Press Releases

Mayor Steve Benjamin and Columbia City Council unanimously approved an emergency ordinance that extends the temporary suspension of the normal operating procedures of City Council and City Boards and Commissions meetings. This allows for the Mayor, Council Members, Board Members and Commission Members to remotely participate in voting and operational procedures by telephone or other means of electronic communication and extends the requirement that face coverings or masks be work in public in the City…

City of Columbia Parks and Recreation would like to thank our community for their support of these past couple weeks, the meal distribution was a huge success with a total of almost 12,000 meals distributed. Meals were distributed Monday, August 10th through Friday August 28th 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department partnered with a local faith-based organization who is authorized through the USDA (US Department of Agriculture), providing well-balanced nutritious…

Benedict College and CVS Health today announced the launch of rapid COVID-19 testing on the College’s Columbia campus.  CVS Pharmacists and pharmacy employees will staff the testing operation, which will be available at no cost to patients. “I applaud Benedict College and CVS Health for partnering to increase much-needed COVID-19 testing in our community,” said Congressman Clyburn. “We must do everything we can to ensure South Carolinians have the resources they need to arrest the…

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $14.3 million in CARES Act funding across South Carolina to capitalize and administer Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) that will provide gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The City of Columbia received $2.9 million of the funds awarded to the state. The funds will be used by the City to establish the Resilient Columbia CARES Act Revolving Loan…

This page serves as a list of COVID-19 tools and resources to provide helpful information to keep citizens informed and help in stopping the spread of coronavirus, known as COVID-19. Mask Ordinance Updated FAQ / Mask Ordinance Updated In an effort to provide information about the ordinance to citizens and visitors to the City of Columbia, a list of frequently asked questions has been developed. Mask Ordinance Updated FAQ Mask Ordinance Updated -- Rental Housing...

Mayor Steve Benjamin and Columbia City Council have amended the rental housing ordinance in order to assist in stopping the spread of coronavirus, known as COVID-19. Concerns were expressed by citizens regarding large gatherings, parties and etc. in the community during the pandemic. Click the links below to view the documents: Rental Housing Ordinance FAQ Rental Housing Ordinance   

The City of Columbia has released an incident response brief detailing thorough information about COVID-19 in Columbia. The full incident response briefs can be read here: 2021 January 29, 2021 - Columbia Incident Response Brief    2020 December 4, 2020 - Columbia Incident Response Brief November 13, 2020 - Columbia Incident Response Brief  October 30, 2020 - Columbia Incident Response Brief  October 16, 2020 - Columbia Incident Response Brief October 2, 2020 - Columbia Incident Response...

The City of Columbia has partnered with local businesses to place social distancing sidewalk decals and signage in hospitality districts. According to the CDC, recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay at least 6 feet away from others when possible, even if…

In an effort to support our youth and families within the community as they return to school, The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department would like to provide free meals (which is inclusive of breakfast and lunch) to youth 18 years of age and under. There will be 10 meal distribution sites where families will be able to drive-up and pick-up their meals. Meals will be distributed Monday, August 10th through Friday August 28th…

Mayor Steve Benjamin and Columbia City Council unanimously approved an emergency ordinance that extends the temporary suspension of the normal operating procedures of City Council and City Boards and Commissions meetings. This allows for the Mayor, Council Members, Board Members and Commission Members to remotely participate in voting and operational procedures by telephone or other means of electronic communication and extends the requirement that face coverings or masks be work in public in the City…