Kelly information for you. Click away! Executive Director Stephen W. Lafferty Maryland State Delegate, D-42A The motivation for this issue’s cover Finally, By the Numbers focuses on the long story, “Yule Have to Plan Ahead,” is to journey many of your holiday goods make J. Thomas Sadowski University System of Maryland For more information: encourage you to prepare for the hustle from their origin to your home. contact us Baltimore Metropolitan Council COG Quarterly is a digital publication of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council. For @BaltoMetroCo more information, please email staff at www.baltometro.org [email protected]. COG Quarterly 1 IN THE NEWS

Cooperative Purchasing

Meet the Primes event aims to help small- and minority-owned businesses network smarter

he BRCPC and Baltimore County The Baltimore Regional Cooperative Purchasing Committee (BRCPC) T hosted the eighth annual Meet the achieves millions of dollars in cost savings for member jurisdictions by Primes networking event for small- and combining needs into cooperative purchasing contracts, reducing minority-owned businesses on Wednesday, administrative expenses and serving as a forum to exchange resources October 19, at the Maryland State and technical information. Fairgrounds.

Attendance at the 2016 event was at and 500 representatives of small- and Meeting face-to-face also provides business an all-time high with more than 110 minority-owned businesses. Baltimore owners time to better communicate exhibitors from both private sector County works together with the BRCPC with prime bidders and gain critical businesses and government agencies, membership to make this event a value- information about upcoming contracts, packed day. Each thus giving them a competitive edge in year, Meet the creating proposals. At the same time, Primes grows in the prime bidders are looking for good its service to the subcontractors to meet their contractual business community subcontracting goals and workforce and in participation. requirements.

The intent of “Meet the Primes is a great event for Meet the Primes is helping prime bidders and small and to connect prime minority businesses work smarter. I am contract bidders excited for the business owners who can with businesses make some important contacts with to maximize prime bidders, as well as those who can networking help these businesses develop,” said Bob efforts, develop Ball, coordinator of Minority Business key relationships, Enterprise with Baltimore County and cultivate Public Schools. “It’s very rewarding new business when business owners, large and small, opportunities. are saying that they met someone with whom they are going to work.” “I love Meet the Primes. I met key In addition, Meet the Primes is an players who buy opportunity for government agencies in my products, and the Baltimore region to provide support have developed to small and minority businesses in the long-time business area. Expanding outreach increases More than 500 people representing small- and minority-owned businesses relationships,” participation and competition in their attended the eighth annual Meet the Primes networking event on Wednesday, said Anita Cress, procurements.  October 19. (Bottom, left) Debbie Groat, BRCPC coordinator, outlines the of the Sherwood organization’s cooperative purchasing work. Photo: Courtesy of BMC Group, a source for promotional materials.

2 Baltimore Metropolitan Council COG Quarterly 3 IN THE NEWS

housing air quality

Columbia seeks to reinvigorate community integration by BRTB tackles ground-level ozone considering strategies used in prosperous Chicago suburb in Baltimore region

BMC first connected with Oak Park shortly after beginning its Sustainable Communities grant-funded planning effort ir quality in the Baltimore region has known as the Opportunity Collaborative. A significantly improved in the past few At a gathering of grantees convened by years. the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 2012, National Ambient Air Quality Tammie Grossman, development customer Standards (NAAQS) for ground- services director of the Village of Oak level ozone pollution continue to be Park, mentioned its intentional integration lowered to stricter standards by the U.S. program. That informal conversation led Environmental Protection Agency to a Baltimore delegation trip in 2014 to (EPA). The Baltimore region is close to Chicago, with a stop to visit Oak Park. reaching the newest Ozone NAAQS. From there, the Opportunity Collaborative incorporated some of Oak Parks strategies The region is currently designated as a into its own housing plan. “moderate” ozone nonattainment area for the Ozone NAAQS set in 2008. At The Opportunity Collaborative’s one time, the region was designated as a Baltimore Regional Housing Plan, “serious” nonattainment area for ozone, which was coordinated through BMC, which indicates the area has a more difficult s Columbia approaches its 50th In his visit to Columbia, Breymaier drew focused on diversity. The plan notes that time reaching the NAAQS compared with Aanniversary, it is considering parallels between the model created in Oak the region is becoming more racially other areas. averaged during a three-year period. The coordinate the transportation air quality strategies to reinvigorate its history as a Park and the founding of Columbia. At diverse, but that fault lines of opportunity design value is the fourth highest ozone conformity process carried about by the racially integrated community. the time, Oak Park was an overwhelmingly and economic success too often fall along However, since that time, air pollution concentration in the atmosphere monitored Interagency Consultation Group white suburb of 50,000 on the west side of lines of racially segregated living patterns. levels measured at air quality monitors during the ozone season. (ICG) and the BRTB. The conformity Columbia Association (CA) hosted Chicago. The community’s challenge was It also points out areas of the region have detected lower ground-level ozone process is required under the Clean Air Rob Breymaier, executive director of the to embrace integration while keeping its that are racially diverse, and strategies concentrations. Initial, draft monitor data shows that the Act to ensure that transportation planning Oak Park Regional Housing Center, on housing market stable. for preserving their character, including design value for the Baltimore region is 73 and air quality planning processes within a Tuesday, October 4 to share the Chicago replicating the Oak Park model.  In June 2015, the EPA determined that the parts per billion (ppb). This is above the state are coordinated. suburb’s innovative and successful 40-year The result was region is attaining the Ozone NAAQS set ozone standard set in 2015 (70 ppb), but program to promote racial integration. a program that in 2008. Initial data from the 2016 ozone below the standard set in 2008 (75 ppb). Emissions from mobile sources are among Breymaier spoke to more than 30 is still innovative season, which is May through October, the most significant contributors to ozone Leadership Howard County members in nationally. It indicates that the region will likely be Ground-level ozone pollution can cause pollution. It is because of this, that the the morning and about a hundred people has preserved designated as “marginal” nonattainment serious health problems, particularly for transportation conformity process is a in the evening. Oak Park as a for the new, stricter Ozone NAAQS. children and the elderly. It is known to critical element of the region’s and the prosperous and cause difficulty breathing, shortness of state’s efforts to address air quality.  CA manages parks, recreation facilities, successful racially Designations from the EPA are expected in breath, aggravation of lung disease, and and programming for Columbia. integrated town 2017. airway inflammation. It can also cause Breymaier’s visit follows a May in a highly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease CA-sponsored presentation by University segregated The EPA designates “attainment” and (COPD.) of Maryland Baltimore County president metropolitan “nonattainment” areas based upon Freeman Hrabowski on the importance of area. data collected from monitoring devices Doing its part to address air pollution community diversity. in the region. They look at the 8-hour problems in the region, BMC staff ozone design value of each monitor, members play a large role in helping to

