Columbia, South Carolina
Upcoming
Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
City Council
City Council
Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
Planning Commission
City Council
City Council Standing Committee
City Council
City Council
Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
Planning Commission
City Council
City Council
City Council
Planning Commission
Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
City Council
City Council
City Council
Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
Planning Commission
City Council
City Council
City Council
Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
Planning Commission
City Council
City Council
City Council
Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
Planning Commission
City Council
City Council
City Council
Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
Planning Commission
City Council
City Council
City Council
Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
Planning Commission
City Council
City Council
Planning Commission
Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
Planning Commission
Planning Commission
Planning Commission
Recent meetings
General
The Columbia Prepares Advisory Committee will meet to discuss project activities and review an updated budget summary and timeline. The agenda includes the approval of previous meeting minutes and a status update from the Community Development Department.
- Approval of August 20, 2025 meeting minutes
- Project Activities Status Update
- Updated Budget Summary, Project Timeline and Activities
Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee
The Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will meet to approve minutes from May 26 and receive two presentations: an update from the Eau Claire Cooperative Health Center and a citywide energy savings project update. No ordinances or votes on policy changes are scheduled; the agenda is informational and procedural.
- Approval of May 26, 2026 meeting minutes
- Eau Claire Cooperative Health Update by CEO Dr. John Pearson
- Citywide Energy Savings Project Update by Project Manager David Marcus
City Council
City Council will hold second reading on the FY2027 budget ordinance and several water and sewer rate amendments. The consent agenda includes contracts for homeless services, police uniforms, water infrastructure, and ShotSpotter gunshot detection renewal.
- Second reading of Ordinance 2026-044 adopting the FY2027 budget
- Second reading of Ordinance 2026-041 amending water and sewer rates and fees
- Contracts for Transitions Homeless Center: outreach ($124,031), operations ($325,000), Housing First ($308,000), meal services at Rapid Shelter Columbia ($504,949)
- Purchase of police uniforms ($270,000) and renewal of ShotSpotter gunshot detection system ($565,920)
- Marion Street Flood Study contract with Kimley-Horn ($252,480) and water main construction at Devine and Blossom Streets ($141,234)
General
The Columbia City Council will hold a budget workshop on June 16, 2026, to discuss fiscal year 2026/2027 special revenue funds and potential external funding requests. Assistant City Manager Missy Caughman is scheduled to present information on the Hospitality Tax Fund, Accommodations Tax Fund, Tourism Development Fee, and Liquor Permit Rebate. The council will also convene in executive session to receive legal advice regarding a franchise fee for Forest Acres.
- Discussion of FY2026/2027 special revenues, including the Hospitality Tax Fund and Accommodations Tax Fund
- Review of external funding requests presented by Assistant City Manager Missy Caughman
- Executive session on legal advice concerning the Forest Acres franchise fee
City Council Standing Committee
The Community Development Committee will discuss an update on affordable multi-family development projects presented by the Community Development Director. The committee will also vote on approving minutes from previous meetings in April and May 2026.
- Update on Affordable Multi-family Development Projects by Director Felicia Kilgore
- Approval of minutes from April 21, 2026 and May 19, 2026 committee meetings
General
The committee will receive a municipal court update from the Court Administrator. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss proposed contractual arrangements and potential employee employment.
- Municipal Court Update by Shawn Grant
- Discussion of proposed contractual arrangements
- Discussion regarding the employment of an employee
General
City Council will conduct a public hearing to adopt the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The body will also consider updates to water and sewer rates and various infrastructure contracts.
