Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee — Columbia, SC
Date: 2025-08-26
Time: 11:00

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING
 AGENDA
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025

The Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee will conduct a meeting on
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room),
1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. The meeting can be viewed
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 the meeting.

 The Honorable Peter M. Brown, Chair
 The Honorable William Brennan, District III  The Honorable Aditi Bussells, 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. June 17, 2025 and June 24, 2025 Economic Development & Infrastructure
 Committee Meeting Minutes

PRESENTATIONS

2. Update on City-owned Commercial Properties - Mr. Spencer Green, Senior
 Brokerage Associate, Trinity Partners

EXECUTIVE SESSION

3. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements
 pursuant to S. C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 · Economic Development Partners

4. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or
 provision of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other
 businesses in the area served by the public body pursuant to S.C. Code §30-
 4-70(a)(5)

 · Project Vulcan 
 · Project Senate
 · 2725 Main Street
 · Capital City Ballpark
 · Project WF

ADJOURNMENT



 Page 1 of 1

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING
 AGENDA
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025

The Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee will conduct a meeting on
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room),
1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. The meeting can be viewed
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 the meeting.

 The Honorable Peter M. Brown, Chair
 The Honorable William Brennan, District III  The Honorable Aditi Bussells, 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. June 17, 2025 and June 24, 2025 Economic Development & Infrastructure
 Committee Meeting Minutes

PRESENTATIONS

2. Update on City-owned Commercial Properties - Mr. Spencer Green, Senior
 Brokerage Associate, Trinity Partners

EXECUTIVE SESSION

3. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements
 pursuant to S. C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 · Economic Development Partners

4. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or
 provision of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other
 businesses in the area served by the public body pursuant to S.C. Code §30-
 4-70(a)(5)

 · Project Vulcan 
 · Project Senate
 · 2725 Main Street
 · Capital City Ballpark
 · Project WF

ADJOURNMENT



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MEETING DATE: August 26, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: June 17, 2025 and June 24, 2025 Economic
 Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting
 Minutes
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
  EDIC_MN_061725 (DOCX)
  EDIC_MN_062425 (DOCX)




Updated: 8/20/2025 4:00 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 2
 1.a




 Attachment: EDIC_MN_061725 (10375 : June 17, 2025 and June 24, 2025 Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes)
 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING
 MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025


CALL TO ORDER

The Columbia Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee conducted a
meeting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737
Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The Honorable Peter M.
Brown, Chair called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. and the following members
were present:

 Attendee Name Title Status
 Peter M. Brown Chair Present
 Will Brennan Member Present
 Aditi Bussells Member Absent

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. April 29, 2025 Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting
 Minutes – Approved

Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Mr. Brown, the Committee
voted unanimously to approve the April 29, 2025 Economic Development &
Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes.

PRESENTATIONS FROM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS

2. City Center Partnership Update - Mr. Matt Kennell, President and CEO –
 Received as information

Mr. Matt Kennell, President and CEO of the Main Street District shared how the
organization supports the City of Columbia’s Economic Development Focus Areas
through efforts to enhance quality of life, safety, walkability, and downtown business
growth. He emphasized the district’s role in attracting and retaining talent,
encouraging entrepreneurship, and promoting a strong city identity. The Yellow Shirt
Ambassadors use smart technology to maintain a clean and safe downtown, while
ongoing communication supports existing businesses. He also outlined key business
challenges and opportunities for Fiscal Year 2025–2026.

There was discussion about communication with businesses in relation to the
Assembly Street project; the vibe on Main Street; merchant feedback regarding
parking changes; and seamless growth versus growth with challenges.



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 Packet Pg. 3
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 Attachment: EDIC_MN_061725 (10375 : June 17, 2025 and June 24, 2025 Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes)
 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING
 MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025


3. USC/Columbia Technology Incubator Update - Mr. Rick Finch, Interim
 Executive Director – Received as information.

Mr. Rick Finch, Interim Executive Director of the USC/Columbia Technology Incubator
shared the organization’s origin as a 501(c)(3) and direct arm of economic
development for the Midlands, with a focus on job creation and innovation. He
clarified the difference between incubators (long-term, product-focused spaces) and
accelerators (short-term, growth-focused programs). He emphasized the need for
improved communication and collaboration within the region’s fragmented innovation
ecosystem and stressed the value of dedicated space for that collaboration. He noted
the incubator’s $22 million economic impact last year, with 60% of companies being
minority-led. He highlighted hitting the metrics set by the committee and what he’s
looking forward to in the future.

