Downtown Columbia Partnership is Celebrating its 10th Anniversary

The Downtown Columbia Partnership (DTCP), created by Howard County legislation to support the redevelopment of Columbia’s center, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a members appreciation reception and enhanced opportunities for local residents and visitors to participate in community activities in Downtown Columbia.

Creation of DTCP was called for in the Downtown Columbia Plan, unanimously adopted by the Howard County Council in 2010. The Plan guides the redevelopment of 391 acres in the central core, designated Downtown Columbia, of the city.

DTCP, a non-profit organization, was created to help establish Downtown Columbia as an urban community and a destination of choice for people to live, work, play and visit. Its main functions include marketing Downtown Columbia, initiating and sponsoring cultural arts, and supporting transportation initiatives and sustainability programs.

“The Downtown Columbia Partnership fosters a physical and cultural environment that is a magnet for leading edge companies, major civic institutions, interesting stores and restaurants, visionary residents and curious visitors,” said Executive Director Phillip Dodge.

DTCP has become known for its schedule of events, created and produced in partnership with Howard Hughes Holdings, Merriweather Arts and Culture Commission, Columbia Association, The Mall in Columbia, and others in an effort to activate both the Merriweather and Lakefront Districts and draw attention to their natural and commercial attractions.

Among the signature DTCP events, designed to establish Downtown Columbia as a center of culture and commerce and to entertain residents and visitors, are:

Books in Bloom was first launched in 2017. Its star headliner was Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, an audience-pleaser with a thoughtful and inspiring program. The festival, held in tents in Color Burst Park in the Merriweather District, attracts over 2,000 attendees. Books in Bloom is next scheduled for May 10, 2025.

Discover Downtown Columbia 5/10K, now its 10th year, attracts serious runners and those out to enjoy a 1-Mile Family Fun Run. The race is multi-purpose: to encourage healthy activities, to showcase the natural surroundings, and to introduce retailers along the way.

BikeAround Around Downtown is a promotion and transportation initiative designed to introduce cyclists to the natural beauty of Downtown Columbia and nearby trails and pathways and to encourage recreational cycling as an alternative to driving.

Festive Fridays, a trio of holiday-themed events set for Dec. 6, 13 and 20, includes two nights of family activities and a cocktail crawl designed to introduce participants to Lakefront restaurants and pop-ups from other Downtown Columbia dining places.

Culinary Walking Tours are popular events that highlight Downtown Columbia’s many restauranteurs who offer specialty drinks and small plates to participants who are also putting in their steps and familiarizing themselves with walking routes to local businesses while experiencing the walkability of the growing Downtown.

In addition to its events and activities, DTCP is known for its efforts to increase the walkability of the Downtown Columbia area and to reduce auto use. In partnership with the Howard County Office of Transportation, DTCP has held information-gathering meetings with residents and representatives of Downtown Columbia businesses and led walk audits to identify improvements for pedestrians and ways to incentivize alternatives to auto-dependency for getting to work, stores and places of entertainment. A Commuter Incentives Happy Hour was held in the Spring to share information directly with employees working in Downtown Columbia.

DTCP is governed by a Board of Directors including Chairman Greg Fitchitt of Howard Hughes Holdings, Secretary Rashida George of Howard Hughes Holdings; Jennifer Jones of Howard County Economic Development Authority, Shawn MacInnes of Columbia Association, Mary Williams of The Mall in Columbia, Kimberly Prescott of Prescott HR, and resident Alyse Carter.

The Downtown Columbia Partnership Membership Program includes the following levels: Gold, $10,000; Silver, $5,000; and Bronze, $2,500. Benefits are commensurate with membership level and include signage and other recognition at events and in promotional materials and social media. For information, contact Phillip Dodge, phillip@dtcpartnership.com, or visit www.dtcpartnership.com.