4 Baltimore Metropolitan Council COG Quarterly 5 IN THE NEWS

bike / ped

Baltimore launches bikeshare program with 50 stations citywide; and 465 bikes as part of the first phase of and the bike provides power based on Howard County program scheduled for spring 2017 the launch. Equipment highlights include the terrain and each individual’s style of a nearly 50/50 split between electric pedal riding. The 50/50 split between pedelec –assist bicycles (pedelec) and non-electric, and standard 8-gear bikes means cyclists 8-gear bicycles. can choose an easy or a more standard n the past 15 years, bikeshare has offering an active and innovative first/last- ride depending on individual preference. I transformed urban communities and mile transportation option. The equipment will make Baltimore the quickly become the mark of a world-class largest electric bike share fleet in the Implementing the bikeshare program also city. Both Baltimore City and Columbia, “Bike Share is going to captivate western hemisphere. included an expansive public input process in Howard County, join those ranks. Baltimore in a truly spectacular way,” that collected station location, pricing, said Jay Decker, Baltimore Bike Share Baltimore chose the pedelec technology and general feedback from potential users. The Baltimore City Department of coordinator. “The addition of this for many reasons, but most importantly BCDOT then used the preliminary data Transportation (BCDOT) has been innovative transportation solution will because electric bikes make riding easier in conjunction with industry best practices working on its own bikeshare program encourage healthier choices, improve and more fun, thus removing a skills to map the footprint of the first phase and since Washington D.C. first rolled out transportation equity, and transform how barrier. preliminary locations where bikeshare in 2010. After many residents, commuters, and visitors move could be installed. years of hard work, BCDOT is excited about the city.” The bike delivers background power to to finally announce that the Baltimore help cyclists ascend hills; provides support The public then vetted these results in Bike Share Program launched on The process to launch the bikeshare for those with physical limitations; and a series of six public workshops where Friday, October 28. program started in spring 2016 with the sustains endurance for those who don’t attendees provided feedback about selection of Bewegen Technologies as want to physically exert themselves on location preferences and necessary Baltimore Bike Share is a critical addition the equipment vendor and Corps Logistics trips such as work commutes. network adjustments. BCDOT used that to the city’s multi-modal transportation as the day-to-day operator of the system. feedback to select the final 50 station network and will further connect Through federal, state, and local funds, The pedelec bikes require little effort to locations. Baltimore’s diverse communities by BCDOT was able to purchase 50 stations get started. Cyclists simply start pedaling BCDOT installed approximately 20 stations and as many as 200 bikes for the October 28 launch. The remaining stations are scheduled to open by spring 2017.

Users will have the option of purchasing a single-trip pass for $2 per ride or a $15 monthly membership. The first 45 minutes of each ride are included, with Pedestrian Coordinator with the Howard rides longer than 45 minutes subject to County Office of Transportation. extended use charges. For more information: The system is slated to include 70 bicycles Howard County, too, is scheduled to at seven stations throughout Columbia and launch its bikeshare program in spring Oakland Mills. Station locations include 2017. Blandair Park, Columbia Lakefront, The @Baltimore City Department of Mall in Columbia, Crescent development, Transportation The system is a public-private partnership Howard County General Hospital, supported by Howard County Howard Community College, and the Baltimore City Department of Transportation launched Baltimore Bike Share on Friday, October 28. By spring 2017, the bikeshare program will include government, as well as nonprofits and Oakland Mills Village Center.  @BmoreBikeShare 465 bikes at 50 docking stations around the city. Photos: Courtesy of Baltimore Bike Share businesses, said Chris Eatough, Bike and

6 Baltimore Metropolitan Council COG Quarterly 7 Workforce development

BMC speaker series highlights importance of makerspaces, fab labs, micro-manufacturing to regional economy

The “What’s on Tap” series is an informal Local Motors uses co-creation techniques, build their businesses with high-quality way to initiate and hold conversations whereby products are designed tools, as well as amateurs who want to add about policy, technology and other current cooperatively with both the end users polish to their craft. and emerging innovations between our and via crowd-sourcing, and they provide stakeholders. As the region’s COG, BMC royalties to those whose designs and With rates ranging from $70 to $125 a strives to provide a forum to get the solutions they utilize in their final products. month and a day pass available for $25, the Baltimore region thinking creatively about This method exponentially expands public can access up to seven workshops its challenges and how to plan for a more the speed and quality of new product including a state-of-the-art computer lab, prosperous future. development and delivery, said Woessner. digital media, 3-D printing, electronics, and digital fabrication, wood and metal shops. Will Holman, general manager of Local Motors created Olli, the company’s Open Works also offers 140 micro studios Open Works, co-founder of the Industrial fully autonomous low-speed people moving for members in the business of small-scale Arts Collective and author, discussed vehicle that operates at the National manufacturing. Open Works hopes to makerspace history and culture, its Harbor in Prince George’s County. stimulate growth among creative businesses potential for Baltimore and the region, by improving access to resources that might and how public policy can support the Those who attended “What’s on Tap” otherwise be unaffordable and a barrier to movement. received a preview of the Baltimore Arts budding entrepreneurs, said Holman. Realty Corporation’s Open Works, a Attendees also heard from David fabrication space for creative professionals, BMC’s staff is in the process of planning Woessner from Local Motors, an which officially opened its doors in the the next “What’s on Tap” event. For innovative automotive designer and Station North neighborhood on Saturday, more information contact Don Halligan, manufacturer, who spoke about the September 24. The $11.5 million senior transportation planner at BMC, at company’s use of micro-factories, design investment converted the 34,000-square- [email protected].  (Above) David Woessner, of Local Motors, speaks during “What’s on Tap: and 3-D printing in their wide variety of foot former warehouse into a makerspace Makerspaces, Hackerspaces, Fab Labs & Micro-manufacturing” at Open Works specialized vehicles. that will enable entrepreneurs looking to Baltimore on Monday, September 19. “What’s on Tap” is BMC’s speaker series that encourages conversations about regional innovation. Photo: BMC

