We're regularly posting current Planning Division projects on the Planning & Development Services website, and we routinely advertise opportunities to engage with planning efforts throughout the community through our Columbia Compass e-newsletter.
You can review Past Events below, as well as Past Engagement & Outreach Opportunities.
You can review Past Events below, as well as Past Engagement & Outreach Opportunities.
There were a number of opportunities for citizens to help shape Columbia Compass throughout the planning process, and opportunities for engagement will continue with implementation. Please be sure to sign up for our mailing list below to be notified of future meetings and events + make plans to join us.
PAST EVENTS
These events were scheduled specifically to discuss the Columbia Compass planning process.
August 4, 2020CITY COUNCIL SECOND READING
2pm | Virtual Meeting |
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City Council held a public hearing and first reading at their regularly scheduled July 21st meeting regarding plan adoption. Second reading is scheduled for August 4th. Members of the public may stream the Council meeting on CityTV. The printed agenda will be made available online prior to the meeting date.
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July 21, 2020CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING
2pm | Virtual Meeting |
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City Council will hold a public hearing at their regularly scheduled July 21st meeting regarding plan adoption. Members of the public may stream the public hearing on CityTV and may participate in the public hearing process via email or telephone by following the instructions posted on the printed agenda. The printed agenda will be made available online prior to the meeting date.
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June 25, 2020 |
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The City of Columbia will host two virtual public meetings to review the Columbia Compass planning process and answer any questions in advance of City Council’s review of the draft plan. During each meeting, a brief informational presentation will be given by the project team, followed by a question and answer session where members of the public can participate virtually via telephone and email.
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June 25, 2020 |
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The City of Columbia will host two virtual public meetings to review the Columbia Compass planning process and answer any questions in advance of City Council’s review of the draft plan. During each meeting, a brief informational presentation will be given by the project team, followed by a question and answer session where members of the public can participate virtually via telephone and email.
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March 2, 2020PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
5:15pm | City Hall, 3rd Floor, Council Chambers, 1737 Main Street |
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The Planning Commission will review the revised Columbia Compass draft at their regularly scheduled meeting, and will make a recommendation to Council regarding the adoption of the plan document. Planning Commission agendas and case summaries are posted online prior to the meeting.
Once Planning Commission has made their recommendation, City Council will schedule and hold a public hearing regarding plan adoption. |
January - February 7, 2020DRAFT PLAN PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
[email protected] |
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If you were unable to attend one of the four public meetings we held in January 2020, you still have time to get us your comments on the draft plan. Please reach out to us with comments or questions at [email protected] by February 7th, so that we have ample time to address them prior to moving forward to Planning Commission and City Council with the official adoption process. The process diagram on our home page helps describe the process as a whole.
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January 16, 2020PUBLIC MEETING
5:30-7:30pm | Busby Street Community Center, 1735 Busby Street |
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This is the final phase of the planning process, and the purpose of these meetings is to present the draft plan to the public. This is one of four identical meetings scheduled in January, and each will provide an opportunity for attendees to interact with the project team and earn more about the draft plan.
During each meeting the project team will give a brief presentation at 5:45 and 6:45 pm, and will be available to answer questions and receive feedback between presentations. Download a meeting flyer to post & share! RSVP on Facebook! |
January 14, 2020PUBLIC MEETING
5:30-7:30pm | Richland Library Southeast, 7421 Garners Ferry Road |
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This is the final phase of the planning process, and the purpose of these meetings is to present the draft plan to the public. This is one of four identical meetings scheduled in January, and each will provide an opportunity for attendees to interact with the project team and earn more about the draft plan.
During each meeting the project team will give a brief presentation at 5:45 and 6:45 pm, and will be available to answer questions and receive feedback between presentations. Download a meeting flyer to post & share! RSVP on Facebook! |
January 9, 2020PUBLIC MEETING
5:30-7:30pm | Richland Library St. Andrews, 2916 Broad River Road |
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This is the final phase of the planning process, and the purpose of these meetings is to present the draft plan to the public. This is one of four identical meetings scheduled in January, and each will provide an opportunity for attendees to interact with the project team and earn more about the draft plan.
