About Us

The Downtown Community Improvement District (CID) is an independent organization dedicated to keeping Columbia’s downtown—The District—vital. We provide programs and services that supplement, but do not replace, basic services provided by the City of Columbia.

The CID encompasses 43 square blocks, more than 300 individual properties, nearly 300 residences, and over 600 businesses, non-profits and government entities.

A 15-member board of directors governs the CID, representing property owners, business owners and residents throughout The District .

The CID is funded through assessments from properties in the district and through a half cent sales tax. CID also receives voluntary contributions from the owners of tax-exempt properties that benefit from our services.

Our History

This organization was first created in 1978 as a Special Business District (SBD) and transformed in 2011 into a CID through a vote of the property owners and the approval of City Council.

The CID, and the SBD before it, have worked to make The District clean, safe, attractive and fun. Program highlights include:

  1. District-wide installation of decorative street lights and sidewalk amenities, including benches, trash cans, newspaper corrals and street banners. Comprehensive wayfinding signage was also installed throughout downtown.
  2. Placement of over 100 properties on the National Register of Historic Places, forming a historic district and making it easier for property owners to receive tax credit assistance for building renovation.
  3. Organized the removal of the Broadway canopies and installation of new street lights and signage—all designed to increase visibility of businesses along Broadway and allow property owners to receive federal and state assistance for historic preservation.
  4. Creation and maintenance of a Downtown Solid Waste District, designed to keep alleyways clear of overflowing dumpsters and pedestrian friendly, while keeping trash rates the lowest in Columbia.
  5. Maintenance of public areas including sidewalk sweeping, alley and parking garage cleaning, graffiti removal and more. As part of an anti-graffiti program, the CID also funds a public mural project.
  6. Marketing and promotion of The District by hosting events, promoting festivals, and maintaining a strong online and social media presence.
  7. Acting as a voice for downtown on both the state and local level, including working to increase incentives for downtown development, protecting Historic Preservation Tax Credits, and working with City Council on a variety of local issues.

Our Mission

The goals of the CID are to:

  • –Protect and strengthen the business, cultural and entertainment environments in The District.
  • –Provide services to those who shop, play and work in The District.
  • –Serve as the voice of businesses and property owners in The District with local and state entities.
  • –Support and coordinate long-term planning for The District.

The Downtown Community Improvement District Board has six areas of focus—Economic Development, Marketing and Events, Communications and Advocacy, Beautification and Capital Improvements, Increased Public Safety, and Enhanced Cleaning and Maintenance. This board also works to promote shopping, dining and entertainment in The District.

With the help of business and property owners, CID Board members are working to increase the attractiveness and the vitality of Columbia's central city.