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Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee

Standing Committee Meeting

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 1:00 PM

City Hall - Second Floor (Mayor's Conference Room)

1737 Main Street, Columbia SC, 29209

Download PDF Agenda | Watch the Livestream

Columbia Council of Neighborhoods (CCN)

Monthly Meeting

Thursday, August 28, 2025 6:00 PM

Hampton Park Recreation Center

1117 Brandon Avenue, Columbia SC, 29209

Surfin Sumo Grand Opening

Who: City of Columbia Economic Development, Councilman Edward McDowell, Jr., Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, and Main Street District President & CEO Matt Kennel

What: The City of Columbia is excited to officially welcome Surfin Sumo with a grand opening ceremony on August 28, 2025. This new restaurant is bringing Hawaiian fusion flavors with a Japanese twist right to downtown Columbia on Taylor Street.

Think slow-cooked, smoky Kālua Pork, creamy island-style Mac Salad, and bowls stacked high with fresh proteins, veggies, and flavor that hits like a perfect beach day. Add in some laid-back surf vibes, and you’ve got a spot that’s equal parts chill and delicious.

“We wanted to bring the spirit of the islands to Columbia,” the Surfin Sumo crew says. “It’s all about good food, good vibes, and serving this amazing community we’re lucky to be part of.”

Whether you’re rolling in for a quick lunch, grabbing dinner with friends, or just chasing that island state of mind, Surfin Sumo is here to keep your taste buds stoked.

When: Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.

Where: 1211 Taylor Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Vibez Coffee Grand Opening

Who: Councilman Ed McDowell, City of Columbia Economic Development and Vibez Coffee owner Eric Lyons

What: The City of Columbia is excited to welcome Vibez Coffee, a black-owned, veteran-operated, Christian-based coffee shop located in the apartment complex Sola Station. Dedicated to fostering fellowship and building community, Vibez Coffee plans to host social events and gatherings designed to bring people together both within Sola Station and throughout the Columbia area.

Operating under the slogan “Come for the coffee, stay for the vibez,” the shop offers a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

When: Friday, August 29, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.

Where: 622 Canalside Street Columbia, SC 29201

Lemonade & Popcorn Fundraiser Returns to Support Mayor’s Campaign Against Breast Cancer

WHO: Mayor’s Campaign against Breast Cancer in collaboration with the City of Columbia Payment Center

WHAT: Join us and support the Mayor’s Campaign Against Breast Cancer by purchasing popcorn and pink (or regular) lemonade. Popcorn and lemonade will start at $2.00.

For over 20 years, the Mayor’s Campaign against Breast Cancer has raised awareness about the fight against breast cancer and provided support to patients, families, and survivors in our community. This year’s proceeds will fund equipment on Prisma Health’s Richland campus to further increase access to diagnostic mammography patients. This includes two ultrasound units, two ultrasound exam tables, and one 3D mammography unit.

WHEN:

• Friday, August 29, 2025
• Friday, September 5, 2025

WHERE: City of Columbia Payment Center, 3000 Harden Street Columbia, SC 29203

Coffee with a Cop | North Region

 City of Columbia Partnering with Columbia Green to Host Educational Event for Beat the Heat—Plant a Tree Initiative

Who: City of Columbia and Columbia Green

What: The City of Columbia in partnership with Columbia Green is proud to announce the fourth educational event as part of their “Beat the Heat” initiative.

Now in its second year, the Beat the Heat initiative aims to plant thousands of new shade trees on private property throughout Columbia to address rising urban heat and to help to restore our urban canopy, which suffered a 22% decrease over the past 20 years, primarily due to development on private property. Previously funded through a federal grant, the program is now funded entirely by private and corporate donations to Columbia Green, a nonprofit that exists to improve and protect the natural beauty of greater Columbia and promote a healthy environment for all its citizens. During the 2024-2025 planting season, Columbia Green and the City of Columbia distributed almost 1,250 free shade trees to property owners in greater Columbia.

During this event, participants will receive information about:

• How to apply to receive up to three free trees
• How to select, site, plant and care for their trees to ensure their survival

The event is free of charge and will include light refreshments. Columbia Green encourages all interested property owners to attend.

Attendees are required to RSVP by filling out a short form at: https://columbiagreen.org/beattheheat

WHEN: Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Earlewood Park, 1113 Recreation Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.

About Beat the Heat

Beat the Heat is a collaborative effort between Columbia Green and the City of Columbia to address rising temperatures and enhance Columbia’s green canopy by planting shade trees across the city. These trees will improve air quality, provide cooling shade, help with stormwater runoff, and promote environmental sustainability. Trees are offered to eligible property owners at no cost. Columbia Green and the City of Columbia are committed to enhancing urban forestry and helping local residents combat the effects of urban heat islands.