During each meeting the project team will give a brief presentation at 5:45 and 6:45 pm, and will be available to answer questions and receive feedback between presentations. Download a meeting flyer to post & share! RSVP on Facebook! |
January 8, 2020PUBLIC MEETING
5:30-7:30pm | Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street |
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This is the final phase of the planning process, and the purpose of these meetings is to present the draft plan to the public. This is one of four identical meetings scheduled in January, and each will provide an opportunity for attendees to interact with the project team and earn more about the draft plan.
During each meeting the project team will give a brief presentation at 5:45 and 6:45 pm, and will be available to answer questions and receive feedback between presentations. Download a meeting flyer to post & share! RSVP on Facebook! |
April 16, 2019 |
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The City is hosting "lunch with a planner" discussions throughout the year, focusing on different topics relevant to Columbia Compass. This is a drop-in event; please bring a bag lunch and join us for discussion.
Inclement weather location: Planning & Development Services, 1136 Washington Street, 3rd floor conference room |
March 12, 2019LUNCH WITH A PLANNER - COMMUNITY FACILITIES
12-1pm | Meridian Building plaza (1300 block of Main Street) |
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The City is hosting "lunch with a planner" discussions throughout the year, focusing on different topics relevant to Columbia Compass. This is a drop-in event; please bring a bag lunch and join us for discussion.
Inclement weather location: Planning & Development Services, 1136 Washington Street, 3rd floor conference room |
February 19, 2019LUNCH WITH A PLANNER - POPULATION
12-1pm | Outdoor seating at Gervais & Lincoln (southeast corner) |
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The City is hosting "lunch with a planner" discussions throughout the year, focusing on different topics relevant to Columbia Compass. This is a drop-in event; please bring a bag lunch and join us for discussion.
Inclement weather location: Planning & Development Services, 1136 Washington Street, 3rd floor conference room |
February 13, 2019PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
5:00-8:00pm | Richland Library Main - Auditorium |
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This open house format meeting provided citizens with an opportunity to interact with the project team and provide valuable feedback on a variety of topics. This open house is a drop in format, and as part of the second round of open houses, analysis of the information gathered during the first phase of the process will be presented.
Download a meeting flyer to post & share! |
February 12, 2019PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
5:30-8:30pm | Woodland Park Gym |
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This open house format meeting provided citizens with an opportunity to interact with the project team and provide valuable feedback on a variety of topics. This open house is a drop in format, and as part of the second round of open houses, analysis of the information gathered during the first phase of the process will be presented.
Download a meeting flyer to post & share! |
January 8, 2019LUNCH WITH A PLANNER - CULTURAL RESOURCES
12-1pm | Meridian Building plaza (1300 block of Main Street) |
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The City is hosting "lunch with a planner" discussions throughout the year, focusing on different topics relevant to Columbia Compass. This is a drop-in event; please bring a bag lunch and join us for discussion.
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December 11, 2018LUNCH WITH A PLANNER - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
12-1pm | Five Points Fountain |
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The City is hosting "lunch with a planner" discussions throughout the year, focusing on different topics relevant to Columbia Compass. This is a drop-in event; please bring a bag lunch and join us for discussion.
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December 6, 2018COMMUNITY MEETING
6pm | Woodland Park Community Center |
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One of a series of identical meetings to be held throughout the City, this meeting will include a brief presentation followed by activities designed to obtain feedback from attendees.
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November 29, 2018COMMUNITY MEETING
6pm | Members Club at Woodcreek |
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One of a series of identical meetings to be held throughout the City, this meeting will include a brief presentation followed by activities designed to obtain feedback from attendees.
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November 28, 2018COMMUNITY MEETING
6pm | Emily Douglas Park Neighborhood Center |
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One of a series of identical meetings to be held throughout the City, this meeting will include a brief presentation followed by activities designed to obtain feedback from attendees.
