News
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May 15, 2013
Bolton says Benjamin has Performed His Job Admirably
While Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin’s Monday announcement that he’ll seek reelection came weeks after two challengers made their intentions known, that’s likely the only time he’ll trail in the race. Barring the entry of another challenger, there’s little reason to think that Mr. Benjamin won’t win convincingly in November. -
May 15, 2013
Law permits strong mayor for Columbia, if voters OK change
If city voters agree this fall to convert Columbia’s part-time mayor into a full-time boss of city government, the historic power shift would be effective immediately, experts in municipal law say. -
May 13, 2013
Mayor Benjamin Will Seek Second Term
Mayor Steve Benjamin cited successes that have come to the metropolitan Columbia area during his first term: thousands of jobs, $1 billion in business investment, including along Main, decreasing crime rates and larger budgets for public safety. On Monday, Mayor Benjamin announced his intention to seek a second term. -
May 2, 2013
CityServe takes big tent approach to improving Columbia
The city estimates that about 5,300 volunteers took part in service projects, which ranged from food and book drives to river cleanups and trash pickups during the week of April 20-28. The week included some new projects, while leveraging other events already in place. -
April 26, 2013
Richland 1 Hosts 'Principal for a Day'
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April 22, 2013
Columbia Teens Get Reality Check
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April 17, 2013
Columbia Welcomes C-SPAN to Town
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April 15, 2013
One Columbia: City Serve
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April 1, 2013
Bolton: Discussion about gun violence worth having
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April 1, 2013
Mayor Benjamin hosts 3rd annual Easter Egg Hunt
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January 24, 2013
Columbia Mayor Benjamin proposes firefighter raises, lists deeds and dreams
Columbia Mayor Benjamin proposes firefighter raises, lists deeds and dreams. -
January 24, 2013
State of the City Address: Mayor Steve Benjamin
Hundreds packed the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center for The City of State Address Wdnesday night. "Our vision is coming true. It's our present meeting our potential. It's our City finally living up to it's promise," said Mayor Steve Benjamin Wednesday evening. Some of those promises include, bringing more jobs to the Midlands,r evitalizing the heart of Columbia, and keeping the community safe. -
January 20, 2013
Columbia commemorates fall of segregation
The city of Columbia is joining six other Southern cities in commemorating the pivotal year of 1963, when segregation’s barriers finally began to fall amid protests and demonstrations, court battles and, in many places, unrestrained violence. According to Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, Columbia’s narrative is compelling enough to generate the kind of tourism that draws visitors to Charleston, Birmingham and Montgomery, cities that have showcased their African-American history and civil ... -
December 20, 2012
Benjamin Announces Emergency Housing Vouchers for Displaced Tenants
Tenants displaced from the West Avenue Apartments will have the opportunity to receive an emergency housing voucher. According to Mayor Steve Benjamin, "Our priority is making sure you get settled and settled right. But also dealing with the property owner." -
November 1, 2012
Mayor Benjamin holds bus ride promoting penny tax
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin joined bus passengers Thursday on a ride to show support for the Transportation Penny sales tax. -
October 21, 2012
What penny sales tax gets Richland Co.