About Columbia Green: Founded in 1984, Columbia Green is a nonprofit organization located in Columbia, SC. We serve the greater Columbia area which encompasses both Richland and Lexington counties. Our mission is to improve and protect the natural beauty of greater Columbia by promoting sustainable plantings, preserving trees and green-spaces, and educating the public about the environment. Learn more about Columbia Green and our impact by visiting www.columbiagreen.org.

Next City of Columbia "Sistercare Saturdays" Will Take Place on September 13 at Boyd Plaza

Who: Columbia City Council, Sistercare, the City of Columbia Public Relations, Media & Marketing Department, the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s office, the Columbia Police Department and the Columbia-Richland Fire Department

What: The City of Columbia’s Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department is hosting the second fundraising event for Sistercare, which helps victims and families recover from domestic violence. Join us in Boyd Plaza to raise funds and bring awareness to this violence. We will have a dunking booth, raffle drawings featuring local Columbia businesses and free yard games to enjoy.

There will also be information booths from Sistercare, our local public safety partners and the City of Columbia.

Tickets for the dunk booth are $5 for three throws, $10 for seven throws and $30 for an instant dunk.

Tickets for the raffle prizes are $5 for one ticket, $10 for three tickets and $20 for seven tickets.

If you are unable to participate, you can still donate to Sistercare on-site or online. You are also able to sign-up to join us for our Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Page Ellington Park.

For more information, please visit, https://columbiasc.gov/

WHEN: Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: Boyd Plaza, 1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201

City Opens Registration for the 2025 Mayor's Walk Against Domestic Violence

The 2025 Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Page Ellington Park, 2220 Gregg St, Columbia, SC 29201.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and for the 19th year, participants are asked to show their support by joining the city walk to bring awareness of the abuse and violence that is occurring in our community.

Registration is $5 per person: https://form.jotform.com/241543640380148

All monies collected will be donated straight to Sistercare. Sistercare empowers survivors of domestic violence and their children to live free from intimate partner abuse by providing trauma informed advocacy, shelter, and support services across the Midlands of South Carolina.

Another way for the community to get involved in this year’s Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence is by becoming a sponsor. Each sponsorship level includes different perks, as well as event tickets and offers a meaningful way to support survivors while promoting your business or organization.

In addition the 2025 Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence, the department is also hosting the third annual Toiletry Drive from August 1 – October 31, 2025, as well as two Sistercare Saturday events happening on August 9^th and September 13^th, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Boyd Plaza during the Soda City Market.

For more information about the upcoming events and how to become a sponsor, please visit: https://publicrelations.columbiasc.gov/mayors-walk-against-domestic-violence-2025/

For more information, contact the Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department at PIO@columbiasc.gov or 803-545-3020.

WHO: The City of Columbia is collaborating with Sistercare for the third annual toiletry drive. Sistercare is a nonprofit organization that helps victims and families recover from domestic violence.

WHAT: Please consider donating the items below:

• Facial wipes
• Deodorant
• Liquid hand soap
• Face cloths/towels
• Masks
• Feminine hygiene products
• Body wash
• Diapers

WHEN: August 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025

WHERE: The public can drop off donations at the following locations:

• City Hall, 1737 Main Street
• City of Columbia Payment Center, 3000 Harden Street
• Columbia Richland Fire Department Headquarters, 1800 Laurel Street
• Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Avenue
• Greenview Park, 6700 David Street
• MLK Park, 2300 Greene Street
• Woodland Park, 6500 Olde Knight Parkway
• All Good Books, 734 Harden Street
• Sunrise Artisan Bath and Body, 710 Saluda Ave
• Hawthorne Taylor Pharmacy, 1520-A Taylor Street
• Mast General Store, 1601 Main Street
• Vestique, 631 Harden Street
• Sweet GGs Bakery, 613 Harden Street
• Columbia High School, 1701 Westchester Drive

*Currently seeking to identify other sponsors to serve as drop off locations*

For more information, please visit: https://publicrelations.columbiasc.gov/mayors-walk-against-domestic-violence-2025/

Columbia Animal Services

For more information click HERE

Toms Creek Family Farm Mobile Market

The Toms Creek Mobile Market serves areas in Columbia with a priority for the targeted 29203 and 20204 areas. A trailer has been retrofitted to accommodate fresh produce, proteins, dairy, and fresh baked goods. The market will accept cash, cards, SNAP, healthy bucks, senior farmers, and market vouchers. Toms Creek Family Farms Mobile Market will be at the following locations each week:

Monday:

11:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

Corner of Kortright Street and North Main Street

Tuesday:

11:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

COMET Central, 1723 Sumter Street

Wednesday:

11:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

1405 North Millwood Ave

Thursday:

11:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

2016 Harden Street

Saturday:

9:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.

Soda City, Intersection of Hampton and Main Street

Monday - Saturday:

8:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.