he maker culture, sparked by the “DIY” universities, private industry and public to our region’s economy,” said Michael Tmovement and a general desire to make libraries and schools. Kelly, executive director of the Baltimore things again, has increased steadily across Metropolitan Council. the United States in the last few years. The federal government, too, started adopting the concept of fully open BMC hosted its second in a speaker Crafters need space to create their wares, makerspaces within its agencies. Micro- series, “What’s on Tap: Maker Spaces, and therefore are opting for shared space as manufacturing is an outgrowth. This Hackerspaces, Fab Labs & Micro- opposed to working from basements, living movement relies on specialization, manufacturing,” at Open Works rooms or personal kitchens. personalization and speed of delivery, as Baltimore on Monday, September compared to the considerable start-up and 19. More than 50 people attended the What they’re finding is that shared overhead costs found in mass production. event, which included catering and an space also means collaboration. These opportunity to network. makerspaces allow like-minded individuals “There’s no doubt that makerspaces to share ideas, tools, and skillsets. They provide a creative way for local are often created in partnership with entrepreneurs to hone their crafts and add

8 Baltimore Metropolitan Council COG Quarterly 9 Regional Roundup million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s BMC’s Value-Added Agriculture 2012 Agricultural Census. The majority of Baltimore region Advisory Committee included: farms, 61 percent, are 49 acres or less, with the plurality, or 44 percent, of all farms falling in the 10- to 49-acre range. Regional • Lisa Barge, agricultural business development farm employment also accounted for 3,944 jobs in 2012. specialist for the Anne Arundel County Economic BMC 2016 Chairman’s Initiative: Assessing the effect of Development Corporation “Unfortunately, the census does not capture Baltimore City value-added agriculture on the region farming or VAA as a discrete segment of industry,” said Janna • Lynda Eisenberg, chief of the Carroll County Howley, director of operations and solutions with Grow & Fortify. Bureau of Comprehensive Planning

ach year, the chair of BMC’s Board of The lack of comprehensive industry data means that the study • Bruce England, executive director for the EDirectors selects a research project of utilized a variety of other methods to develop a more qualitative Susquehanna Workforce Network, Inc. importance to the region. In May, Harford analysis of the VAA in the region, Howley said. County Executive Barry Glassman, • Alex Galbreath, owner of Falling Branch Brewery who serves as the 2016 chair, asked BMC In order to gather data, Grow & Fortify created a 34-question in Harford County to analyze value-added agriculture (VAA) survey that the advisory committee distributed to producers and how the industry fits into the Baltimore around the region. Source farmers and non-farm value-added end • Jason Gallion, agricultural specialist for Harford region’s economy. producers made up the 58 respondents. The research team also County relied on 18 one-on-one interviews with producers and four focus In October 2016, BMC released Value- groups in order to add to the report. • Kathy Johnson, agricultural development manager Added Agriculture: A Regional for the Howard County Economic Development Focus, a study outlining challenges and “We spoke to farmers and producers ranging in size from one acre Authority opportunities to VAA production in the to a thousand acres, and sales of $10,000 to more than $1 million,” Baltimore region, which includes the Atticks said. “But the story we see most often is that value-added • Dan McNeill, owner of MISCellaneous Distillery City of Baltimore, and Anne Arundel, producers are either small family businesses or entrepreneurs in Carroll County Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and starting up their own business.” Howard counties. The report offers 22 Agriculture is big business in Harford County. Farms in the county total: • Kedrick Smith, chief operating officer of Huckle’s recommendations to government and 65,472 acres of land, annual sales of $46 million, and provide 613 For example, 43 percent of survey respondents reported sales of Brand in Baltimore City industry stakeholders aimed at supporting people with full- and part-time employment. Photo: BMC’s VAA report less than $150,000 annually, and almost half had four or fewer the growth of local VAA. employees. The report estimates that the Baltimore region is home • Sara Trenery, business development representative for as executive director of the Maryland An early challenge to the research to at least 311 value-added producers, processors and small food the Baltimore County Department of Economic “As the executive of a county with a Wineries Association since 2013. included defining VAA. The scope of businesses, which employ more than 3,000 full-time, part-time and and Workforce Development rich rural heritage, I wanted to better VAA varies from the U.S. Department seasonal workers. understand the value-added segment of “We were eager to dive into this research of Agriculture to the Agricultural our agricultural industry,” said Glassman. and help tell the story of value-added Marketing Resource Center and even The report outlines several challenges facing value-added producers County Executive Barry Glassman, 2016 BMC producers,” said Atticks. “After working among other independent researchers. in the region and makes corresponding recommendations for ways chair, takes a turn removing grains from a brew BMC retained Grow & Fortify, LLC, with local agricultural businesses for in which stakeholders can help the industry. kettle at the Independent Brewing Company. a firm with unique experience and more than 15 years, we understand their The committee ultimately endorsed a Photo: Courtesy of Harford County Government connections within Maryland’s VAA importance to the local economy and the definition, focused largely on consumable Story continues on Pages 12–13 industry. Among his many hats, the challenges they often face.” products that utilize a Maryland-grown firm’s founder, Kevin Atticks, has served ingredient and where end production – the BMC began the study process by “value-add” – occurred in the Baltimore “As the executive of a assembling an advisory committee of region. industry and government experts to advise county with a rich rural on the scope of the research and facilitate “After considerable discussion, the connections with stakeholders. committee thought it was important heritage, I wanted to to hone in on products created in the “It was great to work with this diverse team Baltimore region from items grown on better understand the to guide the research,” said Jason Gallion, or in Maryland soil,” said Kelly Dudeck, an agricultural specialist and Glassman’s director of strategy and special projects value-added segment representative to the advisory committee. with Grow & Fortify. “From the producers to the county of our agricultural professionals, we each brought a different The Baltimore region includes 334,107 perspective to the project.” acres of farmland in 2,988 farms, with The Tice family, owners of En-Tice-Ment Farm Meats in Anne industry,” said Glassman. a combined production value of $285.5 Arundel County, participated in BMC’s study. Photos: BMC’s VAA report