On Nov. 6, voters in Richland County will decide whether to increase the local sales tax to improve roads, expand bus service and add sidewalks, bike lanes and nature trails. The State newspaper is examining details of the proposal, with coverage each Sunday and Monday through October. -
October 21, 2012
New golden retail triangle emerges in Columbia, SC
Revitalized city corridor links Trenholm Plaza, Cross Hill Market, Shoppes at Woodhill -
October 11, 2012
Mayor Benjamin to address North Columbia residents on issues of public safety
The Eau Claire Community Council will host Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin on Tuesday, October 23, at the Council's Quarterly Meeting beginning at 6:30 P.M. at the Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Avenue in North Columbia. -
October 11, 2012
Downtown farmers market to open Oct. 13
City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the "Soda City" event on the 1500 block of Main, alongside the Columbia Museum of Art. The market is to be an enlarged version of the All Local Farmers Market that has been operating in the Olympia neighborhood. -
October 11, 2012
The Farmer's Market is moving to Main Street
Emile DeFelice started the All Local Farmer's Market 7 years ago. The Farmer's Market has been at 701 Whaley Street for the last three-and-a-half years however come October 13th it will be moving to the 1500 block of Main Street. -
September 29, 2012
Columbia to get first downtown farmers market in more than 60 years
The city is about to sign an agreement to have the man who runs a similar operation in the Olympia neighborhood move it to Main Street, beside the Columbia Museum of Art, every Saturday, starting next month. -
September 24, 2012
U.S. Conference of Mayors Fight Sequestration Cuts
Mayor Benjamin participated in a US Conference of Mayors press conference in Washington, D.C. yesterday, opposing sequestration cuts. -
September 18, 2012
The GOOD Night 2012 Honoree: Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin
You've heard the phrase, a prestigious person "sits on a board." This honoree is part of so many boards that there is no way he's doing any sitting. He is a gentlemen with a heart for helping people. The GOOD Night honors Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin -
September 17, 2012
WLTX: City of Columbia's Program to Acquire Bulletproof Vests
Monday morning Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin was joined by Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott, JHS Capital Advisors founder John H. Sykes, and US Patriot, LLC Vice President of Operations Paul Paterson at a news conference in order to launch the JHS Shield Program. -
September 17, 2012
WACH: Protect those who protect us with vest fund matching program
There is no dispute that body armor helps protect the lives of police officers who are involved in shooting incidents. According to an FBI study, "the risk of sustaining a fatal injury for officers who do not routinely wear body armor is 14 times greater than for officers who do." -
September 9, 2012
Mayor: I'll bring MiLB back to Columbia
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin says he plans to begin discussions with Minor League Baseball this fall to bring a team back to the South Carolina city. -
September 9, 2012
Bull Street plans ensure city can OK major changes, including baseball
Mayor Steve Benjamin told The State newspaper he has been in close contact with minor league baseball officials about securing a team for a new stadium envisioned for Bull Street. -
September 5, 2012
City of Columbia opens employee health center
The city of Columbia opened the doors of its new employee health and wellness center Tuesday – a move officials said would save the city millions of dollars in recouped medical expenses. -
September 4, 2012
City of Columbia Launches New Healthcare "Philosophy"
After more than a year of planning on Tuesday, the City of Columbia, Doctors Care, and South Carolina BlueCross BlueShield held a ribbon cutting ceremony for a brand new facility. -
August 17, 2012
City Employees to Get Extra Time to Take Kids to School
The City of Columbia is allowing all of their employees with children two hours off in the morning so that they can take their kids to their first day of school. This is the second time that employees with the city have been allowed time in the morning to take their kids to the first day of school. A program that was begun under Mayor Steve Benjamin. -
August 13, 2012
Columbia Mayor Holding Back To School Clinic
Mayor Steve Benjamin and Columbia's parks and recreation department are giving kids in South Carolina's capital city a way to stay active this summer. -
July 2, 2012
Columbia-Richland Fire Department has set-up cooling stations
To assist the community in keeping cool Columbia-Richland Fire Department has set-up cooling stations; which have been open since last week to combat the record heat conditions. Currently, seven locations with 10 cooling stations are in operation seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. These locations will be operational while the heat index is at 90° or higher. -
July 2, 2012
Chill Out In Columbia
A Week of Famously Hot Fun! -
June 28, 2012
Cities, counties must combat sweepstakes cafes
COLUMBIA SET the standard for other local governments by refusing to issue business licenses to Internet sweepstakes cafes, effectively banning them within the city limits. -
June 25, 2012
Ceremony today for Columbia, Richland County fire contract signing
Monday morning, a ceremonial event is planned for the joint fire contract between the city of Columbia and Richland County. -
June 22, 2012
City Flies Flags at Half Mast
Flags on all city buildings will be fly at half-mast today in memory of three South Carolina National Guard soldiers killed in Afghanistan Wednesday. -
June 21, 2012
City, county law agencies wise to cooperate
WHETHER in business or in government, many agreements touted as a win-win aren’t as good as advertised. But we suspect the arrangement calling for the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Columbia Police Department to work more closely to bolster crime fighting countywide will live up to its billing. -
June 19, 2012
Mayor Benjamin elected as a US Conference of Mayors Trustee
Mayors from across the country gathering at the 80th Annual Meeting of The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) on Friday called on Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin to serve in a major leadership role by electing him to serve as a Trustee. -
June 15, 2012
Columbia police, sheriff sign historic cooperation agreement
It's not a merger, but Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott signed an agreement Thursday that for the first time gives city police officers jurisdiction in the county. -
June 13, 2012
The Free Times 50 - Who runs Columbia?
