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  Collaboration between local, state entities boosts public safety, transit options for Hobart Road
A recent ribbon cutting signals strengthened connectivity, public safety and transit for the Hobart Road area of Blythewood. Newly completed developments include roadway upgrades and a new railroad crossing with optimized signals and safety gates.
Local leaders at Tuesday's ceremony spoke to the Hobart Road Improvement Project's significance as a collaboration between County, state, federal and corporate entities for the benefit of the County’s infrastructure. The speakers included members of County Council and Administration, including Council Chair Jesica Mackey, Vice Chair Derrek Pugh, Administrator Leonardo Brown and Director of Public Works Michael Maloney.
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Drop-in provides platform for Polo Road project
On Tuesday, the Richland County Transportation Penny Department held a public drop-in to gather community feedback on advancing the Polo Road Widening project. Residents could review project displays and get additional insight from project team members during the meeting.
The project aims to widen Polo Road from Mallet Hill Road to Two Notch Road and implement bicycle and pedestrian accommodations to improve overall safety and operational efficiency.
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 Student artwork promotes healthy soil for poster contest
Fifteen students from five schools in Richland County are taking home honors in the 2026 Youth Conservation Poster Contest, sponsored by the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District.
Students from kindergarten through 12th grade submitted original artwork related to this year’s contest theme, “Soil. Where It All Begins," with first-place winners named in each of five grade categories. Winning entries at the county level will advance to the state competition this fall, and state winners will move on to the national competition. Cash prizes will be awarded at each level.
Find a complete list of winners on the County's website.
Cook-off brings neighbors, local flavors together
Eats, entertainment and education were all on the table last Friday for the Richland County Neighborhood Council’s third annual Chili and Cornbread Cook-Off.
Along with savory food, the event at Pine Grove Community Center in Columbia featured craft vendors, local healthcare organizations, and County entities. The Pine Grove Rosenwald School also opened for tours, allowing visitors to step back in time to experience the County's last remaining historic Rosenwald school, part of efforts in the 1900s to advance education for Black children in the South.
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Richland County staff earn thanks for valuable service
Richland County employees were recently recognized for setting a high bar for remarkable service:
- A resident contacted the County to express gratitude to Animal Care Officer Rayvoughn Ray. The resident said Officer Ray provided wonderful service and acted immediately to respond to their concern.
- A County staff member commended Marci Spires and Angela Weathersby, both of the County's Information Technology Department, for assisting staff with uploading files.
To recognize an employee for a job well done, call the Ombudsman: 803-929-6000.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
County Council Meeting
6 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, 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
OSBO Workshop: Doing Business with Richland County
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4, County Administration Building (2nd-floor Council Chambers), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
This free workshop is designed to help businesses better understand the County’s procurement process. Participants will get an overview of the solicitation portal, learn how to navigate bid opportunities and understand registration and submission requirements. Please register online to attend.
More information
Statewide Democratic and Republican Primaries
7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, various polling locations
Any person wishing to vote in the state's Democratic or Republican primary must be registered in person by May 8. Early voting runs through Friday, June 5.
More information
District 7 Town Hall: Rezoning
6 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, Parklane Adult Activity Center, 7494 Parklane Road, Columbia
Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper (District 7) and County staff invite residents to participate in community developments during this public town hall meeting.
More information
Neighborhood Block Party
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, Garners Ferry Adult Activity Center, 8620 Garners Ferry Road, Hopkins
Celebrate all that our wonderful neighborhoods have accomplished in the past year at this annual event. Enjoy free food, games and music. Local organizations and nonprofits will be on hand to offer resources to residents.
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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