Keeping Columbia Safe  

During his first term as mayor, Daniel worked with city officials, law enforcement, and community leaders to make Columbia safer by establishing the Office of Violent Crime Prevention, promoting the SMART Week Initiative, leading efforts to enhance public safety equipment and facilities around the city, and increasing public safety funding and pay for law enforcement – especially adding more on-foot officers around hospitality and tourism areas and hiring more mental clinicians for the Columbia Police Department.   

 

Addressing Homelessness 

Daniel has been committed to addressing the city's homelessness issue through projects like Rapid Shelter Columbia (RSC), the "4 Block" Promise Initiative, the Centralized Service Center Proposal, and the Homeless Services Ad-Hoc Committee to expand resources and support for the homeless population. 

 

Boosting the Local Economy 

Through collaborative efforts with leaders, businesses, and higher education institutions across the region, Daniel has worked to build public-private partnerships that will boost the local economy. He has supported mutual growth with neighboring regional municipalities, launched the Collegiate Engagement Council to retain young talent and strengthen the region’s workforce, and incentivized entrepreneurship, expansion, and relocation.  

 

Standing by Small Businesses  

As a small business owner, Daniel knows firsthand the work and determination it takes to keep the lights on and the doors open. Since day one, Daniel has stood by small businesses and worked to reduce and even cut city fees, simplify the business license application and renewal process, provide flexibility and financial assistance for grease capture costs, eliminate on-site parking requirements for smaller buildings, and simplify renovation and remodeling requirements.

 

Improving Infrastructure & Transportation  

It’s no secret that roads and bridges around the city need repair, parks need to be updated, and public transportation needs to be improved. Daniel has been a champion for improving our city’s infrastructure, transportation, and parks by:  

 

●      Revitalizing Finlay Park 

●      Improving the railroad system 

●      Developing untapped riverfront - Williams Street

●      Adding buffered bike lanes 

●      Engaging with the COMET transit system leaders 

●      Improving wastewater management along the Saluda River 

●      Advancing the Resilient Water Supply Project as part of the Canal Embankment Recovery

        project. 

 

Increasing Attainable Housing Options 

There is a growing demand for housing across all income levels, especially among young professionals and senior citizens. Daniel has been dedicated to addressing the housing issue head-on by adding units, utilizing vacant lots, and securing funding for innovative workforce housing projects. 

 

Reforming City Government 

From his time on City Council to his first term as mayor, Daniel has strived to reform Columbia city government and services to ensure elite service and transparency. In his first term as mayor, Daniel worked to enhance and streamline city services for residents and businesses, foster a culture of collaboration and community engagement where city employees spark change, and improve internal and external city communications. 

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Ensuring Fiscal Transparency & Responsibility 

Daniel has worked to improve fiscal transparency and responsibility by advocating for lower property taxes, auditing the city’s tax rolls, and publishing “Truth in Spending Reports.” Daniel is dedicated to standing by the taxpayers of Columbia to ensure THEIR hard-earned money is not wasted. 

 

Protecting Our Parks & Natural Resources  

Daniel is committed to protecting Columbia’s parks and natural resources to ensure a cleaner, cooler, and more sustainable city. In his first term, he helped launch the Youth Action Fund, the Columbia Clean-Up project, and the Beat the Heat tree-planting program. He partnered with local leaders to revitalize parks and green spaces, expand riverfront access, and boost regional conservation efforts. Under his leadership, Columbia joined the Cities for Smart Surfaces Coalition to reduce heat and flooding with reflective pavement and green infrastructure.

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Telling Our Story  

Last year, Daniel joined city leaders in amplifying Columbia’s story and rebranding the city’s identity around a shared vision for the future. With the tagline " Together, We Are Columbia," the new brand highlights our people, natural beauty, and historic growth. Inspired by the state flag and three rivers, the logo and message celebrate what makes Columbia unique while clearly conveying that the city is a place of opportunity and success for all people.