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Dear Friends,
Since my last update, my office has been hard at work on several important initiatives.
Recently, I met with members of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee as part of a new joint workgroup, comprised of three senators and three delegates, focused on improving oversight of major information technology development projects across state government.
This workgroup will evaluate several key issues, including:
- Defining the roles and responsibilities of agencies such as the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) and the Maryland Office of Digital Experience.
- Identifying actions to address findings from the Office of Legislative Audits (2024).
- Exploring the potential benefits of embedding DoIT staff within agencies managing large-scale IT projects.
- Assessing whether DoIT should have expanded or independent procurement authority; and
- Considering more efficient and effective IT project management structures, including the creation of an independent authority.
In addition, I recently coordinated a meeting with the Developmental Disabilities Administration, and I look forward to sharing updates from that discussion in next month’s newsletter. Meanwhile, my staff continues to meet with constituents and listen to the issues that matter most to our communities.
October is also Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which aligns with the Maryland Air National Guard’s new mission. However, it’s hard not to feel the loss of the Guard’s proud flying mission, a tradition that spanned generations and symbolized Maryland’s strength and service in the skies. While the transition to cybersecurity operations will help build valuable skills and enhance digital resilience, it cannot replace the legacy and spirit of flight that defined the Guard for more than a century.
Transportation remains another top priority. The Maryland Consolidated Transportation Plan (CTP) is currently being presented across the state by transportation leaders. I’ve included highlights from this week’s Baltimore County CTP meeting below.
As always, if you don’t see the full message below my signature, please click “View Entire Message” to read the rest of this newsletter.
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Maryland Department of Transportation presents the Consolidated Transportation Plan
for Baltimore County:
On October 6, 2025, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) hosted the Baltimore County Consolidated Transportation Plan (CTP) meeting at Towson University. The event, led by Acting MDOT Director Samantha Biddle, was part of a statewide tour to present the 2026–2031 Consolidated Transportation Plan to counties across Maryland.
In attendance were community leaders, elected officials, and residents from across Baltimore County- many eager to advocate for infrastructure projects vital to their neighborhoods. Among the top priorities voiced were wider sidewalks and safer pedestrian access, particularly for families, wheelchair users, and those who rely on walking as daily transportation.
A recurring concern throughout the meeting was Baltimore County’s inequitable share of state transportation funding. Because Baltimore County is not composed of municipalities, MDOT’s current formula bases funding on the population of Towson, around 50,000 people, rather than the County’s full population of more than 850,000 residents. This inequity has left Baltimore County missing out on roughly $450 million in transportation projects since 2009. I'm urging MDOT and the Federal Transit Administration to reassess the “Fair Lot” funding formula to ensure that County taxpayers receive their fair share.
MDOT’s Acting Director Samantha Biddle emphasized that “every dollar is being used to drive economic growth in Maryland.” The Department’s budget totals $21.5 billion for Fiscal Years 2026–2027, including $300 million for system maintenance and safety investments. Safety was a recurring theme throughout the session, echoing MDOT’s commitment to a “Safe, Secure, and Resilient” transportation network.
You may be wondering, where does the money come from for the CTP's $21.5 billion budget? The Highway User Revenues is a capital grant of $2.3 billion that comes from the State for local transportation needs. The CTP is funded with $10.9 billion from Transportation Fund, $8.3 billion from federal aid and the rest from other capital funding sources including operating revenue, vehicle titling taxes, motor vehicle registration, and other taxes and fees, according to the MDOT Highlights Brochure for FY 2026-FY 2031.
Other agency updates included:
| | | State Highway Administration | Maryland Aviation Administration | Motor Vehicle Administration | Maryland Port Administration | | $42.3 million renovation of ten bridges throughout the I-95/I-695 Interchange in Southwestern Baltimore County. | Maritn's State Airport Air Traffic Control project ground was broken this summer. | The Essex One-Stop Shop combines MVA services with birth/death certificates, E-ZPass, and re-entry programs for youth from the Hickey School. | The Howard Street Tunnel has been completed and is now capable of handling double-stack trains to expand freight capacity. | | This project was completed 2 months ahead of time and is expected to enhance ride quality and improve safety for the 272,000 vehicles that travel the corridor daily. | Maryland Aviation Administration has generates $11.3 billion annually and supports 100,000 jobs statewide. The new air traffic control tower will incorporate the latest technology and safety features, providing air traffic controllers with enhanced visibility and improved communication. | The MVA reported an average five-minute wait time at many locations.
