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At its first regularly scheduled meeting of 2026, Richland County Council re-elected Councilwoman Jesica Mackey as chair and Councilman Derrek Pugh as vice chair.
Both Mackey (District 9) and Pugh (District 2) are entering the second year of their second terms on Council. They each won their seats in the 2020 election and won re-election in 2024.
County Council consists of 11 members who are elected from single-member districts for four-year terms beginning Jan. 1 of the year after their election. In January, Council elects a chair and vice chair who each serve one-year terms.
Town hall gathers input on rezoning proposals
On Wednesday, County Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper (District 7) hosted a town hall in partnership with County Planning staff to discuss proposed rezonings in the district. Local developers presented plans for potential developments on Wilson Boulevard and Blythebrook, Koon Store and Turkey Farm roads. Residents gave their input on these proposals and their impact on the community.
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Community leaders unite at City of Columbia's swearing-in
On Monday, Richland County Councilmembers and Administration attended the swearing-in ceremony for City of Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and City Councilmembers, including Councilwoman Tina Herbert (District 1), Councilman Peter Brown (District 4), and Councilman Sam Johnson (at-large).
Along with state and federal legislators, community leaders and City of Columbia staff, County representatives helped commemorate the beginning of another term of service for City leadership old and new. In their remarks, the freshly sworn-in city officials expressed optimism for Columbia's future, putting forth a vision for revitalized neighborhoods, transformative growth and intentional investment.
Councilwoman Little joins board to fight homelessness
County Councilwoman Tyra K. Little (District 3) was recently named to the board of directors for the Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH). MACH provides a continuum of care for 13 Central Midlands counties, aiming to eliminate homelessness by working collaboratively with local governments and nonprofits.
Councilwoman Little will work with government agencies and local nonprofits on solutions to help MACH break the cycle of homelessness in the Midlands.
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Application period open for firefighting positions at CRFD
The Columbia-Richland Fire Department (CRFD) is reopening its application period for new firefighter hires. Both applicants new to firefighting and those with prior experience are encouraged to apply. All who apply will be considered for a spot in CRFD’s next recruit school, which will begin this summer.
Base starting pay is $43,800, and recruits must complete training before being eligible for this amount. Applicants with questions should call or email CRFD Recruiting Officer James Bostic: 803-545-3331.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Richland County Council Meeting
6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, 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
Homeownership Assistance Workshop (full)
6 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, County Sheriff’s Department Annex, 2500 Decker Blvd., Columbia
This workshop will educate residents on the homeownership process. Eligible individuals or families can receive a deferred forgivable loan of up to $24,500 to assist with down payment and closing costs. Registration for this event is full.
More information
Training Session: Neighborhood Enrichment Grants
2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, County Administration Building (4th-floor Conference Room), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
Richland County's Neighborhood Improvement Program will host this discussion on guidelines and the application process for the Neighborhood Grant Enrichment Program.
More information
Early Voting for Town of Arcadia Lakes Town Council Special Election
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20-Friday, Jan. 30, County Voter Registration and Elections Office, 300 Columbia Mall Blvd., Suite 210, Columbia
The Special Election for Town of Arcadia Lakes Town Council will be held Feb. 3.
More information
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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
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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. Cooper / 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 Council-related matters, you may also email the Clerk of Council or call 803-576-2060.
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