COLUMBIA – A proposal to beef up Columbia’s downtown business and beautification efforts has business owners taking sides.

Downtown Columbia businesses have used a Special Business District (SBD) to look after their interests for nearly 30 years.

Initially the vision of the program was to fill vacancies in central city properties. Today the project focuses more on beautification to improve the appearance through new street lights, sidewalk amenities, and a touring system that directs visitors.

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Downtown Merchants Debate Improvement Tax