The City of Columbia is proud to announce the successful completion of the inaugural Columbia 101 program, an initiative designed to engage residents with local government and community services. Held on September 17th and 18th, Columbia 101 provided participants with a unique, hands-on opportunity to interact with city officials, learn about municipal services, and explore avenues for community involvement.
Mayor Chaz Molder praised the program’s impact, stating, “Columbia 101 gives our residents an opportunity to go behind the scenes and understand the inner workings of their local government. It bridges the gap between our administration and the community, fostering engagement, collaboration, and a shared sense of responsibility. I am proud of the success of this inaugural program and excited to see it continue.”
The two-day program kicked off at the Columbia Police Department, where attendees were introduced to the city’s twelve departments, including Development Services, Fire & Rescue, and Public Works. Participants also toured select facilities, gaining firsthand insights into how vital city services are delivered.
City Manager Tony Massey emphasized the long-term benefits of the initiative: “Columbia 101 is an integral part of the City of Columbia’s long-term strategic plan to build a well-informed and engaged community. By educating residents about city operations and resources, we empower them to contribute to the growth and development of Columbia.”
The program was created and facilitated by Marketing Coordinator Lexi Dearborn, who explained the vision behind Columbia 101: “The city is committed to strengthening transparency between residents and local government. Columbia 101 was designed with that goal in mind, providing an opportunity for residents to gain valuable insights into city operations. Our aim is to build a more informed and engaged community that plays an active role in shaping Columbia’s future.”
Participants shared positive feedback, with one attendee remarking, “There is so much to be proud of here in Columbia. There is an abundance of riches in the quality of government in all departments. Columbia 101 is an experience everyone should take advantage of.”
Columbia 101 will be offered twice per year and is open to all City of Columbia and Maury County residents. The next session will be announced in the coming months, and those interested are encouraged to apply.
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