(Columbia, SC) – The City of Columbia started Tuesday, October 20, 2026 with a Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee Meeting, which included an update from Columbia Opportunity Resource. Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR) is a local nonprofit dedicated to connecting professionals throughout the greater Columbia region through leadership development, community service, networking and engaging experiences. COR provides opportunities for individuals to build meaningful relationships, develop their leadership skills and become more connected to the Columbia community. Membership is open to professionals and students interested in getting involved, giving back and building their local network. To learn more about COR or become a member, visit www.ourcor.org
A City Council Work Session followed the committee meeting. The work session began with a presentation by Assistant City Manager, Missy Caughman on purposed Special Revenue Allocations, which was later approved in the regular City Council Meeting
Later in the afternoon, the City of Columbia held its regular City Council meeting, during which Mayor Daniel Rickenmann presented proclamations recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to Sistercare and the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
Sistercare is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the occurrence and impact of domestic violence in the Midlands. Through direct services, advocacy, education and prevention programs, Sistercare empowers survivors and their children to live free from intimate partner violence and build safe, self-sufficient futures.
The South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) serves as the collective voice promoting the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault across South Carolina. Through advocacy, education and collaboration, SCCADVASA works to support survivors, strengthen community-based services and advance efforts to prevent violence.
Dr. Elaine Chavez Swain, DSW, LMSW, Program Chair of Social Work at Columbia College then presented a Professional Certificate in Building Resilience Through Trauma-Informed Leadership to the Homeless Services Department. Dr. Chavez Swain explained the every month for a year employees of the Homeless Services Department met to learn how to hear and respond to the needs of those they are serving.
Later on in the meeting, City Council approved items 11 and 12 on the Consent Agenda for the sale of two properties as part of the Keys to a Dream Program, which is now the third and fourth property sold by the City of Columbia. The families that purchased these properties received additional support through community partners including $1,000 donations from Lowe’s and Cola Growth Collective to help support their transition into homeownership. The Keys to a Dream is the City of Columbia’s Workforce Housing Initiative, created to give City of Columbia employees a clear and attainable pathway to greater financial stability, financial literacy, and a path to homeownership.
The City of Columbia continues to invest in infrastructure improvements that enhance the quality, reliability and sustainability of services and amenities for residents. Ongoing projects include upgrades to Columbia Water’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), sewer pipe rehabilitation efforts, and continued improvements to parks and recreation amenities. These investments reflect the City’s commitment to maintaining essential infrastructure, modernizing services and creating safe, accessible and welcoming spaces for the community.
To watch the full City Council meeting, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjWuElQxvbo&t=3540s
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