The Columbia Association (CA) is a management organization for the financing, and maintenance of common-use facilities of the Rouse Company planned development of Columbia, Maryland. CA has 260 full-time employees, 800 part-time year-round employees and 150 to 500 seasonal employees.
Video Columbia Association
Organizational structure
The CA was originally named The Columbia Park and Recreation Association, Inc. The association was responsible for developing public amenities, transportation systems, snow removal, and landscaping promised in its application for New Town Zoning. The funding for the association would be provided by a combination assessment and use-fee's.
The seven man CA board was originally staffed with representatives of the development company with James Rouse as president. The association developed a "one lot" - "one vote" system, with which gave the majority of control to the Rouse Company. Control of the association to residents was planned in phases spanning until 1980. In 1967, 285 residents were able to establish a 5-person council in Wilde Lake, which in turn would provide the first elected board member. In February 1966 Jack Slayton, the city manager of Vancouver, Washington was hired by the Community Research and Development subsidiary of the Rouse Company becoming Columbia's first resident. He died suddenly in 1967 and was replaced with John Levering from Monumental Life Insurance Company to manage the town. Levering left the company to form an art studio "The Eye of the Camel" in a historic Oakland Manor stone house where Vantage house stands today. Padraric Kennedy headed the CA from 1972 until his retirement in 1997.
The CA originally planned on self-sufficiency of county funding of Fire services as its own taxing authority. In 1968, the CA negotiated with the county commissioners to pay for and build the Banneker Fire station and charge an assessment to residents to pay for the equipment. Howard County remained responsible for all continuing capitol and operating expenses afterward. The association agreed to pay $168,000 in matching HUD funds for a $416,600 study to investigate driverless automated bus services for Columbia.
By 1970, the CA had grown to 5500 members, three five member village boards with a $1.5 million budget and $5.75 million in debt. The budget switched from company eyes only, to a publicly viewable budget without public input. Three additional Rouse managed neighborhood shopping centers were funded for construction with CA funds.
In 1982, the association created the Columbia Archives non-profit organization. The organization is managed by the CA board of directors with a mission to chronicle documents relating to Columbia from the CA, James Rouse, The Rouse Company, General Growth Properties, Howard Hughes Corporation and Howard County. The organization is public relations resource for Columbia, selecting and displaying historic artifacts that place the development in a positive light.
Maps Columbia Association
Community Events
Columbia Association's mission is to make Columbia a better place to live, work and play and in support of this, Columbia Association (CA) hosts an array of community events including to meet the needs of the community. CA serves its Columbia residents of all ages as well as businesses that are located in the city.
The Columbia Festival of the Arts
The Columbia Festival of the Arts presents four weekend-long arts festivals throughout the year, with both free and ticketed events. Festivals feature performances, exhibitions, concerts, classes and workshops and many more activities for artists, individuals and families. Founded in 1987, the festival has grown into one of the region's premier arts events.
Columbia Teen Idol
Columbia Teen Idol is sponsored by Lord & Taylor and CA's advisory committees. Following an audition process and semi-finals, the final competition features the top ten contestants where they perform a song of their choice. In the past, performances have included, among others, music genres such as rock, show tunes, R&B and rap. In an effort to emulate its nation-wide American Idol counterpart, starting in 2016, the finalists were provided with one-on-one time with a professional singer days before the show. In addition to the vocal competition, contestants are required to participate in volunteer activities for the community throughout the process with the intention of providing a foundation of empowerment for all participants. The theme of 2016 was dedicated to educate youth about Shatter the Stigma®, a James' Place Initiative with the mission of bringing truths, facts, and a voice to the disease of addiction. The top three places receive a cash prize, and a People's Choice Award is selected by the audience. Notable former award winners include Grace Davina who was presented her prize by Miss Maryland Teen USA 2014, Mariela Pepin. Semi-finals take place at Slayton House Theater. The final competition occurs in Downtown Columbia, at Lake Kittamaquindi.
Facilities
- Supreme Sports Club
- Fairway Hills Golf Course
- Equestrian Center (1978) -
- Hobbit's Glen Golf Club
- Slayton House - Columbia Swim Club
- Symphony Woods
See also
- Homeowner association
- Planned community
References
External links
- Official Webpage
Source of article : Wikipedia
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