City Council Highlights | Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Before this evening’s City Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, City Council held its first Budget Workshop of the year. Topics included a comprehensive budget overview, updates on special revenue funds, a presentation on marketing and communications planning, and an operational update from Columbia Water.

To begin the formal City Council meeting, Council presented the National Small Business Week Proclamation, recognizing the vital role of entrepreneurs and small business owners in strengthening Columbia’s economy and creating opportunities across our city. Small businesses are the backbone of Columbia’s vibrant neighborhoods, fueling innovation, creating local jobs, and helping shape the unique character of our community.

During the consent agenda, Council approved several items that reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure and public safety. These included the modernization and replacement of two elevators at the Lady Street Parking Garage (Item #3), and the purchase of new security cameras for Finlay Park and the Columbia Police Department (Items #6 & #7). These investments support more accessible and welcoming public spaces for residents and visitors alike.

During the public hearing portion of the meeting, Council approved a zoning map and text amendment to designate the Seth Thomas Street Clock, located in the 1500 block of Main Street, as an official Historic Landmark in the City of Columbia (Item #18). This designation helps preserve the legacy and architectural charm of downtown Columbia.

Also during the meeting, City Council passed the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Columbia and Southeastern Technology Centers, LLC, for the sale of 2221 Devine Street (Item #21).

While the City is currently unable to provide specific details regarding the future use of the building, due to confidentiality agreements and ongoing due diligence, we are excited about the possibilities this project holds. The adaptive reuse of this property has the potential to bring new jobs to the Five Points District and drive meaningful economic development throughout the City of Columbia. We are hopeful to share more details and make a formal announcement later this year.

The City of Columbia ensures that the public parking deck at 2221 Devine Street will remain available for continued use. As the project moves forward, the City plans to maintain an appropriate number of public parking spaces to serve both residents and visitors.

Later in the meeting, Council adopted a resolution to approve the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department’s 10-Year Master Plan (Item #23). The plan provides a long-term vision for enhancing Columbia’s parks, green spaces, and recreational amenities, guided by community input and a commitment to health, equity, and environmental sustainability.

The planning process included extensive community engagement throughout 2024, featuring in-person meetings across all City Council districts, digital and mailed surveys, youth-focused outreach, and stakeholder input. Thousands of residents shared their feedback through surveys, forums, and workshops to help shape the future of Columbia’s parks and recreation system.

This Master Plan reaffirms the City’s dedication to building connected, inclusive, and vibrant communities. It provides a framework to prioritize future investments while honoring the voices of residents.

To watch the full City Council meeting, visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/saUWEhbHtCY?si=IoHD2-rwQKhEBuDA

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