Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

Regular Meeting

Columbia, SC · June 17, 2025

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. Page 1 of 3 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 Page 2 of 3 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

Agenda

Packet

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025 The Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee will conduct a meeting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 9:00 a.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, District IV, 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. 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 3. USC/Columbia Technology Incubator Update - Mr. Rick Finch, Interim Executive Director EXECUTIVE SESSION 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 ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 1 1 MEETING DATE: June 17, 2025 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: April 29, 2025 Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS: • EDIC_MN_021125 (DOCX) Updated: 6/13/2025 2:00 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 2 1.a Attachment: EDIC_MN_021125 (10023 : April 29, 2025 Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025 CALL TO ORDER The Columbia Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 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 1:00 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 ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Dr. Bussells, the Committee voted unanimously to adopt the agenda subject to adding Project Catalyst to Item 3 (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)). APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. January 28, 2025 Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes Upon a motion made by Dr. Bussells and seconded by Mr. Brennan, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the January 28, 2025 Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Dr. Bussells, the Committee voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 1:02 p.m. for the discussion of Items 2 and 3 as amended to add Project Catalyst to Item 3. 2. Receipt of legal advice relating to matters covered by attorney-client privilege pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2) Commercial Development Incentive Program Page 1 of 2 Packet Pg. 3 1.a Attachment: EDIC_MN_021125 (10023 : April 29, 2025 Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025 3. 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) 2221 Devine Street Project Sparrow ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 3:14 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC City Clerk Page 2 of 2 Packet Pg. 4 2 MEETING DATE: June 17, 2025 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: City Center Partnership Update - Mr. Matt Kennell, President and CEO FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: Updated: 6/13/2025 2:11 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 5 3 MEETING DATE: June 17, 2025 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: USC/Columbia Technology Incubator Update - Mr. Rick Finch, Interim Executive Director FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: Updated: 6/12/2025 10:28 AM Page 1 Packet Pg. 6 4 MEETING DATE: June 17, 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: FOCUS AREAS: Economic Growth PURPOSE: Project WF Project Momentum Project Tango Updated: 6/12/2025 10:38 AM Page 1 Packet Pg. 7