General

Regular Meeting

Columbia, SC · March 10, 2026

Minutes

Columbia Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Call to Order The Columbia Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The Honorable Peter M. Brown, Chair, called the meeting to order at 11:04 a.m. The Honoroable Will Brennan and The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey were present. Approval of Minutes 1. February 10, 2026 Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes Upon a motion made by Mr. Bailey and seconded by Mr. Brennan, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the February 10, 2026 Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes. Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Mr. Bailey, the Committee voted unanimously to adopt the agenda subject to adding Project Kick and 2001 Taylor Street to Item 4. Presentations 2. Columbia Ambassador Program – Ms. Payton Lang, Policy and Programs Advisor / Office of the Mayor Ms. Payton Lang, Policy and Programs Advisor / Office of the Mayor introduced the Columbia Ambassador Program as a collaborative effort designed to bridge the City’s vision with the private sector. The initiative aims to cultivate storytellers and advocates who can promote Columbia’s growth and opportunities. The program will focus on three key areas: industry feedback, organic lead generation, and story amplification, while advancing a unified city message. The proposed pilot includes a cohort of 10 ambassadors serving a one-year term. The inaugural class will be nominated and approved by the committee, with the long-term goal of expanding the program through a formal application process. There was discussion about the Port Ambassador Program; proposal timeline; ambassador expectations; cost of participation; and naming of the group. Presentations from Economic Development Partners 3. USC/Columbia Technology Incubator – The MIX Update – Mr. Rick Finch, Executive Director, The Midlands Innovation X-Change Mr. Rick Finch, Executive Director, Midlands Innovation X-Change provided an update on Page 1 of 2 Innovation Plaza, noting that bids for the two-building project vary by about $185,000 and that the Middletons are willing to fund all but approximately $100,000 of the up fit costs. He emphasized that the space is important for attracting and retaining companies and investment dollars. He also described a broader shift toward a regional innovation strategy, focused on collaboration, gap identification, and tackling larger issues beyond a traditional incubator model. Efforts include building partnerships with organizations such as AT&T, the Andrews Institute, Palmetto College, and regional academic institutions to strengthen long- term innovation capacity. There was discussion about a funding stairstep; lack of private equity; and exploring partnerships. Executive Session Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Mr. Bailey, the Committee voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 11:36 to discuss Item 4 as amended. 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 Bowtie • Project Perimeter • Project WF Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Erika D. Moore Hammond, MMC, CPM City Clerk Page 2 of 2

Agenda

Packet

Columbia Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Agenda Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM City Hall • Mayor's Conference Room 1737 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201 City Clerk’s Office: (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov The Honorable Peter M. Brown, District IV, Chair The Honorable William Brennan, District III • The Honorable Tyler Bailey, At-Large Call to Order Approval of Minutes 1. February 10, 2026 Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes Presentations 2. Columbia Ambassador Program – Ms. Payton Lang, Policy and Programs Advisor / Office of the Mayor Presentations from Economic Development Partners 3. USC/Columbia Technology Incubator – The MIX Update – Mr. Rick Finch, Executive Director, The Midlands Innovation X-Change 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 Bowtie • Project Perimeter • Project WF Adjournment Page 1 of 1 Page 1 of 4 Columbia Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 10, 2026 Call to Order The Columbia Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The Honorable Peter M. Brown, Chair called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. The Honorable Will Brennan and The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey were present. Upon a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Bailey, the Committee voted unanimously to amend the agenda subject to adding the Convention Center to Item 3. Approval of Minutes 1. November 11, 2025 Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Mr. Bailey, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the November 11, 2025 Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes. Presentation 2. Columbia Area Development Partnership Update - Mr. Jeff Ruble, CEO of CADP Mr. Jeff Rumble, CEO of CADP discussed the evolution of the commercial development program, which has undergone several updates since 2014 to encourage investment and to keep fees competitive. The program is now implemented through multi-county industrial parks and includes incentives linked to public infrastructure and workforce housing. He also shared recommended changes, including minimum investment thresholds and ensuring developers contribute financially, while encouraging discussion about future priorities such as housing affordability and student housing. There was discussion about safety and quality of life; the Columbia Urban Development partnership; program sunset; additional parking needs; the intersection of economic tipping points; and additional property models. Executive Session Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Mr. Bailey, the Committee voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 2:29 p.m. to discuss Item 3. Page 1 of 2 Page 2 of 4 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 • Capital City Ballpark • 2001 Taylor Street • Devine Street Pedestrian Bridge • Project WF • Project Cardinal • Project Stoa • Project Olympus • Convention Center Adjournment This meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Erika D. Moore Hammond, MMC, CPM City Clerk Page 2 of 2 Page 3 of 4 Meeting Date: March 10, 2026 Department: Office of the City Clerk From: Erika Hammond, City Clerk Columbia Ambassador Program – Ms. Payton Lang, Policy and Programs Advisor / Office of the Mayor Background Summary: Attachments: None 03/06/2026 2:58 PM Page 1 Page 4 of 4