(COLUMBIA, S.C) – The City of Columbia and Columbia Police Department are proud to partner with HRTHUDL, a nonprofit dedicated to sudden cardiac arrest preparedness through AED placement and hands-only CPR training, to hold the inaugural HRTHUDL Cup golf tournament. Safe Life is the tournament’s Presenting Partner, with Prisma Health on board as Healthcare Partner. The event aims to bring people and organizations together in a coalition to raise funds to equip Columbia Police Department officers with automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

The tournament will be played as a two-man shamble with a 12 p.m. shotgun start and a bogey maximum, with caddies provided for each grouping. The event features two sponsorship tiers: Capital City and Congaree.

Date: November 6th, 2026

Time: 12:00 p.m.

Location: Solina Golf Glub, 200 Indian River Dr, West Columbia, SC, 29170

To sign-up, please visit https://events.golfstatus.com/event/2026-hrthudl-cup.

There will media availability at 11:00 a.m. to speak with Connor Shaw and other potential representatives.

For decades, the survival rate for cardiac arrests that occur outside a hospital has stayed blow 10% nationally, and roughly 70 percent of those events happen in residential areas. Law enforcement officers who often respond to priority calls within 1 to 4 minutes, are uniquely positioned to close that gap.

Funds raised through this year’s tournament will go toward placing AEDs in Columbia Police Department front-line vehicles, helping ensure officers already first on the scene have the equipment to act in those critical first minutes.

For more information about the intiative between HRTHUDL and the Columbia Police Department, please visit https://www.hrthudl.org/cpdaeds.

“I know firsthand what it means to have the right equipment and the right response in those critical first minutes — it’s the difference between life and death. Emergency response in South Carolina averages 7 to 9 minutes, but brain injury can begin in just 4 to 6 without oxygen, and survival drops 10 percent with every minute CPR or defibrillation is delayed. That’s why every dollar raised at the HRTHUDL Cup goes toward putting more AEDs in the hands of Columbia Police Department officers, who are often first on the scene. I’m grateful to Safe Life for stepping up as our presenting partner, to Prisma Health, and to every sponsor who’s joined this coalition to help protect our community.”

— Connor Shaw, Founder, HRTHUDL

Phase 1 of Capital Improvement Plan to Enhance City-Owned Parking Decks

(Columbia, SC) – The City of Columbia will begin structural repairs at the Taylor Street Parking Deck, located at 1600 Assembly Street, on Monday, November 9, 2026. This project is part of Phase 1 of the City’s multi-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), a strategic investment in revitalizing and maintaining public parking infrastructure across Columbia.

What Work Will Be Done?                                                                

The work at the Taylor Street deck and other facilities during Phase 1 will include:

1. Repairing concrete spalls, delamination, and exposed reinforcement
2. Addressing cracks on concrete surfaces
3. Replacing deteriorated joint sealant
4. Installing new expansion joints

These updates are designed to improve safety, prolong the life of the parking decks, and help maintain an efficient and accessible parking experience for the public.

In addition to the structural repairs underway as part of Phase 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan, the City of Columbia is also investing in enhanced lighting, updated security cameras, deep cleaning, and fresh painting across City-owned parking decks.

Project Phasing and Impact

To minimize disruptions for downtown employees, residents, and visitors, parking deck renovations will be completed one at a time and is estimated to take approximately two months.

Signage will be placed at each parking deck before and during the construction process to inform parkers of the work taking place and guide them to nearby alternative parking options.

Starting on November 9, 2026 and continuing for approximately two months, public and visitor parking at the Taylor Street Parking Deck will be unavailable due to planned improvements. During this time, monthly parking arrangements will also be modified.

Parking Services will reach out to monthly parkers as related to the coordination of parking arrangements and minimize disruption. The City appreciates the community’s patience as these upgrades are made to improve the overall parking experience in downtown Columbia.

Parkers are encouraged to visit https://parking.columbiasc.gov/downtown-parking-map/ to learn more about where City of Columbia parking decks are located.

Future parking decks slated for repair in Phase 1 include:

1. Arsenal Hill Deck
2. Lady Street Deck

In all of these parking decks, phased work will allow for partial access throughout the repair period.

What is Concrete Corrosion?

Concrete corrosion is a gradual but serious issue that affects the structural integrity of many parking decks. When water infiltrates a porous concrete surface, it penetrates to the embedded reinforcing steel. Over time, this causes the steel to corrode and expand, breaking the concrete on the surface, and exposing the steel underneath. Left unrepaired, this could compromise the integrity of the structure over time. Corrosion-related repairs are among the most common and costly maintenance issues for aging parking decks.

