Key Dates

This month's Let’s Talk Local discussion will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on May 14 at the Benton Elementary School cafeteria, 1410 Hinkson Ave.

Council person Don Waterman hosted this discussion at the Thornbrook Clubhouse.  The focus topic was police staffing and recruitment, including the development of the Columbia Police Academy.  Following that, we discussed the current status of several utility projects, traffic safety, panhandling laws, police pensions, and how Columbia is evolving from a small town to a more urban environment. 

Council person Betsy Peters hosted this event at New Haven Elementary.  The focus topic was how to report common problems using online tools and mobile apps.  Other items discussed were current efforts to address aging utility infrastructure, snow removal, and public safety. 

Council person Valerie Carroll hosted the first Let's Talk Local discussion at The Downtown Optimist Club.  The focus topic was the Love Your Block mini-grant project.  Other topics raised were Capital Improvement project plans, Ash Street improvements, police response concerns and the Garth & Sexton neighborhood green space development.