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November 27, 2018COMMUNITY MEETING
6pm | Heathwood Park Neighborhood Center |
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One of a series of identical meetings to be held throughout the City, this meeting will include a brief presentation followed by activities designed to obtain feedback from attendees.
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November 27, 2018COMMUNITY MEETING
6pm | Greenview Park Community Center |
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One of a series of identical meetings to be held throughout the City, this meeting will include a brief presentation followed by activities designed to obtain feedback from attendees.
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November 26, 2018COMMUNITY MEETING
6pm | CFD Station #16 (Harbison Fire Substation) |
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One of a series of identical meetings to be held throughout the City, this meeting will include a brief presentation followed by activities designed to obtain feedback from attendees.
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November 15, 2018COMMUNITY MEETING
6pm | Eau Claire Print Building |
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One of a series of identical meetings to be held throughout the City, this meeting will include a brief presentation followed by activities designed to obtain feedback from attendees.
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November 14, 2018COMMUNITY MEETING
6pm | Arsenal Hill Center |
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One of a series of identical meetings to be held throughout the City, this meeting will include a brief presentation followed by activities designed to obtain feedback from attendees.
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November 14, 2018COMMUNITY MEETING
6pm | Woodland Park Community Center |
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One of a series of identical meetings to be held throughout the City, this meeting will include a brief presentation followed by activities designed to obtain feedback from attendees.
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November 13, 2018COMMUNITY MEETING
6pm | Pinehurst Park Community Center |
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One of a series of identical meetings to be held throughout the City, this meeting will include a brief presentation followed by activities designed to obtain feedback from attendees.
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November 13, 2018LUNCH WITH A PLANNER - TRANSPORTATION ISSUES
12-1pm | Washington Square, 3rd floor conference room |
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The City is hosting "lunch with a planner" discussions throughout the year, focusing on different topics relevant to Columbia Compass. This is a drop-in event; please bring a bag lunch and join us for discussion.
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October 4, 2018PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
5-8pm | Eau Claire Print Building |
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This open house format meeting provided citizens with an opportunity to learn more about the Columbia Compass planning process and to provide vital feedback about their vision for Columbia.
Presentation boards and meeting documents are available on our website. |
October 3, 2018PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
5-8pm | Richland Library Main, Auditorium |
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This open house format meeting provided citizens with an opportunity to learn more about the Columbia Compass planning process and to provide vital feedback about their vision for Columbia.
Presentation boards and meeting documents are available on our website. |
PAST ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
Planning Division staff is more than happy to come speak to your organization or group about how they can be involved in the Columbia Compass planning process! Below is a list of the meetings that have occurred to date - the below represent events where Planning Division staff spoke about Columbia Compass as part of a larger agenda and/or where Planning Division events were tied to the the implementation of Columbia Compass recommendations.
May 1, 2022OPEN STREETS COLUMBIA
2:00-5:00pm | Earlewood/Elmwood/North Main |
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Open Streets Columbia is back, with the largest route yet! Open streets events temporarily close roadways to encourage activity in our City's rights-of-way. Open Streets Columbia focuses on sustainable transportation opportunities, fitness and wellness, and community pride.
This year, the City's Bike Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is partnering with the Earlewood Community Citizens Organization (ECCO), the Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association, and the North Main Business Association to bring Open Streets back to Columbia! |
April 4, 10, 18, & 24, and May 1 & 2, 2022WALK BIKE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Mondays, April 4 & 18 , May 2 6:00-8:00pm | TBD Sunday afternoons, April 10 & 24, May 1 | outdoors (application period has closed) |
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The City of Columbia's Bike Pedestrian Advisory Committee is facilitating a Walk Bike Ambassador Program during the Spring of 2022.