Farmers Market XChange, 912 Lady Street

For more information visit: https://tomscreekfarms.com/

Food Truck Fridays

City of Columbia Leads with Smart Surfaces to Cool Hot Neighborhoods by Up to 5.3˚F, Improve Health, and Reduce Flooding

New Analysis Finds That Roofs, Roads, and Parking Lots Make Parts of the City Up to 13 ˚F Hotter than Less Developed Areas

(Columbia, SC) – The City of Columbia is taking bold steps to cool neighborhoods, improve public health, and strengthen climate resilience by embracing “Smart Surfaces” such as reflective roofs and pavements, porous and permeable surfaces, green stormwater infrastructure, and expanded tree canopy. A new analysis shows that comprehensive adoption of these strategies could lower peak summer air temperatures by 3.0 ˚F to 5.3 ˚F in the city’s hottest areas, while also providing long-term benefits for energy savings, infrastructure resilience, and quality of life.\

"Smart Surfaces, such as trees, solar panels, and reflective street coatings, help manage the impact of the sun and rain on our city. By using them, we can reduce the famously hot summer heat, minimize flooding, improve public health, and create jobs, all while saving money,” said City of Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “We’re proud to be involved in this coalition and look forward to seeing the difference it will make in our city."

The comprehensive review, conducted by the non-profit Smart Surfaces Coalition, found that Columbia has approximately 45,000 roofs, 3,400 lane-miles of road, and 700 acres of parking lots--surfaces that absorb up to 95% of incoming solar radiation, heating up the city dangerously during summer months and exacerbating flooding issues. Left untreated, these dark and impervious areas can make parts of Columbia up to 13 ˚F hotter than less developed areas, increasing risks to public health and worsening flooding issues.

“We are proud to partner with the City of Columbia to create solutions to make the city’s urban areas cooler, healthier, and safer for all residents, especially for outdoor workers, children, seniors, athletes, and unhoused people,” said Greg Kats, CEO & Founder of the Smart Surfaces Coalition. “These strategies cut energy bills, protect vulnerable populations, and strengthen the economy.”

Recognizing these challenges, Columbia has partnered with the Smart Surfaces Coalition to target the City’s most flood-prone and heat-impacted neighborhoods with proven strategies that cool streets, lower energy costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Potential Benefits for Columbia

·      Public health: $104 million in health benefits

·      Energy savings: $78 million in reduced energy costs

·      Infrastructure: $247 million in savings

·      Climate impact: Avoidance of 2 million metric tons of CO₂e

·      Flood management: Billions of gallons of stormwater managed

(all over a 35-year period)

The City of Columbia is part of a growing movement of U.S. cities turning to Smart Surfaces. Across Columbia and nine other major cities, these measures could deliver $7.6 billion in public health benefits, $3.3 billion in energy savings, and $9.9 billion in infrastructure savings. Scaling the approach to the entire 10 metropolitan regions—impacting 34 million Americans—could produce $26.6 billion in health benefits, $10 billion in energy savings, and $34.8 billion in infrastructure savings, while reducing or offsetting 246 million metric tons of CO₂e and managing nearly a trillion gallons of stormwater over 35 years.

“Cities have never before had such a comprehensive, data-rich view of their surface infrastructure—or such clear guidance on where and how to act,” Kats said.

The findings come from new analysis by the Smart Surfaces Coalition, powered by high resolution micrometeorological modeling and a suite of web tools launched this summer as part of the Cities for Smart Surfaces Program. The data reveals the transformative potential of Smart Surface interventions to reduce peak summer temperatures, lower flood risk, mitigate climate change, increase resilience, and improve public health--especially in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.

To help cities act on this potential, the Smart Surfaces Coalition and partners—including data partners World Resources Institute, Altostratus, Inc., Open Technologies,Trust for Public Land, and Columbia University's Sabin Center for Climate Change Law—developed tools enabling cities to more easily conduct benefit-cost analysis, geospatial analysis, and data-driven policy implementation:

• The Benefit-Cost Analysis Tool enables users to explore the financial, temperature, stormwater, and CO2e impacts from targeted Smart Surfaces adoption.
• The Decision Support Tool empowers users to understand how surfaces, heat, and hazard vulnerability are distributed across the 10 metropolitan areas.
• And the Smart Surfaces Policy Tracker tool makes adopting Smart Surface policies easy and intuitive. The website features a new robust, searchable database of 2,000 Smart Surface policies from all 50 US states.

"Designing healthier cities is paramount in the reality of our rapidly warming world. Outdated, heat-trapping surfaces put millions at risk — especially in underserved neighborhoods,” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, Executive Director, American Public Health Association. “The Smart Surfaces Coalition’s new tools give cities the power to design healthier, cooler and more resilient communities.”



About the Smart Surfaces Coalition: The Smart Surfaces Coalition is proud to partner with 40 leading national and international organizations with a shared commitment to creating cooler, healthier, and more resilient cities by cost-effectively reducing the impacts of extreme urban heat and flooding. Smart Surfaces — reflective, porous, and green urban surfaces along with trees and solar PV — can cut peak summer citywide temperatures by 5°F or more, decrease flood risk, slow climate change, and improve public health, with the greatest improvements in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.

