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Here’s how to join a city board or commission in Columbia

Want to get involved locally but don’t know how? Browse through the City of Columbia’s city boards and commissions that have vacancies and apply.

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We took a look at just how walkable a block of Elmwood Park is. | Photo by @sodacityaerials

Want to get more involved in the city’s happenings, but don’t know where to begin? Joining a board or a commission can help fill that void in your life + an empty seat at their table.

In Columbia, there are 30+ boards and commissions focused on things like parks, airports, and food insecurity. Today we’re sharing a few that are currently vacant or have terms ending soon.

Accommodations Tax (A-Tax)

  • Eight vacancies | Two-year term
  • The committee serves to receive, review + make recommendations to the City Council on proposals from those requesting money from the city’s Accommodation Tax Fund.

Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)

  • 10 vacancies | Three-year term
  • Assist city officials and community partners to address bicycling and pedestrian issues + develop a bicycle and pedestrian master plan.

Board of Zoning Appeals

  • Three vacancies | Three-year term
  • Hear and resolve appeals in this quasi-judicial board that makes decisions regarding zoning issues.

Central Midlands Council of Governments

  • One vacancy | Three-year term
  • Prepare studies + make recommendations on matters affecting public health, control, utilities, planning, development, and others.

Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority

  • One vacancy | Three-year term
  • Administer, manage, and operate transit services around Columbia.

Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development

  • Three vacancies | Four-year term
  • Make recommendations for federal grant programs as assigned.

Citizens Advisory Council for the Columbia Police Department

  • 10 vacancies | Four-year term
  • Be a part of facilitating proactive relationships + an open dialogue between CPD and citizens.

Climate Protection Action Committee

  • Four vacancies | Three-year term
  • Recommend and oversee the development and implementation of projects to create a more sustainable community.

Columbia Museum of Art Commission

  • One vacancy | Five-year term
  • Actively work with the CMA to ensure its health, foster community engagement, keep up with CMA memberships, and more.

Columbia Prepares Advisory Committee

  • One vacancy | Two-year term
  • Provide transparency of funds use, keep the community informed about the importance of hazard mitigation activities, and more.

Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission

  • Seven vacancies | Three-year term
  • Review, recommend, and consider policies affecting the planting, removal, and preservation of trees on public and private property.

Commercial Revolving Loan Fund

  • Four vacancies for an attorney + a small business owner | Two-year term
  • Examine applications for loans from the City of Columbia Commercial Revolving Loan Fund and approve or disapprove them.

Design Development Review Commission (DDRC)

  • Two vacancies | Three-year term
  • Review and approve works proposed within the city’s historic districts, urban design areas + designated landmarks.

Food Policy Committee

  • Nine vacancies| Two-year term
  • Gather and address problems and find solutions to problems that promote sustainability.

Historic Columbia Foundation (HCF)

  • One vacancy | Four-year term
  • Develop programs to support + protect the historical and cultural heritage of Columbia.

Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports and Tourism

  • One vacancy | Three-year term
  • Help oversee the development and operation of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center under a long-term management agreement for the benefit of surrounding Government entities.

Parks and Recreation Foundation

  • Two vacancies | Three-year term
  • Promote programs that enhance + expand the scope of the educational and human development activities.

Property Maintenance Board of Appeals

  • Seven vacancies | Three-year term
  • Hear appeals to decisions by the Housing Official or to a notice of violation of the International Property Maintenance Code

Richland County Board of Assessment Appeals

  • One vacancy | Three-year term
  • Equalize the value of the real and personal property, hearing all grievances and appeals from the valuation and assessments fixed by the Assessor.

Richland Lexington Airport District Commission

  • One vacancy | Four-year term
  • Maintain the infrastructure of airports and air navigation to serve the people of the Richland-Lexington airport district.

Deadline — applications are due no later than Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. + can be submitted through the city’s new MatchBoard interface.

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