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A massive "human composting" facility just opened outside D.C.

Earth Funeral just opened the East Coast's largest natural organic reduction facility in Howard County.

News

The green burial boom is here — a huge &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="human composting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/21/human-composting" data-vars-content-id="161dad19-c1af-4064-b682-e1395ec040ed" data-vars-headline="A massive &quot;human composting&quot; facility just opened outside D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/21/human-composting" target="_self">human composting</a>&quot; site just opened outside D.C., bringing a fast-growing, eco-friendly death care option close to home.Why it matters: Maryland legalized human composting two years ago, paving the way for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Earth Funeral" data-vars-click-url="https://earthfuneral.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;utm_campaign=GA_Search_Brand_Exact_US_2&amp;utm_content=623022695674&amp;utm_term=earth%20funeral&amp;utm_campaign_id=18387002872&amp;utm_adgroup=GA_Search_Brand_Exact&amp;utm_adgroup_id=141533093277&amp;utm_ad_id=623022695674&amp;utm_placement=&amp;utm_match_type=e&amp;utm_device=c&amp;utm_network=g&amp;utm_location=9007537&amp;utm_site_domain=&amp;utm_site_id=kwd-927024177258&amp;hsa_acc=9039600664&amp;hsa_cam=18387002872&amp;hsa_grp=141533093277&amp;hsa_ad=623022695674&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_tgt=kwd-927024177258&amp;hsa_kw=earth%20funeral&amp;hsa_mt=e&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=18387002872&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoXksEqgCGzov0vRiRJKvFCCs85gu&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwiJvQBhCYARIsAMjts3KsDEm5ia_PnjhXZJNav0zPtomtHxPvG8rmP_heOPFLUglRkf2J4XAaAqdJEALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="161dad19-c1af-4064-b682-e1395ec040ed" data-vars-headline="A massive &quot;human composting&quot; facility just opened outside D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://earthfuneral.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;utm_campaign=GA_Search_Brand_Exact_US_2&amp;utm_content=623022695674&amp;utm_term=earth%20funeral&amp;utm_campaign_id=18387002872&amp;utm_adgroup=GA_Search_Brand_Exact&amp;utm_adgroup_id=141533093277&amp;utm_ad_id=623022695674&amp;utm_placement=&amp;utm_match_type=e&amp;utm_device=c&amp;utm_network=g&amp;utm_location=9007537&amp;utm_site_domain=&amp;utm_site_id=kwd-927024177258&amp;hsa_acc=9039600664&amp;hsa_cam=18387002872&amp;hsa_grp=141533093277&amp;hsa_ad=623022695674&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_tgt=kwd-927024177258&amp;hsa_kw=earth%20funeral&amp;hsa_mt=e&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=18387002872&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoXksEqgCGzov0vRiRJKvFCCs85gu&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwiJvQBhCYARIsAMjts3KsDEm5ia_PnjhXZJNav0zPtomtHxPvG8rmP_heOPFLUglRkf2J4XAaAqdJEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Earth Funeral</a> to open one of the world&#x27;s largest facilities in Howard County — giving East Coast families access to a process that often required transporting loved ones across the country.

Exclusive: Metro CEO Randy Clarke's message to Trump

Clarke talks about where he's taking Metro

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Randy Clarke" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/30/randy-clarke-metro-dc-mayor-muriel-bowser-election" data-vars-content-id="f16bcf11-f892-4a09-a3b2-3ffa9f6b5984" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Metro CEO Randy Clarke&#x27;s message to Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/30/randy-clarke-metro-dc-mayor-muriel-bowser-election" target="_self">Randy Clarke</a> sees Metro&#x27;s future in the Gold Line: A zippy, dedicated bus route from Georgetown to the new Commanders stadium.<ul><li>And the transit system&#x27;s general manager has a message for a powerful man who loves gold: </li><li>&quot;President Trump and the entire administration say they want to build,&quot; Clarke says, &quot;and they want to build faster.&quot;</li><li>&quot;Metro wants to build stuff, and we want to build faster.&quot;</li></ul>Why it matters: The Gold Line is more ambitious than just a bus lane. It tries to solve a new problem (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stadium transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/12/metro-commanders-stadium-rfk-stadium-armory" data-vars-content-id="f16bcf11-f892-4a09-a3b2-3ffa9f6b5984" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Metro CEO Randy Clarke&#x27;s message to Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/12/metro-commanders-stadium-rfk-stadium-armory" target="_self">stadium transit</a>) and a very old problem (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="no Georgetown metro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/10/04/georgetown-metro-stop-when-date" data-vars-content-id="f16bcf11-f892-4a09-a3b2-3ffa9f6b5984" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Metro CEO Randy Clarke&#x27;s message to Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/10/04/georgetown-metro-stop-when-date" target="_self">no Georgetown metro</a>) — and fix K Street.

D.C. keeps crown as America's best park system

As local parks are caught up in political fights, the ranking is a reminder that parks are some of D.C.'s best assets.

