City of Columbia Government

29/05/2026

Move with the Mayor 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️

As part of the Move with the Mayor Mental Health Challenge, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann hosted “Move with the Mayor,” a wellness walk through downtown Columbia focused on encouraging physical activity, mental wellness, and healthy community habits.

The walk began at City Hall and continued down Main Street District - Columbia, SC to the South Carolina State House and back, highlighting the importance of staying active while enjoying the heart of Columbia.

28/05/2026

Councilman Ed McDowell for City Council - District 2 joined City of Columbia Economic Development and owner Keyia Stucks to celebrate the grand opening of Suite Prestige & Company, LLC at 2638 Two Notch Road.

During the event, Councilman McDowell shared remarks on the importance of investing in local entrepreneurs and supporting the small businesses that help strengthen Columbia’s economy and create opportunities within the community.

Suite Prestige & Company, LLC offers professional office suites, meeting space, and modern amenities designed to help entrepreneurs and professionals grow and succeed.

28/05/2026

“What inspires me most about Columbia is its authenticity.”

In our latest collaboration with Experience Columbia SC ambassadors, Meg Syms (Garvin Design Group) takes us inside the Lantern Columbia Hotel and Ladder 13, where history, hospitality, and community come together in the heart of downtown Columbia.

Housed inside Columbia’s former mid century Fire Department headquarters, the Lantern Hotel preserves the character of the building while creating new opportunities through its inclusive mission. Along the way, Meg reflects on what makes Columbia special: its authenticity, accessibility, and the ability for people here to make a real impact in their community.

Follow along as we continue highlighting the people and places that help shape Columbia’s story.

27/05/2026

America250 stopped in Columbia yesterday as part of the nationwide Our American Story tour, collecting personal stories and reflections from people across the country ahead of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Mayor Daniel Rickenmann shared his story as a first-generation American whose parents immigrated from Switzerland, reflecting on the importance of community involvement, civic engagement, and preserving the stories that shape our nation.

Stories gathered through the tour will become part of a historic archive, with select reflections preserved by the Library of Congress for future generations.

27/05/2026

During Preservation Month, we are proud to celebrate Finlay Park receiving a Revitalization Award from Historic Columbia's 50 Forward Preservation Awards. 🌳

Once known as Columbia’s “Crown Jewel,” Finlay Park has long been a centerpiece of downtown Columbia and a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Through a transformational revitalization effort, the park has been reimagined with new amenities including a performance stage, playground, splash pad, pickleball courts, exercise areas, enhanced lighting, and improved public spaces while honoring the park’s historic character and legacy.

This recognition highlights the power of thoughtful design, preservation, and investment in creating vibrant public spaces that bring people together and strengthen our community for generations to come.

This recognition reflects the City of Columbia’s continued commitment to preserving and investing in public spaces that bring people together, celebrate community, and enhance quality of life for generations to come.

See more details on the award at https://bit.ly/3PMqAPZ.

26/05/2026

“What inspires me most about Columbia is its sense of becoming.”

Introducing the first feature in our new collaboration series with Experience Columbia SC ambassadors, highlighting the people, places, and stories that help shape our city.

In part one, Experience Columbia ambassador Meg Syms shares her perspective on Columbia’s evolving identity through the lens of history, architecture, and preservation at 1116 Blanding Street. From her background in public history to her appreciation for the city’s character and growth, Meg reflects on how Columbia continues to balance progress with beauty and authenticity.

Stay tuned for part two as we continue exploring Columbia through Meg’s unique perspective.

26/05/2026

Richland County Early Voting Information:

Early voting for the 2026 election will take place today, May 26 through June 5, 2026, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the following Richland County locations:

• Richland County Voter Registration Office
300 Columbia Mall, Suite 210

• University of South Carolina Blatt PE Center
1300 Wheat Street

• Ballentine Park
1009 Bickley Road, Irmo

• Columbia College Vandiver Commons
4801 Colonial Drive

• Brookland Baptist Church Northeast
1203 Summit Parkway

• Garners Adult Activity Center
8620 Garners Ferry Road

For additional voting information, visit

Providing every citizen the opportunity to register to vote and maintaining the integrity and accuracy of elections.

25/05/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

In observance of Memorial Day, City of Columbia offices are closed today. Emergency police, fire, and rescue services remain available by calling 9-1-1.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as we reflect on and remember those who gave their lives in service to our nation.

23/05/2026

Mayor Daniel Rickenmann joined Main Street District - Columbia, SC, City of Columbia Economic Development staff, and owner Jonathan Sears to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of No Name Deli's new downtown location at 1301 Laurel Street.

A Columbia staple since the 1970s, No Name Deli officially welcomed customers to its new home while continuing the same menu, same staff, and same fast, familiar service generations of Columbians know and love.

Congratulations to the No Name Deli team on this exciting new chapter 🥪

23/05/2026

The City of Columbia will begin structural repairs and upgrades at the Sumter Street Parking Deck on Monday, June 1 as part of Phase 1 of the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 🚧

These improvements are part of a long term investment in revitalizing City owned parking facilities to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall parking experience downtown. Work will include concrete repairs, new expansion joints, traffic coating, restriping, lighting upgrades, security camera enhancements, deep cleaning, and more.

Beginning June 1, the Sumter Street Parking Deck at 1400 Sumter Street will be temporarily closed for approximately four months while repairs are completed. Additional parking decks included in Phase 1 include the Taylor Street Deck, Arsenal Hill Deck, and Lady Street Deck.

Learn more about the Capital Improvement Plan and parking infrastructure improvements at:
growth.columbiasc.gov/portfolio/capital-improvement-plan-cip/

For parking locations and updates, visit:
parking.columbiasc.gov

22/05/2026

It’s National Bike Month 🚲

As we celebrate initiatives like Bike to Work Day, the City of Columbia is continuing efforts to make our streets safer and more connected for cyclists, pedestrians, transit riders, and drivers through the Sharing the Road initiative.

The project team has developed draft recommendations focused on improving roadway safety across Columbia, and community feedback is an important part of the process. Your input will help shape a comprehensive roadway safety action plan designed to reduce crashes, improve infrastructure, and create safer transportation options for everyone.

Take the survey and learn more about proposed safety improvements through June 9 at https://bit.ly/4v2oISo.