Boards and Commissions

The Columbia City Council periodically seeks persons to serve on a variety of city boards and commissions. Participation is another way city residents can take part in the functioning of their government. Below is a list of Boards and Commissions, which may be used to apply for a particular, Board or Commission. Interested persons are strongly urged to apply.  For an application or additional information please visit our website at www.columbiasc.net or contact the Office of the City Clerk’s at (803) 545.3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.net.

To download the application, click here.

Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee - Review proposals from organizations requesting money from the Accommodations Tax Fund.  Seven members with majority being selected from the hospitality industry. At least two of the hospitality industry members must be from the lodging industry where applicable. One member shall represent the cultural organization. Members (7) / Term (2 years)

Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals - The purpose of this board is to hear and decide appeals when someone claims that the Zoning Administrator has made an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination in enforcing the zoning ordinance; to hear and decide applications for exceptions if the exceptions are not compatible with the intent and purpose of the zoning and land use ordinance. Members (7) / Term (5 years)

Central Midlands Council of Governments - Promote cooperation among, and to provide the highest quality of services to, the member governments on issues transcending city and county boundaries in the areas of water quality, transportation, economic and community development, planning, public administration and human services for the citizens of the region. Its general objective is to develop and maintain a continuing, cooperative planning program to benefit the people of the Central Midlands Region and their posterity. City Appointees (6) Term / (3) years

Charles R. Drew Wellness Center Scholarship Advisory Committee – Review scholarship applications and make recommendations for awards, assist with fundraising efforts, plan and implement annual scholarship gala, advise on programs and special projects and serve as health promotion volunteers. Members (12)

Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development - Advise the mayor and council on the needs of neighborhoods, particularly those that are deteriorating or are made up of low and moderate income. Members (7) / Term (2 years)
Columbia Action Council - A city-assisted, non-profit organization that strives to provide the finest outdoor entertainment and special events for the City of Columbia and the entire Midlands region. The Columbia Action Council is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and economic development through special events. Members (8) / Term (2 years)

Columbia Museum of Art Commission - Oversees operation of the Columbia Museum.  Members (5) / Term (5 years)

Columbia Music Festival Commission - Promote performing arts. City Members (2) / Term (4 years)

Columbia Tree & Appearance Commission - Protect, enhance and promote the City of Columbia's natural resources and visual beauty. Oversees the development of a master plan for the beautification of the City of Columbia and its implementation. Members (up to 21) / Term (2 years)

Commercial Revolving Loan Review Board - The purpose of this committee is to review and approve / disapprove applications for loans from the City of Columbia Commercial Revolving Loan Program. The board is composed of one (1) attorney, one (1) community leader, two (2) small businesspersons, and one (1) community banker. Members (5) / Term (2) years

Commission on Children and Youth - The objective of this Commission is to enhance and promote the well-being and comprehensive development of Columbia’s children and youth through collaborative action.  The Commission also functions as a developer, catalyst, and advocate for collaborative planning and implementation of comprehensive systems and services benefiting children and families.  The Commission works in partnership with local officials, youth representatives, business leaders, volunteer organizations and representatives from public and private agencies to plan and act cooperatively for a better future for the City of Columbia.  Members (40) / Term (3) years

Community Promotions Advisory Committee  - The Community Promotions Advisory Committee will review Community Promotions funding requests to the city from various organizations whose activities benefit the residents of the City of Columbia. Members (9)/ Term (2 years)

Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals - Hears appeals from staff decisions concerning construction standards in the City. Members (7) / Term (4 years)

Design/Development Review Commission - Reviews and approves work proposed within the City's historic districts, urban design areas, and upon designated landmarks. Membership (9) / Term (3 years)

Election Commission - Determines that all candidates running in municipal elections meet residency requirements and are eligible voters; hires poll workers and certify the results of all elections. Members (3) / Term (6 years)

Electrical Board of Adjustments and Appeals - Hears electrical appeals. Members (5) / Term (4 years)

First Tee Advisory Committee – Assist in the growth and outreach of programs of the First Tee Columbia program and the Golf Driving Range.