That's a harder question than it might seem at first. If you're talking about city government, it's obviously the mayor, City Council and a handful of key officials. But if you're talking about Columbia in the broader sense - the city that we all inhabit, which serves as the seat of state government; is home to large corporations and hospitals along with small retail shops and restaurants; and has an expansive, vibrant cultural community - then it's more difficult to pinpoint just who is ... -
June 1, 2012
Relationships key to regional cooperation
If the Midlands is going to reach its potential, it's critical for Columbia and Richland County and Lexington County, as well as other local governments in the region, to build consistent working relationships. -
May 24, 2012
Miami flair on Main Street
A hip soiree introduces the community to what the developer hopes will take downtown living to the next level -
May 16, 2012
Palmetto Center dorm nears reality
A developer's proposal to put some 800 college students in a largely vacant office building on Main Street in downtown Columbia cleared a major hurdle Tuesday night when City Council voted to approve a zoning change for most of downtown. -
May 16, 2012
What's Good Here? Wine Down on Main
Wine by the glass or bottle. Owner Patti Butler regularly attends wine shows and tastings to find a wide variety - at least 20 selections - of wines from Italy, France, Oregon, California, South America and Australia. Servers are knowledgeable about the nuances of each variety. Besides typical white and red wines, as well as some blends, there are a few dessert wines: a Chanelli-Italian sparking wine with Italian peaches and a Chocolais white French wine with Holland cream and Swiss ... -
May 15, 2012
Amazon.com: Columbia one of America's best-read cities
The city came in at No. 15 in Amazon.com's second-annual "Most Well-Read Cities in America" list released Tuesday. The rankings are determined by compiling per-capita sales data of all book, magazine, newspaper and Kindle eBook sales from June 1, 2011 for cities with more than 100,000 people. In addition to Columbia the list includes: Video from around the world -
May 15, 2012
Student Living On Main Street One Vote Closer
The Palmetto Center, adjacent to the Marriott hotel, has been one property targeted Chicago based company, Core Campus LLC. The company hopes to add an 800 student dormitory at that location. Just a few blocks away on Assembly street, Star Music. "We have a long history here," said manager Paul Cherney. -
May 15, 2012
Columbia #15 Most Well-Read City in America
Amazon has announced its annual list of the Most Well-Read Cities in America, and Columbia is ranked number 15 in the nation. Alexandria, Virginia tops Amazon.com's list that was based on sales of books, newspapers and magazines. Romance novels, apparently, are especially popular in Alexandria, and helped lead them to his honor. -
May 15, 2012
Columbia ranked in top 20 for Most Well-Read Cities in America
In a recent report released by Amazon.com, Columbia, South Carolina is one of the top 20 Most Well-Read Cities in America. Just in time to kick-off the summer reading season, Amazon.com, Inc. announced its annual list of the Most Well-Read Cities in America. -
May 15, 2012
Mood upbeat on Columbia's Main Street
City staff has recommended Columbia City Council approve zoning changes that would make it easier to convert the old Palmetto Center into student dorms. But meanwhile, there are new signs of economic vitality elsewhere on the city's Main Street. -
May 15, 2012
Downtown dormitories could give Main Street a boost
Columbia city council has approved a measure that could clear the way for downtown dormitory living along Main Street. -
May 3, 2012
Mayor joins Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein law firm
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin has joined the business and government relations law firm of Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein in its Columbia office. Benjamin, who was elected mayor in 2010, previously worked for labor lawyers Ogletree Deakins. He also has served as director of the S.C. Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services and as an assistant prosecutor in the 4th Judicial Circuit. Parker Poe is a fast-growing law firm with more than 210 lawyers in six offices in the Carolinas. Ron ... -
April 26, 2012
Paying It Forward in Columbia
Tomorrow WACH Fox and the City of Columbia join a global initiative to promote kindness and community by launching a Pay It Forward campaign, and we can't do it without you! We have launched a Facebook Pay It Forward tab as a place to share inspirational stories, thoughts, and ideas. Additionally, we will begin to spread our new Kindness Cards throughout the city in a hand to hand attempt to promote goodwill, show appreciation toward each other, or simply lift the spirit of another. -
April 17, 2012
City council to resume strong mayor consideration
Wednesday, City Council is to resume consideration of whether to hold a public referendum — most likely in November — which would allow voters to turn over the keys to the day-to-day functions of city government to a mayor. -
