City of Columbia Council Highlights | Tuesday, August 5, 2025

City Council began the day with the Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee at 10:00 a.m., where two public art initiatives were advanced. First, the committee approved sending the Persimmon Peace Pole Project to City Council for final approval. The Peace Pole, engraved with the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in eight different languages, is intended to promote global peace and raise awareness of the dangers of nuclear conflict.

The committee also approved sending the Vista Greenway at Taylor Street Public Art Project to One Columbia for further consideration. This proposed art installation aims to beautify and enhance walkability along a portion of the Vista Greenway, connecting The Vista District to Finlay Park.

The Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee is chard by Councilman Tyler D. Bailey (At-Large); other committee members include Councilwoman Tina Herbert (District I), and Councilman Edward McDowell, Jr. (District II).

Following the committee meeting, City Council held a Work Session focused on short-term rental regulations. Council received a presentation from Director of Code Enforcement David Hatcher, who provided an overview and recommendations to enhance the management and enforcement of short-term rentals in the City of Columbia. Council then heard from the City’s Legal Department regarding potential changes to the existing regulations. Public input was also invited, allowing residents to share their thoughts on the current ordinance and proposed amendments.

Later in the day, the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting convened at 4:00 p.m., where several key actions were taken. Council approved a nearly $14 million investment to move forward with the second phase of the Rosewood Area Water Improvement Project (Item 28). This infrastructure upgrade will replace approximately 35,000 linear feet of water main, renew service connections, abandon outdated sections of the system, and complete necessary road repairs throughout the Rosewood community. The project is designed to address water quality and pressure concerns, with construction expected to be completed by Fall 2027.

*See Tear Sheet Below*

Following discussion during the earlier Work Session, Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 2025-064, which amended regulations related to short-term rental housing in Columbia (Item 30), which amended the 1998 Code of Ordinances in the City of Columbia. The approved amendments are intended to help balance the need for economic opportunity with the preservation of neighborhood integrity.

Council also adopted a resolution designating Columbia as a Bee City USA® affiliate (Item 32). Through this initiative, the City commits to supporting pollinator health by maintaining pollinator-friendly habitats in parks, green spaces, and streetscapes, and encouraging native plant use while minimizing pesticide applications across the community.

To watch the full City Council meeting, visit: https://youtube.com/live/AAbvaS65hnE.

To view all City Council agendas, visit: https://columbiacitysc.iqm2.com/Citizens/calendar.aspx

For more information about upcoming City Council meetings or general information about the City of Columbia, visit: www.ColumbiaSC.gov.