Columbia Invites Residents to Shape Future at Upcoming Citizen Input Meetings

Columbia Gears Up for Citizen Input Meetings!

Hey there, Columbia! Get ready to mark your calendars because the next couple of weeks are all about you and your voice in shaping our community. The City of Columbia is hosting a series of Citizen Input Meetings across the city council districts, and they want to hear everything you have to say!

What’s All the Buzz About?

So, here’s the scoop: the city’s Community Development Department is on a mission. Every five years, they need to come up with a Consolidated Action Plan, which sounds pretty serious, right? Well, it is, but it’s also a great opportunity for residents to help steer the ship! This plan is designed to guide our community development strategy by identifying priority needs.

How do they figure out what our community needs? Well, they take a deep dive into some important stuff like our city’s demographics, any challenges related to fair housing, conduct a market analysis, and, most importantly, they gather citizen input. That’s where you come in! If you have ideas, concerns, or just want to chat about the issues affecting our neighborhood, these meetings are the perfect platform for you!

When and Where Are the Meetings?

Clear your schedule because here’s where the fun begins. The citizen input meetings are happening in each council district. They are set to provide everyone a chance to contribute. 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

These meetings are a great way for you to share your thoughts with the city officials and add your voice to the changes you want to see in our lovely Columbia.

How Can You Participate?

Can’t make it to the meetings? No worries! There’s also a community survey available online, and guess what? You can fill it out in both Spanish and English. It’s super easy, and every bit of feedback helps the city create a plan that truly represents the needs of its residents!

These gatherings are not just about gathering data; they are about creating a sense of community and involvement. Your thoughts and ideas matter! Let’s make sure our leaders know what’s going on in our neighborhoods so that they can take action to improve our home sweet home.

Don’t Miss Out!

Remember, Columbia, the next couple of weeks are all about coming together, sharing ideas, and improving our city. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, your perspective is valuable. So gather your thoughts, invite your neighbors, and let’s make our voices heard!

We can’t wait to see you there! Stay warm out there, Columbia. With abundant sunshine expected and highs near 50°F, it looks like the weather will be on our side. However, don’t forget a warm jacket for those chilly evenings with lows dipping down to 29°F!