City Council Work Session | July 21, 2026

The City of Columbia held a City Council Work Session on July 21, 2026, focusing primarily on proposed road diet projects for Taylor Street and Laurel Street near Findlay Park. City staff presented preliminary design concepts aimed at improving pedestrian and cyclist safety, adding angled parking, and calming traffic. Discussions included the configuration of bike lanes, parking layouts (45-degree versus 60-degree angled parking), and the integration of transit shelters and bike parking. The estimated cost for the combined Taylor and Laurel Street improvements is approximately $6 million, with Taylor Street alone estimated at $3.5 million. The council discussed potential impacts on traffic flow, community feedback, and coordination with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). Plans include further design refinements, public input sessions, and technical drawings before implementation. Additionally, the council approved a motion to enter executive session to discuss legal advice and contractual negotiations related to various city matters, including franchise fees, artificial intelligence use, and municipal court relocation.