Candidates for 2025 City of Columbia Municipal Election

The City of Columbia Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 for the office of Mayor and Councilmembers for District One, District Four and At-Large seats.

The filing period, which began on August 1, 2025 at 12:00 p.m., closed today, August 15, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.

The following individuals have filed with the Office of the City Clerk:

Mayor

• Daniel J. Rickenmann (incumbent)
• Jessica S. Thomas
• Wade H. Fulmer, Jr. 

City Council At-Large

• Aditi Bussells (incumbent)
• Tony Bowen
• Sam Johnson
• Jared Johnson

City Council District 1

• Tina N. Herbert (incumbent)
• Christa Williams

City Council District 4

• Peter M. Brown (incumbent)
• Ashley McCall
• Julie Lumpkin

For more information visit: https://cityclerk.columbiasc.gov/elections/.

Columbia Parks & Recreation Department Announces Ongoing Closure of North Portion of Riverfront Park

The City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Department is notifying the public that the north portion of Riverfront Park (4122 River Drive) will remain closed until further notice.

This closure is necessary to support major projects including the Columbia Resilient Water Supply and the Lower Crane Creek Storage Facility and Pump Station. Following this work, additional repairs to the canal head gates are expected, further strengthening the park’s infrastructure for years to come.

While this important progress is underway, guests are encouraged to enjoy several nearby options:

• Saluda Riverwalk – 650 Candi Lane
• Granby Park – 100 Catawba Street
• Riverfront Park (South Entrance) – 312 Laurel Street, featuring restrooms, scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and a half-mile walkway along the historic Columbia Canal

We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we invest in projects that will make Columbia’s parks and waterways stronger and more enjoyable.

WHAT: North portion of Riverfront Park remains closed

WHO: Columbia Parks & Recreation Department

WHERE: 4122 River Drive

WHEN: Ongoing, until further notice

Please see more about the Columbia Canal Repair Project here:

https://columbiascwater.net/columbiacanalproject/

 Red Carpet Access is Right In Your Pocket!

Columbia Streams Art Public Art Program Announces New Smartphone-Based Filmmaking Contest,

Columbia Cell-A-Brates Cinema

The City of Columbia opens the gateway for cellphone, mobile, and smartphone films from filmmakers of all levels. Submission portal for contest entries will go live on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

The City of Columbia’s Columbia Streams Art public art program is thrilled to announce the opening date for entries for the Columbia Cell-A-Brates Cinema smart phone filmmaking competition!

Movie enthusiasts and filmmakers of all skill levels are encouraged to create new independent productions and enter, and all entrees must be entirely shot on mobile phone (smartphone) cameras. All other production equipment such as lights, cranes, dollies, etc. can be used in the service of creating the independent movie. All entries must be between three to ten minutes in length, including titles and credits. All models of smartphones, cellphones or mobile phones are eligible to record entries.

Entries must be uploaded to an online submission portal that will go live and open for submissions beginning on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, and the URL location will be announced at that time, along with other entry specifications. The deadline for submissions will be Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

An independent jury of Columbia area filmmakers and film professionals will review all submissions and determine the winning entries. Four cash prizes will be awarded for First, Second and Third Place as well as an Honorable Mention, with special consideration given to Best Use of Columbia River and Public Outdoor Spaces.

Winning entries will be shown during a red carpet premier ceremony at Nickelodeon Theatre on the evening of Friday, November 14, 2025, with a follow up matinee screening on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

For more information, please contact Skot Garrick at skot.garrick@columbiasc.gov.

Columbia Parks & Recreation Department Announced Swimming Pools are Modified to Weekend-Only Schedule as of Sunday, August 10, 2025

The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department announced a modified weekend-only schedule for its swimming pools and splash pads that began after Sunday, August 10, 2025.

Starting Saturday, August 16, 2025, Maxcy Gregg Pool, Greenview Park Pool, and Drew Splash Pad will be open weekends only through the end of the season:

• Saturdays: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Sundays: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

All City pools and splash pads will also be open on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., after which they will officially close for the season.

Application Period Now Open for Firefighting Positions at Columbia-Richland Fire Department

If you have ever considered serving your community and neighbors as a firefighter, now is the time to get your application in with one of the busiest departments in South Carolina.

August begins with the Columbia-Richland Fire Department (CRFD) reopening its application period for new firefighter hires. Both applicants new to firefighting and ones with prior experience are encouraged to apply. Experienced candidates who possess the necessary certifications will be considered for the CRFD Direct Hire Program.

All candidates who apply will be considered for a spot in CRFD’s next recruit school, which will begin in early 2026.

