Community Development Committee — Columbia, SC
Date: 2025-06-03
Time: 18:00

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2025


The Community Development Committee will conduct a meeting on Tuesday,
June 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737
Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. Members of the public may
view the meeting online at www.columbiasc.gov. Please contact the City
Clerk’s Office at (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov if you have
questions regarding this meeting.

 The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, District I, Chair
 The Honorable William Brennan, District III  The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, At-Large

 Prior to entering the meeting please silence all electronic communication devices. All
 presenters are asked to speak directly into the microphone for recording purposes.

CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. September 3, 2024; October 1, 2024; and May 13, 2025 Community
 Development Committee Meeting Minutes

PUBLIC HEARING

2. 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Action Plan - Ms. Felicia Kilgore,
 Community Development Director; Mr. Erich Chatham, Principal / Civitas,
 LLC; and Dr. Cearra Harris, PhD, Citizens Advisory Committee Chair

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

3. Columbia Housing Update: Vision 2030 - Mr. Barry Hall, Interim Chief
 Executive Officer / Columbia Housing

ADJOURNMENT




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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2025


The Community Development Committee will conduct a meeting on Tuesday,
June 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737
Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. Members of the public may
view the meeting online at www.columbiasc.gov. Please contact the City
Clerk’s Office at (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov if you have
questions regarding this meeting.

 The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, District I, Chair
 The Honorable William Brennan, District III  The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, At-Large

 Prior to entering the meeting please silence all electronic communication devices. All
 presenters are asked to speak directly into the microphone for recording purposes.

CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. September 3, 2024; October 1, 2024; and May 13, 2025 Community
 Development Committee Meeting Minutes

PUBLIC HEARING

2. 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Action Plan - Ms. Felicia Kilgore,
 Community Development Director; Mr. Erich Chatham, Principal / Civitas,
 LLC; and Dr. Cearra Harris, PhD, Citizens Advisory Committee Chair

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

3. Columbia Housing Update: Vision 2030 - Mr. Barry Hall, Interim Chief
 Executive Officer / Columbia Housing

ADJOURNMENT




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MEETING DATE: June 3, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: September 3, 2024; October 1, 2024; and May 13,
 2025 Community Development Committee Meeting
 Minutes
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
  #a: CD_MN_09032024 (DOCX)
  #b: CD_MN_10012024 (DOCX)
  #c: CD_MN_05132025 (PDF)




Updated: 5/30/2025 11:55 AM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 2
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 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2024


CALL TO ORDER

The Community Development Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at
City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. The
Honorable Tina N. Herbert, Chair called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m.

 Attendee Name Title Status
 Tina N. Herbert Chair Present
 Will Brennan Member Present
 Tyler D. Bailey Member Present

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of June 04, 2024 Community Development Committee Meeting Minutes

Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Mr. Bailey, committee members voted
unanimously to approve the June 04, 2024 Community Development Committee Meeting Minutes
as amended to reflect that the city is currently in budget season.

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Overview of the Let's Build Together Program - The Honorable Tina N. Herbert

Councilor Herbert provided an update from last week’s Let's Build Together event. The primary
challenge identified was financial constraints, based on survey results from last October. Many
churches and non-profits expressed a need for more information about single-family homes. Mr.
Tony Lawton shared the City’s efforts, while Ms. Kilgore explored funding opportunities.
Columbia Housing also highlighted the benefits of Section 8 vouchers, which offer consistent
rental payments and support for families in need. We look forward to reviewing the survey results,
as it’s crucial to follow the data. Additionally, we created a document outlining various income
levels in relation to family size and average salaries.

There was discussion about best use of the undeveloped lots; housing and infrastructure for large
parcels; and a having a planner on retainer.




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 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2024


3. Grocery Store Incentive Update - Ms. Ayesha Driggers, Director/Office of Business
 Opportunities

Ms. Ayesha Driggers, Director/ Office of Business Opportunities reported that in November 2023,
City Council approved a grocery store rebate for business license fees within designated corridors
throughout the city. To date, three grocery stores: Tom's Creek Family Farm’s Mobile Market,
Uncle Willy's Grocery Store, and Yo Dolla Store have benefited from this rebate. Efforts are
ongoing to inform additional grocery stores about the rebate as they open.

