Keep reading to learn more about the CA proposal and how you can make your voice heard.
Columbia Association (CA) is a nonprofit community services corporation that manages Columbia, MD, home to approximately 100,000 people. Columbia was founded in 1967 by James Rouse and his Howard Research and Development Company. Rouse sought to build a complete city that would respect the land, provide for the growth of people, and ultimately profit.
CA presented a proposal that would allow CA to take over central management of all villages’ community buildings. However, this proposal was met with a lot of opposition from Columbia residents. Keep reading to learn more about this proposal and how you can make your voice heard.
What Happened at the Columbia Association Meeting?
At the last Columbia Association Board of Directors Meeting on February 27, CA staff (Jackie Tuma, Director of Audit and Advisory Services) presented a proposal evaluating various options to take over central management of all villages’ community buildings. Notes from the meeting can be found here.
The CA staff presentation addressed the CA Board goal of: “Evaluate CA assuming management of the buildings currently managed by the village community associations, evaluate opportunities and challenges for both CA and the villages, and develop a plan for Board consideration.”
Opposition from Columbia Residents
There was strong opposition from residents who testified and many CA Board Members. The villages are independent corporations set up to benefit their residents and provide unique community services and programs.
Many in the community agree that they do not want CA involved in any centralized system to manage or sell meeting space/events as villages can do that as a collective group quite easily and keep 100% of the revenue. James Rouse intended that all villages and their boards independently control their villages without interference.
Make Your Voice Heard
Making your voice heard in your community is beneficial for several reasons, and the best part about it is that it doesn’t have to take up much of your time and effort. If you are against CA’s proposal, now is the time to speak up for your community.
One of our neighboring villages, River Hill, started a petition to voice their displeasure with the CA staff’s latest proposal. Click here to view and sign the petition.
Every few decades, the CA staff revives this issue in some form or fashion. The last time was in 2020, through various meetings and presentations. To voice your opinion, send a letter or comments to the following:
THRIVE AT COLUMBIA TOWN CENTER
Town Center is one of the ten villages of Columbia, Maryland. Our Village offices are located in Historic Oakland, one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Howard County. In the heart of Columbia, Town Center’s residents enjoy living in an urban community in a suburban setting with close proximity to all Columbia amenities, attractions, and cultural activities. Visit us to learn more about our community at 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD 21044. Call us at 410-730-4744 or visit our website https://www.columbiatowncenter.org/