April 14, 2012
Columbia calendar's crammed with choices
The answer could be "too much," but there aren't going to be any complaints. This month, particularly the next two weeks, the entertainment schedule in the city is jammed with events. From arts to fashion to sports -- to use a cliche seen from a mile away -- there's something for everyone. -
April 13, 2012
Locals don heels, raise awareness of assualt victims
It is not very often you see Mayor Steve Benjamin wearing high-heels. -
April 13, 2012
Midlands men help heal in heels
Men across the Midlands participated in a mile long walk wearing a pair of women's shoes Thursday. The walk brought the community together to rally against sexual abuse and violence. Sponsored by Palmetto Health and hosted by Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands, the goal of the event is to help men understand that sexual abuse and violence is not only a women's issue. -
April 6, 2012
Opera-tunity Founation and University of South Carolina School of Music Announce First-Ever Week of Rememberance
A Celebration of Jewish Culture in the Midlands. Week of Remembrance Begins April 15 Featuring Seven Days of Educational and Arts Events in Midlands -
March 21, 2012
Mayor Steve Benjamin Delivers for Meals on Wheels
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin helped with the Meals on Wheels program Wednesday. Benjamin was one of 1,000 mayors who took part and wants people to do something that can make Columbia the best city it can be. -
March 11, 2012
Bolton: Mayor wants city to think big, be great
As a college student at USC, he led the campus NAACP chapter and became only the fourth African-American student government president. He would go on to law school, join a top firm and become a skillful lobbyist, building relationships in the State House and beyond. At 29, he served in then-Gov. Jim Hodges' administration as director of the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; just months later, he was named Young Lawyer of the Year by the National Bar Association. He ... -
February 21, 2012
USC reading program gets new set of wheels
The University of South Carolina gave back to help encourage reading Tuesday morning. School officials along with USC mascot Cocky celebrated a big donation to the school's statewide reading program. That gift was a 22 seat passenger bus. Mayor Benjamin said it is a major initiative in advancing literacy at an early age for kids in the state. -
January 31, 2012
Next Ten NewDEAL Leaders Announced
Today, Governor Martin O'Malley of Maryland and U.S. Senator Mark Begich of Alaska announced that ten rising elected officials from across the country have been selected as the next group of NewDEAL Leaders for their work championing pro-growth progressive ideas, which range from streamlining government to making clean energy more affordable to connecting small businesses to university research. -
January 12, 2012
2012 State of the City Address
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin on Wednesday made a personal commitment to keep the foundering metropolitan bus system afloat. -
January 12, 2012
Bull Street Plan envisions 3,550 new homes
An early look at development plans for downtown Columbia’s huge new neighborhood shows that it could have up to 3,550 residences, a new through-street, 13 entrances and, yes, a spot perhaps for a baseball park. -
January 12, 2012
Mayor calls 2011 'transformational' for Columbia
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin summed up the city’s progress in 2011 as “transformational” in his State of the City address Wednesday night, citing the blossoming of Main Street, companies adding hundreds of jobs in regional businesses and the city investing in public safety, transportation, water and sewer. -
December 26, 2011
Book Selection Announced for 2012 One Book, One Columbia Initiative
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, Columbia City Councilwoman Dr. Belinda Gergel, Richland County Councilman Seth Rose, Cayce Mayor Elise Partin along with representatives from the Richland County Public Library and the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods have announced the book selection for the 2012 One Book, One Columbia initiative. "Saints At The River" by Ron Rash is the selected book for next year's community reading program. Ron Rash, the author, is a South Carolina native. -
December 20, 2011
Free New Year's celebration to include George Clinton, fireworks
Columbia's Main Street will be the setting for a New Year's Eve celebration like the city has never seen before. The free event, coined The Famously Hot New Year, will be held on Main Street between Hampton and Taylor Streets from 7:30pm - 1:00am. -
December 19, 2011
Columbia's Firefighter Association is having a holiday Boston Butt BBQ fundraiser
The Association is selling Boston Butts (only) for $25 and for the Boston Butt off the bone is $30, both come with a choice of BBQ sauce (when placing order ask for choices). The Boston Butts will be ready for pick-up after 5:00 pm on Friday, December 23rd at 133 Arrowood Drive. Please inquire about delivery when placing orders. -
