Survey of critical issues facing our region
The Baltimore Metropolitan Council presents its 2026 survey of critical policy issues facing the Baltimore metropolitan area. This survey was conducted from March 12 to March 19, 2026. This unprecedented snapshot can help guide the region’s planning and decision-making in the months and years ahead.
Highlights
The BMC’s Pulse survey is unique in the region because it provides statistically significant sample sizes for each member jurisdiction, including Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard and Queen Anne’s counties.
Economy & Personal Finance
A growing number of regional residents are upset about the cost of living, with 79 percent now dissatisfied, up 8 points from two years ago. Residents say that they are concerned about the effects that climate change will have on their pocketbooks, with 6 out of 10 saying they are worried about higher energy costs.
Housing & Development
As housing costs remain a major problem, regional residents mostly support lower interest rates and the construction of more affordable units.
There’s some optimism on the housing front, with a slightly higher proportion of residents this year saying they might be able to buy a home in the near future.
Traffic, Transportation and Transit
The proposed Red Line east-west transit connection is popular in the Baltimore region’s Core Service Area, with 56 percent of Baltimore County residents and 69 percent of Baltimore City residents supporting it. But support declines in some suburban counties.
Quality of Life & Environment
Crime and drugs are dropping slightly as a concern. There has been a notable decline in concern over crime in Baltimore City, and among the region’s Black residents.
38 percent of Baltimore City residents say controlling crime and drugs is one of their top concerns, down from 50 percent two years ago.
Emerging Challenges
Introducing new questions from the previous surveys, including concerns regarding Artificial Intelligence and illegal immigration. Half of respondents say they have concerns that AI will affect their jobs, and 8 of 10 respondents say they want more AI regulation.
Most Concerning?
Residents are growing increasingly dissatisfied with the condition of the area’s roads and bridges. Compared to a year ago, satisfaction with roads and bridges decreased by two percentage points, and satisfaction with the cost of living dropped by three percentage points.
Who conducted the Poll?
The 2026 Pulse survey was conducted by GQR, a leading Washington-based polling firm. GQR conducted an 18-minute mixed mode survey among 1,200 adults in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford, Howard, Carroll, and Queen Anne’s counties from March 12 – March 19, 2026.
Live phone, text-to-web, and online interviews each made up 33 percent of respondents. Respondents were compiled from a representative stratified set and panel sample of the target area’s general population.
Methodology
- Margin of error of +/- 2.83 percentage points overall at the 95 percent confidence interval
- 1200 adults questioned across 6 counties
- The data are statistically weighted to ensure the sample’s regional, age, and gender composition reflects that of Baltimore and the selected surrounding counties.
The Pulse is prepared for Baltimore
Metropolitan Council a trusted group of experts who help guide the future of the Baltimore region by evaluating needs and trends, listening to communities and developing and implementing programs and projects.