An aerial view of the State House | Photo provided by Trinity Partners
To be an effective citizen you have to be a knowledgeable one.
How does our local government work? Where can I have a say? Who can I go to if I have a problem? What resources are available to me?
Class is in session, Soda Citizens and we’re teaching Columbia Gov 101. We’ll break down different aspects of our local government so we can all become more engaged and effective citizens.
How does our local government operate?
In short, the Mayor and City Council members develop policies and enact laws.
How is it structured?
The City Council is made up of:
The Mayor
Council District members (4)
At-Large Council members (2)
Who’s who?
Let’s start at the top. We’ll give you a peek into our City Council members but strongly encourageyou to get-to-know them by clicking on their names and exploring each member’s bio page on the City of Columbia’s website.
The Mayor
Daniel J. Rickenmann| Mayor Rickenmann was raised in Spartanburg, graduated from USC, was a local entrepreneur, served two stints on the Columbia city council, and was sworn in on January 4, 2022. He is expected to serve a four-year term.
Council District members
Councilwoman Tina N. Herbert, District One | Councilwoman Herbert is a workers’ compensation attorney with Mickle and Bass, LLC. She’s also an Economic and Community Development Committee Member, a Public Safety Committee Member, and sits as a chairwoman on the Technology Committee.
Councilman Edward H. McDowell Jr.,District Two | Councilman McDowell is passionate about neighborhoods and serves as an Administrative Policy Committee Member, Arts and Historic Preservation Committee Member, and an Environment and Infrastructure Committee Chair member.
Click the link below to get to know the rest of the City Council members.
No really. We’re citizens too! We’ll be learning right along with you as it pertains to recycling, how to start a local business, how to buy a house, what paying your taxes looks like... etc.
Evening for Educators | Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Educators from across the state are invited to an evening of art, wine, and nibbles as they enjoy a private preview of the CMA’s newest exhibition.*
Thursday, Jan. 19
YLS Oyster Roast | Thursday, Jan. 19 | 6-9 p.m. | City Market Place, 705 Gervais St., Columbia | $40-$50 | Join YLS for a shuckin’ good time at its annual Oyster Roast benefiting United Way, and enjoy a silent auction, open bar, and music by DJ Preach Jacobs.
Members Bring a Friend Day | Thursday, Jan. 19 | 6 p.m. | Columbia | Cost of admission | CMA members are invited to bring a friend in to enjoy the museum with free admission.
Saturday, Jan. 21
Soda City Market | Saturday, Jan. 21-Saturday, June 10 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Main Street Columbia, 1300-1600 Main St., Columbia | Free | Find everything you need to nourish your brain, body, and belly—helping establish our city as the real southern hotspot for locals and visitors alike.
West Columbia’s Meeting Street Artisan Market | Saturday, Jan. 21-Saturday, Dec. 23 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Interactive Art Park, 425 Meeting St., West Columbia | Free | Browse original arts and crafts from local makers, fresh produce, and locally prepared food vendors.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
No. 2. That’s where Columbia ranked on WalletHub’s list of 2023’s Best Cities for most job opportunities in the United States. Cola also ranked No. 82 overall for 2023’s Best Cities for jobs, which takes 32 key indicators of job-market strength, employment growth, and monthly average starting salary into account. 🥈(WalletHub)
Real Estate
A 9,000-sqft luxury home in Northeast Columbia sold for $1.96 million — that’s the highest price resale in Woodcreek Farms since 2010. Yip Premier Real Estate LLC calls the home “Woodcreek Estate” and it sits on Coopers Lake with a private dock, outdoor kitchen, elevator, five-car garage, and more. See the listing here. 🏡
Tech
SCRA’s investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc., has invested $250,000 in Virtue Technologies Inc. — a Chapin-based startup and software provider. The investment will allow the company to expand and continue improving the post-acute delivery of medications and equipment. 💰
State
Columbia’s tourism isshowing pre-pandemic numbers in regards to visitors and visitor spending. Columbia, Richland County, and Lexington Counties saw ~15.1 million visitors in 2021, compared to ~15.2 in 2019. Visitor spending totaled $1.48 million in 2021 compared to a record high $1.5 million in 2019. Read more here. (The Post and Courier)
Drink
It’s going to be legendary.Bojangles and Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Cidery are teaming up to develop a Bojangles Hard Sweet Tea. The new drink will be released this coming spring throughout the Carolinas. 🍺
Health
Did that meal last night trigger acid reflux again? The esophagus-burning condition can quickly turn a favorite meal into something you regret. Get the 411 on acid reflux as Prisma Health’s Brian Hodgens, MD, answers commonly asked questions — including treatment options, surgery + more.*
Asked
If you could ask a heart + vascular specialista question, what would you ask? (Think: Heart attack risks? Signs of high blood pressure? Favorite healthy snacks?) Submit your questions to the Prisma Health experts, who are on call + ready to answer your heart health questions in our next edition of Prisma Health On Call. 🫀 *
Sports
Level the playing field with this women-led newsletter that provides the sports coverage you need, four times a week. Subscribe.*
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THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Sam
Editor’s pick: Fun fact: Kelsey Asbille Chow — the actress known for her roles in “One Tree Hill” (and more recently) “Yellowstone” — is a Columbia native. Thanks, Reader Cristina R. for sharing that cool fact with us.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See winter gardening tips, here.
Connect with us.
Editorial:Samantha Robertson, David Stringer, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith| Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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