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Columbia is taking urgent steps to tackle homelessness with a comprehensive eight-month assessment that promises actionable solutions and community input.

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #CommunityEngagement #HousingSolutions #CitizenPortal #ColumbiaHomelessServices #DataDriven
Columbia hires Health Management Associates for eight-month homeless-services assessment
City leaders heard a presentation from Health Management Associates, the consultant selected to conduct an eight-month needs assessment, community engagement and recommendations on homeless services; HMA plans interviews, focus groups, a survey and geospatial data analysis, with recommendations expected in July and a final plan in September.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 9:35 AM
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Midlands Technical College is on the brink of a transformative year in 2025, launching new programs to meet workforce demands and support local communities, including a groundbreaking Manufacturing Boot Camp!

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #SkillsTraining #CommunitySupport
Midlands/MTC president outlines workforce training expansion, mechatronics and a proposed manufacturing boot camp
Greg Lovell, describing Midlands Technical College’s 2025 priorities, said MTC surpassed 10,000 students in academic programs, is expanding allied‑health and veterans transition programs, plans to scale mechatronics training tied to Scout Motors, and proposes a Midlands Manufacturing Institute boot camp to prepare local workers for incoming manufacturing jobs.
citizenportal.ai
February 1, 2026 at 2:06 AM
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A staggering 35% of Columbia residents face housing instability, driven by rising rents and student housing pressures—what does this mean for the community's future?

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #CommunityEngagement #ColumbiaHousing #AffordableHousing #HousingInstability
DreamKey presents city survey showing widespread housing instability and student-driven rental pressure in Columbia
DreamKey Partners told the City of Columbia Town & Gown Committee that its 2025 outreach and survey found elevated housing instability (reported as 35%) and community concerns that off‑campus student housing and investor conversions are pushing rents; the group urged aligning university growth plans with housing strategy.
citizenportal.ai
January 30, 2026 at 8:30 AM
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The Lohrey Center in Columbia has transformed into a vibrant hub for seniors, but now faces a $75,000 funding shortfall that could jeopardize its future.

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #CommunitySupport #ColumbiaSeniors #LocalFunding #CitizenPortal #HealthWellbeing
Lohrey Center reports membership growth, asks City of Columbia to help close $75,000 annual gap
Senior Resources told the City of Columbia council the merged Lohrey Center has renovated 17,000 square feet, increased programming and membership, and faces an estimated $75,000 annual shortfall once current city support ends June 30; staff said the matter will enter the city budget process.
citizenportal.ai
January 23, 2026 at 1:11 AM
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Columbia City has just approved a game-changing zoning amendment that allows owner-occupied short-term rentals in residential areas, breaking traditional location barriers!

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #CommunityDevelopment #ColumbiaCityShortTermRentals #ZoningAmendment
Planning commission approves exemption for owner-occupied short-term rentals in residential zones
The Columbia City Planning Commission approved a zoning text amendment that exempts owner-occupied short-term rentals from location standards requiring placement on four-lane arterial or collector streets; owner-occupied status is measured by the county assessor's 4% special assessment and existing Chapter 5 performance standards remain enforced.
citizenportal.ai
January 22, 2026 at 9:55 PM
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Columbia is gearing up for a transformative redevelopment of 19 acres at the former I-277 right-of-way, blending greenway infrastructure with innovative community spaces!

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #GreenwayIntegration #CommunityEngagement #ColumbiaCity #CitizenPortal
Council reviews concepts to redevelop former I‑277 right‑of‑way; staff suggests RFQ, executive session planned
City staff and consultants presented redevelopment concepts for about 19 of 31.32 acres the city acquired from DOT, emphasizing greenway integration, mixed‑use development and an RFQ process; council moved to an executive session to discuss negotiations and contracts under cited South Carolina statutes.
citizenportal.ai
January 22, 2026 at 7:50 PM
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Columbia City Council's recent approval of a 79-acre annexation sparks community outrage over an unmarked cemetery and the need for a protective buffer—what's next for Canary Woods?

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #LocalGovAI #CommunityPreservation #ResidentialDevelopment
Council gives first reading to Canary Woods annexation after residents raise concerns about unmarked cemetery
Columbia City Council gave first reading to annexation and rezoning of a 79-acre Southwestern Holloway Road parcel proposed for Canary Woods, but directed the developer and landowners to work out a cemetery-preservation plan and buffer before second reading after residents testified to an unmarked cemetery and close property lines.
citizenportal.ai
January 22, 2026 at 7:49 PM
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The Mayor is rallying community leaders to form subcommittees that will tackle housing, parking, and safety, aiming for swift action with the help of a Charlotte-based consultant, DreamKey.

