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Richland County, SC sent this bulletin at 05/15/2026 04:29 PM EDT

May 15, 2026

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Local leaders' collab with downtown bike shop highlights partnership with a community purpose

On Thursday, the Columbia Chamber's Leadership Columbia Class of 2026 celebrated the completion of its class project, a collaboration with Cola Town Bike Collective, at a ribbon cutting downtown.

Cola Town Bike Collective, nonprofit full-service bicycle shop, aims to provide low and no-cost access to transportation to those in need. For their part, Leadership Columbia students devoted over 1,000 service hours to helping amplify the shop’s mission.

Instrumental to the project were Councilwoman Tyra K. Little (District 3) and La’Sasha Breland, assistant director of the County's Office of Small Business Opportunity, who are also graduates of the 2026 cohort. County Councilman Paul Livingston (District 4) and Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann also spoke at Thursday's event.

Video: Turning community vision into action

NEWS AROUND THE COUNTY

Rezoning-focused town hall amplifies County voices

On Wednesday, County Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper hosted a town hall covering a series of properties up for proposed rezoning in District 7. Attendees could pose their questions and concerns to County planning staff and learn about the potential impact of future development.

Richland County thanks all who came out to Killian Park in Blythewood to play an active role in our community's growth.

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County to conduct controlled burns in Old Bluff Road area

The Richland County Conservation Commission will conduct prescribed burns on select conservation properties for two weeks beginning Saturday, May 16 in the Old Bluff Road area of Southeast Richland, weather permitting.

Burning will take place early in the day and end at sundown. While some smoke might drift beyond the boundaries of the controlled burns, no action by residents is required. Call the County Ombudsman’s Office at 803-929-6000 with questions or concerns.

Colonial Life Charity Classic tees off in Elgin

On Friday, members of Richland County Council and Administration attended opening day of the Colonial Life Charity Classic at the Woodcreek Club in Elgin. The golf tournament runs through Sunday, May 17 and is one of the latest additions to the Korn Ferry Tour, a developmental league for golf's PGA Tour. As the Midlands' first Korn Ferry Tour event, the tournament is expected to bring increased hospitality, tourism and economic development opportunities to Richland County and the Columbia area.

Find out more: Colonial Life Charity Classic

Richland County personnel earn kudos for great service

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

A resident commended a crew with Richland County Roads and Drainage that worked to repair a sidewalk near the resident's home. The resident said the crew had done an amazing job.
A second resident complimented James Hopp, of Richland County Vector Control. The resident said Hopp was pleasant and courteous during a recent encounter, and that the entire Vector Control team also deserved praise.
Another resident commended Mia Martin and Sade McCloud, both of the County Assessor’s Office. The resident indicated both staff members went above and beyond to help with a property tax issue..

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

May 19-21, 2026, meetings for County Council

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

5 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

RCNC Retreat: Chili and Cornbread Cook-Off

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, May 22, Pine Grove Community Center, 937 Piney Woods Road, Columbia
This Richland County Neighborhood Council-hosted event will feature wellness activities, tours of historic Pine Grove Rosenwald School, samplings of chili and cornbread, and fun prizes.
More information

Public Info 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

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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

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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