- Ordinance 2026-044 to adopt the FY 2027 budget
- Ordinance 2026-041 regarding water and sewer rate changes
- Contract for solar power system at Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant not to exceed $8,948,625.00
- Police Department purchases: firearms ($139,943.42) and laptops/equipment ($56,879.42)
- Resolution R-2026-025 to establish a Vision Zero traffic safety policy
Council held a budget public hearing and unanimously gave first reading to the FY2027 budget ordinance (Ordinance 2026-044), which includes a $203M general fund with no property tax increase and a 5% water/sewer rate adjustment. A related water/sewer rate ordinance also received first reading. Consent items approved included police laptop/vehicle/firearm purchases and a satellite sewer agreement for the Scout Motors project. Items 12 and 14 (annexation and rezoning) were deferred; a solar contract item (Item 10) was pulled from the consent agenda but not voted on.
- Approved first reading of FY2027 budget ordinance (unanimous), no property tax increase, 5% water/sewer rate increase
- Approved first reading of water/sewer rate ordinance (unanimous), amending several fee sections
- Approved consent items: police laptops $56,879 (PCN Strategies), two trucks $87,824 (Hendrick Chevrolet), firearms $139,943 (AmChar), satellite sewer agreement for Scout Motors
- Deferred Item 12 (annexation & zoning for NX Shop Road) and Item 14 (rezoning at 1700 block Rosewood) at applicant request
- Removed Item 10 (solar PV contract for Metro WWTP, $8.95M to CMTA) from consent agenda; no subsequent vote recorded
General
The City Council is holding a budget workshop to discuss special revenues for the upcoming fiscal year. The discussion includes hospitality and accommodations tax funds, tourism development fees, and liquor permit rebates.
- Hospitality Tax Fund discussion
- Accommodations Tax Fund discussion
- Tourism Development Fee discussion
- Liquor Permit Rebate discussion
- Proposed special revenue allocations
City Council
The City Council will discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 budget, including the General Fund with public safety priorities, as well as Water & Sewer, Storm Water, and Parking funds. The meeting is a workshop; no formal votes are scheduled. The Council will also hold an executive session to discuss the potential sale of properties at 801 Blossom Street and 816 Greene Street.
- Discussion of FY 2026/2027 proposed budget led by Assistant City Manager Missy Caughman
- General Fund recap with focus on Public Safety Priorities
- Review of Water & Sewer Fund
- Review of Storm Water Fund and Parking Fund
- Executive session on sale of 801 Blossom Street and 816 Greene Street
City Council Standing Committee
This committee meeting features three presentations: an update from the Climate Protection Action Committee, a potential stormwater mitigation project under a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and an update on the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant Solar Project. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda is limited to receiving information and approving prior meeting minutes.
- Climate Protection Action Committee update presented by Chair Cameron Cohran
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program stormwater mitigation project opportunity presented by Engineering Director Dana Higgins
- Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant Solar Project update presented by Assistant City Manager Clint Shealy
The committee unanimously approved the minutes from its April 28, 2026 meeting. The remainder of the meeting consisted of informational presentations and discussion: an update on the Climate Protection Action Committee's goals and public engagement efforts; a briefing on a $19 million Hazard Mitigation Grant for stormwater improvements aimed at reducing flooding in Five Points; and a report on a proposed solar farm at the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant, with a contract planned for the June 9 City Council meeting. No other formal votes were taken.
- Approved April 28, 2026 committee meeting minutes (unanimous)
City Council
Columbia City Council will review several infrastructure contracts, including sewer rehabilitation and water system improvements. The body is also considering an ordinance regarding a pedestrian crosswalk on Main Street.
- Contract amendment for Smith Branch Pump Station and Phase 1 Force Main not to exceed $3,190,055.00
- Construction contract for trenchless sanitary sewer rehabilitation with Gulf Coast Underground, LLC for $2,500,000.00
- Design services for Beltline Boulevard Community Enhancement Project - Phase II not to exceed $544,349.00
- Design services for Public Safety Complex at 400 Laurel Street - Phase II not to exceed $299,145.00
- Ordinance No. 2026-014 for a University of South Carolina pedestrian crosswalk on the 300 block of Main Street
City Council unanimously approved a consent agenda including funding for vehicle purchases, software renewals, and professional design services. The Council also issued several proclamations recognizing community figures and heritage months.
