City of Columbia Announces New Business Liaison to Help Better Streamline Business Within the City
The City of Columbia is pleased to announce our new business liaison, Greg Williams.
In this new position, Greg Williams will be the professional liaison who will coordinate and communicate with local business owners, within the City of Columbia, and developers to help navigate the approval process for projects, as well as, resolve friction points or issues with the City.
“Greg has the perfect temperament, patience and knowledge of City departments and processes to assist citizens, members of our business community and others who may need to navigate planning, development, engineering, licensing and numerous functions. The Business Liaison role is an important tool as we continue to streamline how individuals do business within the City,” said City Manager Teresa Wilson.
Greg Williams transitioned into the public sector after first working with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce and as a Deputy Administrator in the City’s Business License Division. “All of this experience has given me a unique perspective working for the City of Columbia as the Business Liaison. It allows me to see both sides of commerce within the City and how to enhance it,” said Greg Williams.
As the business liaison, Williams will be able to expedite and handle complex issues that have been known to cause delays in the past. The position also builds goodwill with the public and shows the City is eager to work with the community in a business friendly and timely manner.
Greg Williams is looking forward to working with business owners, solving problems, and showing the public that the City is amenable to finding different solutions to issues.
The new business liaison visited businesses/business owners in the Five Points business/hospitality district on Friday morning.
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Greg Williams, the City of Columbia's new business liaison |
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Councilman Will Brennan introduces Greg Williams to Sunrise Artisan Bath and Body owner, Tzima Brown. |
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Greg Williams, Councilman Will Brennan and shop owners of Loose Lucy’s discuss ideas of what’s to come to the growing Five Points business district. |
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Resilient Columbia: Maintaining Service Delivery During the Pandemic
Earlier this month, the City of Columbia celebrated National Public Service Recognition Week. During the week, our Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department highlighted the hard work and dedication of our employees. As a follow-up, this week the Public Relations team is launching a public education campaign to share the City of Columbia's journey, during the pandemic. A special video series, featuring City Manager Teresa Wilson, outlines the City's path over the last year and includes information about how our employees have continued to serve our citizens and maintain daily operations to provide critical services to our citizens. The video series is titled Resilient Columbia: Maintaining Service Delivery During the Pandemic.
You can watch the videos in the City Video Hub section or on the City's YouTube Channel here.
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Advertisement of Vacancies on Various Boards and Commissions
The City of Columbia is accepting applications to fill several vacancies on the following boards and commissions.
Columbia Prepares Advisory Committee
Seeking to fill seven (7) vacancies
The purpose of Columbia Prepares Advisory Committee is to provide increased transparency in the implementation of CDBG-MIT funds; inform the community at large and other stakeholders of mitigation projects and strategies; improve the community’s understanding of the importance of hazard mitigation activities and projects to the health and well-being of all residents; solicit and respond to public questions, comment and input on the City’s mitigation activities; serve as on on-going public forum to continuously inform Columbia’s CDBG-MIT project and programs. Term- 2 years.
Design/ Development Review Commission (DDRC)
Seeking to fill two (2) vacancies.
Applicants must have experience as architect and architectural historian. The purpose of the Design/Development Review Commission (DDRC) is to review and approve work proposed within the City's historic districts, urban design areas, and upon designated landmarks. Term – 3 years.
Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports, and Tourism (MACST)
Seeking to fill one (1) vacancy
The mission of the Midlands Authority for Conventions Sports and Tourism includes: directing and managing the activities and mission of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau; Overseeing the development and operation of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center under a long-term management agreement for the benefit of the Governmental Entities: City of Columbia, Lexington County and Richland County; Directing and managing the activities and mission of the Columbia Regional Sports Council; and Directing and managing the operation of the Columbia Regional Visitors Center.- Term- 3 years
Deadline –Applications are due no later than May 19, 2021 at 5pm.
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City’s Recreational Swim Season Begins Memorial Day Weekend
The recreational swim season for the City of Columbia’s outdoor pools and splash pads/spray pools will begin Saturday, May 29, 2021, the Columbia Parks & Recreation Department announced.
Both Maxcy Gregg Pool and Greenview Pool will open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on opening day (May 29) and from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, May 30.
Both pools will be open for recreational swimming on the following holidays: Memorial Day (May 31), Independence Day (July 4) and Labor Day (Sept. 6) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The recreational swim season will remain open until Monday, Sept. 6 (Labor Day).
