Reflecting on Columbia’s Growth

When I first moved to Columbia in 1998 to attend the University of Missouri, the city had a sleepy, small-town charm that was impossible to miss. During university breaks, the town seemed to exhale. Students left, traffic thinned, and downtown quieted. It felt like the whole city hit pause.  

Fast forward to 2025, and Columbia has transformed into a vibrant city alive with activity year-round. Our streets are bustling no matter the season, thanks to the thriving businesses, events, and attractions that have made Columbia a hub for locals and visitors alike. With this growth has come opportunities — and challenges — that we’ve navigated together as a community.  

Over the past twenty-five years, Columbia has grown by nearly 40 percent, with a population that now nears 130,000. Our economy has expanded beyond its strong educational foundation to become a regional leader in healthcare, finance, and technology.  

Some of Columbia’s largest employers today didn’t even exist in 1998. Veterans United Home Loans now employs thousands and has become one of the nation’s leading VA lenders. Columbia was abuzz last fall when it was announced that both HomeGoods and Trader Joe’s are planning to come to Columbia. (This was unimaginable when I first arrived.)  

In terms of culture, Columbia has flourished. The city bought and developed Stephen’s Lake Park into a go-to destination for families, with its walking trails, swimming beach, and community events. The True/False Film Fest has brought thousands of visitors to our downtown every spring, showcasing some of the world’s best documentaries. Our food scene, which includes staples like Shakespeare’s Pizza and newer gems like Logboat Brewing Company and Goldie’s Bagels, has also elevated Columbia’s reputation as a place where local businesses thrive.  

As we’ve grown, challenges reflecting our evolution into a larger city have become more pronounced. Homelessness, public safety, and infrastructure are among the most significant issues we face today, requiring innovative and collaborative solutions. Homelessness is a complex issue that intersects with housing affordability, mental health care, and addiction recovery. Through partnerships with local organizations like Turning Point and Love Columbia, we’re addressing immediate needs by providing shelter, meals, and access to health services.  

In addition, the city is actively working on long-term solutions, including transitional housing, zoning reform to increase housing stock, and increased funding for mental health and substance use treatment programs. Public safety is a cornerstone of any thriving community. While Columbia remains a safe city, we’ve seen the need to invest in programs that prevent crime and build trust between law enforcement and residents. Our Office of Violence Prevention focuses on addressing root causes of crime through community engagement, youth mentorship, and conflict resolution.  

Additionally, efforts are underway to recruit and train more officers to address our challenges and maintain effective service levels.  

Infrastructure is another growing concern, particularly in historically underserved areas like northeast Columbia. Neglected roads, parks, and public spaces have been a source of frustration for residents, and addressing these disparities is a priority. Projects are already underway to improve road safety, expand public transit, and enhance park maintenance in these areas, ensuring all residents benefit from Columbia’s growth.  

As I compare the Columbia of 1998 to the Columbia of today, I see a city that has evolved while staying true to its roots. We can’t make Columbia what it was twenty years ago, nor should we want to — as our growth reflects, Columbia is a place people want to live! By balancing our small-town charm with the possibilities of a larger, more dynamic city, we can ensure that Columbia remains a place where neighbors care for one another, opportunities abound, and the future is brighter than ever. 

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Barbara Buffaloe currently is serving her first term in office as the mayor of Columbia.