- Approved $77,808.90 for solid waste refuse truck repairs (unanimous)
- Approved $132,681.34 for two new Chevrolet Silverado trucks (unanimous)
- Approved $161,100.00 for UKG Pro workforce management software renewal (unanimous)
- Approved $169,319.38 for asset tracking units from Samsara, Inc. (unanimous)
- Approved design services for Public Safety Complex Phase II not to exceed $299,145.00 (unanimous)
- Approved $386,955.00 contract amendment for CDBG-MIT program management (unanimous)
- Approved design services for Beltline Boulevard Community Enhancement Phase II not to exceed $544,349.00 (unanimous)
- Proclaimed May 19, 2026 as Sara Kay Wrenn, Miss South Carolina 2025 Day
General
The City Council will hold a work session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Proposed Budget, including the General Fund. The meeting also includes executive sessions for legal advice on pending claims, contractual negotiations, and employee compensation.
- Discussion of Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Proposed Budget
- Executive session on CRC 911 Communications Agreement contract negotiations
- Executive session on legal advice for Lake Windermere Dam and Ballpark, LLC v. City of Columbia litigation
- Executive session on legal advice for Forest Acres Franchise Fee, Washington Square leases, and Green Street Bridge
- Executive session on Municipal Court employee compensation
The Columbia City Council held a budget workshop to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 proposed budget. The meeting focused on financial gaps, staffing levels, and potential revenue sources, but no final decisions or votes were recorded.
- Agenda adopted unanimously (7-0)
- Council voted unanimously to enter executive session
Community Development Committee
The Community Development Committee will discuss the 2026/2027 Annual Action Plan, which outlines federal and local funding for housing and community development. They will also review the Five-Year Residential Development Strategy, including a focus on redeveloping city-owned vacant lots. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion-only session.
- Discussion of the 2026/2027 Annual Action Plan for community development funding
- Presentation of a Five-Year Residential Development Strategy
- Review of City of Columbia vacant lots for redevelopment
- Presentations by Community Development Director Felicia Kilgore and Special Projects Coordinator Ashley Jenkins
The Community Development Committee voted unanimously to approve the agenda with the addition of an overview of Contract Amendment No. 3 for the CDBG-MIT Program. Discussions included an update on the 2026/2027 Annual Action Plan, a five-year residential development strategy, and a proposed contract renewal with ICF Incorporated for disaster recovery program management. No voting decisions were made on these items; only the agenda was formally adopted.
- Approved agenda with addition of Item 3 (CDBG-MIT contract overview) (unanimous)
Public Safety Committee
The Columbia Public Safety Committee will discuss several items, including a Parental Accountability Resolution and an update on the Sharing the Road planning process and Vision Zero Resolution. Members will also review regulations for group living uses and vehicular noise within hospitality districts. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and is a discussion-only session.
- Parental Accountability Resolution presented by Councilmember Tyler D. Bailey
- Update on Sharing the Road planning process and Vision Zero Resolution by Planner Leigh DeForth
- Review of Group Living Uses by Zoning Administrator, Code Enforcement, and Business License Administration
- Review of Vehicular Noise Within Hospitality Districts by Police Chief William 'Skip' Holbrook
- Approval of March 10, 2026 Public Safety Committee meeting minutes
Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
The Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee will hear a presentation on the Commercial Development Incentive Policy from the Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Director. The committee will also hold an executive session to discuss legal advice on RockBlock Consulting, potential business expansions at several sites including 1950 Gervais Street and Capital City Ball Park, and negotiations for a Project WF Parking Agreement. Approval of minutes from the April 14 meeting is also on the agenda.