At this time, CRFD’s base starting pay for a firefighter is $43,800. Recruits who meet the necessary qualifications and are hired into our Direct Hire Program will be paid at that rate to start. Non-certified hires must complete training before they will be eligible for the $43,800 annual earning. During training, they will receive pay at a rate of $34,900 annually.

CRFD firefighters are also eligible for incentive pay available to candidates who possess higher-education degrees (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s). All firefighters are also eligible for extra pay through overtime opportunities.

Other benefits of being a firefighter with CRFD include:

• Low cost healthcare for employees and their families under SC PEBA (group health, group dental and group eye insurance plans)
• Paid holidays and vacation time
• Entry in the SC PEBA State Retirement Program
• Opportunities to enroll in the SC Deferred Compensation Program (401K/ 457)
• FREE annual gym membership and access to city gym
• Automatic enrollment and access to benefits with the SC State Firefighter’s Association
• Paid class time
• Flexible spending accounts
• And much more

Prospective applicants can visit colafire.net to access the City of Columbia’s career portal. There they can submit an application as a ‘Certified Firefighter’ or ‘Non-Certified Firefighter.’ The non-certified position is for applicants that are new to the firefighting profession.

All applicants with prior firefighting experience and Firefighter I and II certification through IFSAC and or Pro-Board will be eligible for CRFD’s Direct Hire Program. The program features an abridged training academy that enables hires to reach active service with the department in fewer weeks. Those who qualify can apply with the city as a ‘Certified Firefighter.’

Applicants with questions are encouraged to contact CRFD Recruiting Officer James Bostic by calling 803-545-3331 or sending an email to james.bostic@columbiasc.gov.

City of Columbia Spraying for Adult Mosquitoes Through the Remainder of the Season

In an effort to control the mosquito population and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness, the Columbia Police Department’s Code Enforcement Division will be spraying for adult mosquitoes through the remainder of the season, as recommended. The Spraying is usually conducted between midnight and dawn; however, it is possible for spraying to be conducted earlier depending on conditions. Residents allergic to the products permethrin, deltamethrin, or tau-fluvalinate should notify Vector Control staff by calling 803-545-4229 or emailing vector.control@columbiasc.gov. All beekeepers should call or email Code Enforcement to notify staff of their hives.

Residents are urged to take these preventive measures to reduce the threat of mosquitoes:

• Use, according to the label instructions, EPA registered insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Clear drainage ditches of debris and weeds
• Empty and turn over outdoor containers holding water
• Eliminate overgrown grass, weeds, and shrubbery
• Pack tree holes with sand
• Clean clogged roof gutters
• Keep boats overturned, drained or covered (covers should not collect water)
• Stock ornamental ponds and water gardens with top-feeding minnows
• Properly maintain swimming pools
• Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and plant containers at least once a week
• Make sure there are screens on rain barrels and use the water as soon as possible.

National Nonprofit Petco Love Invests in Columbia Animal Services to Save and Improve the Lives of Pets in the Midlands Area

Columbia Animal Services is set to receive a $50,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of their lifesaving work for pets in the Midlands Area.

Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested nearly $421 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And Petco Love helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations — like ours — across North America, with more than 7 million pets adopted and counting.

“Our investment in Columbia Animal Services is part of more than $12M in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us. We launched Petco Love Lost, a free national lost and found database that uses photo-matching technology to simplify the search for lost pets.”

“Petco Love’s investment is truly impactful for our shelter and the community we serve,” said Victoria Clary, Superintendent of Columbia Animal Services. “Their partnership allows us to focus more intentionally on increasing life-saving efforts through enhancing pet enrichment programs and a more robust adoption experience. With this partnership, we’re not just finding homes, we’re creating healthier and happier journeys for our pets and the families who love them.”

For more information about Columbia Animal Services, visit animalservices.columbiasc.gov. Learn more about Petco Love here: petcolove.org.

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About Columbia Animal Services

Columbia Animal Services is a municipal organization with a mission of “helping people help pets” in the Midlands area. Since 2021, Columbia Animal Services has implemented several programs aimed at increasing pet owner retention rates by providing essential resources to help families keep their pets at home and out of the shelter. As a result, we’ve seen a significant increase in our live-release rate and noticeable decline in shelter intake.

About Petco Love

Petco Love is a life-changing nonprofit organization that makes communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since our founding in 1999, we’ve empowered animal welfare organizations by investing nearly $421 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. We’ve helped find loving homes for more than 7 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide. Our love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion, inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Is love calling you? Join us. Visit PetcoLove.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we lead every day.

One Columbia Announces New Headquarters, Launches New Artist Support Fund, and Prepares for Next Cohort of Garage Studio Artists

One Columbia for Arts and Culture is excited to announce a new chapter in its work supporting the creative community of Columbia, SC. With a new location, a new artist grant initiative, and the upcoming launch of the next Garage Studio cohort, the organization continues to deepen its commitment to the city’s cultural life.

