Scoring the Future: Understanding MDOT’s “Project Scorecard”

MDOT plans to advance changes to improve its current project scoring process. Hear more about these proposed updates at the upcoming MACo Winter Conference. 

One frequent concern in and outside Annapolis is that the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) project scoring process lacks clarity. For years, counties have submitted applications with little insight into why some projects are funded while others are not, fueling frustration and offering few lessons for improving future submissions. Over the interim, MDOT has met with county professionals and local leaders to address these shortcomings and develop a more transparent, predictable scoring framework. At the upcoming MACo Winter Conference, MDOT staff will brief county officials on proposed changes and seek feedback ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

  • Title: Scoring the Future: Understanding MDOT’s “Project Scorecard”
  • Description: The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is proposing updates to the project scoring process—an effort to bring greater transparency and consistency to how transportation projects are evaluated for state funding. The new framework aims to clarify how local priorities align with statewide goals, but it has also raised concerns among some counties about potential regional disparities in funding outcomes. In this session, MDOT leaders will outline the proposed changes, discuss the reasoning behind them, and invite feedback from county officials on how to ensure the system remains equitable and effective across all communities.
  • Speakers:
    • Geoff Anderson, Chief, Planning, Programming, and Project Delivery, MDOT
    • Nick Donohue, Principal, Capitol Transportation Consulting
    • Martin Harris, Director, Department of Public Works, Charles County
  • Moderator: The Honorable Lenny Pfeffer, President, Dorchester County Council
  • Date/Time: Wednesday, December 10, 2025; 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The 2025 MACo Winter Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, MD from December 10-12. This year’s theme is “Local Leadership, Lasting Impact: Shaping What’s Next.” More information can be found on MACo’s conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Winter Conference: