City of Columbus Wins Prestigious 2025 Audrey Nelson Community Development Award
The City of Columbus is honored to receive the 2025 Audrey
Nelson Community Development Award from the National Community Development Association (NCDA).
This distinguished recognition highlights innovative, collaborative, and impactful community development
projects. It also marks the City’s second win in three years, reflecting its unwavering dedication to fostering
transformative partnerships.

This year’s award acknowledges the exceptional collaboration between the City of Columbus and The Food
Mill, Inc., a nonprofit devoted to reducing food insecurity and promoting community health. By joining forces,
the City and The Food Mill have implemented sustainable solutions that improve access to nutritious food and
empower residents across Columbus.

LIBERTY THEATRE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS WITH A 5K RUN:
"THE SOUL OF THE COMMUNITY”

The historic Liberty Theatre is excited to announce a special event
to commemorate its 100th anniversary: a 5K Run themed “The Soul of the Community.” This celebratory run
will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 8:00 AM. The event invites the community to come together to
honor a century of cultural and artistic excellence while supporting the future of this cherished landmark.

Event Details:
• Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
• Check-In Time: 8:00 AM
• Race Time: 9:00 AM
• Location: 821 8th Ave, Columbus, GA 31901

• Registration Fees:
o Adults: (Ages 12 and older): $50
o Kids: (Ages 11 and younger): $30

Register by February 22, 2025, to receive a free commemorative T-shirt and medal. Proceeds from the event
will go directly toward funding future performances and programming at the Liberty Theatre, ensuring its
mission to bring art, culture, and history to the Columbus community continues for generations to come.
For more information and to register, visit https://www.universe.com/events/liberty-theatre-5k-run-ticketsZRXW83

On March 29th, 2025, 1000 Bay Avenue, Dilligham Bridge, and 10th Street between Bay Avenue and Front Avenue will be closed from 5 AM to 9 PM.

The 1100 block of Broadway road will be closed on the following days from 5 PM to 10 PM:

• Friday, April 11th, 2025
• Friday, April 18th, 2025
• Friday, April 25th, 2025
• Friday, September 5th, 2025
• Friday, September 12th, 2025
• Friday, September 26th, 2025
• Friday, October 3rd, 2025

Starting on Saturday, January 18th, 2025 at 8:30 AM, 9th Street (between 2nd Avenue & Front Avenue) will be closed until 10 AM.

On Saturday, February 8th, 2025, roads will be closed intermittently from 8:30am to 10:30am.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Serve-A-Thon
Keep Columbus Beautiful and Turn Around Columbus Inc. to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On Monday, January 20, 2025, Keep Columbus Beautiful (KCB)
in partnership with Turn Around Columbus Inc. (TAC) will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
with their eighth annual community cleanup of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Outdoor Learning Trail from
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Volunteers are instructed to gather at the two locations listed below by 10:00 AM. Bags and gloves will be
provided by KCB.

• Carver High School (3100 8th Street, Columbus, GA 31906 – Meet in Front)
• A.J. McClung YMCA (1175 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Columbus, GA, 31906)

Participants start from the two meeting points and end at TAC’s George Washington Carver Victory Garden and
Farm, located at 1830 Shepherd Dr., Columbus, GA 31906 (behind the Marshall Success Center).
Lunch will follow the cleanup and be provided by Chester’s BBQ. Volunteers will then head back to their
starting locations with the option to take the available shuttle.

Join us in making a difference and honoring Dr. King’s legacy through service and unity!

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
17th Street/13th Avenue/Linwood Blvd
Intersection Improvement

City officials will host a public meeting to discuss proposed intersection improvements and
what it encompasses. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 15th from 4:00-
6:00p.m. at the Gallops Senior Center, 1212 15th Street. We encourage residents to attend this
important meeting.

Columbus, Georgia to Host 2025 Dream Lives: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

The city of Columbus, Georgia, is proud to announce the 2025 Dream Lives: Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. Celebration, taking place on Saturday, January 18, 2025. This inspiring event will honor
the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a champion of civil rights and social
justice, with festivities beginning at 9 AM on the steps of the Government Center in downtown
Columbus.
“We look forward to this event each year. It allows us, toward the beginning of the year, to be
reminded of Dr. King’s grace, humility, and leadership,” said Mayor Skip Henderson.
The celebration will feature the renowned Rapper MC Lyte. Known as a hip-hop pioneer, MC
Lyte, is also an actress, speaker, and philanthropist. MC Lyte will be guiding attendees through a
morning filled with powerful reflections, music, and community engagement. Following the
opening ceremony, the festivities will culminate at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center at
10 AM, where guests will continue to celebrate Dr. King’s enduring impact.

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE Columbus Consolidated Government PAWS HUMANE NEGOTIATIONS PUBLIC INPUT MEETING

City Officials will host a public meeting in regards to the negotiations between PAWS Humane and the Columbus Consolidated Government to answer questions, hear concerns and receive
valuable input on the memorandum of understanding between the two agencies.

This meeting will take place Monday, December 30, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Columbus Council Chambers.

For Information, Contact:
Michelle Brown-Mang
(706) 225-4665
Mbrown-Mang@Columbusga.or