Marylanders are encouraged to use My MVA Portal, which offers more than 60 online services.
Vision Zero is a key goal for the department to reaching 0 automobile deaths in Maryland. | Celebrating increased cargo volumes and the completion of
The Maryland Port Administration said that cruises continue to run through the Port of Baltimore and efforts continue to enhance quality cruise experiences. | | | |
Key Projects:
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Key Bridge Rebuild: MDOT was among the first on the ground following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Rebuilding the bridge and surrounding roadways is a part of the CTP, as nearby roads have suffered damage from detoured truck and commuter traffic. MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner reported that the Key Bridge replacement is progressing faster than expected, with mechanical demolition already 50% completed and the Test Piles in place.
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I-695 Northbound Express Toll Lanes (ETL): The Maryland Transportation Authority is advancing plans to build new ramps connecting I-695 (the Baltimore Beltway) to northbound I-95 ETL. These ramps are expected to handle about 7,000 vehicles per day and will offer a more reliable connection for drivers traveling north. Construction begins in 2026, with opening anticipated before the full ETL extension to MD 24 in 2027.
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Light Rail Rehabilitation: A long-overdue $1.4 billion overhaul will modernize the aging Light Rail system for the 14,500 weekday riders who rely on it, the first major update in 40 years.
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Sidewalk Connectivity and Safety: Baltimore County invested $2.6 million in FY 2023 and $1.5 million in FY 2024 to expand sidewalk networks. LED stop signs have been installed at seven high-risk intersections, one in each Council District, showing traffic-calming effects.
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Transit Access Through the Loop: The County’s free public transit service, now in its fourth year, has provided over 240,000 rides. County leaders hope to expand service to Owings Mills, Sparrows Point, Woodlawn, White Marsh, and Middle River. For more information on buses in Baltimore County, see here.
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Advocacy Efforts:
Prior to the meeting, I sent a letter to Acting Secretary Biddle, which included advocacy for projects critical to ensuring safety in Eastern Baltimore County. One of my staff members attended the event and voiced concerns to the panel regarding the following projects, which have gone without attention:
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Construction of an eastbound on-ramp from MD-7 to White Marsh Boulevard (MD-43). The County is still working to acquire the right of way to accommodate the Mohrs Lane Bridge #143 replacement over the CSX railroad tracks.
- Evaluation and improvements at the Old Philadelphia Road and Cowenton Avenue intersection, which faces growing congestion from nearby development.
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Eastern Boulevard (MD-150): Studies by Baltimore County and MDOT SHA identified hazards including speeding, inadequate pedestrian facilities, and high crash rates. Recommended fixes, such as medians, a center turn lane, signal upgrades, and pedestrian enhancements, should be funded to make this corridor safer and more accessible.
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Pulaski Highway (US-40): This critical artery has also become one of the most dangerous roadways in Baltimore County, with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in 2020 and 2021. Partnering with MDOT SHA to implement safety upgrades, pedestrian improvements, and traffic calming measures is essential to saving lives and reducing crashes.
These corridors are lifelines for eastern Baltimore County residents and deserve the same level of investment as other parts of the region.
I appreciate the concern voiced by community member, Chrissy Irve of the Essex Community regarding the watermain work on Eastern Blvd. I will continue to advocate for these transportation programs alongside Delegate Nawrocki, Delegate Szeliga, County Executive Klausmeier, and Councilman Marks, especially the eastbound ramp from MD-7 to White Marsh Boulevard (MD-43). This remains a serious oversight, especially given its importance to emergency response routes for the White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company.
I appreciate Acting Director Biddle’s attentiveness throughout the meeting as she took detailed notes as community members spoke and approached each project with a clear focus on safety and genuine concern for our residents.
| | | Maryland Higher Education Commission Scholarship Update: | |
Many students and families have reached out with questions about delayed scholarship payments. Here’s the latest update from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC):
- Colleges and universities can view all accepted awards in MDCAPS.
