The City of Columbia is accepting applications to fill several vacancies on the following boards and commissions.
Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee (A-TAX)
Seeking seven (7) applicants. Four (4) must be designated hospitality industry representatives, two (2) of which must be from the lodging sector; one (1) must be a cultural interest representative; two (2) may be At-Large businesspersons/citizens in the community.
The purpose of this committee is to review applications submitted for Accommodations Tax funding and make recommendations to Columbia City Council. Applicant must reside/work within City Limits. Term – 2 years.
Board of Zoning Appeals- (BOZA)
Seeking to fill two (2) vacancies.
The Board of Zoning Appeals is a quasi- judicial board that makes decisions regarding zoning issues. Cases are posted and advertised in accordance with Chapter 17, Article III, Division 3, Section 111 & 112 of the City Code of Ordinance and with title 30, Chapter 4 of the code of laws of South Carolina. purpose of the Citizens Advisory Committee is to make important recommendations for the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Housing Opportunities for persons with Aids (HOPWA), and other federal grant programs as assigned. They advise the Mayor and council on the needs of neighborhoods, review amendments, and make appropriate comments on policies. Term – 4 years.
Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development
Seeking to fill three (3) vacancies.
The purpose of the Citizens Advisory Committee is to make important recommendations for the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Housing Opportunities for persons with Aids (HOPWA), and other federal grant programs as assigned. They advise the Mayor and council on the needs of
neighborhoods, review amendments, and make appropriate comments on policies. Term – 4 years.
Climate Protection Action Committee
Seeking to fill seven (7) non-voting vacancies and one (1) voting vacancy.
The Climate Protection Action Committee (CPAC) is a volunteer group whose mission is to develop and advocate effective strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change, conserve natural resources and otherwise protect the environment at a City level, while also fostering an improved quality of life for the citizens of the City of Columbia. The purpose of CPAC is to recommend and oversee the development and implementation of mission-based programs and projects within the City of Columbia. Click here for much more information about CPAC. Term- 3 years
Columbia Prepares Advisory Committee
Seeking to fill six (6) vacancies.
The purpose of the Columbia Prepares Advisory Committee is to provide increased transparency in the implementation of CDBG-MIT funds; inform the community at large and other stakeholders of mitigation projects and strategies; improve the community’s understanding of the importance of hazard mitigation activities and projects to the health and well-being of all residents; solicit and respond to public questions, comment and input on the City’s mitigation activities; serve as on on-going public forum to continuously inform Columbia’s CDBG-MIT project and programs. Click here for more information. - Term- 2 years
Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission (CTAC)
Seeking to fill four (4) vacancies; three At-Large members and one Architect or Engineer
The Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission has the following powers and duties: To review and recommend policies and ordinances affecting the planting, removal and preservation of trees on public and private property; provide advice on the allocation of resources and policies for the planting, care and removal of trees in the
City of Columbia; serve as an advisory body to the City Forestry and Beautification Superintendent in the administration of this article; review and make recommendations related to the City Forestry and Beautification Division’s annual work plan and any comprehensive urban forestry or reforestation plans; provide public education and advocacy on tree value, preservation and care; make recommendations to City Council on disbursements of the Columbia Landscape and Tree Fund; oversee the development and implementation of a master plan for the beautification of the City of Columbia; and advise the City and its boards and commissions regarding landscaping, tree planting, protection and removal. CTAC helps sponsor the annual Arbor Day celebration, Treasured Tree program and Columbia Choice Awards. Term- 3 years
Design Development Review Commission (DDRC)
Seeking to fill one (1) vacancy for an Architectural Historian.
Applicants must have experience as an architectural historian. The purpose of the Design/Development Review Commission (DDRC) is to review and approve work proposed within the City's historic districts, urban design areas, and upon designated landmarks.
Term – 3 years
Election Commission
Seeking to fill one (1) vacancy.
The Election Commission determines the eligibility of candidates seeking office; counts and verifies absentee ballots to ensure the integrity of the election process in accordance with state statute; conducts Protest Hearings and certifies the results of all municipal elections. To see other duties please read State Statute Sec.7 – Elections. Term- 6 years
Hospitality Tax (H-TAX)
Seeking to fill eleven (11) vacancies. Six (6) must be from the restaurant/catering industry and five (5) At-large businesspersons.
The purpose of this committee is to review applications for hospitality funding and make recommendations to Council for the disbursement of those funds. Term- 2 years
Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports, and Tourism
Seeking to fill one (1) vacancy.
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. Term- 3 years
Transportation Penny Oversight Committee
Seeking to fill two (2) vacancies.
The Transportation Penny Oversight Committee will review, comment on, and provide recommendations on the Transportation Penny to Richland County Council. Transportation Penny Oversight Committee members will recommend any reordering of the prioritization (if applicable) of the projects list. Members will review the proposals for the Program Management Firm(s), and will provide feedback to Richland County Council and will provide feedback to Richland County Council regarding the race-and gender-neutral Small Local Business Enterprise program. They will also provide quarterly reports to each respective jurisdiction from which they are appointed. Term- 5 years
All applicants must reside in the corporate limits of the city. Deadline – Applications are due no later than September 7, 2021 at 5 p.m.