The District is home to the best city park system in America — again —according to new rankings from the Trust for Public Land.Why it matters: At a moment when D.C.&#x27;s parks are caught up in political fights and makeover drama, the report is a reminder that the city&#x27;s green spaces remain some of its biggest assets.

DMV pool guide: Where to swim around D.C. this summer

The best public pools in the DMV — many free!

Things to Do

Suit up: Pools and splash parks are opening across the DMV over Memorial Day weekend.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Snowcrete winter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/28/snow-emergency-extended-as-snowcrete-slows-dc-cleanup" data-vars-content-id="570de5ab-d6f4-4a15-9cf5-94eda14c5b79" data-vars-headline="DMV pool guide: Where to swim around D.C. this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/28/snow-emergency-extended-as-snowcrete-slows-dc-cleanup" target="_self">Snowcrete winter</a> makes pool season that much sweeter.

D.C. market trails suburbs in spring housing rebound

D.C. and Prince George's are lagging, but NoVa and Montgomery County stay strong.

Real Estate

Washington-area real estate saw a bump in activity last month, per a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BrightMLS report" data-vars-click-url="https://assets.ctfassets.net/1g8q1frp41ix/2GKsiKnaZ9U2agzCGR208V/3ac4578126f769fdf5d01442820c7f33/Washington__D.C._Metro_2026-04.pdf" data-vars-content-id="e7173972-572c-4ff2-b41c-fe4f927ef742" data-vars-headline="D.C. market trails suburbs in spring housing rebound" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://assets.ctfassets.net/1g8q1frp41ix/2GKsiKnaZ9U2agzCGR208V/3ac4578126f769fdf5d01442820c7f33/Washington__D.C._Metro_2026-04.pdf" target="_blank">BrightMLS report</a> — a ray of sunshine after a gloomy stretch.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/22/housing-market-inventory-buyers-options-grow" data-vars-content-id="e7173972-572c-4ff2-b41c-fe4f927ef742" data-vars-headline="D.C. market trails suburbs in spring housing rebound" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/22/housing-market-inventory-buyers-options-grow" target="_self">local market</a> has been sluggish in the wake of federal government cuts and economic worries.

D.C.'s top outdoor design trends: Think rooms, not patios

Outdoor Living Brief

Forget a patio grill — even a fancy one. D.C.-area homeowners are seriously upgrading their outdoor living and entertaining game.Why it matters: Outdoor space comes at a premium here, no matter the size. That&#x27;s making near year-round enjoyment a priority.

JD Vance's next-door neighbor on Mass. Ave is selling

Perks of the mansion by the Naval Observatory: Pool, sauna and fed-level safety.

For $10.75 million, you can move next door to the Veep.The big picture: The stucco &quot;Heurich-Parks&quot; house at 3400 Massachusetts Avenue NW is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the market" data-vars-click-url="https://3400massachusettsavenw.relahq.com/" data-vars-content-id="8a1f92fe-d81e-4126-b717-80a442de4914" data-vars-headline="JD Vance&#x27;s next-door neighbor on Mass. Ave is selling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://3400massachusettsavenw.relahq.com/" target="_blank">on the market</a>. It was originally built in 1925 and underwent a compete renovation nine years ago.

Former Key Bridge Marriott site to be developed into housing, hotel, green space

Expect housing, a hotel and public green space.

Development

The developer of the former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Key Bridge Marriott" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/12/key-bridge-marriott-demolition" data-vars-content-id="541de2a8-ee00-4da4-a56f-995d187070e2" data-vars-headline="Former Key Bridge Marriott site to be developed into housing, hotel, green space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/12/key-bridge-marriott-demolition" target="_self">Key Bridge Marriott</a> site has released plans to reimagine the area.Why it matters: The future of the prime piece of land — which sits by the Key Bridge in Rosslyn, overlooking the Potomac — has been a local point of chatter since Marriott vacated the building several years ago.

D.C.'s buzziest 2025 real estate happenings

Who bought, who's selling. And one ginormous property still under construction.

It was a headline-packed, topsy-turvy year for D.C.-area real estate.The big picture: The DMV saw a surge in splashy &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump bump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/01/10/luxury-home-sales-dc-trump-bump-real-estate" data-vars-content-id="d3f8e75c-9f5a-4f29-a739-2171c61f29b6" data-vars-headline="D.C.&#x27;s buzziest 2025 real estate happenings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/01/10/luxury-home-sales-dc-trump-bump-real-estate" target="_self">Trump bump</a>&quot; sales as mega-wealthy administration members and POTUS orbiters snagged lux spots in the area.

What to expect from D.C.'s housing market next year

The DMV is the only mid-Atlantic region where 2026 prices are anticipated to fall.

