Tourism and infrastructure highlighted in City of Columbia ‘State of the City’ address

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

City of Columbia Manager De'Carlon Seewood highlighted community involvement and infrastructure projects during Friday's State of the City address.

This year's theme is "Building a Stronger Columbia Together."

Seewood reported tourism from fiscal year 2025 generated more than $577 million in spending and supported over 11,500 local jobs. Adding that sales tax revenues through this helps fund the city's parks and agriculture.

Projects Seewood cited included the Phase II Columbia Sports Fieldhouse expansion. The project was completed at the beginning of 2026 and added four new hardwood courts and several meeting spaces and facilities to the center. The $5.8 million project was funded in part by the city's Park Sales tax and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Set to open this year is Whitegate Park, which broke ground in the fall of 2024. The over $350,000 project will add a playground, basketball and handball court to Columbia's Third Ward and the "Clark Lane Corridor." It is similarly funded by the park sales tax.

"Building a stronger Columbia Together means strengthening every part of our economy," Seewood said. "Our Parks and Recreation System continues to play an important role in the quality of life across Columbia, and it remains one of the more visible ways residents experience community."

During his speech, Seewood also pushed for long-term planning and community engagement for infrastructure projects, highlighting the importance of making intentional decisions and listening to the community for improvement needs.

"As the city evolves, the relationship between government and the community must evolve with it," Seewood said.