It takes a village to run a city the size of Columbia. If city employees and elected officials were the only people involved in getting things done, the perspectives, experience, and input of a lot of other people in the community wouldn’t have a voice. Great towns offer their residents seats at tables where […]
Take a Seat at the Table Read More »
It’s hard not to notice that change is afoot along the Business Loop 70 corridor. Commissioned artwork offsets the brick-and-mortar cityscape while colorful banners proclaiming the thoroughfare as a destination for doers and makers affirm that “You Are Here.” Such signs are just the tip of the iceberg, for what started years ago as a
The Loop Means Business Read More »
The Penguin Piano Bar & Restaurant Located in downtown Columbia, The Penguin Piano Bar & Restaurant invites guests to enjoy a selection of house cocktails and dinner options accompanied by live music. Though it originally debuted in 2004, the establishment faced an unexpected closure due to the pandemic. Over the past several months, owner Jesse Garcia
Closer Look – July 2024 Read More »
And just like that — they’re gone. The cicadas came and went, but not before many of us were horrified at the sight and sound of gazillions of the buzzing bugs. Pet owners also deluged veterinarians with calls about whether their dogs would survive gorging on the crispy, crunchy sky raisins. It’s my understanding that
ChatCBT: Goodbye cicadas, hello next pest on the list Read More »
Take a trip to a fictional city where the annual budget is orchestrated by a jolly band of whimsical clowns — complete with oversized shoes, red honking noses, and a penchant for fun-patterned jumpsuits. Welcome to Circus Town, U.S.A., where public transportation consists of comically small clown cars, and town hall meetings are replaced by
Budgeting for COMO’s Future Read More »
CC Partners with Foundation for Black Business Expo Columbia College is partnering with the James & Annelle Whitt Entrepreneurial Development Foundation in a joint effort to elevate the impact of the annual Black Business Expo. The 2024 edition of the event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 7,
Briefly in the News – July 2024 Read More »
Thousands, if not millions, of data points. Hundreds, if not thousands, of pages of documents, reports, and analysis. More than 100,000 staff hours and nearly 70,000 calls for service. How is any of that related to firefighting? According to the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), it proves that the Columbia Fire Department is worthy
Elite Status: Fire Department Retains Recognition Read More »
After a $43 million bond issue was approved by Columbia voters in 2018, another five years passed before the city’s finance department finalized the sale of the bonds and transferred the funds to the city in October 2023. The bond funds will be used to upgrade the McBaine Water Treatment Plant and restore the plant’s
Overflowing: Water System Woes Stretch Budget Read More »
The question I’m most often asked is what the role of city manager in municipal government is. Regardless of the community, many residents do not seem fully aware of what this role is or how it functions. Columbia has a council-manager form of government, something that combines the political leadership of elected officials with
‘No Two Days Are the Same’ Read More »
In today’s workplace, more and more employees are looking for work life balance, and yet for most it remains an elusive concept. The vision described is of a perfect equilibrium, picturing an even split between work and personal life. However, this notion of balance can be misleading. Instead, think of it as a ratio —
Strategies for Work-Life Ratio: Executives Lead by Example Read More »
