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As Columbia Business Monthly marks its 35th anniversary, the Columbia metropolitan area is looking ahead to 2036 – the year the city celebrates its 250th birthday. With a goal of capturing the new American dream, Columbia has developed a plan called Envision 2036.

Focusing on its role as a center of commerce, technology and education, Columbia — and by extension the Richland-Lexington County metropolitan area — looks ahead to creating its future. Emphasis will be on attracting and retaining talent, connecting communities, empowering residents, fostering economic prosperity for all and enhancing neighborhoods and municipal services. Also getting special attention is the area’s riverfront, with plans for new parks, roadways and trails to interconnect the communities that line the Congaree, Broad, and Saluda rivers.

• With those plans in mind, we asked local government and business leaders a set of questions regarding the area’s future:
• What is the most critical task to help Richland and Lexington counties grow and develop over the next 10 years?
• What needs to be done to attract and retain talent?
• How can our communities work together for sensible growth?
• How can we build more efficient connectivity between neighborhoods and communities?
• How can we focus economic development efforts to foster equity and accessibility to prosperity for a diverse population?

 

Daniel Rickenmann

Mayor, Columbia

What is the most critical task to help Richland and Lexington counties grow and develop over the next 10 years?

Richland County must tackle property tax reform to ensure our small business owners and renters can invest in space to operate, live and grow in the Midlands. Our high non-residential rate shifts the burden on renters who need more affordability due to our region's tax structure, which is the highest in the state and debilitating for investment.

What needs to be done to attract and retain talent?

We need to tell our story. We need to ensure the 60,000 college students, homegrown young professionals, and seasoned workers know the great things Columbia has to offer, from a great quality of life to diverse job markets, to an abundance of training and development opportunities. We also need to continue to invest in programs that connect students and young professionals to the community and local businesses, like Columbia Opportunity Resource and the Columbia Town and Gown Committee. We have everything we need to attract and retain, but we must tell our story and ensure workers know and understand why Columbia is the place to live and work.  

How can our communities work together toward sensible growth?

We must have consistent conversations. Our communities need to communicate to understand the challenges and needs and develop a path forward focused on solutions as a team. We need to all be reading from the same sheet of music to amplify growth and opportunity in the city of Columbia and Richland County.

How can we build more efficient connectivity between neighborhoods and communities?

We must invest in our walkability and bicycle initiatives. We need to add walk and bike paths between every neighborhood and corridor possible. We should continue working with the state of South Carolina to do the same on their roads in our community. We also need to ensure we are paying equal attention to safety for pedestrians and cyclists by investing in technology, like automated traffic safety cameras and crossing lights, to ensure that when there are routes, people feel safe using them.

How can we focus economic development efforts to foster equity and accessibility to prosperity for a diverse population?

We level the playing field and ensure that small, medium and large businesses have access to the same tax incentives and resources.

 

Jeff Ruble

Director of Economic Development, Richland County

What is the most critical task to help Richland and Lexington counties grow and develop over the next 10 years?

If recent years are any indication, Richland County is poised for continued significant economic development and growth in the coming decade. Recent investments from companies like Scout Motors and The Ritedose Corporation are solidifying our position in two key growing industries: EV manufacturing and life sciences. As these sectors expand, we expect an increased demand for skilled talent and are preparing for an influx of suppliers and related operations.

To ensure success for both businesses and residents, we are adopting a multi-faceted approach. We are engaging with companies to understand their workforce, infrastructure and operational needs, while also identifying employment barriers and leveraging the strengths of our local talent pool. Additionally, we’re strengthening our partnerships with educational institutions, strategic nonprofits, and government agencies to create opportunities and pathways for our citizens.

What needs to be done to attract and retain talent?

Attracting and retaining talent that supports our community’s dynamic economic development requires a strategic, collaborative approach among companies, educational institutions and government bodies.

