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Richland County, SC sent this bulletin at 08/14/2026 03:04 PM EDT

August 14, 2026

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Richland County Weekly Review - July 2026

Trenholm Acres Sidewalk Groundbreaking - Aug. 13, 2026

Groundbreaking on District 3 sidewalk project
means safety, accessibility upgrades on the way

A groundbreaking Thursday in Columbia promises a plethora of benefits for Richland County Council District 3. The Trenholm Acres/New Castle Sidewalk project, supported through the Transportation Penny program, will add seven new sidewalks to the area in Columbia, as well as crosswalks, new driveways and more.

Completion of the project, expected in 2027, points to a safer walk to school for kids, improved community connections, and easier access to local shops, restaurants and businesses, among other improvements. With the idea that not everyone drives, the project will make for a more connected and accessible community for pedestrians and the 1 in 3 South Carolinians who have a disability.

Video: Groundbreaking for Trenholm Acres Sidewalk Project

NEWS AROUND THE COUNTY

County staff get experts' insights on retirement planning

On Wednesday, Richland County Human Resources hosted multiple workshops for staff covering retirement planning at the County Administration Building in Columbia. Speakers included: Amethyst Generette, of the Social Security Administration; George Hazin, of the S.C. Public Employee Benefit Authority; and Wendy Sheffield of Empower, a financial services company.

Participants gained useful info for identifying retirement income goals, learned the importance of saving and investing for long-term financial security, and heard about federal retirement programs such as Social Security.

Give your feedback on conservation, recreation priorities

Conservation Commission Ribbon Cutting - 2025

Richland County residents are invited to help shape the future of open spaces where we live. The County is developing a Conservation Land Management and Open Space Plan to guide the conservation, management and enhancement of local open spaces, natural resources, trails and conservation lands.

This plan will create a long-term vision for protecting the places that support passive recreation, environmental health, community character and quality of life. To give your input on the plan in a confidential survey, go online.

Take the survey now

Proactive about West Nile protection

Richland County's Vector Control team is actively monitoring mosquito populations and taking steps to protect residents from West Nile virus and other vectors. In this video produced by the County's Public Information Office, Chelsey Anderson, supervisor of Vector Control, explains the prevention measures and some actions you might see around the community.

Video: Mosquito Minute

Employees earn kudos for valuable service to residents

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

A resident contacted the County Ombudsman to commend Alicia Ortiz and Kimberly Aiken, both of the County Assessor's Office, for their exceptional support with the legal residency process.
A resident complimented Jalisa Daniels of the County Assessor's Office, on her pleasant and friendly nature and overall professionalism while representing the office.
Another resident commended Karen Johnson, of Richland County Central Court. The resident, who recently participated in jury duty, said Johnson was friendly, patient, and provided a pleasant check-in experience for jurors.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

County Council Special Called Meeting

6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, 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

3 p.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, Richland County Voter Registration & Elections, 300 Columbia Mall Blvd., Columbia
This program aims to invite and train community members to serve as Voter Ambassadors who can then host voter registration drives, educate others on the voter registration and election processes, and empower their communities.
More information

SPEED Training Event: 501(c)(3) Application Workshop

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, Richland County Administration Building (4th-floor conference room), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
At this interactive workshop, staff with the County's Neighborhood Improvement Program will walk you though the ins and outs of applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
More information

District 7 Town Hall: Proposed Rezoning Requests

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, Parklane Adult Activity Center, 7494 Parklane Road, Columbia
Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper (District 7) and County staff invite residents to participate in community developments at this public meeting.
More information

THRIVE 10X: Small Business Trade Show & Forum

8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St., Columbia
At this high-energy event, entrepreneurs, small businesses, workforce partners, corporate partners, government agencies and more will come together to connect, inspire, collaborate and propel our economy forward.
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