NO INDIVIDUAL SWIMMING LESSONS
Pool Schedules
Maxcy Gregg Pool, 1655 Park Circle
Regular hours for recreational swimming are as follows:
Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fridays Closed for Maintenance
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m.
Greenview Pool, 6700 David Street
Regular hours for recreational swimming are as follows:
Mondays Closed for Maintenance
Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m.
To accommodate all guests, visitors must observe a two-hour time limit in the pool and water play areas when the maximum capacity is reached. Guests will be given a color-coded wristband before entering the pool area.
The Columbia Parks & Recreation Department reserves the right to initiate a rotation at a minimum of every two hours.
Fees (both Maxcy Gregg and Greenview pools)
Per visit: $3 (ages 12 and under), $4 (ages 13 and over)
Season tickets (individuals): $80 (ages 12 and under), $120 (ages 13 and over)
Group passes (church, civic, camps, etc.): $100 (child), $140 (adults)
Splash Pad/Spray Pools Locations (Free and open to the public)
The following spray pools will be open from Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m., and closed on Sundays:
Lorick Park - 1600 Lorick Ave.
Pinehurst Park - 2300 Pinehurst Rd.
The following spray pools will be open from Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. and will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays:
Edisto Discovery Park - 1914 Wiley St.
Emily Douglas Park - 2500 Wheat St.
Heathwood Park - 800 Abelia Rd.
Melrose Park - 1500 Fairview Rd.
Sims Park - 3500 Duncan St.
St. Anna's Park - 1315 Liberty Hill Ave.
The following spray pools will be available upon request:
*Mays Park - 4100 Trenholm Rd.
*Pacific Park - 200 Wayne St.
Drew Park splash pad located at 2101 Walker Solomon Way will operate the following hours:
Monday-Saturday from 12-8 p.m.; Closed on Sundays
The spray pad at Roy Lynch Park, 900 Abbeville St., is user-operated and is available during the park’s operating hours from sunrise to sunset.
*Spray pools located at parks that are unmanned will be turned on and off by on-call recreation personnel upon request. Citizens are asked to call the Parks and Recreation Department at 803-545-3100 on Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to request the spray pools for a weekday or weekend event.
For more information, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 803-545-3100 or visit www.columbiasc.gov.
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Celebrate National Bike Month in May!
Help Us Celebrate National Bike Month in Columbia SC! With spring in the air, the City of Columbia and the League of American Bicyclists, the national organization of bicyclists, announce that May is National Bike Month, May 17-23 is Bike to Work Week and Friday, May 21 is Bike to Work Day.
The City urges everyone to bike to work or try cycling for fun, fitness, or transportation. This year, as with last year, celebrations will be virtual, and will be held on the @colacompass Facebook and Instagram social media platforms.
Considering biking to work or for fun? Here are some tips:
- Have your bike checked over by your local bike shop
- Plan your route, incorporating bike lanes, greenways, and less-busy streets when possible
- Always wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of a crash
- Ride in a safe location; in South Carolina, bicyclists may ride on sidewalks, or in the street. If a dedicated bike lane is provided, bicyclists must use the bike lane (if they are riding in the roadway). Please note, the City of Columbia does not allow bicyclists on the sidewalks bounded by Assembly, Gervais, Sumter, and Elmwood by local ordinance.
- Obey all stop signs, traffic lights and lane markings
- Look before you change lanes or signal a turn; indicate your intention, then act
- Be visible and predictable at all times; wear bright clothing and signal turns
The City of Columbia has been designated as a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists since 2008; the designation is a four-year designation, and the City was most recently re-designated in December of 2020. City Council adopted Walk Bike Columbia, a bicycle and pedestrian master plan for the City, in 2015.
May is also National Historic Preservation Month and the Planning Division will be highlighting the intersection of these two celebrations via social media @ColaCompass on Facebook and Instagram.
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May is National Historic Preservation Month!
May is National Historic Preservation Month and the City’s Preservation staff has several virtual activities planned with the Planning Division to commemorate the event. Since its inception by the National Trust for Historic Preservation during the 1970s, National Historic Preservation Month has been a way to promote historic places. The City’s Planning staff is promoting a number of activities and events throughout the month of May that focus on the history and architecture of Columbia.
Children’s Architecture Crafts (May 1 – 31)
Instagram Photo Contest (May 1 – 31)
Keep an eye on the @ColaCompass Instagram page for weekly photo contests posted each Sunday during the month of May. Topics for the photo contests will cover both National Historic Preservation Month and National Bike Month. Contests will run Sunday to Saturday and prize winners will be selected weekly. To learn more about how to participate, visit @ColaCompass on Instagram.