The purpose of the Walk Bike Ambassador Program is to equip citizens to empower, train, and lead members of their neighborhood and/or community in walking and biking initiatives in partnership with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The Walk Bike Ambassador training series will build skills around walking and biking promotion and introduce participants to local resources to get involved in planning processes in the community, with with guest speakers from the City and community organizations. |
March 29, 29, 30, 31 & April 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 2022PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLIST COUNTS
7:30am - 9:30am Weekdays / 10:00am - 12:00pm Saturdays | Various Locations |
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Did you know that most traffic counts don't account for non-vehicular users? These counts provide data critical to how our roadways are designed, ad that's why it's so important to make sure we all count. Volunteer a couple hours of your time to help make sure we have the data we need!
Sign up to count once, or up to nine times - you ca pick the location(s) you're interested in when signing up!
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September 20, 27, and October 4, 2021WALK BIKE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Mondays, 6:00-7:30pm | Virtual (application period has closed) |
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The City of Columbia's Bike Pedestrian Advisory Committee is facilitating a Walk Bike Ambassador Program, to be held virtually during the Fall of 2021.
The purpose of the Walk Bike Ambassador Program is to equip citizens to empower, train, and lead members of their neighborhood and/or community in walking and biking initiatives in partnership with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The Walk Bike Ambassador training series, held virtually for three 1.5 hour sessions Sept. 20, Sept. 27, and Oct. 4, will build skills around walking and biking promotion and introduce participants to local resources to get involved in planning processes in the community, with with guest speakers from the City and community organizations. |
September 17, 2021PARK(ING) DAY
10:00am - 4:00pm | Columbia |
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The City of Columbia invites YOU to participate in Columbia’s 6th Annual Park(ing) Day! You can design & build a parklet (applications are due August 20th), and/or mark your calendars to enjoy a day of whimsy and art in temporary parklets!
PARK(ing) Day is an annual open-source global event where citizens, artists and activists collaborate to temporarily transform metered parking spaces into “PARK(ing)” spaces: temporary public places. The mission of PARK(ing) Day is to call attention to the need for more urban open space, to generate critical debate around how public space is created and allocated, and to improve the quality of urban human habitat … at least until the meter runs out! |
September 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, & 16, 2021PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLIST COUNTS
7:30am - 9:30am Weekdays / 10:00am - 12:00pm Saturdays | Various Locations |
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Did you know that most traffic counts don't account for non-vehicular users? These counts provide data critical to how our roadways are designed, ad that's why it's so important to make sure we all count. Volunteer a couple hours of your time to help make sure we have the data we need!
Sign up to count once, or up to eight times - you ca pick the location(s) you're interested in when signing up!
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June 22, 2021INFORMATIONAL MEETING: CALHOUN STREET IMPROVEMENTS
5:30pm & 6:30pm | Virtual Meeting |
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The City of Columbia is hosting two virtual public information sessions on Tuesday, June 22nd, at 5:30pm and 6:30pm regarding the planned improvements on Calhoun Street between Wayne and Harden Streets. These duplicate meetings will include a review the road design and implementation schedule, and will provide an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions about the planned project.
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May 2021CELEBRATE IN MAY!
All Month Long | Virtual Celebrations |
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The City of Columbia is celebrating National Bike Month & National Historic Preservation Month in May! You can join us in virtual celebration by following us on Facebook and Instagram, and by checking out some activities, resources, and more on our Celebrate in May webpage.
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April 20, 21, 22, 24, 27, 28, & 29 and May 1, 2021PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLIST COUNTS
7:30-9:30am weekdays, 10:00am-12:00pm Saturdays | Locations throughout the City |
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The City of Columbia is seeking volunteers this Spring to help conduct our Bicyclist & Pedestrian Counts throughout the City. By counting pedestrians and bicyclists, volunteers help to ensure that all of the City’s residents count: transit riders, pedestrians, and bicyclists are often not accounted for in traffic studies- the same traffic studies used to make important decisions about our City’s landscape.
Chances are there is a count location near your home, school, or work, and you could ease into your morning with coffee and clipboard in hand! As a reminder, when conducting the counts, please take measures to protect yourself and others from the COVID-19 virus by wearing a mask and staying socially distant. |
October 2020NATIONAL COMMUNITY PLANNING MONTH
Month-long | Social Media |
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Communities across the nation spend October celebrating National Community Planning Month. This year, we'll be celebrating virtually on social media. Stay tuned to our Facebook & Twitter feeds this month to learn more about planning, how you can be/stay involved in planning for our community, and more! You can find out more about the nationwide celebration, and tap into planning resources, here.
