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Last Thursday, Aug. 28, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden officially unveiled the Saluda Skyride, an aerial lift that carries guests across a 1,700-foot stretch of the Saluda River, from the zoo area to the botanical gardens across the park.
The Skyride is part of Riverbanks’ "Bridge to the Wild" initiative, a project that includes $44.8 million in bond funding from Richland County and is expected to bolster the zoo’s community impact. The project aims to attract tourists as well as residents and will bring 500 jobs to the County, enhancing economic growth.
County Administrator Leonardo Brown and Councilmembers Tyra Little, Allison Terracio, Gretchen D. Barron, Tish Dozier Alleyne, Cheryl English and Chakisse Newton were on hand to check out the zoo’s latest attraction.
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Members of Richland County Council, County Administration and staff joined local and state officials for a private screening of Scout Motors’ “Have a Great Day” commercial Aug. 18 in downtown Columbia.
The commercial focuses on Scout’s manufacturing plant in Blythewood and the company's commitment to actively supporting the community, as well as championing economic development and workforce enhancement.
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Public Workshop Offers Training for Nonprofits
Richland County’s Neighborhood Improvement Program organized a public workshop Aug. 28 to discuss the steps to apply for status as a 501(c)(3) organization.
Organizations with 501(c)(3) status, commonly referred to as charitable organizations, can receive tax-deductible contributions in accordance with IRS code.
Achieving positive public engagement is a key goal of the County’s strategic plan. Through town halls, seminars and other public events, Richland County seeks to keep residents up to date on issues that matter.
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Town Hall Meetings Keep Locally Based Dialogue Flowing
At a pair of town hall meetings this week, residents engaged with local developers, S.C. Department of Transportation staff and County representatives, including County Councilwomen Chakisse Newton (District 11) and Gretchen D. Barron (District 7).
On Wednesday night at Garners Ferry Adult Activity Center in Hopkins, attendees learned about a proposed rezoning request in the area and got an update on road upgrades along Garners Ferry Road. Councilwoman Newton hosted the meeting.
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On Thursday night, Councilwoman Barron hosted a discussion at Crane Creek Gym in Columbia on proposed rezoning. County Planning staff were also on hand to review Phase 3 of the County's Comprehensive Plan update. Find an upcoming town hall near you on the County’s Events page.
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Blythewood Road Improvements to Shift Traffic
Work on the Blythewood Road roundabout in Northeast Richland will begin Monday, Sept. 8, continuing from 10 p.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, as crews prepare for construction. As a result, traffic on Blythewood Road will shift to one eastbound and one westbound lane.
The shift is expected to be in place for two months while roundabout construction continues. For more details, call Richland County’s Department of Public Works: 803-576-2400.
Administrator Helps Welcome New Leadership SC Class
Richland County Administrator Leonardo Brown joined leaders from the City of Columbia and University of South Carolina to welcome Leadership South Carolina’s Class of 2026 on Thursday at Earlewood Park Community Center in Columbia. Administrator Brown emphasized the program's impact on participants and praised the initiative as a vehicle for producing public servants and agents of change in the state.
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Small-Business Workshop Offers Opportunities to Succeed
The Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) aims to help the County’s small businesses succeed with an upcoming workshop. "Good 2 Great: Taking the Next Step with OSBO" will cover the benefits of Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) and Emerging SLBE certification, as well as tips for navigating the small-business world.
This event will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26 in the fourth-floor classroom of the USC/Columbia Technology Incubator, 1225 Laurel St., Columbia. To attend, register online.
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County Staff Member Earns Kudos for Helpful Service
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A Richland County employee was recently recognized for providing valuable assistance.
Sade McCloud, of the County Assessor's Office, received a compliment from a resident, who said Sade helpfully assisted them with a legal residence application.
To recognize an employee for a job well done, call the County Ombudsman: 803-929-6000.
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Richland County Council Meeting
6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, 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
District 7: Women's Safety Sundays
3 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, Killian Park, 1424 Marthan Road, Blythewood
Learn how to assess and avoid potentially dangerous situations using self-defense techniques and helpful strategies. Register online to attend.
More information
Reimagine Richland: Public Forum (3 of 8)
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, Upper Richland Community Center, 280 Camp Ground Road, Columbia
Richland County is in the third and final phase of "Reimagine Richland," the 10-year update of the County's Comprehensive Plan. This series of public forum presentations will highlight policy recommendations, an action plan, and information on priority investments.
More information
Reimagine Richland: Public Forum (4 of 8)
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, Garners Ferry Adult Activity Center, 8620 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia
Richland County is in the third and final phase of "Reimagine Richland," the 10-year update of the County's Comprehensive Plan. This series of public forum presentations will highlight policy recommendations, an action plan, and information on priority investments.
More information
Blood Drive with the American Red Cross
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, County Administration Building (4th-floor conference room), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
Help save a life by scheduling a time to donate blood with the County. Those who donate will receive an exclusive Peanuts mystery bag with one of four special T-shirt designs.
Register to donate
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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
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District 1
Councilman Jason Branham / 803-542-0002
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District 2
Councilman Derrek Pugh (Vice Chair) / 803-977-4339
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District 3
Councilwoman Tyra Little / 803-422-0203
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District 4
Councilman Paul Livingston / 803-765-1192
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District 5
Councilperson Allison Terracio / 803-622-6029
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District 6
Councilman Don Weaver / 803-995-3703
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District 7
Councilwoman Gretchen D. Barron / 803-977-4337
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District 8
Councilwoman Tish Dozier Alleyne / 803-457-2597
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District 9
Councilwoman Jesica Mackey (Chairwoman) / 803-977-4338
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District 10
Councilwoman Cheryl English / 803-949-0770
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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.
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