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Richland County, SC sent this bulletin at 05/08/2026 02:49 PM EDT

May 8, 2026

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Local entities highlight small businesses' might

On Monday, representatives of Richland County, the City of Columbia, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration kicked off National Small Business Week at Gather COLA in Columbia's BullStreet District.

The celebration highlighted small businesses' pivotal role in boosting the local economy, as well as emphasizing key business resources for entrepreneurial success in the area. Local businesses making an impact in various economic sectors were also recognized. County Councilwoman Tish Dozier Alleyne (District 8) and Administrator Leonardo Brown were among those giving remarks, speaking to the importance of the County's small businesses in sustaining the economy.

Find out more: National Small Business Week

Council honors exercise advocates, basketball champs

On Tuesday, County Councilmembers recognized three annual initiatives and two Richland School District Two athletic teams:

A resolution honored National Public Works Week (May 17-23) and recognized the County's Public Works Department.
Another resolution acknowledged National Small Business Week (May 3-9) and the County’s Office of Small Business Opportunity.

Blythewood girls basketball Council - May 5, 2026

A resolution recognized the importance of biking in honor of National Bike Month and celebrated Cola Town Bike Collective.
A proclamation recognized the Blythewood High School girls’ basketball team’s back-to-back S.C. Class 5A Division I championships.
A second proclamation honored the Westwood High School boys’ basketball team's state Class 5A Division II title.

NEWS AROUND THE COUNTY

Community youth program helps launch future leaders

Last Saturday, Richland County Administrator Leonardo Brown served as a featured speaker for the Wiley Kennedy Foundation’s Coalition of Community Fellows program in Columbia. The program provides youth with civic education, financial literacy and problem-solving skills, preparing young people to be effective leaders and changemakers.

Brown shared insights on his role with the County, including the nature of his work with elected officials and how he manages County departments. Participants in the program learned how County government operates and the role it plays in their daily lives.

Find out more: Wiley Kennedy Foundation

Video: Ag + Art Tour set to reveal rural Richland

The S.C. Ag + Art Tour will take place in Richland County the weekend of June 6-7. This annual event provides a rich display of the diverse agricultural landscapes and artisanal offerings featured in participating counties throughout the state. For more on the Ag + Art Tour, click on the image above to check out a video produced by the County's Public Information Office or visit the tour's website.

The 2026 Ag + Art Tour

Staff learn ways to defuse, de-escalate conflict at work

SCAC De-Escalation Training - May 6, 2026

Conflict resolution is essential to a healthy and productive work environment. Nearly 90 percent of respondents to a 2024 workplace survey said they had witnessed poor employee morale because of conflict at work, according to the Workplace Peace Institute.

On Wednesday, Richland County staff learned tips, tools and strategies for managing conflict and navigating interactions in the workplace during de-escalation training in Columbia. Cliff Miller, risk manager with the S.C. Association of Counties, gave staff an enhanced understanding of ways to stay calm, communicate effectively, and safely and confidently neutralize difficult situations at work and in life.

Richland County personnel receive kudos for great service

Richland County employees were recently recognized for setting a high bar for remarkable service:

A resident reached out to the County to commend Charisse Knox and Sade McCloud of the Assessor's Office. The resident said both Knox and McCloud were exemplary in helping them resolve a case.
Alicia Ortiz, also of the Assessor's Office, was commended by a resident for sharing her expertise related to a property assessment and being eager to assist.

To recognize an employee for a job well done, call the Ombudsman: 803-929-6000.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Richland County Budget Work Session

3 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 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 Town Hall: Rezoning

6 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, Killian Park gym, 1424 Marthan Road, Blythewood
County Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper and County staff invite residents to participate in community developments during this public meeting.
More information

Richland County Budget Work Session

3 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 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

Special Called County Council Meeting (FY26-27 Budget - 1st Reading)

3 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, 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

Public Hearing: FY2026-2027 Budget

6 p.m. Thursday, May 21, County Administration Building (2nd-floor Council Chambers), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
The County welcomes feedback from the public on its operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Residents interested in giving comments at the public hearing must pre-register by emailing the Clerk to Council's Office by 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 19.
More information

Public Information Meeting: Transportation Upgrades on Polo Road

5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road, Columbia
This drop-in style meeting will feature a general discussion of overall project updates on Polo Road. Residents can attend at their convenience, discuss concerns related to the project with County staff, and provide comments.
More information

Probate Court Workshop

1 p.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, Judicial Center, 1701 Main St., Columbia
Richland County Probate Court offers workshops to assist attorneys, paralegals and the general public on the procedures of probate court. Upon completing the workshop, representatives will be familiar with the forms and the process.
More information

Find More Events

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. Cooper / 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 Council-related matters, you may also email the Clerk of Council or call 803-576-2060.

View Council agendas, minutes and more

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Richland County South Carolina

2020 Hampton Street, P.O. Box 192, Columbia, SC 29201
Website | (803) 929-6000 | Contact Us

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