Our office is actively engaging with existing industries in Richland County to understand their immediate workforce needs, talent pool trends, and challenges they’re encountering. These discussions are helping us improve the services we provide to companies and allowing us to connect them with partners offering supportive services. Additionally, the insights gained from these conversations inform our work with community-improvement groups.

In addition to meeting the needs of current businesses, we’re strategically working with companies considering Richland County for their next facility. Through a thoughtful and selective matchmaking process, we seek projects that align with both the current and the future market landscape. Our goal is to ensure that residents have access to rewarding careers and continue to find value in making Richland County, SC, their home while fostering a vibrant environment for both existing and future industries.

How can we focus economic development efforts to foster equity and accessibility to prosperity for a diverse population?

Our long-term vision for Richland County is to ensure that economic growth benefits everyone, creating a strong foundation for widespread success. With our recent achievements, we face an exciting new challenge: shifting our focus from simply attracting industries to selectively recruiting the right ones. Our mission is to attract companies that are committed to forming meaningful, long-term partnerships within our communities.

A key part of this mission is understanding the issues and barriers that affect underserved areas and populations. Over the past few months, we’ve initiated meaningful conversations with community organizations that support these groups and are actively exploring strategies to improve workforce housing, transportation and affordable childcare. These efforts help foster a more inclusive economy, where sustainable and well-paying jobs are accessible to all residents.

 

Elise Partin

Mayor, Cayce

What is the most critical task to help Richland and Lexington counties grow and develop over the next 10 years?

As now the longest-serving mayor in the Midlands, I've seen lots of positive growth and connection over the last 15 years. For us to continue to do that right in the next decade we need to focus on infrastructure. We have been proactive and replaced 75 percent of our water lines. We just received a multimillion-dollar grant to improve storm drainage so that we can coordinate this multi-jurisdictional problem (streets where runoff comes from are county and state roads). As the state grows at a tremendous rate, areas capable of keeping up with infrastructure will be able to attract the high-quality businesses. Transportation and roads, sewer and water, power generation, and strong local governments that have not outgrown their resources and create infill or redevelopment opportunities that maximize existing infrastructure and redesign space. The world is an ever-evolving place. Our physical spaces need to evolve as well.  

Also, Wi-Fi — high speed internet and connectivity — are a must in the modern world. 5G and small cell facilities must be integrated into your code and spaces. Young adults and family demand easy web access at all times. 

We also need to keep and grow a supportive small business environment. Local governments must create opportunities for small businesses to thrive. In Cayce, we have done this in a number of ways: facade grants, support with additional business cost like grease traps or fire suppression systems, codes that allow for and incentivize developers to build commercial space for small business and creating an easier approval process. We have had success in this way by starting with supporting our employees. Giving them the tools to be efficient and effective allows them to do what they love best — provide great customer service. We have also used unique tools like “previtalization” to bring small businesses into the Cayce River Arts District and traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures.   

Housing is always important. We have created opportunities for multiple-housing stocks in our jurisdiction. That allows for a diversity of housing stock so there is something for everyone, allowing people to live where they work.  

What needs to be done to attract and retain talent? 

Attracting and retaining young talent remains a priority for us. While the jobs must be there, the amenities must be there as well and that includes the diversity of housing stock but also small businesses like local coffee shops and local bars and restaurants. We have Piecewise Coffee, Steel Hands Brewing, Trini Lime Caribbean Cafe and so much more that we have been intentional about encouraging and supporting the growth of. Also, parks within walking distance or golf cart rides. Outdoor living needs to be easily accessible to all. We have the most miles of Riverwalk in the Midlands. It's a huge bonus for quality of life.  

How can our communities work together toward sensible growth? 

First is communication. The second is a regional approach to growth. We have come into our own in recognizing that we are a cool region. That pride is huge. Programs like COR (Columbia Opportunity Resource) and the summer internship program that helps introduce top talent to our region to want to stay or locate here are effective. But also elected leaders’ connection in realizing we are all in this together.

