Council approves riverfront design contract as Boyd Foundation pledges $5 million

Columbia City Council voted to award a professional services contract for the newly launched riverfront master plan and acknowledged a $5,000,000 pledge from the Boyd Family Foundation toward the project.

City staff said the contract (award to Fill Operations LLC for design and planning services) will begin after a notice to proceed and initially run for one year with options to renew. The record stated the firm is based in Philadelphia and will be responsible for master planning and design work; staff noted the contract amount cap was discussed in the agenda packet but the publicly available transcript language did not specify the final not‑to‑exceed dollar in that presentation.

George Bailey of the Boyd Family Foundation presented a ceremonial check on behalf of the foundation and told the council, “I've got a check here for $5,000,000 to the City of Columbia.” Mayor Rickman and councilmembers thanked foundation partners and area stakeholders, saying the design work is intended to open river access, connect trails and support surrounding development options.

Council recorded unanimous aye votes on the contract and related resolution forming the Riverfront District with Richland County, authorizing a memorandum of understanding to manage planning and long‑term maintenance.

Next steps: staff will finalize the professional services contract, begin the design process and coordinate with Richland County and other partners on implementation and funding strategies.