Hello!

When we scheduled we were told we could have a max of 75 people. We will have approximately 30 including us two,maybe less. I have confirmed that is okay with the city but,

I saw a few posts about them giving wedding parties attitude about having more than 10 people

Can anyone confirm or deny this?

Thank you!

Hi there! Moved to Como less than a year ago from a small town. Como has names for areas and I don't see how to find out where to find those. I am looking to move to the area of where Forum and Nifong meet. Not sure how to find rentals as most people as the name of the neighborhood. Hope this makes sense. I am looking for a 2-3 bed/ 2 bath one level home with garage in $1,000 - $1,400 if that's even possible in that area. Thanks to anyone reading this and responding.

Thoughts? Reviews? Pros? Cons? Would you recommend? If you did it, how prepared for the license exam were you and how was finding a job after?

Looking into making a group chat for collectors to come together and help each other get more packs during this time of scalpers. Hoping for it to function as a way to notify others when stores restock to beat the crowds. Will probably use GroupMe, comment below if interested!

When I first moved to Columbia in 1998 to attend the University of Missouri, the city had a sleepy, small-town charm that was impossible to miss. During university breaks, the town seemed to exhale. Students left, traffic thinned and downtown quieted. It felt like the whole city hit pause.

Fast-forward to 2025, and Columbia has transformed into a vibrant city alive with activity year-round. Our streets are bustling no matter the season, thanks to the thriving businesses, events and attractions that have made Columbia a hub for locals and visitors alike. With this growth has come opportunities — and challenges — that we’ve navigated together as a community.

Over the past 25 years, Columbia has grown by nearly 40%, with a population that now nears 130,000. Our economy has expanded beyond its strong educational foundation to become a regional leader in health care, finance and technology.

Some of Columbia’s largest employers today didn’t even exist in 1998. Veterans United Home Loans now employs thousands and has become one of the nation’s leading VA lenders. Columbia was abuzz when it was announced that both Home Goods and Trader Joe’s are planning to come to Columbia — this was unimaginable when I first arrived.

In terms of culture, Columbia has flourished. The city bought and developed Stephens Lake Park into a go-to destination for families, with its walking trails, swimming beach and community events. The True/False Film Fest has brought thousands of visitors to our downtown every spring, showcasing some of the world’s best documentaries. Our food scene, which includes staples, such as Shakespeare’s Pizza and newer gems, such as Logboat Brewing Company and Goldie’s Bagels, has also elevated Columbia’s reputation as a place where local businesses thrive.

As we’ve grown, challenges reflecting our evolution into a larger city have become more pronounced. Homelessness, public safety and infrastructure are among the most significant issues we face today, requiring innovative and collaborative solutions.

Homelessness is a complex issue that intersects with housing affordability, mental health care and addiction recovery. Through partnerships with local organizations, such as Turning Point and Love Columbia, we’re addressing immediate needs by providing shelter, meals and access to health services. In addition, the city is actively working on long-term solutions, including transitional housing, zoning reform to increase housing stock, and increased funding for mental health and substance use treatment programs.

Public safety is a cornerstone of any thriving community. While Columbia remains a safe city, we’ve seen the need to invest in programs that prevent crime and build trust between law enforcement and residents. Our Office of Violence Prevention focuses on addressing root causes of crime through community engagement, youth mentorship and conflict resolution. Additionally, efforts are underway to recruit and train more officers to address our challenges and maintain effective service levels.

Infrastructure is another growing concern, particularly in historically underserved areas, such as northeast Columbia. Neglected roads, parks and public spaces have been a source of frustration for residents, and addressing these disparities is a priority. Projects are already underway to improve road safety, expand public transit and enhance park maintenance in these areas, ensuring all residents benefit from Columbia’s growth.

As I compare the Columbia of 1998 to the Columbia of today, I see a city that has evolved while staying true to its roots. We can’t make Columbia what it was 20 years ago, nor should we want to — as our growth reflects, Columbia is a place people want to live. By balancing our small-town charm with the possibilities of a larger, more dynamic city, we can ensure that Columbia remains a place where neighbors care for one another, opportunities abound and the future is brighter than ever.

Barbara Buffaloe is mayor of Columbia.

This opinion piece was published in the Columbia Missourian, please consider supporting our student journalist by visiting and/or donating to The Missourian. https://www.columbiamissourian.com/opinion/guest_commentaries/reflecting-on-growth-in-columbia/article_90111c96-b7d0-11ef-b068-eba3f18d776d.html

See the draft plan at https://www.ourboone.com

I'm looking for a panettone or other hearty seasonal bread- with nuts and fruit, preferably- from a local bakery. Figured this would be a good time? Or perhaps I'm too late for the season. Any ideas, or anyone see similar breads ready to roll out this last weekend before the holidays?

North East part of Columbia looking South West towards the city.

Just the brightest light in the sky. It was slowly moving. Could see it almost pan/turn at times as if you could tell what direction it was looking at.

Looking through a telescope it looked almost like a football or eyeball.

Didn't hear anything. Either a drone, helicopter, or UAP/UFO. I never saw red/green FAA lightning, just a constant white light that looked like a star.

outside of Mizzou/college culture

I’ve flown a lot out of stl but never on Christmas Day any input on how busy it is? I know some people say it’s less busy on Christmas some say it’s more any one with personal experience?

I'm coming home for the holidays on Sunday for about a week, wondering if there's a chance to pick somewhere around town? I live/play in Chicago normally, but learned fiddle growing up in Columbia (and banjo during a second stint)

I've purchased frozen meals from Pasta LaFata in the past and was wondering if there are any other places in Columbia that have them? I usually purchase from a butcher shop for some gifts but was wanting to try other options if there are any. Thanks

The homies and I are to be hitting the strip club tonight and simply must have only the most elegant and superb of experiences. Help a homie out and tell me which one u like the most.

Cascades Subdivision: If anyone saw them, were those cameras mounted on the left running boards?

Where can I get a hitch installed? I already have the kit and the wiring. I just need someone to put it in for me.

Hey all, many of you are already aware of these, but our community has grown a lot over the last year. Here are some other subreddits related to Columbia we are trying to build up.

r/mizzou for the University of Missouri
r/miz for Mizzou sports.
r/StephensCollege for Stephens College
r/ColumbiaCollegeMO for Columbia College
r/MissouriWine for lovers our our eponymous locally-produced beverage
r/Missouri for state-wide news and interest, always love to see CoMo voices here
r/Ozarks for the Ozark Highlands
r/MissouriEmpire for satirical humor on our great state
r/StLouis for everything City of St. Louis and bi-state metro area
r/KansasCity for City of Kansas City and bi-state metro area
r/SpringfieldMO for City of Springfield
r/StCharlesMO for City of St. Charles and St. Charles County
r/Rolla for City of Rolla
r/JoplinMO for City of Joplin
r/jeffersoncitymo for City of Jefferson
r/kirksville for City of Kirksville
r/CapeGirardeau for City of Cape Girardeau

Hope to see continued Missouri goodwill and collaboration on Reddit. If any of these interest you please consider joining and cross posting when appropriate.

Thank you,

u/como365

I've had a package there since Saturday that has yet to go out for delivery. Just me or anyone else?

hi there - wondering if there is any place in town a former dancer can drop in for a class or 2? Looking for classes such as tap, hip hop, jazz, ballet, contemporary, etc. thanks in advance!

saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand walking through the streets of como in the rain… Anyone know what he was looking for?

Hello all

What are volunteer opportunities on/near Christmas and also New years in town? I am interested for myself and so we can amalgamate the data somehow for anyone else interested.

Thank you and peace