How can we build more efficient connectivity between neighborhoods and communities? 

Sidewalks. I want them everywhere. They connect people. Safely. We can walk to see our neighbor down the street. Kids can walk to school. Moms can walk to the grocery store. That level of connectivity is necessary and extremely beneficial. The Brookland Lakeview Empowerment Center has partnered with us to perform walk audits and create goals for increasing walking. It connects every neighborhood and every citizen. Roads need to be narrowed, more impervious surface is created, slower vehicle speeds create a safer feel, trees allow for barrier between vehicles and pedestrians. Neighborhood commercial nodes are created that entice citizens to walk or bike to restaurants and stores. Then neighbors meet neighbors, then you get to know them, and then you create a safe or friendlier community. 

How can we focus economic development efforts to foster equity and accessibility to prosperity for a diverse population?

The “right-size” movement is a great step for equity and accessibility for a diverse population. Access is one of the biggest hurdles to jump for the underserved population but creating spaces that are more affordable allows more accessibility. Incubators help break down barriers. Local governments can set the foundation for business to be successful with incubators. Several communities within the state have successful incubators. One has a commercial kitchen that allows food trucks to use it to prep for the day and also lets prospective restaurateurs rent the space to start a restaurant without the massive overhead. Another town has an IT incubator to help foster business ideas.  

 

Hazel Livingston

Mayor, Lexington

What is the most critical task to help Richland and Lexington counties grow and develop over the next 10 years?

It is critical for the local governments to work together and communicate. We cannot continue to grow and be successful if we are not on the same page about our future. There is a way for local communities to maintain their individuality while thinking and planning regionally.

What needs to be done to attract and retain talent?

As a whole, quality of life and safety will attract and retain talent. It’s important to foster a vibrant cultural scene with events and opportunities for all ages to enjoy. Job creation and competitive salaries are also key factors for building a diverse and attractive community.

How can our communities work together toward sensible growth?

By working together through respect, communication, and a focus on shared benefits our communities can successfully create sensible growth that meets our needs and enhances the overall region.

How can we build more efficient connectivity between neighborhoods and communities?

I am passionate about connecting neighborhoods and communities via greenspace as well as roadways. These types of connections create a place where people can come together and meet their neighbors face to face. Any type of pathway either figuratively or literally within the neighborhoods benefits everyone. This is why the town of Lexington prides itself by having sidewalks installed in all neighborhoods.

How can we focus economic development efforts to foster equity and accessibility to prosperity for a diverse population?

Inclusive economic planning by involving diverse voices in the planning process using surveys, focus groups and public forums to gather input. Providing quality education is key, which includes things like internships and on the job training in the workplace which would help to develop skills and understanding for the public. The town of Lexington, for example, has multiple internships across departments and we relish the opportunity to host these students, not only to train them but to gain insight from young minds and learn from them as much as they learn from us. By taking these steps, communities can ensure that economic development efforts create opportunities for all residents.

 

Stephen J. Cutler

Vice President, Office of Economic Engagement, University of South Carolina; Dean, USC College of Pharmacy

What is the most critical task to help Richland and Lexington counties grow and develop over the next 10 years?

The most crucial priority, in my view, is to continue investing in workforce development efforts across the region. For Richland and Lexington (counties) to experience sustained growth, we must cultivate an environment that fosters a highly skilled workforce. This, in turn, will attract both large and small companies to the area, driving economic expansion and community prosperity.

What needs to be done to attract and retain talent?

Attracting and retaining top talent will require more than just increasing the availability of high-paying jobs. While job growth is vital, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. To truly draw and keep skilled individuals, we must also focus on enhancing livability in Richland and Lexington County. This includes improving housing, health care, education, infrastructure, and entertainment. By establishing the region as an exceptional place to live, work, and play, we won’t just attract talent — we’ll give talented individuals compelling reasons to stay and invest in the community.

How can our communities work together toward sensible growth?