10 Baltimore Metropolitan Council COG Quarterly 11 The report estimates that the Baltimore region there is a lack of local processing facilities that offer malting, grape crushing, meat Total Value of Agricultural Products is home to at least 311 value-added producers, processing and co-packing services, which ultimately results in many locally grown (2012 USDA Agricultural Census) processors and small food businesses, which ingredients being shipped out of state, according to the study. $120,000,000 $111,637,000 employ more than 3,000 full-time, part-time and “There is so much potential for our local seasonal workers. economy if we can establish local supply $100,000,000 chains from our farms to processing $76,306,000 First, the lack of data available about the The report recommends the government facilities and to the end producers in our $80,000,000 industry made it difficult for the researchers and educational sectors work together to region,” said Michael Kelly, executive to quantify the impact of these businesses. create a comprehensive database of value- director of the Baltimore Metropolitan The USDA Agricultural Census is a added businesses and their employment. Council. “We have to build the connections $60,000,000 useful tool to paint a picture of farming in between these small businesses and the Value $46,002,000 Maryland down to the county level, but it Other challenges reported by value- farms creating raw ingredients if we want does not isolate value-added production, added producers include impediments to to grow our region’s slice of the value- $40,000,000 $31,883,000 explained Dudeck. locally-sourced ingredients and processing added pie.” facilities. Thirty-two percent of the $19,670,000 For example, the Agricultural Census data respondents to the survey stated that they The report recommends working $20,000,000 reveals that in 2012, 18 farms in Harford source a majority of their ingredients from with local government and industry County harvested 53,939 bushels of barley, outside the state. This is common among organizations to promote the use of locally $0 said Dudeck. wine, beer and distilled spirit producers, sourced raw ingredients and creating according to the researchers. food entrepreneurship incubation zones Anne Arundel Baltimore Carroll Harford Howard “But the census doesn’t tell us what to encourage the creation of small food County happens to that barley once it’s harvested. An estimated 25 acres of Maryland producers. Was it malted? If so, was the malting done farmland are used in hops production - a here in Maryland? Did the malted barley key ingredient to beer brewing - despite the Like many small businesses, value-added supply local breweries or distilleries?” she growing craft brewing industry. Further, producers also often experience trouble Farm Size Distribution said. launching and growing their businesses due to difficulties accessing capital and (2012 USDA Agricultural Census) For purposes of this study, value-added navigating government bureaucracy, agriculture is defined as: 1200 according to the report. Among other The adding of value to raw agricultural products by producers, recommendations, the study suggests processors, and/or small food business owners who use at least one counties streamline application and 1000 Maryland grown ingredient, and where said processing is done in the approval processes; provide additional [Baltimore Metropolitan Area]. Value is added by business practices training to inspectors; and facilitate that include: connections between small businesses and 800 existing grant, loan and tax credits. • The segregation of products along identity and/or production characteristics; “Whether raising cattle for beef, malting 600 barley for beer brewing, or harvesting • The physical change and/or repackaging of a product through apples for cider, VAA is a vital part of processing activities; Maryland’s farming identity and these Number of Farms 400 businesses are job-creators for our future,” • Agritourism ventures that provide an educational and/or Glassman said. “I hope this report sparks interactive component to the public in connection with the a discussion among government, industry 200 production and/or processing of agricultural products; and educational organizations about what each can do to help support our region’s 0 • Forestry and energy industries that convert raw products into value-added industry.”  biofuels and/or consumer goods. Anne Arundel Baltimore Carroll Harford Howard County All of which add additional value to raw agricultural products from Maryland producers and meet a demand by consumers. 1 to 9 ACRES 10 to 49 50 to 179 180 to 499 500 to 999 1,000 +

12 Baltimore Metropolitan Council COG Quarterly 13 By the numbers

The co ee that fuels your Black Friday The movement of economy depends on the crucial and competent So hold on tightly shopping spree starts as beans loaded in goods by water, rail, partnership between the freight transportation to your reindeer shipping containers in Brazil. The containers then highway and air system owners and users – particularly those in reins and jingle sail to a port in the U.S. and travel across increases each state transportation agencies, regional and local bells, as we bring hundreds of miles of highway and rail, before November and government, the private sector and those with you the Baltimore landing in a distribution center. December for the educational, advocacy and economic region’s freight and From there, they get shipped by truck to your holiday season. The development organizations. goods movement… local co ee shop where you purchase and Baltimore region’s By the Numbers! consume it. What a journey for a 20-ounce cup!

sed appr rea oxim : nc a S i te E s l le y R a 3 U s . 7 T y a A p d i l e E

o r F h

c

, e

5 3.7

% n D 1

t

0

N

2 f

r

o

n

I m A

2 L

0 1.51 million

Holiday sales 1

4 Y . freight industry employees. THE PORT can account R for as much as A 82,639 of Baltimore freight industry businesses. M in 2015 - $123.4 billion $123.4

30% Is the largest in the U. S. in of a Retailer's miles 1,152 handling automobiles and Roll-On/Roll-Off machinery 52,568 feet Set a record for the most (farm/construction). containers handled in a given year ANNUAL n o i at TEUs (20’ Equivalent Units). t 840,314

annually in freight GDP a SALES t This was a 9% increase from 2014. . r o - p s according to the National n

530of inland water. miles

32,372miles a Retail Federation. of rail tracks. r T

f Provides Produces $310 million Generates direct jobs with an o

of cargo runways. t jobs for a average salary 16.4% higher n in state and local tax e variety of than the average wage for the of public roads. m revenues. State of Maryland. t skill r Consumers a levels. p Electronic e spend an D d shopping n Is responsible for 33,920 average of la brought in an ry jobs in Maryland $802 on a (13,650 are direct jobs). estimated : M holiday gifts, ce ur décor and $83.2 So Those 33,920 jobs other festive million generate $2.9 billion items. in 2014. Source: maryland.gov in wages and salary.