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #AffordableHousing #CommunitySafety #CitizenPortal
Mayor pushes formation of housing, parking and safety subcommittees; DreamKey named as housing consultant
The Mayor asked committee members to form subcommittees on housing (first), then parking and safety, requested neighborhood and university representation, and flagged DreamKey (a Charlotte consultant) to assist on housing strategy.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 7:53 PM
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Columbia is transforming its downtown with a bold new strategic plan that promises safer streets, lush tree canopies, and vibrant urban trails for all to enjoy!

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #WalkabilityInitiatives #PublicSpaceEnhancement #UrbanDesign #ColumbiaDowntown
Columbia unveils downtown strategic plan, new design guidelines and split of design review process
City planners presented a downtown strategic plan and updated design guidelines that prioritize trail loops, tree canopy, intersection safety and streamlined design review; the plan will take effect Jan. 5 and staff will split the DDRC into two review boards.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 7:25 PM
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Columbia College is breathing new life into its foundation and properties, aiming to transform them into community assets while USC celebrates record enrollment and significant health sciences investments.

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #CommunityDevelopment #ColumbiaCity
Columbia College reactivates foundation; USC details enrollment and health-sciences expansion
Columbia College reactivated its foundation to steward excess properties for neighborhood use and student supports; University of South Carolina officials reported record first-year enrollment, a growing health-sciences campus and a state commitment of $350 million toward a neurological hospital.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 7:06 PM
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Columbia's Planning Commission has greenlit an ambitious seven-story development featuring 221 apartments and retail space, aiming to attract young professionals while tackling parking challenges.

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #SustainableCommunities #AffordableHousing
Planning Commission approves major site plan for 221‑unit development at Park and Senate Street
Commission approved a conditional major site plan for a seven‑story, 221‑unit apartment building with a parking garage and 3,400 sq ft retail at Senate Street and Park Street, subject to staff comments; applicant said they will pursue additional leased parking nearby to supplement on‑site spaces.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 11:58 AM
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Columbia City Council hits pause on a controversial rezoning request, citing safety concerns from airport officials that could clash with state law.

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #UrbanPlanning #LegalCompliance #ColumbiaCityAirportSafety #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Council defers Rosewood rezoning after state aeronautics commission warns of legal conflict
Council deferred a rezoning and removal of the Airport Safety Overlay for a parcel on Rosewood Drive after testimony from Jim Hamilton LB Owens Airport staff and the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission raising safety and Title 55 compliance concerns.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 11:52 AM
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Columbia City Council's controversial sale of the Washington Square complex has sparked public outcry over its transparency and pricing, as a local hotel owner claims he bid significantly more than the approved offer.

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #CommunityEngagement
Council approves sale of Washington Square complex; public questions raised about process and pricing
Council authorized the sale of the Washington Square office building, parking garage and retail to Kessler Enterprise Inc., prompting public questions about competing proposals and a $400,000 tenant upfit allowance; city officials said the sale followed a solicit/unsolicited‑proposal process and emphasized redevelopment benefits.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 11:51 AM
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Columbia City Council is moving to restrict short-term rentals in residential areas, sparking a heated debate over community safety versus homeowner income.

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #HousingRegulation #ColumbiaCityCouncil #CommunitySafety #CitizenPortal
Columbia council advances short‑term rental zoning amendment after hours of public comment
After hours of testimony from homeowners, hosts and neighborhood groups, Columbia City Council voted to advance a text amendment that would restrict new short‑term rentals in most residential areas and allow them in commercial and major arterial corridors, with council directing legal staff to refine owner‑occupied exceptions.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 11:48 AM
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Columbia City Council just took a monumental step towards revitalizing the riverfront with a $5 million pledge and a new design contract!

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #PublicAccess #CitizenPortal #ColumbiaCityRiverfront
Council approves riverfront design contract as Boyd Foundation pledges $5 million
City council approved a professional services contract for a riverfront master plan and recognized a $5,000,000 pledge from the Boyd Family Foundation; council and staff said the partnership aims to deliver a publicly accessible riverfront and related trail connections.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 11:47 AM
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Columbia's City Council just approved a staggering $215 million for vital waterworks projects, while public comments revealed serious concerns over police harassment.

