Columbia Approves Long-Term Plan to Guide Growth Through 2038

Issue #689

March 20, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤 Columbia’s Saturday Weather - Mostly sunny w/ high of 87, low of 62

📰 Columbia Approves Long-Term Plan to Guide Growth Through 2038 

🐣 Two Early Easter Egg Hunts on Saturday.

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Columbia Approves Long-Term Plan to Guide Growth Through 2038

The City of Columbia made several major decisions during two March council meetings, highlighted by the approval of a new long-term strategic plan that will guide the city’s future.

The “Columbia 2026” Strategic Plan lays out a vision for growth through 2038, with a focus on preserving the city’s character while continuing to expand. Leaders emphasized maintaining Columbia’s natural beauty, historic identity, and livable neighborhoods, while also strengthening the local economy and positioning the city as a regional hub.

The plan outlines a number of priorities, including improving transportation, maintaining strong city services, and enhancing quality of life across all areas of the city. At the same time, officials acknowledged several ongoing challenges tied to growth, including infrastructure limitations, the need for more housing and youth amenities, and concerns around water supply and staffing.

City leaders also pointed to opportunities for the future, such as attracting higher-paying jobs, expanding the Arts District, adding new parks and public safety facilities, and potentially developing a boutique hotel and conference center. At the same time, they noted risks like rising costs, workforce shortages, and the challenge of managing growth without losing what makes Columbia unique.

Beyond the strategic plan, the council also handled a range of additional business. That included applying for new grants, approving safety-related equipment purchases, supporting local events like the Mid-State Classic, and moving forward with development projects such as a new senior living facility and commercial expansion.

City officials also took steps toward a special election later this year for mayor and vice mayor, which is expected to align with the November midterm ballot.

Main Street Maury’s recent report includes a deeper look at Columbia’s long-term goals, specific projects under consideration, and how leaders are planning for continued growth.

Two Early Easter Egg Hunts on Saturday

Celebrate the season with a morning full of fun at Fairview Park!

Join the Parks & Recreation Department on Saturday, March 21 at 10:00 AM for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Families are invited to enjoy a festive spring tradition filled with excitement, community spirit, and plenty of eggs to collect.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, the hunt will be divided into two age groups:
Ages 3–6: Near the Playground
Ages 7–11: Around the Splash Pad and Baseball Field

Be sure to stop by for photos with our special guest, the Easter Bunny, who will be hopping in for the celebration.

West 7th Church of Christ will also host an Easter Egg Hunt at the home of Randy and Jeannie Davidson, 2997 Evans Lane, from 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, which will be open to children up to the 4th grade.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, March 20th

Saturday, March 21st

Sunday, March 22nd

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, March 20
Golden Soul Revue – Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7–9 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Rob Roscoe – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Radio Farm – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Hippies & Cowboys – The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Black Hole Sons – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, March 21
Stevie Rock Acoustic Duo – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
The John Wayne Band – The Neon Moon, 7:30 PM
Karli & James – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Scotty Morton Band – The Boondox, 8 PM
Benji & The Jets – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, March 22
Rob Keesling – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2–5 PM

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