Source: www.tradecorridors.org

14 Baltimore Metropolitan Council COG Quarterly 15 cover story Yule Neal: Are you saying I could be stuck in Wichita? have to Del: I’m saying you are stuck in Wichita. — “Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” 1987 plan ahead he holidays are a time of celebration, of sharing food and exchanging gifts, and Tof spending time with friends and family.

They’re also a time of bumper-to-bumper traffic, long security lines, and astronomical ticket prices. In short, to make all of the festivities happen, many of us must travel. Sometimes begrudgingly.

The Baltimore region in particular becomes a hub of travel - whether by vehicle, train or airplane - as the holidays approach. Local transportation experts project that holiday travel volumes will increase from 2015.

“We’re looking at possible record-breaking numbers across all modes of transportation if all of the other holidays this year are any indication,” said Ragina Cooper Averella, Public & Government Affairs manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “While the roads will be crowded around the holiday period, so will the airports and train stations.”

Holiday travel congestion is not new, but don’t throw out that holiday cheer just yet. There are ways to take hold of those reindeer reins and ease your travel anxiety. Early and efficient travel planning could make the difference between a smooth sleigh ride and a bumper-to-bumper mess.

“You really want to give yourself ample time, focus on safety, and definitely plan ahead,” Averella said.

Local planners, too, work with state-of-the-art data systems to analyze the numbers and channel them into more effective decision making. So buckle in as transportation experts around the Baltimore region weigh in on how and when to travel by planes, trains and automobiles.

Story continues on Pages 18–23 16 Baltimore Metropolitan Council COG Quarterly 17 cover story

So you plan to travel by plane… expected to continue, as BWI acquires new airlines, and domestic and international The fact that passengers can move across markets. Through July 2016, BWI has seen “Air travel drops off significantly on the the U.S. and internationally in a few 13 straight record-breaking months, Dean actual holidays,” Dean said. “Those are hours, makes air travel a popular mode said. actually quite good days for a relaxing and quick tips: Preparing for during the holidays, said Jonathan Dean, quiet experience.” TSA security communications manager for the division However, time limitations make the heavy of Marketing and Air Service Development periods of travel around Thanksgiving, and While the increase in passenger volume at the Baltimore/Washington between Christmas and the beginning of is a challenge, planning ahead can help International Thurgood Marshall Did you know? the new year quite different. Passengers those traveling avoid hiccups. Travelers, Arrive at least 2 hours before your flight. Airport (BWI.) generally have a shorter window in which especially passengers who haven’t flown Shortly before Thanksgiving and to travel during Thanksgiving, with the in recent months, should pay attention “The holiday periods are very heavy for through the end of the calendar year, concentration on the Wednesday before to the recommendations of BWI Bring an acceptable form of identification. travel at BWI. We continue to see record there is an increase in cargo flights, the holiday and the Sunday after it, Dean and the Transportation Security levels of passenger traffic,” Dean said. “For Dean said. Major parcel service said. Those going away for Christmas and Administration (TSA.) Thanksgiving, Christmas and the end of shippers such as UPS, FedEx and the end of the calendar year tend to spread 3-1-1: Liquids, aerosols and gels are limited to 3.4 ounces or the year, it’ll be all hands on deck for airline Amazon will increase flights to meet out their travel during a longer time period. “Planning ahead and forethought will help smaller per container; 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag; and 1 bag per person. and airport personnel.” volume of holiday gift shipments. passengers enjoy the holiday period and Unsurprisingly, the most leisurely and make for a seamless traveler experience,” Call 72 hours in advance. Make arrangements beforehand if While 2016 holiday projections are not “When many people think of holiday sometimes least expensive time to travel Dean said. you have special medical needs or disabilities. yet available, more than 23.8 million travel and airports, they think primarily during the holidays are on Thanksgiving passengers traveled domestically and of passenger traffic, but we do see an Day and Christmas Day. Before stepping outside, travelers Pack smart. Review and search for prohibited TSA items internationally through BWI in 2015, a increase in cargo shipments during the should pay particular attention to flight beforehand. new all-time record. That upward trend is holiday period as well,” Dean said. information, transportation to and from BWI, and security and luggage limitations, Dress smart. Shoes must be easily removed, as well as belts, Dean said. All of this information, wallets and other such items. including a complete list of prohibited luggage items, is available on BWI and Military personnel: TSA provides U.S. Armed Forces personnel TSA’s websites. with expedited screenings, assistance for veterans or wounded warriors, and information for weapons transport for individuals and units. But even the most prepared travelers may face hours of airport time caused by flight Food is prohibited through the security check point. delays. BWI, in an effort to make the Concessions are available inside. airport experience as pleasant as possible, Those traveling with children may receive assistance. will kick off the holiday travel season by opening a connector between terminal concourses D and E, Dean said. The $105 All travelers are subject to advanced imaging technology million project will increase international and domestic airport capacity, and will include a new check point, and food and TSA offers pre-check services to speed up the security retail concessions, a play area and gym for process. passengers. The goal is to ensure a better experience for passengers. For more information, follow TSA on Facebook Messenger, review the FAQs, or visit TSA at www.tsa.gov “It all goes back to customer service. We want our travelers to have a pleasant, efficient experience when they fly through Pro tip: TSA’s Twitter handle includes photos of prohibited items found in luggage, and it’s eye-opening! Follow @TSA BWI,” Dean said.