Why This Work Matters

The City of Columbia’s Parking Revitalization Plan is a proactive effort to extend the life of vital downtown infrastructure and ensure a safe, modern parking experience. By addressing issues before they become critical, the City is investing in public safety, saving long-term costs, and supporting the ongoing vibrancy of downtown Columbia.

The ongoing repairs and enhancements to the City’s parking decks are part of a long-term, strategic reinvestment plan that began with the City of Columbia’s parking rate increase approved by City Council on December 4, 2024 and implemented on March 1, 2025. This initiative was designed to ensure that revenue generated through the updated rate structure could be directly reinvested into maintaining, modernizing, and extending the life of our parking facilities. By aligning these improvements with the broader strategic vision for a safer, more reliable and more accessible parking system, the City continues to deliver on its commitment to strengthening infrastructure and enhancing the overall experience for residents, businesses and visitors.

For More Information

To stay informed on project updates, deck reopening dates, and parking alternatives, please visit: https://parking.columbiasc.gov/

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/

AHPPC_AG_102726

Standing Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 2:00 PM
1737 Main Street – Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201

View Web Agenda

*Please see attached agenda

HSEAC_102726

Standing Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 1:00 PM
1737 Main Street – Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201

View Web Agenda

*Please see attached agenda

Who: City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department

What: The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Halloween Day Party for kids 12 and under. The free event will include music, karaoke, a costume contest, treats and more! Costumes are encouraged!

When: Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where: Dutch Square Mall, 421 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210

*Please see attached flyer

The City of Columbia invites residents, business leaders and community stakeholders to attend a public information session on Monday, November 2, 2026, to get a first look at the proposed elements and amenities included in the Congaree Riverfront District Draft Master Plan.

Congaree Riverfront District Public Information Session

Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Senate’s End (The Hall), 316 Senate St., Columbia, S.C. 29201

The Partnership Group and Master Planning Team have been hard at work during the entire summer incorporating public and stakeholder feedback to develop a draft master plan for Congaree Riverfront District. Prior to approval by City Council, the team is excited to share how the project’s ambitions are now taking shape and to seek your feedback. This will be an opportunity for all to see what the district will look like and all that it will offer once it is fully built out. The team will walk you through an illustrative master plan and a series of preliminary conceptual images of key moments in the Congaree Riverfront District.

Since the first public engagement session in April, residents and stakeholders have played an important role in helping guide the vision for the district. Through public meetings, neighborhood conversations, stakeholder discussions, community pop-up events and online surveys, the design team has gathered feedback on how people envision using and experiencing the riverfront for generations to come.

The City of Columbia thanks everyone who has participated in the planning process and encourages the community to attend the upcoming session to see how their ideas and priorities are being reflected in the Draft Master Plan.

The future Congaree Riverfront District will create new opportunities for outdoor recreation, gathering spaces, walking and biking connections, and year-round experiences along the Congaree River. The district will also serve as an important gateway to the region’s larger vision of 27 miles of connected greenway along Columbia’s three rivers, strengthening connections between surrounding neighborhoods, downtown and the riverfront.

The City has engaged Field Operations, an internationally recognized landscape architecture and urban design firm, to lead the planning and design process alongside project partners. The effort represents a collaborative approach to creating an inviting riverfront destination that balances recreation, hospitality, environmental stewardship, housing, accessibility, tourism and long-term community investment.

We welcome everyone out for the Congaree Riverfront District Public Information Session and encourage you to RSVP beforehand, so we can better prepare for everyone in attendance. Please note that we do not require you to RSVP in order for you to attend.

For more information about the Congaree Riverfront District Project and to RSVP for the upcoming Congaree Riverfront District Public Information Session, visit https://growth.columbiasc.gov/congaree-riverfront-district/.

*See Attached Invitation*

Who: Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann and Regan Freeman, Director of Advocacy for the Cola Town Bike Collective

What: Introducing a new mini-sweeper powered by bikes and energized by a public-private partnership between the City of Columbia and the Cola Town Bike Collective! Check out this innovative new tool to help clear bike lanes of debris such as glass, metal shards and wire! This is a small, practical step toward a more livable, walkable, bikeable Columbia.

The ColaTown Bike Collective is also looking for the public’s input on naming the new bike-towed sweeper. Suggest a name by Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at https://forms.gle/jTp2DrnT7AHT7idL9. Finalists go to a public vote Nov. 9–20, and the winner is announced Dec. 1.

When: Friday, October 30, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

Where: Intersection of South Main Street and College Street; Columbia, SC

(Columbia, SC) – The City of Columbia is providing an update regarding the cybersecurity incident discovered on October 20, 2026, which impacted several public-facing services and involved sensitive data within the City’s network. Upon discovering the incident, the City’s Information Technology Department immediately contacted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to investigate the incident, assess the full scope and determine the potential impact. As the ongoing criminal investigation continues, the City of Columbia can confirm it is a victim of a ransomware attack.

