Columbia was founded to put people first. But nearly 60 years later, a rift is growing between the Columbia Association (CA) and the 10 villages it was designed to support.
At the heart of the dispute? A new five-year contract and control over community buildings. Village leaders say they were left out of real negotiations, handed final drafts with an April 22 deadline and warned that funding might be withheld if they didn’t sign. CA leadership now says the deadline won’t be enforced—but the damage is done.
Seven villages—River Hill, Hickory Ridge, Long Reach, Oakland Mills, Harper’s Choice, Town Center, and Kings Contrivance—are calling for an extension through September to work things out.
There’s also growing concern over shrinking funding. Villages say CA’s cut of shared assessment revenue has dropped below 7%—leaving them short on staff and resources. And CA’s proposal to centralize building management has leaders worried about losing local control over treasured gathering spaces.
Trust is frayed. Village reps say they’re ready to talk, but collaboration has to mean more than meetings after the fact. Columbia’s strength has always been its people—now it’s up to its leadership to prove they’re still listening.
