Who: City of Columbia and the South Carolina Department of Transportation

What: A community meeting to review traffic conditions in the Old Woodlands area, discuss study findings, and gather public input regarding transportation and traffic-related concerns.

When: Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 6:30 p.m.

Where: Woodland Park, 6500 Olde Knight Parkway, Columbia, SC 29209

In partnership with Change.org (the world’s leading platform for social change), the City of Columbia is participating in a new initiative called “Ideas for Change” through which we will identify creative, community-driven solutions to local challenges.

From now until early February, all residents of Columbia will have the opportunity to share their ideas for positive change in our city and respond to their neighbors’ suggestions at the Ideas for Change website. Shortly afterwards, Change.org will identify the most important topics from this set and assemble a group of residents from all over the city to help develop them into actionable proposals. The Mayor has committed to reviewing the proposals that emerge from this process to see how the city might support them.

“We know real change starts with a conversation, and ‘Ideas for Change’ provides a modern platform for Columbians to practice the kind of constructive dialogue that moves us forward,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “This partnership with Change.org isn’t just about sharing suggestions; it’s about neighbors building on each other’s ideas to solve local problems – our problems. I look forward to seeing our community come together to turn shared aspirations into tangible ideas for the Capital City.”

Duncan Lockard, Head of Strategy at Change.org, emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue in this process. He notes: “Change.org will host an online space where Columbians can not only share their own ideas on what would be good for the city, but support and build on others’ ideas as well. We will continue to work closely with the Mayor’s office to make sure everyone in Columbia has an opportunity to contribute, regardless of neighborhood or background.”

Committed community leaders from the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods, Columbia World Affairs Council, Central Carolina Community Foundation, and others have offered their support of this initiative. The ideas currently on the website are informed both by their work and existing city initiatives; these are meant to inspire all residents to share their own ideas and perspectives.

You can visit the website and offer your ideas today, or vote on the ideas that have already been submitted: www.ideasforchange.org/columbia

If you have any questions, reach out to contact@ideasforchange.org.

The City of Columbia is inviting residents to shape the future of its riverfront as the Congaree Riverfront District Project enters its first phase of community engagement.

Following City Council’s December 2025 approval of a professional services agreement to begin planning and design work for the 100-acre riverfront district, along with a $5 million philanthropic commitment from the Boyd Foundation, the City of Columbia and its design team are now turning their focus to listening.

The City will host the first in a series of public meetings on April 1, offering residents, stakeholders and riverfront users an opportunity to share ideas, priorities and concerns before any design concepts are developed.

“For years, we’ve talked about truly connecting our city to our three rivers. This first phase of engagement is the next step in creating 27 miles of continuous greenway that will redefine the Capital City,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “This isn’t just about a single park; it’s about a vibrant district reflecting the unique character of our community. Your input on everything from recreation to environmental preservation is at the heart of this process. This is your riverfront, and we want the final vision to be a reflection of your dreams for Columbia.”

The first public meeting will focus on gathering input regarding opportunities and challenges along the riverfront, desired recreational amenities and public spaces, environmental priorities and preservation, and links to surrounding neighborhoods and destinations.

Congaree Riverfront District Public Meeting
Date: April 1, 2026
Time: 4–6 p.m.
Location: Senate’s End (The Hall), 316 Senate St., Columbia, S.C. 29201

Residents can learn more or indicate plans to attend the meeting at growth.columbiasc.gov/portfolio/congaree-riverfront-district/

Community engagement will continue throughout the Master Plan process, with multiple opportunities for residents to participate.

“This is the beginning of the public conversation,” said City Manager Teresa Wilson. “We have selected an exceptional design team and continue to secure meaningful community investment, but the most important voices in this process are the people who live, work and spend time along our riverfront.”

The City has engaged Field Operations, an internationally recognized landscape architecture and urban design firm, to lead the planning and design process. The planning effort will guide the long-term vision for a connected riverfront district, including a future project along the Congaree River linking the existing Riverfront Park and Granby Park. The process will evaluate natural features, floodplain considerations, environmental assets and opportunities for recreation and connectivity.

