COMO Vanguard

07/16/2026

This special edition of the COMO Vanguard podcast is dedicated entirely to the City of Columbia, Mo. Government's proposed Public Safety Tax, which voters will decide this August.

Hosts David Lile and Nick Knoth sit down with Police Chief Jill Schlude and Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer, followed by Matt Nichols, President of the FOP Lodge #26-Columbia, MO, and Zach Privette, President of Columbia Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 1055. The episode concludes with City Manager De'Carlon Seewood and Finance Director Matthew Lue.

Across three conversations, guests discuss the need for the proposed tax, the challenges facing Columbia's and departments, how the measure would work, and what it could mean for the City's future. Whether you're still deciding how to vote or simply want a deeper understanding of the proposal, this episode offers direct, in-depth conversations with many of the key voices behind the measure.

This special edition of the COMO Vanguard podcast is dedicated entirely to Columbia’s proposed Public Safety Tax, which voters will decide this August.

07/12/2026

The biggest gaps in Columbia’s violence prevention system may not be downtown. Our investigation examines the gap between public perception and what the data shows. Read more:

By Srijita Datta, Senior Contributor

07/10/2026

Columbia’s public safety conversation has often centered on one question: Is the city safe? The answer depends on what you measure. Our latest investigation looks at the numbers behind Columbia’s public safety system — and what happens next.

By Srijita Datta, Senior Contributor

07/09/2026

Crime is down. So why does Columbia’s public safety system still feel stretched?

COMO Vanguard spent weeks examining the data, records, and perspectives shaping Columbia’s public safety conversation. Read our full report now

By Srijita Datta, Senior Contributor

07/09/2026

ICYMI we want to hear from you!

The COMO Vanguard team will be recording a series of interviews with the Police Chief and Fire Chief, representatives from the police and fire unions, and city management to discuss the proposed 1% Public Safety Sales Tax that's on the August ballot.

Rather than only asking the questions we come up with, we want to hear from you.

If you support the tax, oppose it, or are still trying to make up your mind, what questions would you want answered? What concerns do you have? What claims have you heard that you'd like us to fact-check or press officials on? Comment below and let us know!

City Council has called for a special election on the question of imposing an additional 1% sales and use tax for public safety services.

07/08/2026

The COMO Vanguard team will be recording a series of interviews with the Police Chief and Fire Chief, representatives from the police and fire unions, and city management to discuss the proposed 1% Public Safety Sales Tax that's on the August ballot.

Rather than only asking the questions we come up with, we want to hear from you.

If you support the tax, oppose it, or are still trying to make up your mind, what questions would you want answered? What concerns do you have? What claims have you heard that you'd like us to fact-check or press officials on? Comment below and let us know!

City Council has called for a special election on the question of imposing an additional 1% sales and use tax for public safety services.

06/17/2026

Ward 2 Council Member Vera Elwood joins David Lile and Nick Knoth for a conversation on some of Columbia's latest issues, including short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), police surveillance technology, and the challenges of growth and governance in Columbia.

Ward 2 Councilwoman Vera Elwood joins David Lile and Nick Knoth for a conversation on some of Columbia's latest issues, including short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), police surveillance technology, and the challenges of growth and governance in Columbia.

06/16/2026

Improvements to the Council Chamber and meeting rooms are underway this morning at City Hall. All council followers will be excited for the addition of 21st century technology!

06/08/2026

Mayor Barbara Buffaloe is back on the COMO Vanguard show.

From city council dynamics and public trust to infrastructure, transportation, and the future of Columbia, this episode dives into the issues shaping our community today - and tomorrow.

Don't miss this candid conversation with David Lile, Nick Knoth, and Mayor Buffaloe.

🎧 Available now.

Mayor Barbara Buffaloe returns to the show for a detailed discussion on local governance, city council dynamics, community engagement, and the future of Columbia’s infrastructure and transportation.

05/27/2026

ICYMI: This one dropped right before the holiday weekend — and if you missed it, it’s worth the listen.

City of Columbia, Mo. Government City Manager De'Carlon Seewood, ICMA-CM joins COMO Vanguard to break down his State of the City address and talk priorities for the road ahead: infrastructure, utilities, housing, parks, growth, and the challenges shaping Columbia’s future.

🎧 Catch the episode now and join the conversation.

City Manager De’Carlon Seewood joins the show to discuss his State of the City address, including his vision and priorities for the City of Columbia moving forward.