Historic Preservation Trivia: Thursday, May 20, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join City of Columbia preservation and planned staff for a fun (virtual) trivia night! Hosted via Zoom, staff will quiz you on your knowledge of both local and national preservation history. Teams are encouraged and the three teams with the most points at the end of the night will win small prizes. This event is free, but please pre-register teams by emailing [email protected] by May 19th.
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Registration Period Has Kicked Off for City’s Youth Summer Basketball League
Registration for the city’s Youth Summer Basketball League for children 9-18 years old has now kicked off, and will end Monday, May 31, the Columbia Parks & Recreation Department announced.
Participants can retrieve and deliver a registration form online or at any local Community Center. Registration forms can be dropped off at any city recreation center or the Parks and Recreation department during operation hours.
For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Department at 803-545-0456.
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City Implements “Spring Forward Amnesty Program”
The City of Columbia Municipal Court will be implementing a “Spring Forward Amnesty Program” every Friday in May. This program will allow citizens with outstanding bench warrants and other penalties to resolve their cases without being arrested or going to jail. It gives citizens an opportunity to voluntarily resolve outstanding cases in a fair and efficient manner -- a spring cleaning of sorts.
Beginning May 7, and every subsequent Friday in May, anyone with outstanding bench warrants or unpaid fees and fines who voluntarily appears at one of the amnesty locations will have the opportunity to settle their cases without being arrested. Outstanding bench warrants will be vacated and late fines and fees will be reduced or converted to community service.
Amnesty Days will be held from 9:00 am – 5:30 pm in the following locations:
May 21: Earlewood Park; 1111 Recreation Drive, Columbia, SC 29201
May 28: Transitions Homeless Center; 2025 Main Street, Columbia SC 29201
To find out if you have an outstanding bench warrant, please check the City of Columbia Municipal Court website or call the municipal court at (803)545-3166. To find out if you have outstanding fees and fines, please call (803)545-3140. Driving Under the Influence, 1st Offense and Domestic Violence 3rd degree charges are not included in this program.
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Dominion Energy to Perform Tree Trimming Activities as Scheduled for 2021
Dominion Energy will perform tree trimming activities along overhead utility lines in the following neighborhoods for the next two weeks:
Distribution Line Tree Trimming:
Shandon Neighborhood Council
Oakwood Court Neighborhood Assoc.
Old Shandon Neighborhood
University Hills
Wales Garden Neighborhood Assoc.
Wheeler Hill Neighborhood Assoc.
Colonial Park Neighborhood Assoc.
Hyatt Park Neighborhood
Citizens with specific questions or concerns should contact Forestry and Beautification at 803-545-3860 or Dominion Energy at 1-800-562-9308 to meet and discuss in advance of the work being completed.
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City Council Meeting | Tuesday, May 18, 2021
In the interest of public health, the Columbia City Council will conduct a virtual meeting using video conferencing technology on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
Accordingly, members of the public and/or media who want to observe the meetings may do so remotely by one of the following options:
2. Listen: The public may participate via phone. You may call: 855-925-2801. The meeting code: 4978.
Those participating by phone will receive three options on how to participate:
• (star one) *1 will allow you to listen
• (star two) *2 will allow you to record a voice message that will be read into the record.
• (star three) *3 will allow a participant to be placed in a queue, so they may speak live when prompted.
For additional meeting information visit www.columbiacitysc.iqm2.com. You may also register at this site to post comments related to items on the agenda.
For questions regarding the meeting portal, please contact the City Clerk at (803) 545-3043 or [email protected].
Please see attached agenda here.
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City Council
Budget Public Hearing
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 2:00 PM
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City Video Hub
Find in-depth perspectives from news, updates, and recent events in the City of Columbia.
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City Council Meeting | May 11, 2021 |
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City Updates | May 17-21
Here's a look at all of the events happening in the City of Columbia on the week of May 17-21, 2021
Twitter | https://twitter.com/CityofColumbia
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/CityofColumbia
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/WeAreColumbia
Website | https://www.ColumbiaSC.gov
Phone | (803) 545-3020
#WeAreColumbia
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1401 Main St. Public Art Dedication Ceremony
Mayor Steve Benjamin and City Council members will announced the first Public Art Dedication Ceremony, "The Pursuit of Opportunity, Celebrating African American Business."