There was discussion about background information of the Grocery Store Incentive and interest
from traditional grocery stores. It was noted that it has not been a loss of revenue for those already
approved for the rebate.

Councilor Herbert agreed to follow up with Food Lion regarding its operations on Fairfield Road.

Ms. Missy Gentry, P.E., Assistant Manager of Development requested that Resolution No: R-
2023-090 be included in the meeting packet.

4. Mobile Market Update - Ms. Ayesha Driggers, Director/Office of Business Opportunities

Ms. Ayesha Driggers, Director/ Office of Business Opportunities noted that the Mobile Market is
set to renew in January, with Dr. Bussells taking the lead on this initiative. Additionally, there was
a change in location for the Mobile Market, which will now operate at Hyatt Park from 11 a.m. to
4 p.m. New locations were also introduced at COMET Central on Sumter Street, Greenview, and
Harden Street next to the Charles R. Drew Wellness Center, and as part of the Food Truck Fridays
event at REI.

Mr. Larry Schneeberger, Toms Creek Family Farm highlighted collaborations with the Department
of Public Health and USC. The Mobile Market promotions reach about 35,000 people each week
through a DSS commercial for Healthy Bucks, ads on COMET buses, and social media posts from
the City’s Public Relations Department. Additional staff members have been hired to assist with
these initiatives.

Councilor Brennan suggested developing a summary of these updates for public consumption.

There was discussion about statewide interest in the Mobile Market; the relationship between the
mobile trailer operations and the Office of Business Opportunities; and financial provisions.




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 Packet Pg. 4
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 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2024


5. 2023-2024 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) - Ms. Felicia
 Kilgore, Director of Community Development

Ms. Felicia Kilgore, Director of Community Development presented the Consolidated Annual
Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER), highlighting activities, disbursements, and
expenditures for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 to ensure transparency in managing federal funds. The
report invites citizen review and feedback. The CDBG program received $2.3 million, with
expenditures totaling $1.6 million this fiscal year. The Home Investment Partnership Program
secured $1.4 million. Three applications were received, and funding is planned for two
organizations: TN Development Corporation and Homeless No More, which should increase
future expenditures. For the HOPWA Program, $1.8 million was allocated, with $1.7 million
expended. This funding that provides rental assistance and other services is managed in
collaboration with organizations like USC, MIRCI and others serving Columbia and five
surrounding counties: Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Richland, and Saluda.

Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager emphasized the importance of directing these funds towards
internal city projects, citing the city's compliance and readiness to effectively utilize the funds. She
noted that this approach could enhance the overall impact and efficiency of spending, while still
acknowledging the valuable work done by external entities.

There was discussion about the public comment period; percentage that goes towards rental
assistance versus healthcare services; SHINE application process; CDBG public services funding
and stated amounts for each group; required documentation for Rainey Day Fund; partner
retention; park selection for CDBG public facilities funding; and leveraging Parks and Recreation
Development (PRT) funds.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 12:12 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC
City Clerk




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 Packet Pg. 5
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 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024


CALL TO ORDER

The Community Development Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, October
1, 2024 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room) 1737 Main Street, 2nd floor,
Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, Chair called the
meeting to order at 11:01 a.m.

 Attendee Name Title Status
 Tina N. Herbert Chair Present
 Will Brennan Member Present
 Tyler D. Bailey Member Present

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

1. Pending Development Projects - Ms. Felicia Kilgore, Director of Community
 Development – Received as information

  External Projects
  City Projects

Ms. Felicia Kilgore, Director of Community Development highlighted the following
projects that are under the existing Five Year Consolidated Plan: assisting Homeless
No More with 21 units (allocating $1.2 million); constructing nine new single-family
homes in collaboration with the TN Development Corporation (allocating $2.1
million); and Midtown at BullStreet and Stoneridge Senior Housing Project both with
$500,000 allocated from the general revolving loan fund. She explained that now is
the time to utilize our federal dollars to make changes in potential target areas, which
would be changed in July 2025.

