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 worked in urban development and management for nearly 30 years in a variety of roles including City Planner, Main Street Manager, Community Development Manager, and in Business Improvement District (BID) management in Florida, Virginia, and South Carolina.
He currently serves as the President and CEO of City Center Partnership in Columbia, SC, which provides public space management, economic development, retail recruitment, homeless outreach, public advocacy, and planning. Since the Columbia BID was formed in 2002, three new office towers have been constructed, office and residential occupancy has increased, two new hotels have been developed, parking has improved, a comprehensive homeless services facility has opened its doors, and retailers are returning to South Carolina's Main Street.
Matt served on the International Downtown Association (IDA) Board of Directors for six years, is a former President of the Virginia Downtown Development Association, and is a founding member of the ULI South Carolina Center for Sustainable Leadership. He has provided consulting services independently and with other IDA leaders in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Mexico, New York, and Ohio.
He is married and has two college age daughters.
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Karel Givens
Roger Davis
Andre Chambers
Lorri-Ann Carter 
Heather Spires