The mural located at 1401 Main St. depicts the once bustling downtown area occupying the 900, 1000 and 1100 blocks on Washington St.
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Resilient Columbia | Modifying & Maintaining City Operations |
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Resilient Columbia | How did #ResilientColumbia Start? |
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Resilient Columbia | Public Servant Spirit |
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Resilient Columbia | What We've Learned About Our City |
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Resilient Columbia | An Adaptable Workplace |
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Resilient Columbia | Message to Our Community |
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The City of Columbia Celebrates National Bike Month! |
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National Historic Preservation Month 2021
Virtual Events
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The City of Columbia is a Bronze-Level Walk
Friendly Community!
It might be Bike Month , but we love our pedestrians too! The City of Columbia is proud to announce that the Walk Friendly Communities program has recertified us as a bronze level Walk Friendly Community (WFC). As the only recognized Walk Friendly Community in South Carolina, we are honored to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to prioritize pedestrians as we strive to create safe, comfortable, and inviting places to walk. The WFC program compares our efforts to those of our peer cities, and provides recommendations specific to Columbia, which helps us better target our planning efforts!
Get the latest info on local & regional efforts by signing up for our Walk Bike Columbia newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/gfIG25 !
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DHEC Partners with SCETV and Local Leaders to Hold Virtual Community Town Hall Focused on COVID-19 Vaccines
Event to be broadcast May 20 at 7 p.m.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced today that it is partnering with South Carolina ETV (SCETV) and local community leaders to host a special live town hall event about COVID-19 vaccines Thursday, May 20 at 7 p.m.
Titled A Shot of Hope: COVID-19 Vaccine Community Town Hall, this televised conversation is an opportunity for South Carolinians to hear directly from and ask questions to public health experts, medical professionals and community leaders about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines. In addition to being aired statewide on SCETV, the program will also be streamed live on scetv.org and on the @SouthCarolinaETV YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Tune into SCETV to watch this televised event, featuring discussions on:
- Our State, Our Communities: The Impact of COVID-19 on South Carolina and its Rural Communities
- COVID-19 and Health Disparities and Communities of Color
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Across the Generations: The COVID-19 Vaccine
“We recognize that South Carolinians have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. We also know that there is a lot of misinformation and mistrust when it comes to vaccines in general,” said DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer, “These conversations give our community leaders and residents the chance to have an open discussion about their concerns, have their questions answered by public health experts, and gain the tools they need to help educate and inform others about the importance of getting vaccinated.”
“We are proud to be partnering with DHEC to bring this timely discussion to viewers across the state. I encourage any South Carolinian concerned about the COVID-19 vaccines to tune in, submit questions and engage with this panel of experts and community leaders,” said SCETV President and CEO Anthony Padgett.
The goal of the town hall is to give community leaders and residents across the state access to the information and resources they need to help answer their questions and empower them to assist others; educate members of their communities about the COVID-19 vaccines; improve access to trusted information and resources; and encourage people to get vaccinated and move South Carolina closer to herd immunity.
To submit a question for the town hall, email [email protected]. Submitted questions may be read and answered live during the event.
FAST FACTS:
- DHEC and SCETV are partnering to host a virtual town hall on COVID-19 vaccines Thursday, May 20 from 7 – 8 p.m.
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Titled A Shot of Hope: COVID-19 Vaccine Community Town Hall, the program will be airing statewide on SCETV, the program will also be streamed live on scetv.org and on the @SouthCarolinaETV YouTube channel and Facebook page.
- This televised conversation is an opportunity for South Carolinians to hear directly from and ask questions to public health experts, medical professionals and community leaders about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines.
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To submit a question for the town hall, email [email protected]. Submitted questions may be read and answered live during the event.
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South Carolina Public Health Officials Release Statement on New CDC Mask Guidelines
Dr. Simmer: “The science tells us that vaccines are working. Fully vaccinated South Carolinians can now go without masks in most situations.”
“DHEC has reviewed the science behind the CDC’s recent mask guidelines, and we concur. South Carolinians who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear masks indoors or outdoors with a few exceptions.
As the state’s public health agency, we have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of all South Carolinians. This includes advising our residents what activities are safe for them.
Per CDC, people should still continue to wear masks when in schools, healthcare facilities, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and on commercial transportation. Also, people who have weakened immune systems should consult with their physician to determine the best course of action for them.