Collaboration and unity between communities are essential for the sustained growth and prosperity of Richland and Lexington County.

How can we build more efficient connectivity between neighborhoods and communities?

Effective communication is crucial for connecting neighborhoods and communities. By establishing and strengthening communication channels between the region’s universities, local government, businesses, and citizens, we can ensure that every voice is heard and valued.

How can we focus economic development efforts to foster equity and accessibility to prosperity for a diverse population?

Supporting the growth and success of businesses in our region requires providing them with the necessary resources. One example is the USC Office of Economic Engagement’s SC Apex Accelerator, a free program designed to help companies across South Carolina secure Department of Defense contracts. This year alone, SC Apex Accelerator has assisted 100 companies in Richland and Lexington county in securing a total of more than $33 million in DoD contracts, demonstrating its vital role in fostering local business success.

 

Carl Blackstone

President and CEO, Columbia Chamber

What is the most critical task to help Richland and Lexington counties grow and develop over the next 10 years?

Over the next decade, we are going to see growing pains as we expand. Growth for the sake of growth is not sustainable. We need to make sure we have the right infrastructure thoughtfully in place to support healthy, strategic growth.

What needs to be done to attract and retain talent?

We have the talent. The task at hand is to create the kinds of jobs that keep people here. The quality of life is high and cost of living is low, making it the perfect community to settle down in. 

How can our communities work together toward sensible growth?

The private and public sector will need to collaborate and align on how we grow with a strategic, achievable plan. It will take all of us to make sure the region grows in a way that we can support and maintain. 

How can we build more efficient connectivity between neighborhoods and communities?

Connectivity requires vision. To achieve this, we need buy-in from everyone. This means quality schools, support from neighborhoods and associations, and a prosperous business community. All of these ingredients combined create a thriving community.

How can we focus economic development efforts to foster equity and accessibility to prosperity for a diverse population?

The first step is to look at other communities for best practices. There are no simplified answers on how to achieve this, but it will take time, dollars and deliberate action. A strong educational system that addresses the gaps an underserved community may be experiencing would be transformational. 

 

Tem Miles

Mayor, West Columbia

What is the most critical task to help Richland and Lexington counties grow and develop over the next 10 years?

Updating road, electric, water, and sewer infrastructure.

What needs to be done to attract and retain talent?

Continue focusing on improving the quality of life in the region by making our communities more walkable/bikeable and bringing in more and better activities and events.

How can our communities work together toward sensible growth?

Partnering on events, activities, and projects in our region. 

How can we build more efficient connectivity between neighborhoods and communities?

By building better roads, sidewalks and trails.

How can we focus economic development efforts to foster equity and accessibility to prosperity for a diverse population?

By working to increase opportunity for our region while also encouraging everyone to go after it. 

 

Bill Danielson

Mayor, Irmo

What is the most critical task to help Richland and Lexington counties grow and develop over the next 10 years?  What needs to be done to attract and retain talent? How can our communities work together toward sensible growth?

Here are my answers to all three of these questions, which are directly related. 

I can only reply from my personal perspective as a councilman of four years and now current mayor of Irmo. Critical to common-sense growth and the development of Lexington and Richland counties is most assuredly infrastructure. We live in a state which is ranked in the top three to five states (depending on the stats used) where people want to move. In Irmo, which is located in both counties, we need growth to survive and prosper. As a municipality, we have no property taxes, no millage and no debt. We operate predominately on the backs of medium and small businesses. We basically own no roads, no utilities, and have zero road maintenance services. For those services we are fully dependent on the counties, the city of Columbia, and the state. Bottom line, we need local businesses to open in Irmo and prosper. In addition, we need to provide rooftops for the citizens to live and to support those businesses.