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September 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, & 21, 20196TH ANNUAL PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLIST COUNTS
7:30-9:30am weekdays, 10:00am-12:00pm Saturdays | Locations throughout the City |
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The City of Columbia is seeking volunteers in mid-September to help conduct our sixth annual Bicyclist & Pedestrian Counts throughout the City. By counting pedestrians and bicyclists, volunteers help to ensure that all of the City’s residents count: transit riders, pedestrians, and bicyclists are often not accounted for in traffic studies- the same traffic studies used to make important decisions about our City’s landscape.
Chances are there is a count location near your home, school, or work, and you could ease into your morning with coffee and clipboard in hand! |
September 20, 2019COLUMBIA CELEBRATES PARK(ING) DAY
10am-4pm | City Streets |
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Park(ing) Day is about designing open space that not only attracts but also engages the community through the physical design of the space itself. We're celebrating Columbia's 5th Annual Park(ing) Day on Friday, September 20th.
Celebrate with us from 10am to 4pm on Friday, September 20th, by visiting and engaging with the parklets! Check out the below link for a map of this year's parklet locations. |
March 28 & 30, 2019PUBLIC SPACE PUBLIC LIFE COUNTS
Various times | Various locations in the core of downtown Columbia |
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The City of Columbia is seeking volunteers on March 28th and 30th to help conduct our fourth annual Public Space Public Life survey throughout downtown Columbia. Tracking how we use our public space can be a fascinating experience, and provides valuable data to City planners and parties interested in promoting a more walkable, bikable, and livable downtown. Surveyors will count pedestrians and cyclists at one location for four hours; training for the counts is brief, and is provided by City staff.
Sign me up! Learn more about the City's Public Space Public Life Action Plan! |
November 28, 2018FOREST ACRES ROTARY CLUB
1:00pm | St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church |
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Planning staff provided an introductory presentation and discussed opportunities and challenges with Forest Acres Rotary Club members.
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October 24, 2018ON THE TABLE, UNDER THE BRIDGE
6:00pm | Vista Greenway under the Elmwood bridge |
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Planning staff helped facilitate and took part in conversations about a shared vision for Columbia as part of the On the Table series organized by the Central Carolina Community Foundation.
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October 23, 2018ARSENAL HILL NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
6:00pm | Arsenal Hill Community Center |
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Planning staff provided an introductory presentation and discussed neighborhood opportunities and constraints at the Arsenal Hill Neighborhood meeting.
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October 19, 2018PINEHURST COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING
6:30pm | Pinehurst Park |
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Planning staff provided an introductory presentation and discussed neighborhood opportunities and constraints at the Pinehurst Community Council meeting.
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October 19, 2018ROSEWOOD COMMUNITY COUNCIL
6:30pm | Hamilton Owens Airport |
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Planning staff provided an introductory presentation and discussed neighborhood opportunities and constraints at the Rosewood Community Council meeting.
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October 9, 2018COTTONTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
6pm | Indah Coffee |
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Planning staff provided an introductory presentation and discussed vision for Columbia in 2036 at the Cottontown Neighborhood Planning Subcommittee meeting.
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October 8, 2018BARHAMVILLE ESTATES NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
6pm | Celia Saxon Center |
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Planning staff provided an introductory presentation and discussed vision for Columbia in 2036 at the Barhamville Estates meeting.
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September 27, 2018CITY OF COLUMBIA COUNCIL OF NEIGHBORHOODS
6pm | Eau Claire Print Building |
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Planning staff provided an introductory presentation to Council of Neighborhoods members about the Columbia Compass process and goals.
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September 18, 2018CITY OF COLUMBIA COUNCIL - WORK SESSION
2pm | City Hall |
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Planning staff provided an introductory presentation to City Council about the Columbia Compass process and goals.
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