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #ColumbiaPublicSafety #CommunityEvents #WaterInfrastructure #CitizenPortal
Columbia City Council approves $215 million waterworks bond, multiple construction contracts and event permits; public raises police harassment concerns
At its regular meeting the City Council approved a $215 million waterworks and sewer bond ordinance, awarded construction and professional services contracts including a $10.7 million fire station contract and a $16.1 million water-improvement contract, approved several encroachment and conveyance ordinances, and heard public comments including allegations of police harassment.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 6:58 AM
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Columbia City Council just passed a significant amendment to the Bull Street neighborhood plan, but concerns over traffic and tree canopy are sparking calls for a comprehensive city-led study!

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #TrafficSafety
Columbia City Council adopts major amendment to Bull Street plan; members call for city-led traffic study
The council approved a major amendment to the Bull Street neighborhood plan development on second reading after residents and council members raised concerns about traffic and tree canopy; council asked the city manager to coordinate a broader traffic study.
citizenportal.ai
October 30, 2025 at 5:43 PM
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Columbia City Council greenlights a $49 million townhome project on Rosewood Drive, aiming to attract young professionals and boost downtown living!

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #HousingDevelopment #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovements #UrbanDensity #ColumbiaCity
Council approves annexation, zoning for Rosewood Drive townhome project proposed by Seawell family
Council approved annexation and zoning map amendments for two parcels on Rosewood Drive for a proposed townhome development (about 71 townhomes) presented by the Seawell family and developer representatives; councilmembers praised the potential for downtown-proximate housing.
citizenportal.ai
October 23, 2025 at 9:14 AM
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Columbia City Council just approved a major amendment that could allow buildings up to 10 stories in the Bull Street area, sparking concerns from neighbors about scale and traffic!

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #ColumbiaCityDevelopment #NeighborhoodConcerns
Council approves first reading of Bull Street amendment to allow up to 10-story structures; neighbors ask for more outreach
Council advanced a major amendment to the Bull Street planned-development form-based code to allow up to 10 stories in additional special-district areas on a project-by-project basis, after neighbors raised concerns about scale and traffic; staff and developer emphasized existing caps on overall square footage.
citizenportal.ai
October 23, 2025 at 5:58 AM
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The Columbia City Council is making waves with a controversial annexation proposal that could reshape the future of Two Notch Road, sparking passionate debates among residents!

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityEngagement #UrbanDevelopment
Columbia City Council Approves Judge Appointment and Discusses Housing Issues
Columbia City Council appoints Sherilyn Walden Borges as municipal court judge and addresses housing concerns.
citizenportal.ai
October 8, 2025 at 2:06 PM
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The recent Black Expo in Columbia drew a record 16,880 attendees, showcasing an incredible commitment to community health and cultural celebration—what's next for this vital event?

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #ColumbiaHealth #CulturalCelebration
Darren Thomas highlights success of Black Expo 2025 at Columbia City Council meeting
Black Expo 2025 successfully promoted health, community engagement, and record attendance in Columbia.
citizenportal.ai
October 8, 2025 at 2:05 PM
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Columbia's Mayor has declared October 2025 as Fire Prevention Month, celebrating the heroic efforts of the Fire Department in enhancing community safety and tackling fire risks head-on.

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityEngagement
Mayor Proclaims October 2025 Fire Prevention Month in Columbia South Carolina
Mayor Rickman recognizes fire safety efforts and designates October 2025 for fire prevention.
citizenportal.ai
October 8, 2025 at 2:04 PM
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Deputy Chief Kelly's heroic rescue of an elderly man from a burning car earned him the 2025 Life Saving Award, highlighting the incredible spirit of service in Columbia.

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #LatinoBusiness #CitizenPortal #CommunityInclusivity #HeroismRecognition
Deputy Chief Kelly Honored for Heroism in Vehicle Fire Rescue
Deputy Chief Kelly receives the 2025 life-saving award for rescuing an elderly man from a burning car.
citizenportal.ai
October 8, 2025 at 2:03 PM
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Residents in Columbia City are raising alarms over proposed zoning changes that could flood their neighborhoods with student rentals, threatening community safety and stability.

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #HousingBalance #CitizenPortal #ZoningRegulations
Residents Oppose Hollywood Rose Hill Zoning Changes Amid Concerns Over Student Influx
Local residents express concerns over zoning changes increasing student rentals in Hollywood Rose Hill.
citizenportal.ai
October 7, 2025 at 1:47 AM
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Columbia City residents are raising urgent alarms about proposed zoning changes that threaten their community's safety and parking as density increases.

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#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #ColumbiaCityZoning #UrbanPlanning #CommunityConcerns
Residents Express Safety Concerns Over Intensification of Use in Hollywood Rose Hill
Community members voice objections to parking and safety issues from nearby apartment intensification.
citizenportal.ai
October 7, 2025 at 1:46 AM