One Columbia will be officially relocating its headquarters from 1013 Duke Avenue to the historic Ensor Keenan House at 801 Wildwood Avenue. This transition marks a milestone in the organization’s long-standing partnership with the City of Columbia and reflects a shared vision for bringing arts and culture into new corners of the city.

“This space has the potential to truly bring art and culture to life in a community-centered way,” said Xavier Blake, Executive Director of One Columbia. “We’re grateful to the City of Columbia for their support, and we’re excited about the possibilities in a place with such rich history and promise.”

"This move for One Columbia is more than just a change of address; it's a strategic step forward in our shared vision to foster a dynamic arts scene here in the Capital City,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “The move to the historic Ensor Keenan House signifies a deeper commitment to embedding arts and culture across our city, making creativity more accessible and visible for all residents."

In addition to its new home, One Columbia is also launching a new initiative to support local artists: the Artist Assistance Grant. Thanks to the generosity of a community donor and a matching contributor, this grassroots program has raised $2,000 to provide unrestricted, general support for artists to sustain their creative work. After careful consideration, we’ve decided to award two $1,000 grants, ensuring broader impact within our creative community. This initiative coincides with One Columbia’s exciting move to its new home, marking a fresh chapter in our commitment to fostering local artistry.

“General support funding is rare but essential,” said Blake. “We want to empower artists to use the funds in the ways that will most meaningfully support their work—whether that’s materials, rent, or rest. We’re still working out the details, but we’re excited to begin building this resource for Columbia’s creatives.”

On August 1, 2025, One Columbia will be opening applications for the second cohort of The Garage Studio, the organization’s artist-in-residence program that offers free studio space and professional development support. The current residents’ term will conclude on August 31, and updated application information will be released soon.

To learn more about One Columbia’s new space, upcoming programs, and the artist support grant, visit onecolumbiasc.com or follow @onecolumbiasc on social media.

The City of Columbia Invites YOU to Participate in Columbia's 10th Annual PARK(ing) Day

PARK(ing) Day is an annual open-source global event where citizens, artists and activists collaborate to temporarily transform on-street parking spaces into “PARK(ing)” spaces: temporary public places. The mission of PARK(ing) Day is to call attention to the need for more urban open space, to generate critical debate around how public space is created and allocated, and to improve the quality of urban human habitat…at least until the meter runs out!

We are excited to announce that the City of Columbia, in partnership with the South Carolina Chapter of the American Society for Landscape Architects and One Columbia for Arts and Culture, is again helping to facilitate PARK(ing) Day, a national event that takes place on Friday, September 19, 2025. This event is about reclaiming on-street parking spaces as public space for people, for one day out of the year (10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.). Participants design and install temporary elements that can include seating, art, games, plants, etc. to encourage people to interact in the public right-of-way. 

This is our tenth year temporarily transforming Downtown Columbia.

This year, the PARK(ing) Day theme builds on the recent Downtown Columbia Strategic Plan and Guidelines and we’re asking you to think more about how you’d like to plan your public realm to create more engaging and attractive public spaces in Columbia. You can use the plan’s big ideas for inspiration, or design your own perfect daydream for Columbia. The creativity is up to you!

What is the public realm? It’s that part of our urban fabric that is made up of publicly owned places and spaces that belong to and are accessible by everyone; our streets, plazas, sidewalks, trails, parks, open spaces, and more. The pedestrian realm, which encompasses the open space between a building's face and the curb, is host to any number of streetscape elements that help contribute to a pleasant, walkable city. How would you populate the pedestrian realm? The possibilities are endless.

We want you to BRING it. 

Can you believe it’s been a decade since our first PARK(ing) Day in Downtown Columbia? We are so excited to celebrate with you and to see how you build on the many creative parks we’ve seen these past nine inspiring years of tactical urbanism!

PARK(ing) Day is all about collaborative creativity. 

PARK(ing) Day is about designing open space that not only attracts but also engages the community through the physical design of the space itself. Your park can be a nice place to sit and read. It can be a place for a sculpture. It can be an outdoor art gallery. It can be a botanical garden. It can foster community dialogue. It can be a picnic area. It just takes a bit of imagination and an application.

How to Par(k)ticipate:

• Find out more, and get the application at columbiacompass.org/parklets
• Plan your park and remember this year’s theme is a broad one. We’re asking you to think about how you’d Plan Your Public Realm as part of your design!
• Get the necessary insurance, or if you are an artist or with an arts organization, contact One Columbia (info@onecolumbiasc.com or 803-254-5008) for support
• Reserve your space(s) – parking space reservations are first come, first served! https://bit.ly/2025Meters

Submit the full application by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025 (you’ll receive a link to submit the full application after you reserve your spaces)

There WILL be prizes.

