The Issues

We have made progress in safety.  We have reduced the number of vacancies in CPD from approximately 40 to 14.  Violent crime is down slightly, but the total crime rate is up.  The increase in overall crime is that CPD now has the staff to investigate more non-violent crimes.  The increased police presence during October, November and December showed a definite downturn in crime.  This speaks positively to the request to add 50 authorized positions to the police department.  The challenge will be how to pay for it, and all options should be on the table.

 

Along with the increased staffing in the police department, is the request by CFD to increase staff with the goal of adding an additional firefighter to each shift making a total of 4 at each firehouse which makes for a more efficient and effective response.   Again, the challenge will be how to pay for it.

As Columbia grows, our infrastructure needs to grow as well.  The widening of Forum to four lanes should begin in late 2026.  The improvements/renovations to the water treatment plant is in progress. Council is scheduled to hear a report from Utilities on February 9th regarding updated costs for the transmission line.  As development continues there will be an increasing demand for infrastructure.

Columbia needs to be a business growth hub.  We have been fortunate to have new companies formed here in Columbia such as Veterans United and Equipment Share. We’re now home to Trader Joe’s.  We need to encourage that type of growth to continue. 

Affordable housing is an issue that needs to be addressed as well.  Housing costs and rent have grown a great deal over the last few years, pricing many homeowners and tenants out of the market.  The 2024 county/city housing study gave a number of recommendations to address the cost of housing.  Streamlining the permitting process, reviewing fees and reviewing zoning are only a few of the recommendations that will need to be addressed.  

The Opportunity Campus is scheduled to open initially in April/May with full operation coming in the fall. It will provide one location for relevant initial services for the homeless. This is a step in addressing the issue. There is no magic solution to the problem.  It will take a concerted effort by the many non-profits already working with them to have a significant impact.  I believe the non-profit sector is best equipped to address this issue.