Mayor Daniel Rickenmann recently shared his vision for Columbia, emphasizing themes of teamwork and unity in the Midlands. Speaking at the launch of the “State of the Midlands” series hosted by the Urban Land Institute South Carolina, he described Columbia as “the land of opportunity” and “the best kept secret in South Carolina.”
Rickenmann noted that before his administration, a major issue for the Midlands was the lack of collaboration among local leaders. However, he expressed optimism about improvements made in recent times. He mentioned strengthened relationships with neighboring towns such as West Columbia, Cayce, and Lexington, demonstrating a commitment to working together for the betterment of the entire region.
An example of this collaboration is the collective effort to attract Scout Motors to Blythewood, which is planning to invest $2 billion and create 4,000 jobs in the area. Rickenmann highlighted that community growth is interconnected: “If one of us grows, all of us grow. We’re not separated by boundaries. We’re together.”
The mayor also detailed ongoing efforts to engage with the region’s colleges and universities to ensure students feel connected to the community. By forming a “Collegiate Engagement Committee,” Rickenmann aims to discover ways to retain local talent and make it easier for students to settle in the Midlands after graduation. One step taken was to welcome students back to Columbia with a banner, an initiative that hadn’t been done before.
Quality of life remains a priority for Rickenmann, who acknowledged challenges like the lack of downtown housing for young professionals. He emphasized the need for more vertical housing options to accommodate students who prefer living close to work and leisure activities.
Additionally, the city is focused on enhancing its greenways, which could allow residents to navigate the area on foot or by bike, promoting an active lifestyle and reducing reliance on cars.
Economically, Rickenmann indicated that Columbia is thriving, having issued over 1,300 new business licenses in recent years. He celebrated the rise of women-owned businesses, noting that many recent openings have been led by female entrepreneurs, placing South Carolina among the top states for women in business.
Overall, Rickenmann’s message was one of hope and determination, as he envisions a more connected, prosperous, and vibrant Columbia for all its residents.