- Presentation on Commercial Development Incentive Policy
- Executive session: legal advice on RockBlock Consulting
- Executive session: discussion of business expansion at 1950 Gervais Street
- Executive session: discussion of Capital City Ball Park and 2001 Taylor Street
- Executive session: negotiations for Project WF Parking Agreement
City Council
City Council will review several high-value infrastructure contracts, including water main relocations and sewer repairs. The body is also deciding on the establishment of the Vista Business Improvement District and a zoning change for Bluff Road.
- Contract amendment for Carolina Crossroads engineering services with CDM Smith, Inc. up to $1,985,278.00
- Construction contract for Saluda River Comfort and Public Restroom Facility with First Class Construction, LLC up to $463,210.67
- Purchase of Solid Waste Division vehicles from multiple vendors for $793,728.00
- Ordinance 2026-023 to establish the Vista Business Improvement District
- Zoning map amendment for 84, 92, 94, 100 and 108 Bluff Road from RD-MV to RM-1
Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included over $1.76 million in purchases and contracts for police, fire, parks, and solid waste. An ordinance to establish the Vista Business Improvement District was deferred to the next meeting. Presentations and proclamations were also made.
- Approved consent agenda (Items 7-17, 19-21) unanimously
- Deferred Item 18 (Vista Business Improvement District ordinance) to next meeting
- Approved $61,036.71 for police Axon camera kits
- Approved $62,550 for firing range parking lot paving
- Approved $84,500.28 for fire department software renewal
- Approved $293,200 for design services at 1213 Flora Street
- Approved $463,210.67 for Saluda River restroom facility construction
- Approved $793,728 for solid waste vehicles
General
The City Council meets for a budget workshop to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 budget, with a focus on the General Fund and public safety priorities. Following the public discussion, Council will enter executive session to consider negotiations for contractual arrangements involving We Love Five Points, LLC, the Congaree Riverfront District Business Park, and other entities, and to receive legal advice regarding a lawsuit.
- Discussion of Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Proposed Budget
- Executive session: negotiations for contractual arrangements (We Love Five Points, LLC, Congaree Riverfront District Business Park, Convention Center District Business Park)
- Executive session: negotiations related to Intergovernmental Fire Agreement and CRC 911 Communications Agreement
- Executive session: receipt of legal advice on Brittany Ruffin as PR of the Estate of JR v. City of Columbia
City Council conducted a budget workshop to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 General Fund budget and public safety needs. Members discussed long-term planning for fire stations, police equipment costs, and the progress of the Public Safety Complex. No formal votes were taken on budget allocations during this session.
- Adopted the meeting agenda (unanimous)
Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee
The Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee will approve minutes from February 9, 2026, receive an update from the ColaJazz Foundation, and discuss a public art placement application from the Congaree Vista Guild. No votes on ordinances or budget changes are scheduled.
- ColaJazz Foundation update presented by Executive Director Mark Rapp
- Congaree Vista Guild Public Art Placement Application discussed with Executive Director Abby Anderson
- Approval of February 9, 2026 committee meeting minutes
City Council Standing Committee
This meeting of the Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee features three presentations: Prisma Health community initiatives, a follow-up on riparian buffer zones, and a review of the Richland County Transportation Penny Program. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda is limited to discussion and information sharing.
- Prisma Health Community Initiatives presentation by Ms. Lisa McFarlane
- Riparian Buffer Zones follow-up presentation by Engineering Director Dana Higgins
- Richland County Transportation Penny Program review by Dana Higgins and Public Works Director Robert Anderson
- Approval of minutes from the March 24, 2026 committee meeting
The Columbia Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee met on April 28, 2026, and approved the previous meeting's minutes unanimously. The meeting included presentations on Prisma Health's OnMed telehealth stations, a proposed riparian buffer incentive program, and updates on the Richland County Transportation Penny Program. No substantive votes were taken; all items were for discussion only.
- Approved March 24, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
City Council
The Columbia City Council will consider authorizing a $17.8 million construction contract for the Canal Headgates Structure and a $2.1 million amendment for canal embankment repair. Consent items include contracts for security at homeless facilities, opioid treatment services, and several water and park infrastructure projects. Public hearings are scheduled for annexation and zoning changes at two locations.