There was discussion about looking at spaces in the Vista, Bull Street, or Five Points;
branding initiatives with the City of Columbia; and having multiple locations.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Mr. Brown, the Committee
voted unanimously to enter Executive Session at 9:54 a.m. to discuss Item 4 as
amended to include Project Catalyst.

4. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or provision
 of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses
 in the area served by the public body pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(5)

  Project WF
  Project Momentum
  Project Tango
  Project Catalyst




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 Packet Pg. 4
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 Attachment: EDIC_MN_061725 (10375 : June 17, 2025 and June 24, 2025 Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes)
 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING
 MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025


ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 10:42 a.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC
City Clerk




 Page 3 of 3
 Packet Pg. 5
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 Attachment: EDIC_MN_062425 (10375 : June 17, 2025 and June 24, 2025 Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes)
 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING
 MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025


CALL TO ORDER

The Columbia Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee conducted a
meeting on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737
Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The Honorable Peter M.
Brown, Chair called the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m. and the following members
were present:

 Attendee Name Title Status
 Peter M. Brown Chair Present
 Will Brennan Member Present
 Aditi Bussells Member Present

PRESENTATIONS

1. DESA, Inc. Update - Ms. Diane Sumpter, President & CEO – Received as
 information.

Ms. Diane Sumpter, President & CEO of DESA, Inc. provided an update on the firm’s
work that focuses on being a driver of city growth. She outlined efforts to expand
contracting access by streamlining procurement, accelerating business capacity,
promoting access to capital, and strengthening the overall business ecosystem.
Additional priorities include enhanced transparency and accountability through
improved digital tools and an inclusive outreach campaign. She emphasized talent
attraction and retention for the next generation. She noted that DESA will provide
quarterly performance reports. DESA, Inc. has requested an annual budget of
$250,000 per year over a two-year period to support 2,496 direct labor hours,
management and technical training services, and the implementation of a capacity-
building, outreach, and equity initiative.

There was discussion about businesses working collaboratively in Columbia;
modernizing procurement and payments; helping put Columbia in the forefront;
tracking growth of prime subcontractors; and being future oriented.




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 Packet Pg. 6
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 Attachment: EDIC_MN_062425 (10375 : June 17, 2025 and June 24, 2025 Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes)
 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING
 MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025

2. Boyd Innovation Center Update - Mr. Lanford Holloway, Board Member –
 Received as information

Mr. Lanford Holloway, Board Member for the Boyd Innovation Center outlined their
primary goal of fostering entrepreneurship and helping small businesses grow by
putting founders first. Key objectives for the fiscal year include creating new
founders, supporting existing ones, and expanding the founder pipeline. He reported
hosting over 150 events reaching 1,500 individuals and 20 businesses graduated
from their six-week ColaStarts program. Boyd Innovation Center currently operates
at 75% capacity in their Five Points location and plans to add a new row of office
spaces. Challenges include increasing community support and engagement and
refining success metrics to better evaluate and improve impact.

There was discussion about looking outside of Columbia for entrepreneurship; talent
retention; increasing private sector support; adding Columbia Opportunity Resource
to their tour; and working together as economic development partners for the City.

3. Columbia World Affairs Council Update - Mr. Dickson Monk, Executive Director
 - Received as information

Mr. Dickson Monk, Executive Director of the Columbia World Affairs Council
highlighted key focus areas including business growth, talent retention,
entrepreneurship, and enhancing Columbia’s business-friendly environment. He
shared recent and upcoming international engagement opportunities with delegations
from Egypt and Botswana, as well as connections through sister city and diplomatic
relationships with Ghana, the UK, and South Korea. Efforts are underway to establish
a new sister city relationship with Naju, Korea, while celebrating 25 years with
Kaiserslautern, Germany. Looking ahead to Fiscal Year 2025-2026, the World Affairs
Council is prepared to support potential sister city and international network visits.

