COMO Magazine’s “Day in the Life” series features Columbia pros (and amateurs) who do their part to keep the globe spinning and make life better for the rest of us — often in ways we don’t realize. We especially appreciate opportunities to tell our readers more about individuals and organizations that most of us aren’t […]
A Day in the Life of a Homeless Outreach Officer Read More »
It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as the mayor of Columbia for the past three years — and now, thanks to the trust of our community, I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve again. Running for office is never a simple endeavor. It’s full of early mornings, long
Mayoral Reflections: Public Service Belongs to All of Us Read More »
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
As the new year begins, I find myself reflecting on the privilege of serving as your mayor and the journey that brought me here. In my November column, I shared my belief in authentic leadership — leading in a way that reflects my values and invites everyone to participate. Building on that foundation, my intentions
In the fall of 2021, upon hearing that Ian Thomas was not to run for re-election in Ward 4, I immediately thought that this was my time. I love my city. I had grown quite interested over the last several years in issues important to our city like affordable housing, policing, social issues including the
Recently, I celebrated a very special anniversary as January 15, 2023, was my one-year anniversary as the city manager for the City of Columbia. My first year in the position has been many things, including but not limited to, challenging, exciting, and extremely rewarding. Many residents in Columbia may not know exactly what a city
Celebrating Our Anniversary: One Year as City Manager Read More »