- Authorization of $17,797,500 contract to Ruby-Collins for Canal Headgates Structure (Item 15)
- Contract amendment #14 for $2,104,453 to Michael Baker for Columbia Canal embankment repair (Item 14)
- Contract amendment #7 for $374,651.84 to Mashburn Construction for Finlay Park revitalization (Item 7)
- Annexation and zoning for 6701 Windwan Drive — property to become RSF-1 (Item 16)
- Zoning map amendment for 84–108 Bluff Road from RD-MV to RM-1 (Item 17)
City Council unanimously approved several infrastructure and service contracts, including a major amendment for the Columbia Canal. The council also passed two ordinances regarding land deeds and encroachments and issued several city proclamations.
- Approved $2.1M contract amendment for Columbia Canal embankment and facility repairs (Unanimous)
- Approved $374,651.84 amendment for Finlay Park revitalization (Unanimous)
- Approved $310,750 contract for opioid treatment and training services (Unanimous)
- Approved $105,000 security services amendment for homeless facilities (Unanimous)
- Approved $558,340 amendment for Gills Creek Relief Sewer Phase I (Unanimous)
- Approved $327,575 roof replacement for Wastewater Treatment Plant building (Unanimous)
- Approved Ordinance 2026-024 for a 44 sq. ft. quit-claim deed at Bluff Road (Unanimous)
- Approved Ordinance 2026-027 for Fifth Third Bank sidewalk encroachment on Earth Road (Unanimous)
General
City Council will review the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 budget overview. The body will also receive an update on Columbia Water and hold executive sessions regarding business expansion and legal claims.
- Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Overview
- Columbia Water update
- Executive session on business location or expansion services
- Executive session regarding Nguyen v. City of Columbia
During a budget workshop, Columbia City Council reached consensus to approve $4.6 million in recommended allocations to the Hospitality Tax Committee and $2.8 million to the Accommodation Tax Committee. Council also received a preview of the FY 2026/2027 budget, including special revenues and a Columbia Water update highlighting progress on the wastewater Consent Decree. The meeting included an executive session to discuss economic development and a pending legal claim.
- Adopted agenda with added executive session item (unanimous)
- Consensus to approve $4.6M allocation to Hospitality Tax Committee
- Consensus to approve $2.8M allocation to Accommodation Tax Committee
- Entered executive session to discuss Project Congaree and Nguyen v. City of Columbia (unanimous, Bailey absent)
Community Development Committee
The committee will consider approving minutes from February, receive a housing update from the CEO of Columbia Housing, and hold a public hearing on the 2026/2027 Annual Action Plan, which outlines proposed uses of federal community development funds.
- Approval of February 17, 2026 Community Development Committee meeting minutes
- Columbia Housing Update presentation by CEO Jessica Anderson-Preston
- Public hearing on the 2026/2027 Annual Action Plan by Community Development Director Felicia Kilgore
The Columbia Community Development Committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda and prior minutes, then heard a housing update from Columbia Housing CEO and a presentation on the Annual Action Plan for HUD funding. The committee deferred endorsement of the 2026/2027 Annual Action Plan and also deferred consideration of purchase and development agreements for three properties for Habitat for Humanity from the regular meeting agenda.
- Approved meeting agenda with added Item 4 (unanimous)
- Approved February 17, 2026 committee minutes (unanimous)
- Deferred endorsement of 2026/2027 Annual Action Plan (consensus)
- Deferred purchase and development agreements for 4305 Catherine Avenue, 5315 N. Main Street, and 323 Pineneedle Road from the regular meeting agenda (consensus)
City Council
The City Council will vote on consent items including purchases of police radios, software, and a solid waste truck, as well as rezonings for multiple properties. A public hearing is scheduled on the proposed Vista Business Improvement District plan. The council will also consider resolutions for a $22 million housing revenue note and the purchase of 1950 Gervais Street.
