City Council Highlights | August 18, 2026
(Columbia, SC) – The City of Columbia started Tuesday, August 18, 2026 with a Community Development Committee Meeting, which included a presentation from City of Columbia Community Development Director Felicia Kilgore on the 2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER provides an annual review of how the City used federal housing and community development funding, measures progress toward established goals and helps ensure transparency and accountability in programs designed to strengthen neighborhoods and serve residents.
Following the Community Development Committee Meeting, the Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee met to discuss a proposed public art sculpture within the Senate Street median in The Vista. Congaree Vista Guild Executive Director Abby Anderson presented the proposed project, which has also received the endorsement of One Columbia for Arts and Culture. The proposed installation would further enhance public art within The Vista and contribute to the character and experience of the district.
Later in the afternoon, the City of Columbia held its regular City Council meeting, which began with two special presentations highlighting community partnerships and their impact throughout Columbia.
City Manager Teresa Wilson, Public Relations Director Justin Stevens and Payment Center Administrator Galena Alford provided a recap of the City’s 2026 Go Red Columbia campaign and its continued efforts to raise awareness about heart disease and promote heart health throughout the community. This year’s events included the Go Red Heart Day Kick-Off and Community Photo, Jump Start Your Heart Day at Finlay Park and the City Manager’s Go Red Columbia Heart Walk.
Learn more about the City’s 2026 Go Red Columbia Campaign: https://publicrelations.columbiasc.gov/go-red-columbia-2026/
This year’s campaign also included a special partnership between the City of Columbia, Columbia Police Department and HRTHUDL to raise funds to equip Columbia Police Department frontline vehicles with automated external defibrillators (AEDs). HRTHUDL was founded by former University of South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw following his own experience with cardiac arrest while coaching his son’s youth sports team. The partnership expands access to lifesaving equipment in the community by placing AEDs with officers who are often among the first to arrive during an emergency.
Learn more and to donate to the HRTHUDL Campaign: https://www.hrthudl.org/cpdaeds
The next presentation highlighted the Columbia Black Expo Impact Report, presented by Darrin Thomas, President of Thomas Media Group. The report highlighted the event’s continued economic and community impact and its role in bringing together businesses, organizations, entrepreneurs and residents. The City of Columbia is proud to support the Columbia Black Expo and its continued success as an event that creates opportunities, strengthens connections and contributes to the vibrancy of our community.
During Ordinances Second Reading, City Council proudly approved two ordinances related to the sale of residential properties to City of Columbia employees through the Keys to a Dream program. The program is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to transform vacant residential lots into quality, affordable homeownership opportunities while providing City employees an opportunity to live comfortably in the community they serve every day.
Through Keys to a Dream, eligible City of Columbia employees were able to apply for available homes developed on City-owned residential properties. The City of Columbia is also working through details to expand the program to residents in our community as additional opportunities become available to redevelop residential lots, strengthen neighborhoods and increase access to affordable homeownership across Columbia.
To watch the full City Council meeting, visit: https://youtube.com/live/gVVVLRPK1bA
To view all Council agendas, visit: https://columbiasc.portal.civicclerk.com/
For more information about upcoming City Council meetings or general information about the City of Columbia, visit: www.ColumbiaSC.gov
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