As for working in harmony with the counties, we have had great relationships over the years. Things seem to have changed with Lexington County in particular. Recently, due to their uncontrolled growth they have abandoned a nearly 50-year roads and stormwater maintenance agreement with each of the 14 municipalities in their county. Furthermore, they have tried to destroy our municipal right to "Home Rule." This relates to our own zoning and land planning rather than comport to their basic stoppage of residential development by requiring excessive lot sizes for development. It is very hard to operate harmoniously when these types of government tactics are practiced. All 14 municipalities are united in their pushback of these strategies. We will have to see how it plays out.

On the November ballot, Richland County has a penny tax which could positively impact Irmo's infrastructure. If passed, some of their priority projects will take place in and around Irmo. A significant amount of road widening and repaving just to name a couple. It is my belief that the penny tax is a hard sell to the residents of Richland County (of which I am one). In the event it doesn't pass, critical infrastructure will be pushed back for years. Currently, the county is slated to begin the widening of Broad River Road from I-26 to Dutch Fork. This project, in conjunction with SCDOT, should begin late this fall and will transform the current road into five lanes with additional traffic signals and improved intersections. This is an example of the town, county and state working together to get things done. Albeit 15 years late but it is coming. 

 

Ryan Coleman

Director, Columbia Economic Development

What is the most critical task to help Richland and Lexington counties grow and develop over the next 10 years?

Continuing to focus on growing and increasing access to our riverfront. It is our best and most underutilized asset and will bring so much value when we activate it further. Now that the cleanup project has been completed and new pedestrian bridges and trails are being added, it would be great if the cities and counties that share access got together to create a unified long-term plan for what we want to accomplish over the next 20 years.

What needs to be done to attract and retain talent?

We have to continue to focus on providing the amenities and quality of life that the professionals we are trying to attract and retain are seeking. That means continuing to focus on growing our natural assets like the riverfront, Lake Murray, greenspaces, trails, and public parks. It means focusing on increasing the quality and availability of retail and restaurant offerings and connecting those assets block-by-block to create a truly walkable urban core. It means more availability of housing products of all types, from studio apartments and workforce housing to luxury apartments, from duplexes to town homes to single-family residential, and everything in between. We need amenities and assets that appeal to all walks of life.

How can our communities work together toward sensible growth?

I think it’s just looking for more opportunities to collaborate and help cross promote each other’s events. Remember when people used to say there was nothing to do in Columbia? Not anymore. Now we need to focus on strengthening and building up our shared infrastructure, assets, and events to have a broader reach and greater impact on the region and beyond.

How can we build more efficient connectivity between neighborhoods and communities?

If you look at downtown Columbia, all of our major business districts are connected by four roads: Main Street, Gervais Street, Elmwood and Harden (which both intersect in/around the BullStreet District). Focusing development opportunities for these major corridors, particularly ones that include ground floor restaurant and retail opportunities and encourage walkability, help create density and strengthen the urban core. Aside from that, I think focusing on any of our major corridors to add more ground-floor business density along with pedestrian connectivity for easier walking/biking and green space and tree canopy will help make the continuity between neighborhoods flow more smoothly.

How can we focus economic development efforts to foster equity and accessibility to prosperity for a diverse population?

We don’t deal very heavily in workforce development in our office, but I think there’s an opportunity somewhere to better communicate available local job opportunities so people looking for work can find meaningful employment both faster and easier.

 

Jason Giulietti

President and CEO, Central SC Alliance

What is the most critical task to help Richland and Lexington counties grow and develop over the next 10 years?

The most critical task for driving growth and development in Richland and Lexington counties over the next decade is to strategically fortify our economic and educational foundation. We must focus on attracting and expanding employers, particularly within our city center and riverfront areas, to foster a vibrant business community and enhance the quality of life. Leveraging the University of South Carolina will be key to retaining students and graduates, harnessing the vibrancy and innovation they contribute. Additionally, elevating the Columbia Metropolitan Airport as a premier travel hub will further increase our region's appeal. Strengthening workforce development in collaboration with educational institutions is essential to equipping residents with the skills needed for the jobs of the future. Lastly, we must prioritize inclusive growth to ensure that economic opportunities are accessible to all, creating a thriving and equitable community.