Story continues on Pages 20–23

18 Baltimore Metropolitan Council COG Quarterly 19 cover story

…By automobile

Low gasoline prices and other economic Traffic between Christmas and New Year’s factors mean the majority of those Day is heaviest from December 23 through traveling during Thanksgiving, and around January 3, she said. Christmas and New Year’s Eve will do so Other travel tips Amtrak provides to by vehicle, said Ragina Cooper Averella, “We want to inform motorists and travelers passengers during the Thanksgiving of AAA Mid-Atlantic. in general, so that they know what to holiday include: expect,” Averella said. “If the other holidays for this year are any 2+2 = Free: Customers can bring two reflection, we expect to see a really robust Safety, too, is a huge factor when traffic bags and two carry-ons, collectively Thanksgiving holiday travel period as volume increases, Averella said. AAA weighing up to 150 pounds, for free. well,” Averella said. Mid-Atlantic recommends: Drivers check Excess baggage will cost $20. to make sure that vehicles are properly In 2015, AAA Mid-Atlantic projected maintained before hitting the road; rules of Arrive Early: Allow plenty of time at that more than 47 million people in the the road are followed at all times; valuables stations prior to departure – at least 45 U.S. and 1 million in Maryland would and other cargo are properly secured; minutes beforehand if picking up tickets. travel for Thanksgiving. Last Christmas, routes to your destination are mapped in Arrange for pre-boarding if you need the organization projected that 100 advance; and phones are charged in case extra time or assistance and use Amtrak million people in the U.S. and 2.2 million of an emergency. Red Cap agents to help you with your Marylanders would travel, Averella said. baggage. In addition to traffic volume, weather, Traveler projections for the 2016 holidays construction and crashes are incidents Check Train Schedules: Make sure will be available within the next few weeks, that could factor into holiday travel. to check holiday train schedules prior to she said. AAA Mid-Atlantic anticipates a Averella recommends motorists stay arriving at the station. continued increase in travel, as Memorial up-to-date on all possible incidents on Day weekend and July 4 each experienced the road by monitoring social media and Carry Photo ID: Customers are the highest traveler volume since 2005. websites for the Maryland State Police, required to show valid photo identification Maryland Transportation Authority when purchasing tickets. Make sure to “There will be many people traveling, so (MDTA), Maryland Department of Don’t be a turkey! A pardoned Thanskgiving turkey poses next to an carry valid photo ID at all times, as it may it’s important to plan ahead,” Averella said. Transportation (MDOT) and State Amtrak train. Photo: Courtesy of Amtrak be requested aboard trains. Highway Administration (SHA), as well as For Thanksgiving, the majority of travelers AAA Mid-Atlantic. Be Safe: Be aware of your surroundings, will go by vehicle from the Wednesday …By train… stand back from the edge of the platform, before to the Sunday after, she said. Those “We work very well with the other agencies do not leave your bags unattended, and traveling will see the lightest volume before in the state, helping to reiterate their Penn Station in Baltimore City is the eighth busiest Amtrak time period, a figure expected to be duplicated in 2016, Kopta watch your step when boarding or leaving 6 a.m. and after 11 p.m. on Tuesday and messages as well as our own,” Averella said. hub in the U.S., with approximately 90 trains routed through said. the train or when walking between cars Wednesday, and before 9 a.m. and after Maryland daily along the Northeast Corridor and 993,721 when the train is in motion. 9 p.m. from Thanksgiving through the passengers in FY 2015. This makes train travel another heavy “Last year, the Sunday after Thanksgiving was the single busiest Sunday after the holiday. Story continues on Pages 22–23 mode of transportation utilized throughout the holidays. travel day of the year for Amtrak with more than 141,000 All Aboard Pets: Bring your furry friend customers traveling across our national network in a single day,” to Thanksgiving dinner. Amtrak welcomes “Thanksgiving is the busiest season of the entire year for Amtrak,” Kopta said. “We expect similar customer counts again this year.” cats and dogs weighing 20 pounds or said Chelsea Kopta, who works in Government Affairs & less for only $25. Make sure to bring the “We all value our time,” Pack said. “You and I value Corporate Communications for Amtrak. Those who plan to travel through Amtrak should book their tickets appropriate carrier. Some restrictions well before Thanksgiving when prices are more reasonable, as they apply. our time out on the road differently than a UPS driver, Amtrak defines its Thanksgiving travel period as the Tuesday tend to sell out quickly, Kopta said. In addition, morning trains preceding the holiday through the Monday following, with the typically have more availability than trains in the afternoon or Bring Your Bike: Some places are meant who has to get to a destination on time or they’re heaviest traffic occurring on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday of evening. to be explored on two wheels. Reserve a that week. In 2015, Amtrak carried 751,066 passengers during this space for your bike on select routes. losing lots of money.”