- Purchase of 11 Motorola radios for police ($97,955)
- Public hearing on proposed Vista Business Improvement District plan
- Rezoning of 150 Dutchman Boulevard from Light Industrial/Planned Development to Mixed Use District (MU-2)
- Resolution authorizing up to $22,000,000 housing revenue note for Haven at Palmer Pointe project
- Resolution to purchase 1950 Gervais Street (price not disclosed)
Council voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda (items 5-15), which included purchases of police radios, a solid waste truck, and software renewal; contract amendments for wastewater projects; a lease amendment; and several land use and zoning changes including annexation at Lake Murray Boulevard and rezoning at Dutchman Boulevard. The meeting also featured proclamations for a 100th birthday, National Telecommunicator Week, and Second Chance Month, but no public input was received.
- Approved $97,955 purchase of police radios and software (Motorola Solutions)
- Approved $281,302 finance software subscription renewal (CentralSquare Technologies)
- Approved $286,519 purchase of a Freightliner solid waste truck (Amick Equipment)
- Approved $74,500 contract amendment for wastewater compliance and lift station maintenance (Goodwyn Mills Cawood)
- Approved $290,374 contract amendment for Train 2 aeration dewatering system (Alfa Laval)
- Approved lease amendment with Old Boy Properties for 100 acres
- Approved rezoning at 150 Dutchman Boulevard to Mixed Use District (MU-2)
- Approved annexation and zoning for 450/460 Lake Murray Boulevard (MU-2)
City Council
The Columbia City Council holds a work session that is largely procedural, with the main substantive item being an executive session to receive legal advice on two pending lawsuits (Ballpark, LLC v. City of Columbia and Betsy Newman, et al. v. City of Columbia Board of Zoning Appeals) and on the restoration of the Columbia Canal Hydroelectric Facility.
- Executive session for legal advice on Ballpark, LLC v. City of Columbia lawsuit
- Executive session for legal advice on Betsy Newman, et al. v. City of Columbia Board of Zoning Appeals
- Executive session for legal advice on Columbia Canal Hydroelectric Facility Restoration
City Council unanimously approved a series of consent agenda items including police radio purchases, software renewals, and waste management equipment. The council also approved several zoning map amendments and land use confirmations.
- Approved $97,955.11 purchase of 11 Motorola Mobile Radios for Police Department
- Approved $281,302.89 for Annual Finance Enterprise Software subscription
- Approved $286,519.19 purchase of 2027 Freightliner Loadmaster Truck for Solid Waste Division
- Approved $74,500 contract amendment for wastewater compliance and lift station maintenance
- Approved $290,374 contract amendment for Train 2 Aeration Dewatering System
- Approved Ordinance 2026-020 to rezone properties at 150 Dutchman Blvd and others to Mixed Use District (MU-2)
- Approved Ordinance 2026-019 to annex 450 and 460 Lake Murray Boulevard as Mixed-Use District (MU-2)
- Proclaimed April 2026 as Second Chance Month
Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
The Columbia Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee will meet to approve minutes from March 10, 2026, and then hold an executive session to discuss the proposed location, expansion, or provision of services for three economic development matters: Capital City Ballpark, Project DeBartolo, and Project WF. No public votes or decisions are scheduled on these items.
- Executive session discussion regarding Capital City Ballpark
- Executive session discussion regarding Project DeBartolo
- Executive session discussion regarding Project WF
- Approval of March 10, 2026 meeting minutes
The committee unanimously approved the March 10, 2026 meeting minutes and entered an executive session to discuss the Capital City Ballpark, Project DeBartolo, and Project WF. No substantive decisions were made regarding the agenda items.
- Approved March 10, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Entered executive session to discuss Capital City Ballpark
- Entered executive session to discuss Project DeBartolo
- Entered executive session to discuss Project WF