Local Leaders Get Updates, Insights at Military Outreach Event

On Tuesday, Richland County Councilwomen Gretchen D. Barron (District 7) and Tish Dozier Alleyne (District 8) attended a military outreach event at the State Fairgrounds that was hosted by the Columbia Chamber. The gathering featured remarks from local and state military leaders, as well as support organizations, which included updates on military legislation and policies at the federal and state level, as well as briefings on local military entities.

NEWS AROUND THE COUNTY

Housing workshop brings dreams closer to reality

On Aug. 12, Richland County’s Office of Community Development held a homeownership workshop at the Sheriff’s Department’s Region 2 Substation in Columbia. The office periodically hosts workshops covering its Homeownership Assistance Program, which helps residents fulfill the dream of owning a home. Community Development strives to improve quality of life for low- and moderate-income individuals. The office provides services that expand access to housing, grants that enable the provision of public services, and programs that support local nonprofits in the fight against homelessness.

County Launches New Round of Public Forums for 'Reimagine Richland'

Richland County is moving into the third and final phase of “Reimagine Richland,” the 10-year update of the County’s Comprehensive Plan. This update, when completed, will provide County leadership a long-term guide for future policies on development and conservation.

During the plan direction phase of the Comprehensive Plan process, Richland County will present to the public policy recommendations, an action plan, and information on priority investments based on results from the process so far. A series of public forum presentations will highlight these topics, with the first at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 701 Whaley in Columbia and additional meetings in September.

The County encourages residents and businesses to attend, participate, and share ideas at the meetings. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and take comments.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Richland County Council Meeting

6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, County Administration Building (2nd-floor Council Chambers), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
Meetings are streamed live on the County's YouTube and Facebook pages.
More information

Reimagine Richland: Public Forum

5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, 701 Whaley, 701 Whaley St., Columbia 
Richland County is moving into the third and final phase of "Reimagine Richland," the 10-year update of the County's Comprehensive Plan. A series of public forum presentations will highlight policy recommendations, an action plan, and information on priority investments. 
More information

501(c)(3) Application Workshop

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, County Administration Building (4th-floor Conference Room), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia 
At this free, hands-on workshop, learn how your organization can apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
More information

District 11 Town Hall Meeting

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, Garners Ferry Adult Activity Center, 8620 Garners Ferry Road, Hopkins
County Councilwoman Chakisse Newton and Planning staff invite residents to participate in community developments. The discussion will cover a proposed rezoning in the area and include an update from the S.C. Department of Transportation.
More information

District 7 Town Hall Meeting

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, Crane Creek Park Community Center, 7405 Fairfield Road, Columbia 
County Councilwoman Gretchen D. Barron and Planning staff invite residents to participate in community developments. The discussion will cover a proposed rezoning in the area.
More information

RICHLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Richland County Council conducts regular session meetings the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. All meetings are open to the public.

Councilmembers and contact info

• District 1
  Councilman Jason Branham / 803-542-0002
• District 2
  Councilman Derrek Pugh (Vice Chair) / 803-977-4339
• District 3
  Councilwoman Tyra Little / 803-422-0203
• District 4
  Councilman Paul Livingston / 803-765-1192
• District 5
  Councilperson Allison Terracio / 803-622-6029
• District 6
  Councilman Don Weaver / 803-995-3703
• District 7
  Councilwoman Gretchen D. Barron / 803-977-4337
• District 8
  Councilwoman Tish Dozier Alleyne / 803-457-2597
• District 9
  Councilwoman Jesica Mackey (Chairwoman) / 803-977-4338
• District 10
  Councilwoman Cheryl English / 803-949-0770
• District 11
  Councilwoman Chakisse Newton / 803-973-9652

For matters pertaining to Council, you may also email the Clerk of Council or call 803-576-2060.