In the heart of Missouri, Columbia stands apart as a vibrant college town with a magnetic cultural pulse. For City Manager De’Carlon Seewood, community is “the big C — neighbors taking care of neighbors.” It’s a philosophy rooted in shared responsibility, mutual care, and celebration of the city’s eclectic identity.
Few events capture Columbia’s spirit better than the internationally recognized True/False Film Festival, where independent filmmakers and audiences unite in an explosion of creativity each year. “The community really comes out and grows for this event,” Seewood says, a testament to a city that embraces the arts not as a luxury but as a thread in its cultural fabric.
Columbia is shaped by the University of Missouri, its largest employer, but it avoids the pitfalls of typical college-town divisions. Professors, students, long-time residents, and newcomers all contribute to what Seewood describes as an “eclectic community,” defined by loyalty, curiosity, and a hunger for connection.
Much of Seewood’s leadership centers on transparency and trust. The city’s engagement platform, BeHeardCoMo, gives residents an accessible way to follow projects, share feedback, and stay informed without attending council meetings. At first, residents were skeptical. But through consistency and encouragement, the platform has become a staple of civic engagement.
In five years, Seewood hopes Columbia is known statewide as “that welcoming place in Missouri.” If today’s CoMo is any indication, the city is well on its way.