Ms. Melissa Gentry, P.E., Assistant City Manager for Development suggested sharing
the maps showcasing the lots owned by either the city, city corporations, nonprofits
or churches within the target areas. That data will help guide the decision-making
process.

There was discussion about the timeline; location of homes being built; housing plans
related to other opportunities; effect of funds allocated; funding needed to complete
projects; longevity of conditional letters; location of targeted communities; and
strategic goals.




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 Packet Pg. 6
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 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024


Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager reminded the committee that the request for
qualification process is nearing completion, with updates expected this week. The
first phase of the RFQ involved gathering proposals from qualified consultants to
analyze current conditions and opportunities for affordable mixed-income housing.

There was discussion about areas of involvement; pending projects; point system
connected to municipality support; funds allocated for multi-family homes; vacant
lots; city-owned properties driving the strategy; and utilization of privately owned
properties.

Councilor Herbert requested information about all of the pending projects that have
been submitted for consideration.

Ms. Felicia Kilgore, Director of Community Development also presented the timeline
for the current Five-Year Consolidated Plan, and 2025 Annual Action Plan.

2. Home Assistance Programs – Ms. Melissa Gentry, PE, Assistant City Manager
 for Development and Ms. Felicia Kilgore, Director of Community Development
 – Received as information

Ms. Melissa Gentry, P.E, Assistant City Manager for Development provided an update
on the Home Assistance Program. A new contract has been established using state-
allocated funds. By the end of the program, 49 residents in the Belvedere Community
will have been served. A new round of state funding will support the communities of
Greenview, Fairwold, Belvedere, and Booker Washington Heights, with an agreement
for this funding appearing on tonight’s City Council agenda. The funding list is further
supplemented by disaster recovery, SHINE applications, and code enforcement. The
allocated funds have already been committed.

There was discussion about emphasizing clear cases for funding and program
promotion.

Councilor Brennan requested a program summary and talking points for City Council.

3. Next Meeting Date - The Honorable Tina N. Herbert – Approved

There was consensus of the committee for the next scheduled meeting to be on
December 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.




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 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024


EXECUTIVE SESSION

Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Mr. Bailey, the Committee
voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 11:50 a.m. for the discussion
of Item 4.

4. Receipt of legal advice relating to matters covered by attorney-client privilege
 pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

  Affordability Provisions with City Projects
  Housing Assistance Programs

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 12:17 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC
City Clerk




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 Packet Pg. 8
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 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025


CALL TO ORDER

The Columbia Community Development Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday,
May 13, 2025 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Columbia,
South Carolina 29201. The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, Chair called the meeting to
order at 11:04 a.m.

 Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
 Tina N. Herbert Chair Present
 Will Brennan Member Remote
 Tyler D. Bailey Member Present

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. September 3, 2024 and October 1, 2024 Community Development Committee
 Meeting Minutes - Deferred

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Update on Modular Homes - Ms. Krista Hampton, Director of Planning and
 Development Services

Councilor Herbert explained that City Council recently made ordinance changes
related to modular homes. She asked if modular homes are being used to address
affordable housing.

Ms. Krista Hampton, Director of Planning and Development Services explained that a
modular home is built in sections and assembled on site by a contractor. Modular
homes are built in compliance with local codes. Manufactured homes are fabricated
in a factory, placed on a chassis (underpinning), and delivered to the site.
Manufactured homes are subject to Housing and Urban Development’s regulations.
The revised ordinance addresses repurposed modular units. Modular homes must
come directly from the factory with a certification and it has to be new. The City of
Columbia cannot prohibit them, but the homes can be regulated via land use or
zoning. The City of Columbia is not in violation of state law.

There was a discussion about state law; the differences between modular and
manufactured homes; affordability factors; aesthetics; the annexation of parcels with
manufactured homes; and updating the Urban Service Area, which is City Council’s
policy on annexations.


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 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025


There was consensus of the committee to review recommendations from staff that
address the annexation of parcels with manufactured housing through the updated
Urban Service Area policy.

3. Discussion of design and materials in housing developments - Ms. Krista
 Hampton, Director of Planning and Development Services

Councilor Herbert said we are trying to preserve the character of neighborhoods as
they are being revitalized. There have been general discussions about preferred
materials. The biggest issue has been with vinyl siding.