Those who have not been fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks, socially distance, and take all other needed precautions to prevent COVID-19. This includes children, especially those in school. With the approval of the Pfizer vaccine for those 12 years and older, we are hopeful that as more 12- to 15-year-old children get vaccinated, this revised guidance can be extended to them as well.
This decision is based on the latest science that tells us that the currently approved vaccines are working. The risk of being infected or spreading COVID-19 once fully vaccinated is very low, and therefore wearing a mask if you are fully vaccinated is not needed.
Over the course of the pandemic, DHEC has worked with our federal partners and others to regularly monitor and review the latest data and science to support us in providing informed guidance and making decisions. We are highly encouraged and excited by this news because it means that our hard work is paying off. We would in particular like to recognize our many partners, including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and the many community organizations without which we would not be at this point.
Most of all, we are at this point today because of the commitment of South Carolinians to take steps not just to protect themselves, but to protect others from the disease, including wearing masks, social distancing, and getting vaccinated. Thanks to you, we have been able to increase access to critical testing to help better detect the disease in our communities and enhance availability to vaccines across all corners of our state. Today, more than 1.4 million South Carolinians are now fully vaccinated.
At the same time, we recognize that there is still much work to do in our fight against COVID-19. We still have many South Carolinians who have not had the vaccine and there is still significant spread of COVID-19 among South Carolinians who have not been vaccinated. We need to make sure every person in South Carolina has easy access to one of the very safe and effective vaccines, and reliable information on which to base their decision whether to receive the vaccine.
We are counting on all South Carolinians to use the honor system concerning their vaccination status. Full vaccination coverage is defined as receiving both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or a single dose of the Jansen vaccine, plus two weeks. We continue to strongly encourage those who have not been vaccinated to continue to wear masks, and of course 'Don’t Wait, Vaccinate.'
While South Carolinians who are fully vaccinated need not wear masks at this time, we recognize that not everyone is ready to take off their mask. We encourage those who would like to continue to wear masks to do so, and for others to respect their decision.
South Carolinians have a long reputation of caring for one another, and today’s announcement is as a result of all of us caring for each other. Together we are winning the battle against COVID-19.”
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DHEC Issues Statement about CDC Announcement on Pfizer Vaccine for Those 12 and Older
Immediately after this federal announcement, DHEC provided notification to all of our state's vaccine providers with information about this federal recommendation as well as the current Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for administering the Pfizer vaccine to those 12 and older.
From the CDC:
"Though most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, some children can get severely ill and require hospitalization. There have also been rare, tragic cases of children dying from COVID-19 and its effects, including multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C.
Consent is required by a parent or legal guardian for children ages 12-15 before they can receive their Pfizer vaccine, and all vaccine providers have their own unique immunization consent forms. A copy of the current EUA fact sheet for the Pfizer vaccine will be provided at the time of consent or when those 12 and older receive their first shot. As a reminder, in South Carolina, those 16 and older do not need parental consent to receive a vaccine from an authorized vaccine provider.
Earlier today, DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer and DHEC Public Health Director Dr. Brannon Traxler provided updates about this anticipated announcement from the CDC; a recording is available here.
It's important to remember that two doses of Pfizer vaccine are required to reach full protection, with those shots issued 21 days apart. Please schedule your second appointment while you're at your first-dose appointment.
DHEC encourages all South Carolinians who have not yet received their vaccination to get their Pfizer, Moderna or Janssen shots as soon as possible. Getting your COVID-19 vaccine has never been easier, with many clinics offering extended hours with no appointments and no ID or insurance required.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and they are helping save lives. These vaccines are how we end this pandemic once and for all.
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Have questions about COVID-19 vaccines or need help finding vaccine providers?
Call the COVID-19 Vaccine Information Line at
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Follow these easy steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
1. Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
2. If soap and warm water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
3. Clean surfaces frequently with disinfecting supplies (telephones, keyboards, copiers, printers, desks, etc.)
4. Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other individuals
5. Do no gather in crowds and groups.
6. Maximize social distancing among co-workers and the public.
Remember, Safety Starts with an “S” but it begins with “YOU”.
Let’s continue to unite and fight the spread of the Coronavirus.
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For more information please visit
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Stephen K. Benjamin
Mayor
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Sam Davis
Councilman District I
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Tameika Isaac Devine
Councilwoman At-Large
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Howard E. Duvall, Jr.
Councilman At-Large
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Edward H. McDowell, Jr.
Councilman District II
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Daniel J. Rickenmann
Councilman District IV
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Will Brennan
Councilman District III
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Teresa Wilson
City Manager
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