This year, we’re holding our fifth annual PARK(ing) Day Design Contest, and up for grabs are a People’s Choice Award and a juried Best Design Award. Winners get bragging rights, as well as some fun, locally-sourced, prizes. It’s our tenth year of PARK(ing) Day and we know the competition will be steep, so we’re working to pull together some extra special prizes this year, too!

To learn more about PARK(ing) Day in Columbia, visit https://columbiacompass.org/parklets. If you have questions regarding PARK(ing) Day, contact Planning and Development Services Department at 803-545-3222 or via email at parkingday@columbiasc.gov. For information on the international PARK(ing) Day movement and to access resources, check out https://www.asla.org/parkingday2024.aspx .

City Parks Launch Misting Stations During Summer Heat

The Parks and Recreation Department has installed misting stations at several local parks to help residents combat the heat. The misting stations provide a cooling effect and lowers body temperature, making the outdoors more pleasant for residents.

Residents are encouraged to utilize the misting stations which will operate Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The misting stations are available at the following parks:

• Saluda Riverwalk - 650 Candi Ln., Columbia SC 29210
• Owens Field - 1401 Jim Hamilton Blvd., Columbia SC 29205
• Martin Luther King Park - 2300 Greene St., Columbia SC 29205
• Hollywood Rose Hill Park - 216 Gregg St., Columbia SC 29205
• Rosewood - 901 Holly St., Columbia SC 29205
• Riverfront South - 312 Laurel St., Columbia SC 29201
• Riverfront North - 4122 River Dr., Columbia SC 29201
• Granby Park -100 Catawba St., Columbia SC 29201
• Southeast Park - 951 Hazelwood Rd., Columbia SC 29209

Heat-related illnesses are concerns to be extremely vigilant of during the summer. When combined with dehydration and physical activity, it can be potentially life-threatening. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, signs of a heat-related illnesses can range from painful muscle spasms, clammy and moist skin, and confusion or loss of consciousness. Ignoring or not recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion may lead to a heat stroke. Permanent brain damage or death may not be prevented if not detected early.

For more information, please visit Columbia’s Parks and Recreation website here.

Tom's Creek Mobile Market Accepting Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program Vouchers

Tom’s Creek Mobile Market is participating in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) this summer, offering qualifying seniors the opportunity to use their vouchers at any of the market’s weekly stops. Known for serving communities in food deserts, Tom’s Creek continues its mission of delivering fresh, nutritious produce directly to neighborhoods with limited access to grocery stores.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the SFMNP provides qualifying seniors with $50 in vouchers (five $10 vouchers) that can be used at eligible Farmers’ Markets throughout South Carolina. Tom’s Creek Mobile Market is one of those eligible locations, ensuring seniors can conveniently redeem their vouchers for high-quality, local produce.

“With nearly 20 percent of Columbia’s citizens classified as seniors, it is important we continue to make accessing fresh and nutritious food easier for this very important group,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “We are grateful for the SFMNP opportunity through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are proud that the mobile market will be able to step up to fulfill this need in Columbia this Summer.”

To be eligible for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, individuals must:

• Be 60 years of age or older
• Live within one of the 46 counties in South Carolina
• Have an annual income of less than $27,861 (individuals) or less than $37,814 (couples)

A valid ID is required, and applications can be completed on-site at distribution centers.

Seniors can redeem their SFMNP vouchers at any of Tom’s Creek’s regular stops:

• Monday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Corner of Kortright Street & North Main Street
• Tuesday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. COMET Central, 1723 Sumter Street
• Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 1405 North Millwood Avenue
• Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 2016 Harden Street
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Soda City Market, Intersection of Hampton & Main Street 

Portions of Riverfront Park Will be Closed for Six Months Beginning on June 2 For Construction of New Water Plant Intakes

Contractors for City of Columbia Water department closed a section of the Riverfront Park trail as of Monday, June 2 for approximately six months for construction of a new water intake on the Broad River. The work will include installation of barges in the canal and construction of a cofferdam in the river. The areas affected are downstream of the I-126 Bridge and railroad trestle. 

The trails at the north end of the park (4122 River Drive) and the south end of the park (312 Laurel St.) will remain open during this time, but visitors will not be able to travel the entire length of the canal.

The south end restrooms, the historic waterworks and the grassy amphitheater will all be accessible during this closure.

The Columbia Parks & Recreation Department encourages visitors to explore the nearby Saluda Riverwalk, 650 Candi Lane or Granby Park, and 100 Catawba Street as alternatives.

To learn more about the Resilient Water Supply project and other canal repair efforts, visit the City of Columbia’s website here. 

City of Columbia Pedestrian and Bicyclist Counts: Help Make Sure We All Count!



The City of Columbia is seeking volunteers to help conduct our routine Pedestrian & Bicyclist Counts throughout Columbia. By counting pedestrians and bicyclists, volunteers help to ensure that all of the City’s residents count: transit riders, pedestrians, and bicyclists are often not accounted for in traffic studies – the same traffic studies used to make important decisions about our City’s landscape.