Ms. Krista Hampton, Director of Planning and Development Services said there is not
a policy that directs the materials used in city projects. The development corporations
generally use Hardie Plank siding.

There was a discussion about affordability; maintenance; developing façade
standards; focusing on areas primarily consisting of brick homes; determining
neighborhood interest; and partnering with homebuilders and banks on low interest
mortgages to develop workforce housing.

There was consensus of the committee to review a list of residential properties
controlled by the City of Columbia and the development corporations along with the
City of Columbia loan programs. The Planning and Development Services
Department, Community Development Department, and the TN Development
Corporation will discuss the minimal standards for utilizing vinyl siding while awaiting
further direction on the potential neighborhoods that wish to pursue regulations. The
regulations would require another overlay through the adoption of an ordinance.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 11:53 a.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC
City Clerk




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 Packet Pg. 10
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MEETING DATE: June 3, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Action Plan
 - Ms. Felicia Kilgore, Community Development
 Director; Mr. Erich Chatham, Principal / Civitas,
 LLC; and Dr. Cearra Harris, PhD, Citizens Advisory
 Committee Chair
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
  #a: Consolidated Plan and Action Plan Public Hearing 060325 (PDF)




Updated: 5/30/2025 2:39 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 11
 2.a




2025 – 2029 Consolidated Plan
 FY 2025 Action Plan
 Public Hearing
 June 3, 2025
 1




 In Partnership with Civitas LLC




 Packet Pg. 12
 2.a




 HUD Programs – Eligible Activities
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)
• Public Improvements • Multi-family apartment buildings
• Public Facilities • Housing for people with special needs (homeless,
• Rehabilitation developmental disabilities etc.)
• Economic Development • First-time Homebuyer assistance
• Acquisition • Housing Rehabilitation
• Public Services • Rental Assistance (TBRA)


 Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)
 • Provide Housing assistance to individuals with HIV/AIDS
 • Develop and rehabilitate housing units
 • Operate and maintain housing facilities
 • Deliver supportive services to improve quality of life
 • Prevent homelessness for individuals with HIV/AIDS



 2




 Packet Pg. 13
 2.a




ConPlan - Major Components & Allocation

 Five Major Components HUD 2025 Fund Allocation
 1. Needs Assessment Source Amount
 2. Housing Market Analysis
 CDBG $1,137,467
 3. 5-Year Strategic Plan
 4. Annual Action Plan HOME $660,423.89
 5. Citizen Participation HOPWA $1,908,324




 3




 Packet Pg. 14
 2.a




 HUD Consolidated Plan Process
 • Needs Assessment & Market Analysis
Jurisdiction develops • Priority needs Identification
 Consolidated Plan • Strategic goals for funds
 (ConPlan) • Annual Action Plan (1-year funding)
 • Opportunities for Citizen Participation


 Citizen Participation:
 1. Community Meetings – 12/04/2024; 12/05/2024;
ConPlan is approved
 12/09/2024; 12/12/2024
& submitted to HUD
 2. Community & Stakeholder Surveys
 3. Public Hearings– 4/30/2025; 6/3/2025
 4. 30-Day Public Comment Period – 4/17/2025-5/18/2025


  HUD awards grant
funds to jurisdiction to
 fund activities in
  ConPlan and AAP 4




 Packet Pg. 15
 2.a




 Citizen Participation:
  Survey Highlights
Community Survey: Top Priority Needs
 (159 responses):
1. Affordable Housing
 • New Affordable Housing
 • Rehab of Owner-Occupied Housing
 • Down Payment Assistance

2. Public Services
 • Mental Health Services
 • Homeless Services
 • Childcare Services


3. Public Improvements
 • Street Improvement
 • Sidewalks
 • Neighborhood Cleanup 5




 Packet Pg. 16
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  2025-2029 ConPlan – Priority Needs & Goals
 Priority Needs Goals
Expand/Improve Public Facilities & Infrastructure 1A Expand/Improve Public Facilities & Infrastructure

