Yesterday’s City Council Meeting, June 17, 2025, included important votes and updates focused on public safety, housing, fiscal responsibility, and community partnerships.
First, City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 2025-043, which proposes repealing Ordinance 2021-021 (passed on June 15, 2021) that penalized licensed private providers for performing conversion therapy (Item #2). The ordinance will proceed to a second reading at a future Council meeting that is still to be determined.
Next, Council approved the second reading of the City of Columbia’s Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget, which will take effect on July 1, 2025, and extend through June 30, 2026. In addition, Council approved various items on the consent agenda related to the renewal of essential services that support Public Safety, Columbia Water, and core operations across the City. These approvals ensure the continued delivery of high-quality public services to Columbia’s residents and businesses.
Council also approved the second reading of Ordinance 2025-054 establishing a 365-day moratorium on the issuance of new permits for short-term rentals in residential areas, while allowing current permit holders to renew. This pause will give the City time to evaluate public safety concerns, density limits, and other regulatory considerations, while engaging neighborhoods and existing permittees in the process.
Later in the meeting, Felicia Kilgore, Director of Community Development, presented the City’s 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan to Council. This federally required plan is developed every five years to secure funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It outlines local demographic trends, economic data, housing and workforce needs, and incorporates public feedback from hearings, stakeholder meetings, and written comments.
Council then approved the first reading of an ordinance authorizing a lease agreement with One Columbia for Arts and Culture for office space at the Ensor Keenan House, 801 Wildwood Avenue. This agreement supports One Columbia’s continued role in promoting the arts while operating within a City-owned facility.
Finally, Council approved a variety of resolutions to fund supportive services for unsheltered populations and to advance ongoing and potential downtown development opportunities. These actions reflect the City’s commitment to public well-being and economic vibrancy in Columbia’s core districts.
To watch the full City Council meeting, visit: https://youtube.com/live/vr1s-kkH9iQ
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.