Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse midday press conference on March 26, 2024 by Acroterion licensed under Creative Commons.

Key Bridge efforts shift from rescue to recovery; Biden pledges full funding to rebuild bridge

The six construction workers missing in the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge are now presumed dead, officials announced on Tuesday evening, shifting their efforts from rescue to recovery. President Joe Biden has pledged federal funding for the full cost of replacing the bridge, noting its importance to the region’s economy, and said he expects Congress to support him in fulfilling that promise. (The Baltimore Banner and Washington Business Journal articles are behind a paywall).  (Baltimore Banner, Business Journal, WBAL)  

Fairfax County rolling out $20 million in rental assistance for individuals with serious mental illness

Fairfax County has entered into a $20 million agreement with the Virginia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to provide 300 rental assistance vouchers over three years and fund three new staff positions. The program is for people experiencing serious mental health challenges and related housing instability. It includes comprehensive support services for 50 participants, with the other 250 supported by two separate Supportive Housing Teams.  (Acacia James / FFXnow)  

DCHA’s new Chinatown office aims to boost foot traffic in area

The DC Housing Authority will lease 26,000 square feet of office space at 702 H Street NW and relocate 150 employees to the new space. The agency will offer in-person customer service at the location and hopes its new move to Chinatown will bring additional foot traffic to the neighborhood.  (Emily Wishingrad / Bisnow)  

Northern Virginia’s number of home sales outpaces national trends

The number of Northern Virginia home sales increased 2.2% in February compared to a year prior, the first year-over-year increase since November 2021. During the same period, the national housing market saw a 3.3% decline in sales. NOVA home sales month-over-month were up 32%. Prices continue to rise, reflecting the ongoing effects of a tight housing inventory for the area.  (Jeff Clabaugh / WTOP)  

Herndon developing roadway safety action plan

The Town of Herndon is developing a roadway safety action plan that officials expect to complete in 2026, followed by an implementation plan in 2027. The town, which has a peak speed limit of 35 mph, has a higher rate of crashes with serious injuries compared to the averages of similarly sized towns and the state overall.  (Fatimah Waseem / FFXnow)  

MoCo youth make waves in local housing and climate advocacy

High school student activists in Montgomery County have advocated for electric buses, rent stabilization, and social housing through internships with the BIPOC Montgomery County Green New Deal program, led by the National Institute for Peer Support. According to the nonprofit’s president, the program’s interns were an important voice in Montgomery County’s passing of a 6% rent cap.  (Rosanne Skirble / Maryland Matters)  

Two organizations lease office space in DC’s East End

The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) and ClearPath, an energy-focused environmental nonprofit, have signed leases for office space at 300 New Jersey Avenue NW in the East End near the Capitol. ACLI will be setting up shop on the top floor of the building, after having been just down the street at 101 Constitution Avenue NW. ClearPath’s offices will be on a lower floor, after having been at 518 C Street NE. (This article is behind a paywall)  (Tristan Navera / Business Journal)  

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