Statement Permitting Super Bowl Sunday Sales

In anticipation of the Super Bowl which will take place on Sunday February 9,
2025, the Mayor hereby advises that all holders of an on-premises local alcohol
license may be open and sell and serve all alcoholic beverages which they are
otherwise licensed to sell. In accordance with state law, hours of service shall begin
at 11:00 A.M. and continue until 12:00 midnight, and all patrons will vacate the
premises within 20 minutes thereafter in accordance with Columbus Code Section
3-12(f).
Official Code of Georgia Annotated §3-3-7(r) authorizes local governments to
designate by resolution one Sunday during each calendar year for lawful sale and
consumption of mixed drinks, beer and wine on premises where Sunday service
would not otherwise be permitted under State law, and the Sunday approved for such
Sunday sales for the calendar year 2025 shall be February 9, 2025.
This declaration has the support of the Columbus Council and will be formally
ratified by Resolution at the next Council meeting to be held on February 11, 2025.

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
Lakebottom Park Trail to Fall Line Trace Trail
Connector

ity Officials invites the public to a community meeting to discuss the Lakebottom Park Trail to Fall Line
Trace Trail Connector project. This important project aims to improve access and connectivity between
Lakebottom Park and the Fall Line Trace Trail, enhancing the trail system for outdoor enthusiasts and
community members.

Meeting Details:
• Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
• Time: 4:00-6:00p.m.
• Location: St. Paul Church, 2101 Wildwood Avenue

2025 Empty Bowl Fundraiser
Benefitting the Kids Café Program at Feeding the Valley Food Bank
March 9, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Northside Recreation Center
2010 American Way, Columbus, GA
Cost: $20 for Adults, $10 for Children under 12

[Columbus, Georgia, February 4, 2025] – “The Empty Bowls Project” is an international, grassroots effort to
raise funds and awareness about hunger. Each year the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department holds its
main charity fundraiser “The Empty Bowl Luncheon” benefitting the Kids Café program of Feeding the Valley
Food Bank. This program provides more than 2,000 hot, nutritional meals and snacks every weekday after
school and throughout the summer to low-income children at more than 24 locations in Columbus, and Phenix
City. In addition to providing hot meals to children, the Kids Café program also offers a safe haven, where
under the supervision of trustworthy staff, a child can get involved in educational, recreational, and social
activities.

This year the Empty Bowl Luncheon will be on Sunday, March 9, 2025, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Northside
Recreation Center, 2010 American Way, Columbus GA.
Ticket holders will be able to choose a hand-painted or handmade bowl as part of their ticket price, from among
hundreds of uniquely made pieces and enjoy all-you-can-eat “homemade” style soups, bread, desserts, and
drinks. Proceeds benefit the Kids Café Program. Every ticket sold will provide 120 meals. Additional bowls are
available for sale for $15 each.

Ticket Information:
Cost: $20 for Adults, $10 for Children under 12
Tickets can be purchased online at feedingthevalley.org/events.
Tickets can also be purchased at the Empty Bowl luncheon at Northside Recreation Center on March 9.

The Columbus City Council intends to opt out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption for the Columbus, Georgia Consolidated Government.

All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this matter to be held at the City Services Center, Council Chambers, 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, GA 31906, on February 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Times and places of additional public hearings on this matter are at the City Services Center, Council Chambers, 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, GA 31906, on February 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. and February 11, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

NO CHANGE TO THE CURRENT FROZEN ASSESSMENT HOMESTEAD
Among the reasons that the City Council wishes to explore opting out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption is that the Columbus, Georgia Consolidated Government is already impacted by a county-wide freeze on the assessed fair market values of homestead property and affirms that with the opt-out all existing local homestead exemptions, including the local Frozen Assessment Homestead, will remain unchanged. The decision to hold these hearings follows a thorough review of the potential long-term impact on local taxpayers, city revenues, retention of local control, and provides flexibility for the future that is not afforded by the state exemption. Details on current exemptions can be found at https://www.columbusga.gov/taxassessors/exemptions.htm.

Tree Planting and Host Cleanup
Keep Columbus Beautiful and Trees Columbus plant trees and host Cleanup in memory of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr.

[Columbus, Georgia, January 16, 2025] – On Friday, January 17, 2025, Keep Columbus Beautiful, Trees
Columbus, Columbus Parks and Recreation, and Public Works are partnering again to plant trees in honor
of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The tree planting will be followed by a cleanup effort of the park. We will be
planting trees and hosting the cleanup at Lakebottom Park (meet at the bandshell) located at 1505 Cherokee
Ave from 9:00am-10:30am.

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

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!