Columbia Residents Encouraged to Participate in Upcoming Community Input Meetings

Columbia Gears Up for Community Input Meetings!

Hey there, Columbia residents! Are you ready to have your say in shaping our community? Well, get excited because the City of Columbia is rolling out a series of citizen input meetings over the next couple of weeks, and they want to hear from you! These gatherings are all about addressing the priorities and needs of our amazing city as part of an important project spearheaded by the Community Development Department.

What’s the Big Deal?

Every five years, Columbia is required to create a Consolidated Action Plan that details how the city will tackle community development. This isn’t just any ordinary document; it serves as a roadmap for addressing the most pressing issues facing our neighborhoods. To put this plan together, city officials will assess demographics, identify barriers to fair housing, conduct market analysis, and most importantly, gather citizen input—yes, that means you!

When and Where Can You Attend?

Mark your calendars and save the date! The input meetings will be held in each council district, making it easy for everyone to join in the conversation. Here’s the schedule:

• Council District 1: Citizen Input Meeting on December 4, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Print Building, 3907 Ensor Avenue, Columbia, SC 29203
• Council District 3: Citizen Input Meeting on December 5, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Melrose Park Community Center, 1500 Fairview Drive, Columbia, SC 29205
• Council District 4: Citizen Input Meeting on December 9, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at 1117 Brandon Avenue, Columbia, SC 29209
• Council District 2: Citizen Input Meeting on December 12, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Charles R. Drew Wellness Center, 2101 Walker Solomon Way, Columbia, SC 29204

Whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer, your voice matters, so don’t shy away! This is your chance to provide valuable feedback and ideas that can help shape policies and projects that affect your daily life. Besides in-person meetings, you can also fill out a community survey available online in both Spanish and English. It’s super easy and takes just a few minutes to complete!

Why Participate?

Aside from the obvious benefit of having your voice heard, participating in these meetings is a fantastic opportunity to meet your neighbors, share perspectives, and learn about what’s happening in your community. Community engagement helps create a stronger, more connected Columbia. Together, we can identify challenges, brainstorm solutions, and enhance the quality of life for all residents. Remember, the city is here to serve you, so let’s make sure they know what we truly need!

Stay Updated!

If you’re anxious about missing out on the latest news regarding these meetings or the community survey, don’t worry! The city promises to keep you informed. Just ensure that your email notifications are turned on for any updates. And here’s a friendly reminder to keep those interactions on the comment section clean and respectful. We’re all in this together!

Don’t Miss Out!

So, fellow Columbians, let’s take this opportunity and make our voices count! Attend your local meeting, fill out the survey, or simply spread the word! The change we seek starts with us, and together we can build a better, brighter future for Columbia!