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Columbia officials are deploying downtown safety measures for Mizzou’s Homecoming events this weekend + the plan aims to manage rising crowds and ensure public safety.

The District is working with downtown safety ambassadors from Block by Block to add roles and a new team member funded by The District to help ease bar and restaurant lines and boost safety downtown.

Meetings and training are planned to improve police deployment on peak nights.

A report by the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform showed Columbia's strengths and gaps in violence prevention when it was presented Tuesday (local officials are reviewing recommendations) as the city plans to adjust public safety efforts.

The city of Columbia asked fundraising experts on Monday to propose a private campaign for renovating the historic McKinney Building at 411 E.

Broadway, with responses due Oct. 16; the project is estimated at $5.27 million, and no decision has been made on hiring a consultant.

Emery Sapp and Sons and ESS Companies will relocate their headquarters to 101 North Keene St. in Columbia in 2028 — after closing on the new site today.

They will sell their old building on I-70 Drive and leave MEM by the end of 2027.

The Parks and Recreation Department said Douglass Park’s basketball courts are nearing completion, with painting starting the week of Oct.

5 and full work finishing by Oct. 16 + the upgrades will allow Moonlight Hoops and community programming to return.

Columbia city leaders have asked fundraising consultants for interest in a restoration project for the historic McKinney Building downtown; the request includes a review of a nearly $5.3 million plan for upgrades that may convert the building into a multipurpose cultural venue, with responses due by 5 p.m. Oct. 16.

Mizzou set a new national record when its Homecoming Blood Drive collected 5,150 units of blood in Columbia from Sept.

21 to 24. Community members — students, alumni and faculty — donated to support patients needing surgery or treatment.