- Before funds are released, schools must certify enrollment and request payment through the system.
- Once that step is complete, MHEC sends the check to the school, which usually takes about 6–8 weeks.
For the 2025–2026 school year, institutions can now begin the certification process. However, payment requests are not yet open as MHEC is still reconciling funds from last year. Schools will be notified once the portal is ready.
Important: MHEC does not control when your school posts scholarships to your student account. If you notice issues with your financial aid account, please contact your school directly.
For those interested, my Fall 2026/Spring 2027 Scholarship application process will be available January 15, 2026 - April 1, 2026. Please contact my office within that timeframe for details on how to apply.
| | | Harford County Department
of Economic Development Hosts Federal Contract Sessions | |
The Harford County Department of Economic Development invites you to an exciting in-person event, AI-Enabled Robotics, on Tuesday, October 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the CONVERGE Innovation Center, located at 1201 Technology Drive, Aberdeen.
This session will highlight the Army Research Lab’s groundbreaking work in AI-powered autonomous systems, machines designed to adapt, and make decisions in real time, even in complex or contested environments. Attendees will also learn about the current state-of-the-art in robotics and the Army’s future technical requirements, offering valuable insight for local innovators, engineers, and industry partners.
Whether you’re in technology, defense, or business development, this event provides a front-row look at how AI is transforming robotics and shaping the future of defense innovation.
Location:
CONVERGE Innovation Center
1201 Technology Drive, Aberdeen, MD
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 28 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.
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Maryland Transit Administration Launches New Safety Policy and Reporting App
The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has announced new initiatives designed to strengthen rider and employee safety across all transit modes. Beginning this month, individuals who commit physical or verbal assaults against riders or employees may face permanent or temporary bans from using MTA services, including Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train, Commuter Bus, and Mobility. This new policy, supported by recently enacted legislation, reinforces the MTA’s commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful transit environment for everyone.
In addition to the new safety policy, the agency is launching the ELERTS See Say® mobile app, which empowers riders to discreetly report safety concerns and communicate in real time with the Maryland Transit Police. Riders can submit reports directly through the app, by text at 410-888-0675, or via the MTA’s website at mta.maryland.gov. Beginning Monday, October 6, riders will also be able to include photos or videos in their reports. Each submission is sent directly to MTA Police dispatchers, who use built-in GPS location data to respond quickly and accurately.
The See Say® app, already in use by major transit systems nationwide such as MBTA, DART, SEPTA, and BART, is available for free download from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or the MTA website at mta.maryland.gov/safety. These tools represent a major step forward in creating a more secure, connected, and confident transit experience for Maryland’s riders and workforce.
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Consider giving or take what you need.
Click photo above for a list of Baltimore County Food Pantries
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Baltimore County Department
of Planning Announces New Round
of Community Improvement Grants
The Baltimore County Department of Planning has opened a new round of Community Improvement Grants to help neighborhood and community-based organizations bring projects to life in their local areas. These grants are designed to support initiatives identified in community plans or Sustainable Community Plans and to advance the goals outlined in the County’s Master Plan 2030.
This year’s program includes important updates to better align with the County’s priorities for a livable and sustainable future. All projects must be located within the Urban Rural Demarcation Line (URDL), supporting Master Plan objectives such as a resilient economy, harmony with nature, and healthy communities. By focusing investments within the URDL, the program encourages local organizations to drive positive change at the neighborhood level.
A total of $1.8 million in funding is available through a two-tiered structure, offering flexibility for both smaller-scale and larger, strategic projects.
- Tier One Grants: $3,000–$15,000 (total of $400,000 available)
- Tier Two Grants: $15,001–$200,000 (total of $1.4 million available)
These grants present an exciting opportunity for local groups to implement meaningful improvements that strengthen communities and further the vision of Master Plan 2030.
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Share Your Voice: Capital Improvement
Program Community Input Meeting
Baltimore County has begun developing its Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2027–2032. The CIP is a six-year plan that guides how the County invests in vital projects such as:
- Schools
- Roads and bridges
- Parks and community improvements
- Water, sewer, and storm drain upgrades
- Government buildings
- Refuse disposal facilities
- Land preservation
As part of this process, the Baltimore County Planning Board will host a Community Input Meeting (CIM) to hear directly from residents about their priorities.