 2A Affordable Housing Opportunities
 2B Provide Housing Rehabilitation
Preserve & Develop Affordable Housing
 2C Provide Code Enforcement in LMI Neighborhoods
 2D Provide Removal of Slum & Blight in Residential

Public Services & Quality of Life Improvements 3A Provide Services for LMI & Special Needs

Housing & Supportive Services for Persons with 4A Provide Housing & Services for Persons with
HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS

Provide for Increased Economic Opportunities 5A Economic Development Opportunities

Effective Program Management 6A Effective Program Management
 6




 Packet Pg. 17
 2.a




 2025 Action Plan Projects – CDBG
 Project Name Funding
CDBG Admin & Planning $236,179
CDBG Public Services $170,620
CDBG Public Facilities & Infrastructure $930,888
CDBG Housing Programs $1,404,675

TOTAL 2025 Program Year Funds $2,742,362
 Includes $650,000 of Program Income
 & $954,895 in Prior Year Funds

 7




 Packet Pg. 18
 2.a




 2025 Action Plan Projects – HOME
 Project Name Funding
HOME Administration $66,042
HOME CHDO Set-Aside (15%) $99,064
HOME Affordable Housing Development $1,095,317.89
TOTAL 2025 Program Year Funds $1,260,423.89
 Includes $600,000 of Program Income



CHDO = Community Housing Development Organization



 8




 Packet Pg. 19
 2.a




 2025 Action Plan Projects – HOPWA
 Project Name Funding
HOPWA: Administration $57,250
HOPWA: Columbia Housing Authority (CHA) $721,917
HOPWA: Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services (PALSS) $496,138
HOPWA: The Cooperative Ministry (TCM) $250,000
HOPWA: University of SC-Dept. of Medicine (USC-DOM) $358,019
HOPWA: Upper Savannah Care Services (USCS) $25,000
TOTAL 2025 Program Year Funds $1,908,324

 9




 Packet Pg. 20
 2.a




 Next Steps in
 Planning Process
• Final updates
• City Council Approval – June 17, 2025
• HUD submission – July 11, 2025
 City of Columbia
 Community Development Department
 1401 Main St. 4th Floor
 Columbia, SC 29201
 (803) 545-4121 (Office)


 https://communitydevelopment.columbiasc.gov/




 Packet Pg. 21
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MEETING DATE: June 3, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Columbia Housing Update: Vision 2030 - Mr. Barry
 Hall, Interim Chief Executive Officer / Columbia
 Housing
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:




Updated: 5/30/2025 12:21 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 22

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2025


CALL TO ORDER

The Community Development Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, June 3,
2025 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South
Carolina 29201. The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, Chair called the meeting to order at
11:08 a.m. The following members were present:

Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Tina N. Herbert Chair Present
Will Brennan Member Present
Tyler D. Bailey Member Present

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. September 3, 2024; October 1, 2024; and May 13, 2025 Community
 Development Committee Meeting Minutes - Approved

Upon a motion made by Ms. Herbert and seconded by Mr. Brennan, committee
members voted unanimously to approve the October 1, 2024 Community
Development Committee Meeting Minutes and to defer the September 3, 2024 and
May 13, 2025 Community Development Committee Meeting Minutes.

PUBLIC HEARING

2. 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Action Plan - Ms. Felicia Kilgore,
 Community Development Director; Mr. Erich Chatham, Principal / Civitas,
 LLC; and Ms. Cearra Harris, PhD, Citizens Advisory Committee Chair

Ms. Felicia Kilgore, Community Development Director stated that the 2025-2029
Consolidated Plan is being presented for a second public hearing as required by the
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Mr. Erich Chatham, Principal / Civitas, LLC presented the eligible activities for the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships
(HOME), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) programs. The
city only disburses CDBG and HOME funds within its jurisdiction, but HOPWA is
administered within a multi-county jurisdiction. The 2025 fund allocations from HUD
include: $1,137,467.00 for CDBG; $660,423.89 for HOME; and $1,908,324.00 for
HOPWA. For the draft plan, Civitas assessed the needs of the community,
conducted a housing market analysis, and assisted with citizen participation efforts.


