What We Do:
Columbia is leading the state in downtown development with South Carolina's first Business Improvement District (BID). City Center Partnership was formed to manage Columbia's downtown BID in the 36-block area bounded by Gervais, Elmwood, Assembly and Marion streets. The organization provides public space management, economic development, marketing services, and public advocacy for downtown Columbia. The Board of Directors oversee the organization's mission — to focus on filling vacancies in commercial properties, retaining existing downtown businesses and recruiting new ones, expanding the downtown residential base, and creating a safe, clean, and friendly downtown environment.
Our staff:
 Matt Kennell
President and CEO
Matt@citycentercolumbia.sc
Matt Kennell has over 20 years experience in urban planning, economic development and business improvement district management. After graduating with a Masters Degree in Public Administration and Growth Management from Florida Atlantic University, Mr. Kennell worked in Boca Raton, Florida and Hampton, Virginia in a variety of roles including City Planner, Main Street Manager, Community Development Manager and Senior Analyst before moving to Roanoke, VA to serve as the president of Downtown Roanoke Inc. (DRI). As president of DRI, he was responsible for overseeing a comprehensive downtown development program, which included attracting downtown businesses and residents, overseeing two downtown planning processes, and managing the Roanoke Foundation for Downtown. In January of 2002, Mr. Kennell was selected to be the first Executive Director of the newly formed City Center Partnership. Currently, he serves as President and CEO of the organization.
Mr. Kennell is a former Board member of the International Downtown Association and former president of the Virginia Downtown Development Association.
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Karel Givens
Roger Davis
Daniel Long
Lorri-Ann Carter 
