City Council Highlights | Tuesday, June 10, 2025

This evening’s City Council Meeting (June 10, 2025) included special recognitions, proclamations, a public hearing on the FY 2025/2026 budget, and significant votes on infrastructure and housing matters.

During the presentation portion of the agenda, City Council honored Elizabeth Taylor, President of the Columbia Pickleball Club, for her role in growing the sport of pickleball across the Columbia community (Item #2). Her leadership has expanded recreational opportunities and encouraged healthy activity for residents of all ages.

Next, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann presented a proclamation recognizing National Homeownership Month, emphasizing the importance of homeownership in supporting strong neighborhoods and family stability (Item #3). For over 50 years, the City’s Community Development Department has worked to revitalize communities, promote affordable housing, and offer financial education. The City of Columbia continues to stand out regionally for its accessibility to homeownership opportunities.

Mayor Daniel Rickenmann also presented a special proclamation recognizing June 2025 as Elevate Fatherhood Month. Mayor Rickenmann stressed the vital roles fathers provide in families and honored the South Carolina Center for Father and Families, which has been a pivotal source of support, equipping tens of thousands of fathers throughout South Carolina with essential resources and knowledge to fulfill their responsibilities in fatherhood.

City Council also held a Public Hearing and First Reading of the FY 2025/2026 Budget (Item #4). The proposed budget outlines continued investment in essential services, public safety, infrastructure, and neighborhood development. The second reading of the FY 2025/2026 Budget will take place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

As part of the Regular Agenda, City Council approved a construction contract for Project SS7463 – Crane Creek 01 SSES and Sewer Rehabilitation (Item #28):

• Construction Cost: $18.2 million (including a $1.5 million SCRIA Grant)
• Project Timeline: Construction to begin Fall 2025, with completion expected within 13 months
• Project Scope: Rehabilitation of aging gravity sewer lines in the Crane Creek sub-basin using modern techniques such as Cured-In-Place pipe lining, pipe bursting, and manhole lining. The project will help reduce sewer overflows and improve environmental quality.

*See attached tear sheet*

City Council also gave first reading approval to Ordinance No.: 2025-054, establishing a temporary moratorium on the issuance of new permits under the City of Columbia’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Item #32). The pause allows City leadership time to evaluate the ordinance and ensure it supports neighborhood livability while fostering economic opportunity.

Additionally, Council passed Resolution R-2025-034, expressing formal support for the development of The Station at Congaree Pointe (Item #35), a major mixed-income housing and revitalization project. Led by the Columbia Empowerment Zone, Inc. (CEZ Inc.), The Station at Congaree Pointe represents a significant collaboration between City, County, and State government, working alongside community-based nonprofit organizations.

• Strategic Location: Located just off Interstate 77 and positioned along the Bluff Road corridor, this development serves as a key gateway to Congaree National Park, South Carolina’s only national park.
• Community Impact: This phased development will enhance the Bluff/Atlas Road area, promote economic growth, and improve a major corridor into the City of Columbia.
• Collaborative Investment: The project is made possible through a strong multi-governmental and community partnership that will serve as a catalyst for new housing, infrastructure, and economic activity, setting the foundation for future redevelopment efforts along the corridor.

To watch the full City Council meeting, visit: https://youtube.com/live/3kRKqx99heM

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