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  Branching out: Pineview Road widening signals safety upgrades for Lower Richland travelers
On Thursday, Richland County held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Pineview Road Widening project in Columbia. The Transportation Penny project will expand Pineview from two lanes to three between Shop and Garners Ferry roads, while adding dedicated left-turn lanes at designated locations.
County leaders, including Councilwomen Cheryl English (District 10) and Chakisse Newton (District 11), spoke on how the project is expected to improve the safety, reliability and condition of transportation infrastructure in the Lower Richland area. The work is expected to be complete by early 2028.
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Select County offices opening later Wednesday
Several offices with Richland County's Community Planning and Development Department will open on a delayed schedule Wednesday, Oct. 21. The following offices at 2020 Hampton St., Columbia, will open at 11 a.m. Wednesday:
- Planning
- Zoning
- Business Service Center
- Building Inspections
- Conservation
- Assessor's Office
The Register of Deeds office at 1701 Main St., Columbia, is not affected by the delay and will open for normal business hours.
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 Town halls give local residents, leaders chances to engage
Richland County values public engagement and strives to keep residents informed about potential changes in the community. A pair of town hall meetings this week gave residents and County staff the chance to interact in person.
During a town hall Wednesday at Parklane Adult Activity Center in Columbia, Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper (District 7) spoke with residents about proposed rezonings involving several area properties.
On Thursday, Councilwoman Cheryl English (District 10) held a town hall for Lower Richland residents at Gadsden Park Community Center in Gadsden. Staff from multiple County departments spoke about local developments and initiatives, including the County's Comprehensive Plan, roadwork, storm drainage, and solid waste and recycling.
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Nonprofit, County building hope through new development
On Tuesday, Richland County nonprofit Homeless No More (HNM) held a groundbreaking in Columbia for Grand Village, a community designed to provide affordable housing for families with children.
The $12.8 million development will also feature the James E. Christopher Community Center and includes $250 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funds. Tuesday's ceremony included remarks from HNM staff and state and local officials, including County Councilman Paul Livingston (District 4).
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Slow Down, Move Over: It's the law
Local first responders took to the State Fairgrounds in Columbia on Tuesday to discuss the importance of the "Slow Down, Move Over" campaign. State law requires drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles. By doing so, drivers protect the lives of both those in need of care and first responders.
Participants at Tuesday's event included staff from Richland County EMS, the County Sheriff's Department, Columbia-Richland Fire and the Columbia Police Department.
County seeks election workers, shares early voting info
Richland County is looking for individuals to serve as election workers during the Statewide General Election on Nov. 3. Anyone interested in serving must attend a mandatory three-hour training. Individuals can earn $185 after completing the training and one day of work. For more information on qualifications and how to apply, visit the County's website.
Early voting for the election runs from Monday, Oct. 19 through Saturday, Oct. 31. Residents are encouraged to vote early in order to avoid long lines on Election Day.
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Helpful employees lauded for exemplary customer service
Richland County personnel were recently recognized for setting a high bar for remarkable service:
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Stephanie King, of Richland County Public Works, was commended for being polite and providing great customer service during a recent interaction.
- A resident gave high praise to the County's Register of Deeds Division and Information Technology Department staff, saying, "I measure many business dealings by the high standards the County provides."
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UPCOMING EVENTS
County Council Meeting
6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, 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
Early Voting for Statewide General Elections
8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19-Saturday, Oct. 31, see polling locations online
Residents must be registered by Monday, Oct. 5 in order to vote.
More information
Community Meeting: Safety Action Plan
4 p.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, Richland Library Lower Richland, 9019 Garners Ferry Road, Hopkins
Richland County is creating a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan to make everyday travel safer and more comfortable for all. Join the conversation by attending one in a series of upcoming meetings..
More information
District 10 Town Hall Meeting
6 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, Brown Chapel AME Church, 808 Barnes St., Columbia
Councilwoman Cheryl English (District 10) and County staff invite residents to participate in community developments at this public meeting.
More information
2026 Tax Sale
Nov. 2-3, Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor St., Columbia
County Treasurer Kendra L. Dove will hold this annual event beginning at 10 a.m. Nov. 2. If the sale is not concluded that day, it will continue at 9 a.m. Nov. 3 and on subsequent days as needed until all property is sold.
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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