20 Baltimore Metropolitan Council COG Quarterly 21 AAA Mid-Atlantic 2015 MD Travel Projections by Mode The bigger picture of the CATT Lab and leap in capability from what the DOTs used to take 3-4 months can be done in its partners’ work is to solve the problems were able to do a few years ago.” 10 minutes, which means that you can do Thanksgiving of the day-to-day on these major roadways. more of those studies or you’ve freed up Did you know? For example, when a crash occurs, other your people to take on new projects.” 904,000, or 90.5 percent, traveled by “We all value our time,” Pack said. “You drivers can see it through the CATT Lab’s AAA works with IHS, a global information company, to vehicle and I value our time out on the road live map, avoid that roadway by finding From this information, BMC publishes determine its holiday projections for domestic travel volume, differently than a UPS driver, who has an alternative route, saving themselves quarterly bottleneck reports and an annual Averella said. The company factors in economic variables, 73,000, or 7.3 percent, traveled by air to get to a destination on time or they’re time and minimizing the possibility of a “Top 10 Worst Bottlenecks” list. such as employment, household net worth, housing market losing lots of money.” secondary incident. indicators, interest rates, tourism, gas prices, airline travel data 21,000, or 2.2 percent, traveled by other “Whether it’s holiday travel, which is and hotel space. modes, such as trains and buses The I-95 Corridor Coalition, which “A better informed public means better stressful enough, or our daily commute, is made up of Metropolitan Planning decision-making,” Pack said. “If you get we’re trying to take the guesswork out of Christmas Organizations (MPOs), Departments people to make better travel decisions, then your drive,” said Michael Kelly, executive “We look at a wide range of of Transportation (DOTs) and other you’re minimizing the kind of congestion director of BMC. stakeholders up and down the East that is out there and you’re minimizing the economic factors when determining 1.9 million traveled by vehicle Coast, collects data from thousands of number of incidents. It may seem hard to So to ensure that travelers arrive at their organizations for the CATT Lab. Planners believe but good traveler information can destinations with plenty of holiday cheer our projections because travel, to 114,400 traveled by air can then analyze the data, identify where save lives.” – whether moving by plane, train or the biggest problems are, try to figure out automobile - they should plan ahead, time a lot of people, is a discretionary 80,200 traveled by other modes, such as how to mitigate congestion, and quantify Internally, too, the CATT Lab’s data saves their trip, keep safety in the front of their trains and buses the efforts’ successes. planners time and money, Stylc said. In minds, and follow along with the Baltimore household expense,” Averella said. 2005, BMC would have spent hundreds of region’s many communication tools. “Just trying to identify the problem thousands of dollars to have staff go out The Baltimore region’s proximity to major incidents, or pulled from the archives to travelers moved over the Baltimore region’s locations is half of the battle. It’s an twice a year to conduct surveys, and then “Remember to pack your patience,” national roadways means that its traffic show historical patterns during specific roadways that Thursday, Friday, Saturday, incredible thing to allow people to interact record and analyze the data. Averella said. “You will not be the only one volume challenges are exponential. So solid time periods such as holiday travel. That Sunday and Monday. The information, with this data and see for themselves where on the road, at the airport, or at the train partnerships are in place between those data is then made available to travelers, which BMC packaged into five side-by-side these spots are and see exactly how bad the “Now it’s all in-house. It’s so much station.”  working behind the scenes at state, regional government agencies and transportation interactive gifs, provided the public with congestion is,” Pack said. “Having these cheaper to do things and it’s at the click and local transportation organizations to planners, so that they can make better hard data to better plan individual holiday tools and having this data is a monumental of a button,” Stylc said. “Studies that help solve problems with congestion, safety decisions about planning. weekend travel. and travel time. “While we don’t predict what holiday travel “Our goal is to improve the experience for “The I-95 Corridor is one of the world’s is going to be like this coming Christmas our region’s travelers. This information largest economies, not just in the U.S. or the or Thanksgiving, we do have the ability allows the public to see how travelers region,” said Michael Pack, director of the to go back and show you what the past six move, and what day and time there is the Center for Advanced Transportation or seven Thanksgivings looked like on the most and least congestion,” said Ed Stylc, Technology (CATT) Laboratory at heavy travel days, and compare those to transportation planner at BMC. “It’s really the University of Maryland. “You’ve normal travel days so that you can make cool. There’s no doubt about that.” got a lot of goods, that are moving up and better, more informed decisions about down the East Coast; you’ve got a lot of when to be out on the road,” Pack said. “If BMC plans to publish similar animation people trying to move up and down the you see this traveler information and you leading up to the travel weeks of East Coast; and you can only manage decide to leave three hours earlier to avoid Thanksgiving and Christmas, Stylc said. traffic and situations on these important congestion, you’re helping other people roadways if you know what’s going on out who decide to leave later.” “Thanksgiving is the big travel day of the there in real-time.” year,” Stylc said. “Gas is relatively cheap On August 29, the Baltimore Metropolitan right now, so traveling by vehicle will be as The CATT Lab uses probe data gathered Council (BMC), which works with the popular as ever, and people may choose to from tracking drivers’ cell phone and GPS CATT Lab through the I-95 Corridor drive, as opposed to fly.” movement, Pack said. The data can be Coalition, published data from Labor used in real-time to help manage on-road Day weekend 2015 to demonstrate how

22 Baltimore Metropolitan Council COG Quarterly 23 Leading Locally

Counties work together to address challenges of Next Generation 911 implementation

n Friday, September 23, BMC and the (Left to right) Facilitator and Kevin Aftung, director of the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency (Left to right) Michael Powell, a consultant to the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management; Robin Clark Eilenberg, research director for OMaryland Association of Counties Management, and panelistsTrey Forgety, director of Government Affairs with the National Emergency MACo; and Eileen Singleton, principal transportation engineer with BMC, facilitate discussion with county emergency managers. Photo: BMC (MACo) hosted the Next Generation Numbers Association; Steve Souder, director of the Fairfax County Department of Public Safety 911 Roundtable: What’s Next for Communications; and Lori Stone, Region III lead with FirstNet, address the challenges to Next Maryland Counties? Generation 911 implementation. Photo: BMC MACo highlights of the event include:

More than 80 emergency managers, public Improving public safety and emergency sharing of text, photo, and video data • Trey Fogerty, director of Government Affairs of the National • Scott Roper, executive director of the Maryland safety answering point directors, public data sharing through regional Geographic by callers to 911 operators and First Emergency Numbers Association, spoke about issues Emergency Number Systems Board, spoke about the safety personnel and GIS staff from across Information System (GIS) coordination Responders. with cyber security and reliability of current 911 systems, as challenges of federal regulation for Next Generation 911. Maryland attended the event. Local, state, has been a priority for BMC during the well as opportunities for improvement with Next Generation Roper also discussed the importance of collaboration between and national experts spoke about the best last year. The federal Next Generation But the implementation of new GIS and 911 systems. Fogerty also pointed out that Next Generation local government officials and wireless telephone carriers, practices, challenges, and implementation 911 initiative is one of many ways that other updates will be costly, which is why 911 is necessary because there are significant gaps between especially in the event of a system failure. of the Next Generation 911 initiative. geospatial technology is being used to statewide and regional discussions are the data that can be sent via cellphone over data networks and improve emergency response in the region. important to help governments plan ahead the information most emergency call centers are capable of • Dave Sehnert, senior consultant, Mission Critical “Next Generation 911 is coming quickly and keep upgrades cost-effective. receiving. Partners; and Lori Stone, Region III Lead, FirstNet, spoke and we have to embrace it,” said Steve Jurisdictions around Maryland and in the about the technological capabilities of Next Generation 911, Souder, director of the Department of Baltimore region are working to address “Next Gen 911 should be significantly • Steve Souder, director Fairfax County Department along with a potential increase in staff required to implement Public Safety Communication in Fairfax the challenges that come with Next more reliable,” said Trey Forgety, director of 911/Public Safety Communications, discussed the new technologies associated with the platform.  County, Virginia, one of the event’s Generation 911 implementation. Many of government affairs with the National importance of accurate GIS mapping for the successful panelists. “If Google can do it, and we can hope the system will improve and enhance Emergency Numbers Association, who implementation of Next Generation 911. Souder stressed use our cell phones to order a pizza or an the handling of 911 calls, particularly served on the event’s panel. “We’re looking that GIS is of utmost importance to Next Generation 911 Uber, there’s no reason we can’t use them from cell phone users. They also seek to at a vastly more robust system than we’re because it will be the lone utility that determines where a call to save a life.” use technology that will increase response working with.” was made from and where it will be routed. times, location accuracy, and allow the

24 Baltimore Metropolitan Council COG Quarterly 25 b’more involved Public Hearings on New Express EVENTS + ACTIVITIES Commuter Bus service War Memorial, 6-8 p.m. WITH DEADLINES 14 nov I-95 Access Improvement MTA proposes new Express Commuter Assembly Hall 2 nov Study, 6-8 p.m. Bus service operating between Baltimore, 101 N. Gay Street B'more Involved promotes civic engagement in our region’s Annapolis, and Kent Island, on line Nos. Baltimore, MD 21202 Dr. Carter G. Woodson Elementary/ B’more connected to B’more Involved: transportation, planning, environmental justice and equity. 210 and 215. The proposed service is part Middle School Kent Island Senior Center This important information is a great way for you to learn B’more Involved of MTA’s BaltimoreLINK project to 2501 Seabury Road 15 6-8 p.m. more, stay up-to-date on important events, news, and, of improve the quality and reliability of bus nov Baltimore, MD 21225 course, let you know how you can B'More Involved! @BMoreInvolved service across the Region, and would be 891 Love Point Road Safe Routes to School effective on or about March 1, 2017. Stevensville, MD 21666 7 nov Webinar, 3 p.m.

Annapolis Regional Library The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Dedicated bus lanes are part of MTA’s 17 nov 6-8 p.m. Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will BaltimoreLink project to improve the quality 1410 West Street hold a series of public workshops to present and reliability of bus service across the Region. Annapolis, MD 21401 COMMENTS DUE - Annapolis’ 11 plans on dedicated bus lanes on several major Dedicated lanes will allow buses to move more nov Upper West Street downtown streets, as well as public hearings on quickly through downtown as well as help keep Opportunity Area Study proposed New Express Commuter Bus service. them on schedule. At the workshops, BCDOT and MTA will share concepts under consideration and listen to your ideas about how the lanes could work. Applications due - Every 18 War Memorial 11 a.m.-2 p.m. University of Maryland 2 3 14 nov Body Walk! Micro Grants. nov nov 4-7 p.m. nov 4-7 p.m. Memorial Hall 101 N. Gay Street Wm. H. Thumel Sr. Business Baltimore SMC Campus Center, Baltimore, MD 21202 Center, Multipurpose Room Elm Room A Transportation Research 8-12 Jan Board Annual Meeting

Transportation affects all of You can help shape the future of us. By getting BRTB November Meeting 22 transportation: Volunteer to serve on the involved in the BRTB’s planning process, nov 9 a.m. BRTB Public Advisory Committee you can help to shape the future. Public Advisory Committee 7 Transportation affects each of us, each day, but not in the same • Assists in outreach efforts and public participation in the The BRTB meets regularly to work on Dec Meeting, 5:30 p.m. way. That is why it is essential that a wide variety of individuals, regional transportation planning process. regional transportation activities, events, BRTB December Meeting, businesses, and organizations are engaged in the regional educational campaigns, plans, and to vote 27 transportation planning process and that their voices are heard. • Promotes principles of transportation equity and on key decisions. Public comment also is a dec 9 a.m. environmental justice in the regional transportation planning vital part of many of these initiatives. We Public Advisory Committee The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) is cur- process. hope to see you at any of our upcoming 4 jan Meeting, 5:30 p.m. rently accepting applications for volunteers to serve on its Public meetings. Check out our information on Advisory Committee (PAC). Residents or representatives of organizations in the Baltimore testimony rules and procedures, as BRTB January Meeting, 24 region are encouraged to apply. Volunteers from Anne Arundel, well as our guide to making a public jan 9 a.m. The PAC is a diverse group of residents, representatives of Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Queen Anne’s Counties are comment. community organizations, and industry professionals that: particularly needed. All meetings take place at BMC, located • Provides essential independent advice and feedback to the The deadline to submit applications is Wednesday, November 30. at the Offices @ McHenry Row, 1500 BRTB about regional transportation plans (long-and short- Terms begin January 2017. Apply today to serve on the BRTB Whetstone Way, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD range) and related issues. Public Advisory Committee. 21230. Visit www.baltometro.org for a full list of upcoming public meetings.

26 Baltimore Metropolitan Council COG Quarterly 27 From the vault

Holiday hustle and bustle in full swing

Shopper Jam – As usual, the day following Thanksgiving, in this case on November 25-26, 1966, with its lure of sales and getting a head start on Christmas gift buying, brought thousands of shoppers, like these crossing at Howard and Lexington streets, to downtown shops and department stores. Photo: By Weyman D. Swagger , courtesy of the Maryland Historical Society Photographs

28 Baltimore Metropolitan Council