Don&#x27;t expect Washington&#x27;s 2026&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/09/09/trump-federal-crackdown-real-estate-market" data-vars-content-id="5f97daeb-19c4-40a0-8d06-33b7db17a274" data-vars-headline="What to expect from D.C.&#x27;s housing market next year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/09/09/trump-federal-crackdown-real-estate-market" target="_self">housing market</a> to look all that different from this year&#x27;s sluggish market, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://brightmls.com/2026forecast" data-vars-content-id="5f97daeb-19c4-40a0-8d06-33b7db17a274" data-vars-headline="What to expect from D.C.&#x27;s housing market next year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://brightmls.com/2026forecast" target="_blank">report</a> from Bright MLS says.The big picture: More than ever, it&#x27;s local economic outlooks, not the national one, that are driving regional housing markets across the country, says <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lisa Sturtevant" data-vars-click-url="https://brightmls.com/bio-page/lisa" data-vars-content-id="5f97daeb-19c4-40a0-8d06-33b7db17a274" data-vars-headline="What to expect from D.C.&#x27;s housing market next year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://brightmls.com/bio-page/lisa" target="_blank">Lisa Sturtevant</a>, the chief economist for Bright MLS, the multiple listing service.

Everyone's talking about this huge McLean house

An absolutely ginormous house going up in McLean has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/21/luxury-real-estate-boom-trump-administration" data-vars-content-id="85e751f6-1497-4792-8daa-30d91dcd19c9" data-vars-headline="Everyone&#x27;s talking about this huge McLean house" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/21/luxury-real-estate-boom-trump-administration" target="_self">Washington</a> tongues wagging.Why it matters: If you&#x27;ve driven down Georgetown Pike recently — or know someone who has — you&#x27;ve probably seen it or heard about it.

DMV real estate splits as wealthy buyers stay active

It&#x27;s a tale of two markets in the DMV&#x27;s real estate scene.The big picture: Inventory is up and sales are stalling as would-be buyers and sellers fret over the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/02/dc-moderate-recession-pro-business" data-vars-content-id="540f8110-e6ab-4b94-88b1-246158c27809" data-vars-headline="DMV real estate splits as wealthy buyers stay active" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/02/dc-moderate-recession-pro-business" target="_self">local economy</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/31/trump-filibuster-government-shutdown-senate" data-vars-content-id="540f8110-e6ab-4b94-88b1-246158c27809" data-vars-headline="DMV real estate splits as wealthy buyers stay active" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/31/trump-filibuster-government-shutdown-senate" target="_self">government shutdown</a> and federal layoffs.

Friendship Heights is in the midst of a housing and retail revival

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Friendship Heights" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/12/02/friendship-heights-apartments-affordable-housing" data-vars-content-id="f15ce53a-0d43-4b5e-b0de-1d08727eeaad" data-vars-headline="Friendship Heights is in the midst of a housing and retail revival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/12/02/friendship-heights-apartments-affordable-housing" target="_self">Friendship Heights</a> is experiencing a wave of new development.The big picture: The openings are part of a push to resuscitate the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighborhood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2023/10/23/friendship-heights-alliance-natalie-avery.html" data-vars-content-id="f15ce53a-0d43-4b5e-b0de-1d08727eeaad" data-vars-headline="Friendship Heights is in the midst of a housing and retail revival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2023/10/23/friendship-heights-alliance-natalie-avery.html" target="_blank">neighborhood</a> from a corridor filled with aging buildings and retail closures into a bustling mixed-use destination.

More homes hit the market across DMV as prices cool

Local home buyers might be gaining ground this fall.

Some good news for wanna-be DMV home buyers: House inventory is up across the region, and prices seem to be stalling, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bright MLS&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://brightmls.com/article/greater-dc-area-weekly-housing-market-update" data-vars-content-id="e14ebc82-6ee8-45a3-9328-49f93b917276" data-vars-headline="More homes hit the market across DMV as prices cool" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://brightmls.com/article/greater-dc-area-weekly-housing-market-update" target="_blank">Bright MLS&#x27;</a> latest report.Why it matters: It&#x27;s another indicator of a softening market in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/08/06/dc-housing-market-doge-when-to-buy" data-vars-content-id="e14ebc82-6ee8-45a3-9328-49f93b917276" data-vars-headline="More homes hit the market across DMV as prices cool" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/08/06/dc-housing-market-doge-when-to-buy" target="_self">Washington</a> amid government cuts, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/09/09/trump-federal-crackdown-real-estate-market" data-vars-content-id="e14ebc82-6ee8-45a3-9328-49f93b917276" data-vars-headline="More homes hit the market across DMV as prices cool" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/09/09/trump-federal-crackdown-real-estate-market" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s</a> crackdown and the ongoing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/22/government-shutdown-assistance-banks" data-vars-content-id="e14ebc82-6ee8-45a3-9328-49f93b917276" data-vars-headline="More homes hit the market across DMV as prices cool" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/22/government-shutdown-assistance-banks" target="_self">shutdown</a>.

Real Estate 🏠

D.C. market trails suburbs in spring housing rebound

D.C.'s top outdoor design trends: Think rooms, not patios

JD Vance's next-door neighbor on Mass. Ave is selling

Former Key Bridge Marriott site to be developed into housing, hotel, green space

D.C.'s buzziest 2025 real estate happenings