4. Central SC Alliance Update – Mr. Jason Guilletti, President & CEO – Received
 as information

Mr. Jason Guilletti, President & CEO of Central SC Alliance shared about the
organization’s shift from building momentum to executing with intention. Central SC
Alliance closed the fiscal year with over 100 company leads and 12 marketing
missions. He emphasized transparency, collaboration with the City, and a new five-
step lead tracking system. Key focus areas include international outreach, real estate
marketing, and targeted industry growth in finance, biotech, and insurance. He urged
earlier engagement from the City to improve planning and support, and announced



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 Packet Pg. 7
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 Attachment: EDIC_MN_062425 (10375 : June 17, 2025 and June 24, 2025 Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes)
 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING
 MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025

the launch of a regional strategic plan outlining sector-specific goals and key
performance indicators.

There was discussion about recruiting associating companies; scheduling a work
session; providing lead generation ideas to the committee; and Central SC providing
a blueprint.

5. Columbia Opportunity Resource Update – Mr. Lee Goble, Chair – Received as
 information

Mr. Lee Goble, outgoing Board Chair of Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR),
shared highlights from the past year, including membership growth, new interest
groups, and expanded talent retention programs like Crash Course Columbia and
Capture Columbia. Moving Capture Columbia to spring helped engage students from
Benedict, Allen, and Columbia International University. COR’s goals for Fiscal Year
25-26 include increasing membership, scaling retention programs, and hiring its first
full-time staff member to address capacity limits. Performance will be tracked through
membership numbers, program participation, and staffing progress. COR is planning
for more community partnerships, including a Table for Six event with the Columbia
World Affairs Council and a new local volunteer management platform.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 11:03 a.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC, CPM
City Clerk




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 Packet Pg. 8
 2




MEETING DATE: August 26, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Update on City-owned Commercial Properties - Mr.
 Spencer Green, Senior Brokerage Associate, Trinity
 Partners
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:




Updated: 8/21/2025 3:19 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 9
 3




MEETING DATE: August 26, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed
 contractual arrangements pursuant to S. C. Code
 §30-4-70(a)(2)
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:

PURPOSE:
  Economic Development Partners




Updated: 8/21/2025 9:51 AM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 10
 4




MEETING DATE: August 26, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Discussion of matters relating to the proposed
 location, expansion, or provision of services
 encouraging location or expansion of industries or
 other businesses in the area served by the public
 body pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(5)
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:

PURPOSE:
   Project Vulcan 
   Project Senate
   2725 Main Street
   Capital City Ballpark
   Project WF




Updated: 8/21/2025 4:27 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 11

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING
 MINUTES
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025


CALL TO ORDER

The Columbia Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee conducted a
meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room),
Second Floor, 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The Honorable
Peter M. Brown, Chair called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m. and the following
members were present:

 Attendee Name Title Status
 Peter M. Brown Chair Present
 Will Brennan Member Present
 Aditi Bussells Member Present

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. June 17, 2025 and June 24, 2025 Economic Development & Infrastructure
 Committee Meeting Minutes – Approved

Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Dr. Bussells, the Committee
voted unanimously to approve the June 17, 2025 and June 24, 2025 Economic
Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes.

PRESENTATIONS

2. Update on City-owned Commercial Properties - Mr. Spencer Green, Senior
 Brokerage Associate, Trinity Partners – Received as information.

Mr. Spencer Green, Senior Brokerage Associate, Trinity Partners provided an
update on Project Catalyst, the City’s growth initiative launched in 2023. He
highlighted key projects such as the new Municipal Complex at 1401 Main Street,
the Finlay Park revitalization, and the new Law Enforcement Center at 400 Laurel
Street. He discussed development plans for Washington Square and Bull & Taylor,
noting a strategic partnership with Trinity Partners to align goals and resources. A
timeline was shared, with marketing and buyer engagement beginning in fall 2025
and a target milestone of April 1, 2026. City Council input will help refine priorities
and finalize next steps.




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 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING
 MINUTES
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025

There was discussion about the economic value of properties; experiences with the
2221 Devine Street purchase; responsibility of building renderings; and the need
for a channeled discussion with potential buyers.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Dr. Bussells, the Committee
voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 1:29 p.m. to discuss Items 3
and 4.

3. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements
 pursuant to S. C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 · Economic Development Partners

4. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or
 provision of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other
 businesses in the area served by the public body pursuant to S.C. Code §30-
 4-70(a)(5)

 · Project Vulcan 
 · Project Senate
 · 2725 Main Street
 · Capital City Ballpark
 · Project WF

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC, CPM
City Clerk




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