The City of Columbia held two committee meetings on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, highlighting continued investments in sustainability, infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization, the arts and community partnerships.
The day began with a Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee meeting, chaired by Councilman Sam P. Johnson, alongside Councilman Edward McDowell, Jr. and Councilman Tyler D. Bailey.
The committee received an update from Regan Freeman, Director of Advocacy for the Cola Town Bike Collective, regarding an innovative new bike lane sweeper that will help keep Columbia’s bicycle infrastructure clean and safe. Through a public-private partnership between the City of Columbia and the Cola Town Bike Collective, the City is donating its first bike-towed mini-sweeper, designed to remove debris such as glass, metal shards and wire from bike lanes. This bike sweeper will be the first of its kind to be used in South Carolina and represents another step toward creating a safer, more accessible and bike-friendly Columbia.
The City of Columbia and Cola Town Bike Collective will officially introduce the new sweeper on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the intersection of South Main Street and College Street.
Brent Kossick, Director of Partnerships for Sustain SC, also provided an overview of the organization’s mission and ongoing collaboration with the City of Columbia’s Climate Protection Action Committee. Sustain SC works to connect the sustainability goals of businesses throughout South Carolina with local solutions that benefit the economy, environment and communities. Through partnerships and collaboration, the organization focuses on building a more sustainable future at the intersection of commerce and conservation.
John Riggs, Director of Utilities for Columbia Water, then provided an update on ongoing improvements to the City’s wastewater collection system. The presentation highlighted significant progress in reducing sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs); with the City recording its lowest number and volume of overflows since tracking began in 2008–2009. These improvements reflect faster response times, proactive maintenance and continued investments in critical wastewater infrastructure.
Among the projects highlighted was the Lower Crane Creek Equalization Storage Facility, a $66 million investment supported by $35 million in grant funding. Construction began in June 2024, with completion anticipated in October 2026. The facility is designed to reduce wet-weather sanitary sewer overflows in upstream areas, improving the reliability and performance of the wastewater collection system.
The committee also received an update on the Saluda River Force Main Extension and Pedestrian Bridge project. Phase 1 was completed in 2024, while Phase 2 will include the installation of a force main suspended from a pedestrian bridge. Construction is anticipated to begin in mid-2027 and conclude in mid-2029.
In addition to supporting essential wastewater infrastructure, the project will create new recreational connectivity by linking the City of Columbia’s Saluda Riverwalk with proposed improvements along the West Columbia side of the Saluda River. This project reflects the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure while expanding access to the region’s riverfront amenities.
Robert Anderson, Director of Public Works, concluded the committee’s presentations with an update on the Neighborhood Stormwater Greenspace Collaborative, a partnership between the City of Columbia, Columbia Green and the Gills Creek Watershed Association.
The City of Columbia celebrated the groundbreaking of this public-private partnership on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. This first project will transform three adjoining lots on West Buchanan Drive into a natural greenspace designed to support insects, birds, wildlife and residents. The initiative demonstrates an innovative approach to urban land management by converting underutilized properties into environmentally beneficial community spaces.
The City of Columbia also held a Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee meeting, chaired by Councilman Tyler D. Bailey, alongside Councilman Edward McDowell, Jr. and Councilwoman Tina N. Herbert.
The committee began with a review of an application for a memorial monument honoring disabled veterans. The proposed monument would recognize the service, sacrifice and contributions of veterans who have experienced disabilities as a result of their military service.
Following discussion, the committee approved moving the application forward to One Columbia for further consideration and discussion.
The committee also received an update from Jennifer Bartell Boykin, Columbia’s second Poet Laureate, who highlighted the accomplishments and continued growth of poetry and literary arts throughout the community during her tenure. Columbia holds the distinction of being the first municipality in South Carolina to establish a Poet Laureate position
As Poet Laureate, Boykin has served as a literary ambassador for Columbia, helping expand opportunities for local poets, encourage creative expression and strengthen the City’s literary community.
The City of Columbia thanks Boykin for her dedication and service as Columbia’s Poet Laureate and for her continued efforts to promote poetry, support local artists and serve as a literary ambassador for the City of Columbia.
To view all City Council and committee agendas, visit: https://columbiasc.portal.civicclerk.com/