City Council Work Session | August 4, 2026

The City of Columbia held a City Council Work Session on August 4, 2026, focusing on several key projects and initiatives related to urban infrastructure and technology. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Main Street Lighting Project, where the council discussed plans to enhance nighttime lighting along Main Street to improve safety and aesthetics, supported by the Boyd Foundation. The council expressed strong support for moving forward with the lighting improvements. Additionally, the South Carolina Department of Transportation presented a comprehensive traffic signal analysis for Columbia, including recommendations to retime signals, remove unwarranted signals, and implement pedestrian safety upgrades. Budget considerations were discussed, with an $8 million project budget noted for signal timing and upgrades. The meeting also covered the city's adoption and governance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools across departments, including AI applications in code enforcement, engineering, and utility billing, with pilots underway and policies being developed to ensure transparency, privacy, and ethical use. The council emphasized the importance of oversight in AI procurement and vendor performance. The session concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss contractual negotiations and legal matters related to municipal projects and agreements.