Columbia resident survey lists leadership, housing as top concerns

A group study that included input from more than 100 Columbia residents and business owners found city government leadership and affordable housing were the highest concerns of many in the community.

The outcomes of the study were first discussed by the Columbia Vision Commission on Monday. A link to the study is available on the meeting agenda.

A total of 138 Columbia residents and business owners participated in the focus groups in late 2018 and early 2019. Two notable concerns raised by participants fell under the categories “city leadership” and “housing.”

The report said a lack of affordable housing and poor quality of the housing options available were among the housing complaints raised by participants.

The “city leadership” category included several concerns, according to the report.

“City Leadership concerns focused on the need to diversify revenue streams, replace the city manager and police chief, the lack of diversity in leadership and addressing the City’s electric utility capacity, to name a few,” Page 8 of the report said.

One member of the Vision Commission was unsure of how to interpret the category, which received the most responses when participants were asked what the most important thing the city could do for citizens.

“Are (participants) talking about, like City Council, and chief of police and mayor? Or are they talking about everything else?” said commission member Megan Corbin.

The offices of city manager and police chief have not had a permanent occupant for several months. Mike Matthes resigned as city manager in November and, in January, the deputy city manager, JJ Musgrove, left his position.

Ken Burton resigned as the Columbia police chief in January.

Councilman Ian Thomas told ABC 17 News on Monday that the search for a permanent city manager will extend into July. City leaders previously said they hoped to choose a replacement by the end of June.

The city will make an announcement on the city manager hiring process this week, Thomas said.