As planning continues, the Master Plan will also consider how complementary private development may thoughtfully interface with and support the district park. These discussions will occur alongside broader conversations about connectivity, recreation, environmental stewardship and long-term vitality within the Congaree Riverfront District.

For more information on the project or the April 1 meeting, visit growth.columbiasc.gov/portfolio/congaree-riverfront-district/. Residents may also share ideas by emailing ColaRiverfrontExperience@columbiasc.gov.

The Koger Center for the Arts has set the headliners for the first Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series, a series of free outdoor concerts sponsored in part by the Levitt Foundation. The concerts will take place on the Plaza Stage on the Koger Center’s front lawn from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., with the rain location being indoors in either the Black Box Theater or second floor lobby.

The full lineup features ten concerts split between the spring and fall seasons. All concerts are free, open to the public and will have opportunities for off stage community engagement for the audience. The schedule is as follows:

Spring 2026:

• Saturday, April 18: River Shook Duo
• Saturday, April 25: Sunny War
• Saturday, May 2: Five OHM
• Saturday, May 9: Carolyn Wonderland

Fall 2026:

• Thursday, September 10: Admiral Radio
• Thursday, September 17: Black Nerd Mafia
• Thursday, September 24: Molly Martin
• Thursday, October 1: Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise
• Thursday, October 8: Sam Morrow
• Thursday, October 15: Making Movies

Each concert will feature a local Midlands based opening act. The Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series is dedicated to uplifting Columbia as a cultural hub and destination for accessible entertainment. The series is supported by a variety of community partners, including the Jasper Project, ONE Columbia, ColaJazz, South Carolina Philharmonic, University of South Carolina Student Life, Black Nerd Mafia, the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement, the Columbia Chamber, the Vista Guild and the City of Columbia.

Geared to towns and cities with populations under 250,000, Levitt AMP grantees reflect the three goals of the LevittAMP Music Series program: Amplify community pride and a city’s unique character; enrich lives through the power of free, live Music; and illustrate the importance of inclusive and vibrant public Places. From rural Alaska to Appalachian Main Streets and Midwestern locales, Levitt AMP is a catalytic opportunity for towns and cities across America to realize a shared mission—building community through music to create a healthy and thriving future for all. Columbia is the only Levitt AMP location in South Carolina.

Columbia residents are encouraged to follow along with the development of the series over the next three years by visiting www.KogerCenterForTheArts.com, and following @LevittAmpColumbia and @KogerCenterForTheArts on Instagram.

The City of Columbia and the Columbia Police Department, in partnership with HRTHUDL and Prisma Health, announced a new life saving initiative during the City of Columbia Go Red Columbia Kickoff event at City Hall on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The partnership aims to equip every Columbia Police Department frontline vehicle with an Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, strengthening emergency response efforts and increasing survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest across Columbia.

“Partnering with Connor is an honor,” said City of Columbia City Manager Teresa Wilson. “This initiative through HRTHUDL is a true call to action—equipping our citizens and business owners with the ability to invest in a simple, effective tool that is tangible and will save lives.”

Sudden cardiac arrest survival decreases by approximately 10 percent for every minute without CPR or defibrillation. In South Carolina, emergency response time to cardiac arrest averages seven to nine minutes, while brain injury can begin within four to six minutes without oxygen. Law enforcement officers often arrive first on these emergency calls, frequently within one to four minutes, positioning them to provide critical, life saving intervention.

The initiative’s goal is to raise 600,000 dollars to fully equip approximately 300 Columbia Police Department frontline vehicles with AEDs. The cost of one AED is approximately 2,000 dollars.

“Every second matters in a cardiac emergency,” said Columbia Police Chief, Skip Holbrook. “Our officers are often the first to arrive on scene, and equipping every frontline vehicle with an AED ensures they have the tools necessary to preserve life when time is critical. This initiative strengthens our commitment to the sanctity of life and enhances our ability to serve our community in moments that matter most. We are grateful for the partnership with HRTHUDL and Prisma Health as we work together to increase survival outcomes and make Columbia safer and healthier for everyone.”

Businesses, organizations and community members are encouraged to join this life saving effort by supporting the campaign and helping expand access to critical cardiac emergency equipment across Columbia. Donations and additional information are available at https://www.hrthudl.org/cpdaeds.