Greater Columbia Community Relations Council - Studies and evaluates information concerning racial problems and other community relations issues within the city. Members- 10, Term 3 years.

Historic Columbia Foundation - The mission of the Historic Columbia Foundation is to nurture, support and protect the historical and cultural heritage of Columbia and its environs through programs of advocacy, education and preservation.  Members (2) / Term (2 years) Homeless Commission - The Commission will have the authority to implement regional solutions to homelessness. City Appointees (3)

Hospitality Tax Advisory Committee - Reviews proposals from organizations requesting money from the Hospitality Tax Fund.  Members (10) / Term (2 years)

Housing Authority of the City of Columbia -Provides temporary, subsidized, safe, decent sanitary housing for eligible persons. Members (7) / Term (5 years)

Keep America Beautiful of the Midlands. Inc. -Promotes litter prevention, recycling and solid waste management. City Appointee (1) / Term (1 year)

Martin Luther King. Jr. Memorial Committee -Promotes commemoration of the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and organizes events to celebrate the anniversary of his birth.

Mayor’s Committee Employment of People with Disabilities - Promotes employer acceptance of qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability. Members (30) / Term (1 year)

Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports and Tourism - The mission of the Midlands Authority for Conventions Sports and Tourism includes: Directing and managing the activities and mission of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau; Overseeing the development and operation of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center under a long-term management agreement for the benefit of the Governmental Entities: City of Columbia, Lexington County and Richland County; Directing and managing the activities and mission of the Columbia Regional Sports Council; and Directing and managing the operation of the Columbia Regional Visitors Center. City Appointees (5) / Term (2-3 years)

Mini Grant Program - Make available grants as matching funds for neighborhood improvement projects. Members (9) / Term (3 years)

Planning Commission - Develops and maintains city planning strategies. Members (9) / Term (3 years)

Property Maintenance Board of Adjustments and Appeals - Hears housing appeals. Term (3 years)

Richland County Board of Assessment Appeals - Duties and powers include equalizing the value of the real and personal property, hearing all grievances and appeals from the valuation and assessments fixed by the Assessor, performing any and all other duties and powers of the Richland County Board of Equalization as of April 24, 1958--the date of the creation of the Board of Assessment Appeals. City Appointee (1) / Term (3 years)

Richland County Board of Assessment Control - Duties and powers include establishing methods and policies, making and promulgating rules and regulations for the fair and equitable assessment of all taxable property in the County, employing personnel as necessary for the proper and efficient administration of the provisions of the ordinance. It directs County residents who are required by law to make returns of personal property and returns of real estate when the Board deems such returns necessary. City Appointee (1) / Term (3 years)

Richland-Lexington Airport District Commission - The Commission has the functions of planning, establishing, developing, constructing, enlarging, improving, maintaining, equipping, operating, regulating, protecting and policing such airports and air navigation facilities as shall be necessary to serve the people of the Richland-Lexington Airport district and the public generally. To this end, the Commission shall be empowered:  City Appointees (2) / Term (4 years)

River Alliance – The Board of Directors shall oversee all operations of the River Alliance and set the strategy and operating procedures. The objective of the River Alliance is to maximize the benefits derived form strategic river assets for the citizens of the region through coordinated planning, execution and definition of citizen and community needs. City Appointees (3) / Term (3 years)

Riverbanks Park Commission - The governing authority of Riverbanks Zoological Park and Botanical Garden. City Appointees (2) / Term (6 years)

South Carolina Memorial Park Commission – Establish standards for future monuments and policies for the public use of space for the South Carolina Memorial Park.

Sumter-Columbia Empowerment Zone - An interagency effort focused on the creation of self-sustaining, long-term development in distressed urban and rural areas. The Initiative is based on a holistic, participatory approach that requires community stakeholders to work together to develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans for revitalization.