The City targets key intersections and crossings for pedestrian and bicyclist counts; these are locations which are heavily used, and at many of these locations pedestrians and/or bicyclists have been injured or killed. By collecting data routinely, on weekdays and weekends, we are able to provide valuable and robust feedback to the many agencies that plan for our roadways. The survey helps planners and transportation agencies better understand who uses the City’s roadways – streets and sidewalks included – and how they use them. A greater understanding of people’s behavior, as well as new data, can help lead to people-oriented planning and policy that inspires walkable, bikeable, and livable transportation design.

Volunteer to count as many times as you please! Nine time slots are available, and each of the 33 locations must be counted once on a weekday and once on a Saturday, which means 66 slots must be filled to complete the count in full! Volunteers can select from a list of count locations, and will count pedestrians and cyclists at one location for two hours.

WHAT: City of Columbia Bicyclist & Pedestrian Counts

WHEN: Volunteer to count as many times as you please! Nine time slots are available, and each of the 33 locations must be counted once on a weekday and once on a Saturday:

·        Saturday, September 20, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (noon)

·        Tuesday, September 23, 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

·        Wednesday, September 24, 7:30 a.m. -9:30 a.m.

·        Thursday, September 25, 7:30 a.m. -9:30 a.m.

·        Saturday, September 27, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (noon)

·        Tuesday, September 30, 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

·        Wednesday, October 1, 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

·        Thursday, October 2, 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

·        Saturday, October 4, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (noon)

WHERE: Sign up at https://bit.ly/2025FallCounts; counts occur at locations throughout Columbia

WHO: Open to the public

To sign up, visit https://bit.ly/2025FallCounts. If you have questions regarding the routine Pedestrian and Bicyclist Count effort, contact the Planning Division at 803-545-3222. Reporting and analysis for past count efforts can be found here: https://planninganddevelopment.columbiasc.gov/bike-ped-resources/. For information on the City’s Planning efforts, including the Walk Bike Columbia Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan and the Walkable 29203 Pedestrian Master Plan, visit https://planninganddevelopment.columbiasc.gov/city-plans/.

City of Columbia Advises that Customers Should NOT USE Unapproved Payment Platform for City Services

The City of Columbia urges customers to exercise caution and avoid using the unauthorized third-party bill payment platforms including, doxo.com, to pay for City of Columbia services.

The City may have no control over when payments for Columbia Water and parking services are received from platforms that are not an approved vendor, partner, or have affiliations with the City of Columbia. As a result, customers may experience delays that could lead to late fees or even disconnection of water due to nonpayment.

To view payment options for Columbia Water services, visit https://columbiascwater.net/payment-options/ or contact Customer Care at (803) 545-3300.

For payment options related to parking tickets and permits, visit https://parking.columbiasc.gov/payments/ or call Parking Services at (803) 545-4015.

Columbia Fire Department

Request an alarm HERE

The City of Columbia, in partnership with 7Sunday, Launches BizArts, A New, Dynamic, Bold Series that Highlights Community, Culture and Creativity

Who: The City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities and 7Sunday

What: The City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities, in partnership with 7Sunday, announces its return with a new series, BizArts, with a kickoff event in the Columbia Museum of Art. This inaugural event serves as a tribute to the rich legacy of Black entrepreneurship in Columbia while fostering inspiration for today’s generation of business owners and creatives. We extend a warm invitation to small business owners, creatives, students, community members and all those passionate about local history, innovation and progress.

BizArts is a dynamic cultural and economic empowerment initiative supported by the City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities. Designed to uplift small businesses and creatives, BizArts champions visibility, collaboration, and sustainable growth. Through storytelling, community gatherings, creative showcases, and access to valuable resources, the series highlights the intersection of entrepreneurship and the arts—fueling innovation, legacy building and collective prosperity.

Due to the partnership between the City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities and 7Sunday, one local small business owner will be awarded 10 free classes to the FastTrac Growth Venture program, a comprehensive course designed to help entrepreneurs strategically grow their business. This program provides targeted support in key areas including budgeting, sales strategy, leadership development, operational systems, and business plan execution—equipping participants with the tools they need to thrive and grow.

The evening will begin with an engaging fireside chat where we will explore the historic impact of Columbia’s Black entrepreneurs, their role in shaping the City's economic and cultural life and the relevance of their stories to today’s efforts in economic equity and community empowerment.



Following the discussion, guests will be invited to experience the screening of the documentary Did You Know? Columbia’s Black Wall Street. Originally premiered on June 19, 2024, the film offers a compelling narrative that uncovers the triumphs and tenacity of Black business leaders whose influence helped define Columbia’s economic identity.

When: Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Where: Columbia Museum of Art - 1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201

View content from past City of Columbia events!

Click HERE for Photos | Click HERE for Videos