🍦What’s Going On With Home Prices?

Good morning, Columbia.

In today’s Columbia Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Michelle Sinclair

In Howard County, two ZIP codes are bucking the national trend of increasing housing inventory. In Jessup's 20794, new listings dropped by 59% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, while Columbia's 21046 saw a 19% decline.Despite these drops, home prices remained stable or saw modest increases, indicating strong demand. Factors such as limited housing supply, high buyer interest, and possibly local zoning constraints may be contributing to these trends. ($)

Looking for a real estate agent who listens, strategizes, and delivers? Meet Mike Sloan of Northrop Realty, a seasoned professional with over 18 years of full-time experience, 1,200+ homes sold, and $500 million+ in sales. Named one of The Wall Street Journal’s Top Agents, Mike’s a competitor who thrives on challenges and relationships. A Howard County native and family man, Mike’s ready to put his expertise to work for you. Reach out to Mike to see how he can help.

Updating an earlier story: After Howard County Public Schools reversed last year’s controversial bus cuts, many students celebrated a return to safer commutes. But now, new maps are leaving other families without service. Parents like Colleen Kirby Shanks say their kids face unsafe walks to school, despite nearby buses rolling past. Appeals are open—and frustration levels are up.

Janssen Evelyn is making another run for Howard County Council District 4. After losing by just 239 votes in 2022, he’s back—bright orange shades and all—rallying supporters at Freetown Farm with music, hugs, and a clear message: bold, responsive leadership for Columbia and beyond.

Evelyn, a Columbia resident and local government veteran, brings serious policy chops, especially on housing and land use. He currently serves as deputy chief administrative officer for Anne Arundel County. His bid comes with a high-profile boost: Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman—known for balancing growth with community values—has endorsed him, calling Evelyn a rare leader with both energy and expertise. Evelyn’s hoping to channel his near-win into a full-on victory this time around. ($)

Howard County’s school board approved a budget that cuts 126.5 positions—including third-grade strings—despite $70 million in new revenue. Superintendent Bill Barnes called the reductions “painful,” but warned against overusing one-time funds and risking deeper cuts next year. ($)

Maryland shut down ASAP, a Towson-based home detention firm, after it failed to alert police about repeated violations by Emmetson Zeah—who later allegedly killed two teens at The Mall in Columbia. The state found ASAP jeopardized public safety and yanked its license. The company, monitoring nearly 300 people, was fined $2,500. Courts now face a scramble to reassign clients. ASAP has 30 days to appeal.

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📸 @visithocomd | 📍Columbia Lakefront

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Founded by two proud Columbia residents, Remedy Columbia is your neighborhood dispensary offering premium cannabis products and a personalized shopping experience. Whether you're seeking relief, relaxation, or inspiration, our curated selection and knowledgeable team are here to help. At Remedy, we believe in supporting our community, celebrating local culture, and making every visit feel like coming home. Visit Remedy Columbia—Where Healing Meets Home.

This week’s featured event. . . Savage Bluegrass Festival Saturday June 14th 12-5pm

This Saturday at the Savage Mill, bring your blankets, chairs, and even your pups for a laid-back day of live music, food, and fun! Kids under 5 get in free, and Dive Bar and Grille is serving up food and drinks all day. Enjoy tunes from Satyr Hill, Dave Zelonka, Geraldine, and Rock Creek Revival. Need a break from the sun? Head inside the New Weave Building for a jam session hosted by Dave Zelonka from 2:30–4 PM. Parking’s easy in the Big and Overflow Lots!

AMPED in the Park Concert Series
The Jogo Project kicks off Columbia’s AMPED in the Park concert series at Color Burst Park. Live music, food, drinks, and giveaways start at 6:30 p.m. Bring a blanket, relax, and let the jazz and Go-Go vibes set the tone for summer! Concerts continue all summer through September. Dont miss it!

Lakefront live Free Movie Friday
🦁 Mufasa: The Lion King roars to life Friday, June 13 at 8:30 PM at the Columbia Lakefront. Bring a blanket, grab some snacks, and enjoy this free movie under the stars!

Moms in Motion: Hot Girl Summer Class @ The Pearl
🔥Hot Girl Summer kicks off June 13th at 6:45 PM at The Pearl Spa! Expect high vibes, loud beats, and serious sweat. $25 gets you the party—plus post-class drinks and dinner at The Collective Offshore.

🧒🌳Good Kid-izens Take Over Color Burst Park!
This summer, Merriweather District’s Good Kid-izen sessions invite kids to explore crafts, games, and lessons on community values. Join the free, family-friendly fun every other Saturday starting June 14th, from 10 a.m. to noon at Color Burst Park

Teen Summer Kickback
🎉 Teens, it’s your time to shine! Head to the Columbia Lakefront Saturday, June 14 from 6–8 PM for food trucks, fairy hair, photo ops, and a DJ-fueled dance party.

Wine Bin Movie Night
🎬 Best in Show hits the Wine Bin’s outdoor screen on Saturday, June 14th at 9 PM. Bring chairs, friends, and pups—this free movie night pairs perfectly with wine and laughs. Early arrival = best seat in the (parking) lot.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

Following earlier news that FEMA funding for two key flood control ponds was put on hold, Gov. Wes Moore has stepped up with $10 million in state support. The funding, from Maryland’s Resilient Revolving Loan Fund, will help advance the North Tunnel and Maryland Avenue culverts—two core pieces of Howard County’s Safe and Sound Plan. Local leaders say the funding brings relief, but concerns remain as a third of the $250 million plan still depends on federal support.

Howard County showed up big for young changemakers last week. Long Reach High’s auditorium was packed for the screening of sophomore Owen Mayotte’s climate change doc, which snagged an honorable mention in C-SPAN’s national StudentCam contest. His short film, “Harnessing the Sun,” wasn’t the only local standout—three other Howard County student projects also earned national honors. ($)

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88 🌡️ 64 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 N-E 3-13 mph

88 🌡️ 68 | ⛅️ | 0% | 💨 NW-NE 2-19 mph

83 🌡️ 70 | 🌧️ | 70% | 💨 NW 2-16 mph

77 🌡️ 67 | 🌧️ | 75% | 💨 NW 2-18 mph

Merriweather Post | Justice: Live 8pm
The Morgan Inn | Dave Phenicie and Paula Richardson 6pm
Bare Bones | Virgil Cain 7pm
Cured 1821 | Sidestreet Duo 6pm

Merriweather Post | Mt Joy 830pm
The Morgan Inn | Random Logic 8pm
Looney’s Maple Lawn | Black Hole Sons
Bare Bones | Fire Kite 8pm
Cured 1821 | Kevin Howard 6pm

Merriweather Post | All Good Now Festival 12pm
Looney’s Maple Lawn | Totally Stoked
The Morgan Inn | 33 1/3 Band 8pm
Bare Bones | Luke Borchelt 8pm
Collective Encore | High Noon 8pm
Cured 1821 | Ian Trusjhiem 6pm
Reckless Shepherd | Solar Circuit and Seven Teller 1130pm

Merriweather Post | All Good Now Festival 12pm
The Morgan Inn | Soul Family Band 2pm
Manor Hill Brewery | Mike Finazzo 2pm
Collective Encore | Honoring the Forefathers of Funk 7pm
Cured 1821 | Sidestreet Duo 5pm
Reckless Shepherd | Cotter Ellis and Jake Brownstein 1130pm

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