Press Releases

[Columbus, Georgia, September 2, 2025] – The Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center invites the community to participate in a series of public input sessions titled “Shaping the Future: Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Input Session.” These sessions are designed to gather feedback, ideas, and perspectives from residents to help shape the future vision of this historic and cultural landmark.

All community members are encouraged to attend and share their input. Each meeting will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the following library locations:

• South Columbus (Pete Robinson Room): Wednesday, September 10

• Mildred L. Terry (AKA Room): Tuesday, September 23

• Columbus Public (Auditorium): Thursday, September 25

• North Columbus (Large Conference Room): Thursday, October 9

The Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center encourages broad community participation to ensure the theatre’s future reflects the diverse voices and values of Columbus.

For More Information, Contact:

Kanise Wiggins, Interim Civic Center Director

Wiggins.Kanise@columbusga.org

706-225-484

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Posted on September 02, 2025

[Columbus, Georgia, September 2, 2025] – The 2025 Columbus Classic is set to take place at the Columbus Ice Rink starting September 19–21, bringing eight of the Southeast’s top women’s collegiate hockey teams together for one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year. This three-day showcase of talent, teamwork, and competition highlights the growing presence of women’s hockey in the South—and this year, the excitement will extend to the community with a Girls Try Hockey for Free event on Sunday, September 21, at 10:15 a.m. ET.

Teams from universities across the region—including Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, South Florida, Tennessee, Miami, South Carolina, and Tampa—will compete for the championship title. Fans can expect thrilling games, new rivalries, and a celebration of how far women’s hockey has come in the Southeast. To build on that momentum, College Hockey South and the Columbus Ice Rink are teaming up to give young girls the chance to learn the game alongside the talented teams. The Girls Try Hockey for Free clinic will take place immediately following the tournament, offering first-time players the opportunity to lace up their skates and experience hockey firsthand.

The one-hour session is completely free, but participants must register in advance to attend. All equipment will be provided, and no prior skating or hockey experience is necessary. Certified coaches will be on hand to introduce the basics of skating, stickhandling, and teamwork in a fun and encouraging environment.

Event Details:

  • What: Girls Try Hockey for Free
  • When: Sunday, September 21 | 10:15–11:15 a.m. ET
  • Where: Columbus Ice Rink – Columbus, GA 
  • Cost: FREE (Advance Registration Required) | Equipment Provided | Open to All Girls

Registration is required to participate.

For More Information, Contact:

Jennifer Babin Marketing Manager

babin.jennifer@columbusga.org | (706) 617-7651

&

Savannah Prefontaine

College Hockey South, Assistant Commissioner, Women’s Division

sprefontaine@collegehockeysouth.com | (706) 810-3840

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Posted on September 02, 2025

On September 20th from 8 Am to 9 Pm, 44th Street from 16th Ave to Sherwood Ave will be closed due to the Greater Beallwood Baptist Church Event.

Posted on August 23, 2025

City of Columbus Recognizes Its Second Splash Pad with Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

[Columbus, Georgia, August 20, 2025] – Get ready to make a splash! The City of Columbus is thrilled to cut the ribbon on its second Splash Pad — a brand-new way for families to cool off, play, and have some fun. Conveniently located at Carver Park 6665 Hunter Road, this exciting new feature is sure to be a community favorite.

Join us for a festive Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Monday, August 25 at 4:00 p.m. Bring the kids, wear your sunscreen, and be among those to experience fun!

For more information, contact Holli Browder at HBrowder@columbusga.org or call 706-225-4658. We can’t wait to see you there!


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Posted on August 20, 2025

The Columbus Consolidated Government has released the updated garbage collection schedule in observance of Labor Day – Monday, September 1, 2025.

Please note:

No garbage or recycling pickup will occur on Monday, September 1.
Monday routes will be collected on Wednesday, September 3.
All other services will run on their regular collection day.
Other changes on September 1 include:

311 Citizens Service Center: Closed
Landfills (Granite Bluff & Pine Grove): Closed
Parks & Recreation: All facilities closed except Cooper Creek Tennis Center and Lake Oliver Marina (normal hours)
Civic Center: Administration Office and Ice Rink closed
METRA Bus Service: No service; resumes September 2
Recorder’s Court: 8:00 a.m. advisement session only
Property Tax & Motor Vehicle Registration: Closed
Bull Creek & Oxbow Golf Courses: Open, normal hours

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Posted on August 15, 2025

On October 18th from 6 PM to 12 AM, the corner of 9th street will be closed for the Pharaoh Souls Motorcycle Club. This event will be on a Saturday, so all business will be closed during that time. POC: OFC D. Allen at Piedmont/JBACC 706-580-0917

Posted on August 13, 2025

Georgia law requires that all Annual Notice of Assessments that were returned by the postal service as undeliverable are posted on the County website.

View undeliverable Annual Notice of Assessments »

Posted on August 06, 2025

[Columbus, Georgia, July 31, 2025] – Columbus Consolidated Government, Risk Management Division will
host ‘The Safety Verse’ on Saturday, August 9 11:00 am-2:00 pm at Lakebottom Park, 1505 Cherokee
Avenue Road as part of the Risk and Safety Day to promote safety throughout our community. Organizations
will include, the Columbus Georgia Police Department, Muscogee County Sheriff's Office, Columbus Fire &
EMS, Columbus, GA Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Columbus Parks and Recreation, as
well as other organizations from the Columbus, Georgia area.


Departments will be on-site to discuss how to remain safe and mitigate risks throughout your every day life
while making safety a fun and interactive topic. All ages are welcome! There will also be free giveaways and
food trucks will be available.


Topics will include: Boat Safety, Water Safety, Fire Safety, Pedestrian Safety, Gun Safety, Bicycle Safety and
so MUCH MORE!!


If you have an organization that would like to be a part of this effort, please contact Khayla Truitt (Risk
Management Intern) at 706-330-4248 or truitt.khayla@columbusga.org.


For more information contact:
Khayla Truitt
706-330-4248
truitt.khayla@columbusga.org

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Posted on July 31, 2025

The 2025 Liberty District Master Plan was adopted by City Council on May 27, 2025.

Read full press release »

Posted on July 09, 2025

Misleading Mail Targets Georgians, Charging Fees for Free Services

The Tax Assessors and Commissioners' offices are warning residents about mail that looks like official government documents. These solicitations charge fees for services that are actually free.


Columbus, GA-June 27, 2025- Suzanne Widenhouse, Chief Appraiser, and David Britt, Muscogee County Tax Commissioner, are warning citizens about mail that has been showing up throughout Georgia. The third-party solicitations look like government documents and charge fees for services that are free to the public.


“Our office does not charge fees for filing homestead applications or claiming excess funds from tax sales.” said David Britt. “There are many third-party asset recovery companies charging service fees to citizens. They are not affiliated with my office. If you receive a letter, contact my office to verify its validity.”


The Tax Assessors office also does not charge for filing appeals. “We have three different ways for taxpayers to file appeals with the Tax Assessors office; they can file online, via the mail or coming to the office in person.” Said Suzanne Widenhouse. “We do not charge any fees for filing an appeal, if you have any questions regarding your value, your notice of assessment or the appeal process, please reach out to the Tax Assessors office, staff are ready and willing to assist.”


The deadline to file appeals is close of business July 3, 2025. This deadline includes filing for the homestead exemption for those who missed the prior deadline of April 1, 2025. If you owned and occupied your home by January 1,2025 and had not previously filed for homestead you may be eligible. Please visit www.columbusga/org/taxassessors for more information or in person at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, GA 31906


The Tax Assessors office is responsible for the appraisal of all taxable property, real and personal, that the county Board of Assessors is required to assess. The Tax Commissioner’s Office is responsible for collecting real and personal property taxes.


For More Information, Contact:


Board of Tax Assessors Muscogee County Tax Commissioner’s Office CCGBOA@columbusga.org TaxCommissioner@columbusga.org

706-653-4398 706-653-4211

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Posted on June 27, 2025

Columbus Named One of the Top 20 Best-Run Cities in America by Wallethub


[Columbus, Georgia, June 23, 2025] – The City of Columbus has been recognized as one of the Top 20 BestRun Cities in America in a recent 2024 study by WalletHub, a national financial and data analysis platform.
The city ranked #20 overall, standing out among 148 of the nation’s most populated cities for its effective use
of taxpayer dollars and strong service delivery.


Each year, WalletHub evaluates how well city governments manage public funds by comparing the quality of
services residents receive with the city’s total budget per capita. This comprehensive analysis measures 36
key performance indicators across six essential categories:
• Financial Stability
• Education
• Health
• Safety
• Economy
• Infrastructure & Pollution


Columbus achieved one of the best cost-to-quality ratios in the country, delivering high-impact services across
public safety, education, and economic development, while maintaining sound fiscal management. The ranking
underscores the city’s commitment to transparent governance, accountability, and continuous improvement.


Key Highlights from the Report:
• Columbus ranks #20 overall out of 148 cities for overall city performance and budget management.
• The city stands out in Safety and Financial Stability, performing better than many larger metropolitan
areas.
• Columbus also scored highly in Infrastructure & Pollution, showing its investments in roads,
facilities, and sustainable practices are paying off.

Columbus joins a short list of cities that WalletHub identified as models for efficient governance. Others in the
top 20 include Nampa, ID, Boise, ID, Durham, NC, and Lexington, KY.

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Posted on June 23, 2025

BOARD OF ASSESSORS WEEKLY MEETINGS
[Columbus, Georgia, June 23, 2025] – The Board of Assessors has announced a change to the weekly meeting
schedule. Beginning August 6, 2025, Board meetings will take place on Wednesday morning, 9 AM. The
location of the meetings is unchanged, they will continue to take place in the Tax Assessors’ boardroom, located
on the 2nd floor of the Citizens Service Center, 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, GA 31906.

Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Staff are available to assist taxpayers in answering questions
and may be reached by calling 706-653-4398 or emailing ccgboa@columbusga.org. Requests to be placed on
the agenda are available in the office or online at www.columbusga.org/taxassessors


For More Information, Contact:
Board of Tax Assessors
CCGBOA@columbusga.org
706-653-4398

Read full press release »

Posted on June 23, 2025