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 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2025


Based on 159 responses to a community survey, the top priority needs were
affordable housing, public services and public improvements. He reviewed the
priority needs and goals, while noting that the priorities were not in ranking order.
He presented the 2025 action plan projects that align with the eligible use
categories. This plan will be submitted to City Council on June 17, 2025; submitted
to HUD by July 11, 2025; and effective July 1, 2025.

There was discussion about the difference in funding levels from 2024 to 2025 and
the required set aside for Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO)
along with eligible and creative uses, recent changes in the certification process,
and barriers to certification.

Ms. Cearra Harris, PhD, Citizens Advisory Committee Chair presented the
committee’s recommendations for the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) program.

The committee recessed at 11:50 a.m. and reconvened at 11:59 a.m.

Ms. Cearra Harris, PhD, Citizens Advisory Committee Chair continued to present the
committee’s recommendations for the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS
(HOPWA) grant program. She was accompanied by Ms. Pat Meyer and Ms. Wanda
Cannon who are also members of the Citizens Advisory Committee.

There was discussion about applications for improvements at other city parks.

The committee opened the public hearing at 12:05 p.m.

Mr. Larry Salley, Executive Director / Greater Columbia Community Relations
Council (GCCRC) applauded the committee and City Council for their support of
public and affordable housing. He stated that the best use of dollars is training for
not-for-profit developers. He noted that the GCCRC was once a CHDO and board
composition was an issue. The GCCRC will host its 61st annual luncheon on June 18,
2025.

Mr. Alton Cobb, Housing Services Director / Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services
(PALSS) said PALSS is the oldest HIV/AIDS organization in the state and will
celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. He stated that housing is health care.
PALSS uses its funds to assist at-risk clients by ensuring they are stably housed
through case management and outreach. PALSS also works with Rapid Shelter



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 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2025


Columbia, The Cooperative Ministry, Homeless No More, the University of South
Carolina and other housing services and medical providers.

Ms. Teleshia Stewart, Senior Vice President of Resident and Strategic Initiatives for
the Columbia Housing Authority and Two Notch Development Corporation Board
Chair expressed gratitude for the funding allocations made to both organizations.
She stated that affordable housing is a national issue and she is proud to take
today’s information back to a national organization.

Ms. Caroline Seder, University of South Carolina School of Medicine / Supportive
Housing Services and Prisma Health said thank you for the HOPWA and Housing
First allocations. Through the Housing First Program clients who are experiencing
chronic homelessness are connected with Columbia Housing and provided with case
management and wraparound services. Additional partners include Rapid Shelter
Columbia, Transitions, MIRCI, Columbia Area Mental Health and others. Rental
assistance, mental health services, and wrap around case management services are
provided to ensure that HOPWA program clients sustain housing. Additionally, the
outreach team works with the homeless population.

Ms. Kameisha Heppard, Homeless Services Director / City of Columbia insisted that
the real work comes in the form of after-care and it needs to be increased with all
agencies in order to stabilize clients. She explained that funding will be used to
expand the kitchen area and provide onsite job training for clients at Rapid Shelter
Columbia. She said a lot of work will be done in the kitchen to rebuild our most
vulnerable population.

Ms. Chanda Richardson, Program Manager / Two Notch Development Corporation
explained that Oak Hill is a transitional property and mental health support is
needed for the tenants. The mission is to provide safe, decent and sanitary
communities. She expressed gratitude for the approval of TNDC’s application.

Mr. Zach deMoya, Development Director / Mental Illness Recovery Center (MIRCI)
said a lot of MIRCI’s collaborative partners are present. He expressed gratitude for
the work being done by City Council and the Community Development Department.
MIRCI has done street outreach in Columbia for 14 years and has been in the
homeless service and medical service space for 60 years. This year’s project is
targeting women. MIRCI provides street outreach and hygiene kits and encourages
women to be screened by licensed clinicians and social workers.

The committee closed the public hearing at 12:35 p.m.


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 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2025



Councilor Herbert thanked the service providers for attending this meeting.

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

3. Columbia Housing Update: Vision 2030 - Mr. Barry Hall, Interim Chief
 Executive Officer / Columbia Housing - Deferred

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 12:36 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC, CPM
City Clerk




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