“My life was saved because people were equipped and willing to act,” said Connor Shaw, Founder of HRTHUDL. “Together, we can ensure that the same opportunity exists for others. When CPR and defibrillation are delivered within the first few minutes, survival rates can increase by up to 70 percent. I’m grateful for the leadership of the City of Columbia and the Columbia Police Department for embracing and championing this life-saving mission. We invite and need businesses, organizations, and individuals to join this coalition and help create more survivors across our community.”

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in South Carolina, accounting for nearly one in three deaths statewide. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike without warning, and survival decreases by up to 10 percent with every minute that passes without CPR or defibrillation. While average EMS response time ranges from seven to nine minutes, brain injury can begin in as little as four minutes, underscoring the importance of equipping first responders with immediate access to life saving AED technology.

Red Columbia Campaign

This initiative is part of the City’s broader Go Red Columbia campaign, which takes place annually from February through March in partnership with the American Heart Association. The campaign focuses on raising awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death Go among women, while encouraging residents to take a more proactive role in their health through education, prevention and lifestyle changes. Through community events, wellness activities, screenings and fundraising efforts, Go Red Columbia works to generate critical resources that support heart health initiatives and life-saving programs throughout the community.

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About HRTHUDL

HRTHUDL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping communities to respond to sudden cardiac arrest while sharing powerful survival stories that inspire action. The organization focuses on placing AEDs in schools, businesses, parks and recreation facilities and emergency vehicles, providing hands only CPR training and offering youth heart screenings.

HRTHUDL was founded by Connor Shaw, former University of South Carolina quarterback, the winningest quarterback in school history and the program’s all time touchdown leader. After surviving a sudden cardiac arrest, Shaw launched HRTHUDL to help ensure others have the same chance at survival through preparedness and access to life saving equipment.

For more information, visit www.hrthudl.org.

The City of Columbia Parking Services, in coordination with the  local chapter of  The American Heart Association, announces a May, 2025 initiative to bring awareness of heart health to the City of Columbia through a campaign enlisting sponsors for specialty painting of parking  meters in 3 downtown districts: Five Points, The Vista, and Main Street.

This special initiative is limited to 15 sponsors (5 in each district) and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each sponsorship costs $500, 100% of which will be tax-deductible as a donation to The American Heart Association. During the month of May, cash collected by each specially painted meter will also be donated to The American Heart Association.

Sponsors will receive local media attention through the City of Columbia and the American Heart Association.

Each sponsor may choose its preferred meter and location in one of the 3 districts and is responsible for painting and/or decorating the sponsored meter.  The City will provide guidance on decorating the meters. At the end of the month, each sponsor will be awarded the decorated meter head for future display.

Applications for sponsorship must be submitted by Thursday, April 10, 2025. For more information and to submit applications, please contact George Floyd, Parking Services Business Liaison at 803.521.7758 (mobile) or via email: george.floyd@columbiasc.gov.

The City of Columbia Public Works employee involved in a fatal collision on Farrow Road last week has been identified.

According to the Richland County Coroner’s Office, 27-year-old Bernard Brooks-Summers of Columbia was pronounced deceased at the collision scene. According to City officials, Brooks-Summers was a City of Columbia employee since November 2023 and assigned as a Maintenance Assistant for the yard trash collection operation.

Incident Recap:
Shortly before 3:00 p.m., on Friday, September 13, 2024, Columbia Police Department (CPD) officers were dispatched to the intersection of Farrow Road and Craven Street after two Public Works vehicles collided. The cause of the fatal collision remains under investigation.

The second victim continues to receive medical attention for his non-life threatening injuries.

Today, September 13, 2024, a fatal collision involving two City of Columbia Public Works vehicles took place at the intersection of Farrow Road and Craven Street around 2:45 p.m.

One driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The injured driver was taken to Prisma-Richland Hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.

There were no passengers in either vehicle.

An investigation is being conducted by the City of Columbia Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit.

“The City of Columbia is deeply saddened by the loss of one our beloved City employees,” City Manager Teresa Wilson said. “Our prayers and condolences go out to the families, friends and co-workers affected by this tragic event.”

The names of the individuals involved in the collision will not be released until the Richland County Coroner’s Office has completed their investigation and families have been notified.