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On Tuesday, Richland County broke ground on the Transportation Penny program's Broad River Road Widening project in Irmo. County staff, elected officials and state representatives discussed the project's benefits, including improved accessibility and decreased congestion and driving times.
Upgrades along this 3.2-mile stretch of road will include widening Broad River Road from two to five lanes, as well as adding on-street sidewalks, bike lanes and intersection enhancements. Work on the project is expected to wrap up in 2029.
Speakers at Tuesday's ceremony included County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey, District 1 Councilman Jason Branham, Administrator Leonardo Brown and Director of Public Works Michael Maloney.
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 County, city leaders walk together for a cause
County Councilwomen Tyra Little (District 3) and Gretchen D. Cooper (District 7) joined residents, City of Columbia officials and staff Friday for the City Manager’s Go Red Heart Walk. The annual event raises awareness of cardiovascular disease and the importance of heart health.
The morning of fellowship drew participation from former University of South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw and partnering organizations, such as Prisma Health, the American Heart Association and Shaw’s own nonprofit, HRTHUDL.
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Councilwoman, local students put on their reading caps
On Wednesday, District 3 County Councilwoman Tyra Little celebrated Read Across America Day by reading to a classroom of kindergarten students at H.B. Rhame Elementary School.
Read Across America, a program of the National Education Association, emphasizes the importance of literacy for children and teens by featuring books that reflect their lives, while also helping them feel seen and broadening their world view.
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Neighborhood talk focuses on grants, other resources
Last week, the Richland County Neighborhood Improvement Program hosted its monthly SPEED (Sustainability, Planning, Education, Engagement, Development) session in Columbia. Callison Richardson, grants and community outreach manager, gave attendees an overview of the County’s Community Development Office, including grant opportunities for community and neighborhood improvement.
County staff were also on hand to discuss U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-funded grants available to foster neighborhood well-being.
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Pugh, County staff talk rezoning at District 2 town hall
Last Friday, County Council Vice Chair Derrek Pugh held a public town hall meeting at the Upper Richland Community Center on a proposed rezoning in District 2. Residents could ask questions and share feedback with Councilman Pugh and County staff on potential impacts to the surrounding area.
Remember: Only rain goes down the storm drain!
Did you know that water that goes into storm drains isn’t treated and goes straight to the nearest local stream or river?
In Richland County, stormwater goes directly to our local streams, rivers and lakes, taking along with it anything that’s on the ground. If you see any signs of an illicit discharge (anything going into a storm drain system that isn't composed entirely of stormwater), call the County Ombudsman’s office at 803-929-6000 to file a complaint.
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Richland County remembers Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy
Earlier this week, South Carolina mourned the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, a native son who became a giant in the national Civil Rights Movement.
Born in Greenville, Jackson attended racially segregated schools and had many experiences that would help ignite his drive of fighting for equal rights. From his initial protests while in college, to partnering with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., to organizing for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and eventually running for president, Jackson made an indelible impact on our nation.
“We are forever grateful for the lifetime contributions and sacrifices the Rev. Jesse Jackson made to advance civil rights and human rights across our nation," said Jesica Mackey, chair of Richland County Council. "His activism, service and passionate pursuit for equality paved the way for people of color and from all walks of life to live the American dream we are all deserving of and to continue carrying the baton forward to advance equal rights and representation for all."
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County staff earn high praise for excellent service
Richland County staff were recently recognized for providing excellent customer service:
- A resident commended Tara Craft of the County Auditor's Office for being helpful and pleasant while assisting with a vehicle tax request.
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Anthony McCoy, of Richland County Public Works, was complimented for helpfully addressing a resident's concerns on George Robertson Road.
To recognize an employee for a job well done, call the Ombudsman: 803-929-6000.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Richland County Council Meeting
6 p.m. Tuesday, March 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
Voter Ambassador Program Training
5 p.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, March 12, Voter Registration and Elections Office, 300 Columbia Mall Blvd., Suite 210, Columbia
This program aims to invite and train community members to serve as Voter Ambassadors who will host voter registration drives, educate others about elections, and empower their communities to vote.
More information
OSBO Workshop: Money Matters - Capital Infusion or Cashflow Confusion?
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, Voter Registration and Elections Office, 300 Columbia Mall Blvd., Suite 210, Columbia
The County's Office of Small Business Opportunity will conduct this in-person workshop. Sign up to learn about and discuss an array of topics. Guest speakers and a provided lunch are included.
More information
District 7 Town Hall Meeting
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, Upper Richland Community Center, 280 Camp Ground Road, Columbia
County Councilman Gretchen D. Cooper (District 7) and County staff invite residents to participate in community developments during this public meeting.
More information
District 7 Annual Community Walk
9 a.m. Saturday, March 21, Crane Creek Park, 7405 Fairfield Road, Columbia
Join County Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper (District 7) and other leaders for this event, which emphasizes the benefits of physical fitness. Registration online is encouraged but not required.
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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