Columbia strives to be a community that welcomes diversity, respects the land and fosters the growth of individuals. To sustain that vision Columbia boasts a full complement of services. There is a vibrant town center featuring Lake Kittamaqundi, a promenade, restaurants, a mall with a variety of shops, department stores and a megaplex movie cinema. There are quality recreational and childcare services, schools that rank among the highest in the state, and acres of parks, lakes, ponds and wooded pathways.

Despite the breadth and variety of our services, what makes Columbia truly special is an ongoing commitment to the vision espoused by James Rouse, our founding father. As he stated, "By creating the image of the rational potential of a city, we generate the power to carry it forward. Without vision, there is no power." At the Columbia Association, we consider ourselves keepers of Columbia's vision. Our symbol, the People Tree, is a reminder that our job is to create a place where people can grow.