Yesterday we celebrated the dedication of Columbia Housing Authority’s Kinney Point Apartments, 34 new housing units in the Ridgeway neighborhood. It’s been remarkable watching this infill development named after Mr. Marvin Kinney, who served on the CHA Board, take shape.

Introducing the official graphic for the 2026 Missouri Birding Challenge! Join birders across the state May 1-22. Prepare by tuning into our free webinar series led by experts from across the state. Details at short.mdc.mo.gov/owJ

Today was the 7th annual Black Business Expo at Columbia College. Grateful for the James and Annelle Whitt Foundation and Columbia College in helping Black and Minority vendors connect with both college students and the broader community.

As big tech moves AI & autonomous vehicles into our communities it’s important that we move at the speed of safety, not the speed of Silicon Valley stock options. #MoLeg columbiamissourian.com/news/state_new…

Interested in helping your community during an emergency or natural disaster event? Consider joining the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The Boone County Office of Emergency Management will start the next CERT training course in March.

Appreciated the opportunity to present to the Missouri REALTORS Leadership Academy yesterday about local government and steps the County is taking to reform codes with a focus on housing affordability.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 89.15% of Missouri is "abnormally dry", which is unchanged from a week ago. Just over 1% of the state is in extreme drought status. A Drought Alert is in effect until April 1. Report local drought conditions at ow.ly/v9gV50UHBl5.

19 years ago today this 19 year old died for this country. From now on he’ll have been gone for longer than he got to live and it’s always going to be that way.

Pleased to see progress on the PEACE & HOPE Teen Center this morning. Construction is expected to wrap up soon with the Center opening sometime this spring. It’s an important space for teens and the community.

Don’t know what all the hubbub was about that halftime show was great.

Received an update on the Jefferson Farms construction project at last night’s Boone County Extension Council Annual Meeting. The new facility is expected to be complete this spring and will provide additional classroom and event space at Jefferson Farms.

Truly appreciate the MO House Budget Committee discussing the 524 individuals across the state who have been deemed incompetent to stand trial but remain in county jails because of lack beds/capacity at DMH. This is a HUGE problem. This number continues to grow every year. #moleg

AARP MO is looking for our next Volunteer State President! 🌟 Give back. 🌟 Make friends. 🌟 Change lives. 🌟 Make an impact right here in Missouri! Application deadline: Feb. 27. Apply today! Love to hear from you! Click link to apply by February 27: spr.ly/6015hudkv

Let’s go!!!!!!

Public Safety Childcare Center is starting to take shape. Steel installed this week. Construction is on track to be completed this summer.

Columbia has seen a 95 percent population growth since Columbia REDI was formed in 1988. Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick tells me REDI has had a big impact on the economic growth of the region. 939 the Eagle, KSSZ in Columbia, Mo.

The entire Manchester Orchestra family has been devastated by the sudden passing of our brother, Timothy Very. The most beloved human being any of us were lucky enough to know in this life. We’ve all been dreading sharing this news as we are all still in absolute disbelief.

There is an elevated risk of fire today between 10am and 6pm primarily in areas north of I-70 due to high winds gusts, low humidity, and dry vegetation. Please avoid burning today and tomorrow.