December 18, 2011
Tournament a slam dunk for local economy
While most people are wrapping up their holiday shopping, Gary Fulmer is putting the finishing touches on the 10th annual Chick-Fil-A High School Basketball Classic. -
December 15, 2011
Pet-food plant expansion to add nearly 300 jobs
Mars Petcare says it is planning $128.6 million expansion in the Midlands -
December 15, 2011
Columbia Parks Get "No Profanity" Signs
A city park might be a public place, but a new city ordinance wants you to watch your mouth. Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott says they want to keep the parks a safe place for the family. -
December 14, 2011
Maxcy Gregg closed for 2012
Pool shutdown would allow city to build saltwater pool -
December 14, 2011
Walmart Plan Would Reduce Flooding Upstream, Says Developer
A proposed pedestrian-friendly greenway along Rocky Branch Creek is compatible with plans for a $34.5 million Walmart-anchored development on Assembly Street, says the developer who hopes to buy the Capital City Stadium from the city. -
December 14, 2011
Richland County Floats Sales Tax Again
Richland County Council will again take up the question of whether to let their constituents vote for a 1-percent tax increase to fund various projects across the county. -
December 5, 2011
Three to receive FMU honorary degrees Dec. 17
The mayor of the state's capital and prominent attorney, a notable S.C. representative and a nurse leader will be awarded honorary degrees from Francis Marion University during fall commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. Dec. 17 in the Smith University Center gymnasium. -
February 2, 2011
Mayor's Ethics Reforms Face Uphill Battle
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin wants to form a city ethics commission that could advise and investigate staff and council members. He's been talking about the panel since his campaign early last year, and he renewed the idea in January's State of the City address. -
January 28, 2011
First lady: Lighten up
First lady Michelle Obama called on parents, schools, workplaces and the military to combat America's obesity epidemic in a visit to Fort Jackson on Thursday. -
January 27, 2011
Columbia giving residents more access to government
ALTHOUGH Columbia City Council already airs its meetings on cable television, the decision to stream the sessions — as well as those of some boards and commissions — over the Internet is a welcome move. -
January 25, 2011
Office Market Shows Local Economy Improving
Despite all the gloom-and-doom economic news of the past year, 2011 looks more promising — or, at least, less bleak — in terms of a local turnaround. -
January 24, 2011
Steve Benjamin Holds Meeting to Discuss CMRTA's Future
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin says he's in a rush to improve the Columbia Metro Regional Transit System because it needs to be fixed fast. -
December 17, 2010
SOLD! Bull Street property under contract
An Upstate developer has signed a contract to buy the 165-acre state mental hospital campus on Bull Street in one of the most anticipated and significant land deals in city history. -
December 17, 2010
Buyer to Pay $15 Million for Mental Health Land
An Upstate developer has agreed to buy 165 acres owned by the Department of Mental Health in downtown Columbia. -
December 14, 2010
Columbia should increase fee to fund buses
AS DIFFICULT as it is to raise any tax or fee during these tough times, Columbia City Council's proposal to increase the electric utility franchise fee to keep the public bus system operating is one of the least bad alternatives available, since the Legislature has tied cities' and counties' hands when it comes to meeting local service needs. -
December 10, 2010
War of the Worlds Test News Item
Afterwards he found that the vague feeling of alarm had spread to the clients of the underground railway, and that the Sunday excursionists. -
December 6, 2010
Council ethics policy would be first for capital city
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin wants the city to adopt a formal ethics policy for City Council members and appoint a seven-member citizen-commission to oversee it. -
November 28, 2010
Tree Lighting Ceremony Draws Hundreds to State House
Hundreds of folks turned out at the State House on Sunday to celebrate an event that ushers in the Christmas season in the Midlands. -
April 12, 2010
Benjamin releases campaign ad "One Columbia"
Columbia Mayoral Candidate Steve Benjamin took another huge step today in the race for Columbia's future by tackling the airwaves with his campaign’s first television advertisement. -
March 17, 2010
Clyburn Endorses Benjamin
U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn endorsed Steve Benjamin for Mayor of Columbia today saying that Benjamin will bring vision, hope, and change to our city. -
March 11, 2010
Benjamin launches Radio Ad
Steve Benjamin's Mayoral Campaign broke onto the airwaves this week with a radio ad featuring a 2007 voicemail left by then Senator Barack Obama.
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