'Keys to the City' and first Building Community NOW meetings approaching

COLUMBIA — "Keys to the City," which supports Imagine Columbia’s Future visioning project and Columbia’s effort to be a connected community, will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Activity and Recreation Center, 1701 W. Ash St.

The event includes “Office hours” with Columbia City Council:

• 5 to 7 p.m.: First Ward Councilman Paul Sturtz, Third Ward Councilman Gary Kespohl and Fifth Ward Councilwoman Laura Nauser
• 5:30 to 7 p.m.: Sixth Ward Councilwoman Barbara Hoppe
• 6 to 7 p.m.: Mayor Bob McDavid
• 7 to 9 p.m.: Building Community NOW “What is a Neighborhood Association?” workshop

Several city departments will have staff on hand during the information fair. Prior registration is not required, and residents do not have to attend the entire event.

“The neighborhood workshop has come out of suggestions from Columbia’s neighborhood associations,” Neighborhood Response Coordinator Bill Cantin said. “We don’t really know what to expect.”

The event is intended to help inform the public about city government and provide access to both elected officials and city staff, according to a news release from the Office of Neighborhood Services. More information about this annual event can be found on the city's website.

Following the meeting, the first of four Building Community NOW workshops will be held to address Columbia's neighborhood organization policy. Community members will learn how to develop a city-recognized neighborhood association and gain input from current neighborhood association leaders.

Future workshops that will be held in the series are:

• 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Walton Building, 300 S. Providence Road: Meeting Facilitation
• 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Lenoir Community Center, 3710 Lenoir St.: Strategic Planning
• 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Parkade Center, 601 Business Loop 70 W.: Participation and Marketing

These events are free and open to the public.