What needs to be done to attract and retain talent?

We need to prioritize diversifying our housing options, especially in the downtown area and along the waterfront as it develops. Mixed-use developments with residential components are crucial, as they cater to the preferences of the next generation and attract university faculty and others seeking alternatives to traditional homeownership. It would be smart for us to showcase the cultural richness and diversity our community offers. By promoting our festivals, cultural events, music, arts, and other amenities, we can make our region a magnet for people of all ages and backgrounds, creating a vibrant environment where talented individuals want to live and thrive.

How can our communities work together toward sensible growth?

We need to capitalize on the tremendous alignment that already exists among various communities and organizations in the region. With everyone coming together, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive meaningful progress. By collaborating and coordinating our efforts, we can ensure that the steps we take now will secure the future success of our region, creating a thriving and sustainable community for generations to come.

How can we build more efficient connectivity between neighborhoods and communities?

If we prioritize transparency and open communication, we will naturally build more trust and connection between neighborhoods and communities. When we share what is being done and actively seek engagement and involvement from everyone, we foster collaboration and trust. It's crucial to avoid the perception of secrecy, which can undermine success. By building bridges through clear communication and inclusive decision-making, we can ensure that all voices are heard, and everyone is working together to achieve our greater goals.

How can we focus economic development efforts to foster equity and accessibility to prosperity for a diverse population?

By prioritizing education and diversifying our partnerships, we create fertile ground for fostering equity and accessibility. It's essential to educate all residents on how the jobs and investments coming to our region benefit everyone, ensuring that people at every skill level are aware of the opportunities available. Diversifying our partnerships enables employers to reach a broader, more diverse talent pool. By aligning mission statements and making a concerted effort to connect these initiatives, we can ensure that all residents have access to and can benefit from the region's economic growth and improved quality of life across every community.

 

Ted Nissen

President and CEO, First Community Bank

What needs to be done to attract and retain talent?

There has been great progress in recent years making the most of that which makes the Midlands region so desirable: an urban destination surrounded by communities with distinct personalities and unmatched natural resources. There is truly something for everyone from outdoor adventure to arts and music to sports, a thriving restaurant scene, and so many special local businesses. There are many tactics to continue to build on this momentum and we will only highlight a couple of those here. First, job creation with a special focus on a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, the knowledge economy, and economic clusters that create jobs and attract talent. Second, celebration of the lifestyle that we enjoy within our region given the diverse outdoor opportunities provided by our rivers, Lake Murray, and so many outdoor attractions. This includes the existing 15 miles of riverfront trail system that will soon be expanded to connect Lake Murray through Lexington County to Columbia, West Columbia, and Cayce. These rivers and trails unite our region, serving to bring all of us that live here together and serving as an attractive invitation for others to join us.

How can our communities work together toward sensible growth?

Conversation and collaboration with the goal of regional success. There is a growing collaborative spirit among leaders across the Midlands. We see it in our work with customers of First Community as well as our team members' engagement in organizations throughout the region. There will always be opportunities and challenges. We have both in front of us at this moment. Our opportunities are there to be realized. Our challenges are mostly born out of our success and growth, otherwise known as high quality problems, to be solved. Working together across organizational and jurisdictional lines, we can and will move forward. 

How can we build more efficient connectivity between neighborhoods and communities?

We are fortunate to have banking offices throughout the Midlands and this allows us to experience the nuances of each community firsthand. It's important to meet people where they are, and that means getting out of the office and into neighborhoods – from the ball field to the grocery store to Sunday services. It starts with building relationships. There is just no substitute for the support of neighbor looking out for neighbor and the countless ways that manifests. We also believe that there is great value in exploring other neighborhoods to experience all that our region offers. There is such diversity and richness in these shared experiences. This certainly builds on the connectivity of our neighborhoods and our individual understanding of our region.