Meeting Details:
- Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
- Time: 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Jefferson Building, 105 West Chesapeake Avenue, Room 104, Towson, MD 21204
Anyone wishing to testify must sign in at the Jefferson Building lobby approximately 30 minutes before the meeting begins. Each speaker will have two minutes to address the Board.
For those unable to attend in person, written comments may be submitted by Friday, October 31, 2025 to: jmeacham@baltimorecountymd.gov.
Your input is critical in shaping Baltimore County’s long-term investments. We encourage you to take part in this process and share the priorities most important to you and your community.
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Baltimore County's Small Area Plan and the Department of Planning & Zoning.
Community voices have been heard. After months of collaboration and input from residents, the Small Area Plan 11 draft report- covering White Marsh, Middle River, Bowleys Quarters, Essex, and Rossville- is now complete and moving forward to the Planning Board.
The report will be presented on October 16, with a public hearing scheduled for November 6. This milestone reflects the hard work and commitment of our community in shaping the future of Area 11.
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COMMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED by October 22
Last month, I joined a packed crowd at the Perry Hall Library where community members gathered to discuss the permit proposed by Days Cove Rubble Landfill. I spoke firmly against this permit, citing concerns about responsibility, environmental risks, and public health impacts. I was proud to stand alongside my colleagues, Delegates Szeliga and Nawrocki, and Baltimore County Councilman Marks, as well as many constituents who share these concerns.
The landfill, located in White Marsh next to the Eastern Sanitary Landfill, is one of the three landfills already concentrated in Eastern Baltimore County along our waterways. Alarmingly, the permit request has now doubled, from 12,500 gallons of leachate to 25,000. This leachate would discharge into a swale leading to the Gunpowder River via Gunpowder Falls (Use II). Additionally, with the looming closure of the Wheelabrator incinerator, I am deeply concerned that our community could become a future dumping ground for Baltimore City.
In my letter to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), I made my opposition clear, citing the company’s troubling history of violations. I also outlined three critical requests that reflect the concerns of our community:
- A comprehensive, independent environmental review that fully examines risks and evaluates alternatives.
- Genuine consideration of non-discharge solutions, such as off-site hauling or advanced treatment systems.
- A transparent, detailed plan from MDE explaining how nearby well users and the surrounding watershed will be safeguarded.
I am especially grateful to the Gunpowder Riverkeepers, Gunpowder Valley Conservancy, and the many community leaders across Harford and Baltimore Counties who continue to lead grassroots efforts and advocate on behalf of our residents and natural resources.
During the hearing, MDE extended the public comment period until October 22nd. I strongly encourage you to share your testimony, whether it’s a detailed letter, a short paragraph, or even a single sentence, by emailing: paul.hlavinka@maryland.gov.
Together, we must stand firm to protect our community and the Chesapeake Bay from this harmful proposal.
| | | Harford County Residents are invited to check out the Harford County Resource Guide. This guide includes Children and Family Resources, Transportation information, Community Assistance Resources, Employment, Faith-Based Resources, and more. | Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the Bel Air BBQ Bash. | | |
Please consider joining the Harford County Commission for Women at our October meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025 at a special time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the McFaul Senior Activity Center for a "Personal Safety for Women" presentation. The course will provide attendees with simple tactics to avoid violence against them. There is no cost to attend, and anyone is welcome.
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For our community's aging populations, we have multiple resources. Baltimore County has a robust and supportive Department of Aging, which includes access to financial resources, online classes, programs and services, and senior centers. Finding community is key as we age and it's critical that our community continues to support our most vulnerable members.
Harford County's Aging Catalog includes a variety of fun activities for senior residents. Should you find yourself in need of additional services, Maryland has services specific to our aging population, including the Senior Call Program, instituted by law in 2025 and is open to all Marylanders 65+ to receive a call or text at the same time daily. If three automated calls go unanswered, the participant can select an alternate to receive a call as a signal to check in on their loved one.
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