Who is The District?

In our last blog, we explored the question, “What is a CID?”  But the answer begs a second  question, “Who is The District?”

The District (CID), a political sub-division,  was formally and strategically  formed in the year 2012.  This  came out of years of community discussions which recognized a need for revitalization in the downtown area.   Widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to create (self-funded) changes in the community,  this CID would be funded through a half-cent sales tax and property tax of the businesses within the 50 square blocks which make up The District.   The  petition to create The District began and was approved by City Council with a sunset date of 2032.  

Though not part of the City, The District works closely with City officials to advocate on behalf of the area, even housing a Columbia Police Department substation in its offices.  

During the  early years, The District focused on creating a more inviting streetscape by working to improve lighting downtown, provide more trash cans, benches, and complete sidewalk repairs.  There were other aesthetic improvements which came in the form of public art.  Over time, projects expanded.  The District has distributed grants for downtown  businesses, for grease trap installations, security cameras, grants for minority owned businesses, and brought in cleaning service Block by Block to sweep sidewalks, remove graffiti, recycle cigarette butts, remove canine and human waste, and even track broken curbs and lighting outages, reporting needed repairs to the City for maintenance.   In 2022, the CID engaged HVS Convention, Sports, and Entertainment Facilities Consulting to conduct a market study for a proposed downtown Columbia Center in order to inform the planning of potential convention center development in Columbia; curious parties can read over those findings here.  The District has also partnered with 4AChange for help with homelessness outreach and connection to rehabilitation services and resources.  Supporting the creation and ongoing governance of The Shops at Sharp End, a retail incubator hosting business startups in downtown Columbia, is another project The District is honored to have helped spearhead.  Then there’s ongoing marketing campaigns and events like:  Dog Days Sidewalk Sale, Halloweenie, Horse Drawn Carriage rides, and Living Windows, to name a few.  These events  flow and flux with the seasons to keep the area bustling and vibrant.

The  efforts are continuous and shift with the times.

Today the CID’s Board is made up of fifteen local downtown business owners, employees, residents, and property owners; each of them showing up week after week to help foster and maintain a hospitable  and vigorous downtown atmosphere and marketplace.  There’s a palatable and distinct  affection (and therefore genuine concern) among District Board Members for Columbia’s downtown area, as well as the choice effects of such concern which follow – careful thought and deliberate action.  

It’s a cool thing to witness.

All District  meetings are open to the public and interested parties are encouraged to come listen and share.   It takes a village to look after a community.     

CID projects aim to strengthen events, public art installations, wayfinding, public safety, vibrancy in the  local marketplace, infrastructure (like lighting, sidewalks, etc), walkability, and more; you can take a look at The District’s current and ongoing projects on its website.

It’s good to be here!