The City is taking this incident extremely seriously and is working methodically with SLED and cybersecurity specialists to contain the attack, identify affected systems, assess the extent of any information that may have been accessed or compromised, and restore impacted services. As part of these efforts, affected applications were taken offline as a precautionary measure to help contain the incident and support the investigation and recovery process.

While some customer-facing applications and online services remain temporarily unavailable as the City works to resolve the incident, the City’s core functions and critical public safety and utility services remain operational. Business continuity measures have been implemented across affected departments to maintain service delivery while recovery efforts continue.

The City of Columbia wants to reassure residents that critical public safety and utility systems remain operational. These include the Columbia Police Department, Columbia-Richland Fire Department, 911 communications, Columbia Water systems and the Payment Center, including online payment services.

Several public-facing applications and services are currently impacted, including MyColaSC and online services related to Animal Services, reservations for Parks and Recreation, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

While MyColaSC is impacted, residents can call (803) 545-3300 to report concerns or request assistance with issues typically submitted through the application. These include potholes, fallen trees, park equipment concerns, broken streetlights and other local service requests.

Departments affected by the temporary suspension of network applications have implemented alternative processes to maintain operations and continue serving residents, businesses and visitors. The City of Columbia remains committed to delivering essential services while working diligently to restore impacted applications as safely and efficiently as possible.

If you have any questions regarding specific departmental functions, please contact departments directly.

For City of Columbia contact information, please visit https://columbiasc.gov/connect-with-columbia/

For all emergencies, residents should continue to call 911.

The City of Columbia remains vigilant as the investigation continues, prioritizing the security of its systems, the protection of information entrusted to it and the continuity of essential public services. SLED may work collaboratively with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other state and federal partners as appropriate to investigate the incident and determine its origin, scope and severity. In addition, the City of Columbia is weighing its options and has reached out to highly qualified third-party cybersecurity professionals to advise the City on our action plan to address the current threat.

Ransomware attacks remain a significant cybersecurity threat to organizations across the country, including government agencies. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), more than 3,600 ransomware complaints were reported in 2025. These figures reflect reported complaints and do not represent the total number of ransomware incidents nationwide. View the FBI IC3 Annual Reports.

See 2025 report: 2025_IC3Report

The City of Columbia understands the importance of protecting the information entrusted to it and recognizes that residents, businesses and employees may have questions or concerns about this incident. As the investigation continues and additional information is confirmed, the City will provide further updates regarding the incident, service restoration efforts, protective measures and any identified impacts to information. The City remains committed to a thorough, transparent and measured response throughout the investigation and recovery process.

Dominion Energy will continue performing tree trimming activities along overhead utility lines in the following neighborhoods on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Distribution Line Tree Trimming:

• Central Rosewood Neighborhood
• South Kilbourne Neighborhood
• Chestnut Hill Plantation
• Riverfront Park Area
• Granby Hill
• Olympia
• Northwood Hills
• Eau Claire Community Council
• Seminary Ridge Neighborhood
• Windemere Springs Neighborhood
• Ridgewood / Monticello
• Hyatt Park Keenan Terrace
• Colonial Park Neighborhood

Citizens with specific questions or concerns should contact Forestry & Beautification at 803-545-3860 or Dominion Energy at (800) 251-7234 to meet and discuss in advance of the work being completed.

Customers can also access Dominion Energy’s new website to follow the tree trimmers in real time at https://treetrimming.dominionenergyse.com/

The trimming will be completed by Dominion Energy’s contractors and work will be closely monitored by the City’s Certified Arborists from the Forestry & Beautification Division.

The purpose of the trimming activities is to increase safety and reliability of the electric service. The trimming guidelines include removing vegetation within 8-12 feet below, beside the power lines and up to 20 feet above the power lines.

Dominion Energy and their contractors trim in accordance with International Society of Arboriculture guidelines, using ANSI A300 pruning methods leaving good cuts that will generate new growth.

Dominion Energy’s re-conductor work includes pole replacements and new wire in select locations. The goal of re-conductor work is to improve reliability.

For more information about Dominion Energy’s tree trimming efforts, including helpful tips and suggestions regarding the planting of trees and other vegetation, visit www.dominionenergysc.com/treetrimming.

You can also contact Dominion Energy’s 24-hour Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-800-562-9308.

For continued updates from the City of Columbia follow us on X @cityofcolumbia or “like” the City of Columbia on Facebook.