Welcome to the Columbia Association

In September 1963, during a speech at the University of California at Berkeley, James Rouse, president of The Rouse Company, posed serious questions about the quality of life in American cities and outlined his philosophy that would soon form the basis of the Columbia plan. He exclaimed: “There really can be no other right purpose of community except to provide an environment and an opportunity to develop better people. The most successful community would be that which contributed the most by its physical form, its institutions and its operations to the growth of people.”

Columbia Association (CA) was created two years prior to Columbia’s inception and has served to nurture James Rouse’s vision and represent its residents. A nonprofit public benefit corporation, CA strives to enhance the quality of life for people living and working in Columbia; respect the land; foster the growth of individuals; and ensure the community remains open, integrated and caring.

With resident input and commitment, CA strives to keep Columbia the special community that James Rouse envisioned. The organization advocates for the residents of the city to maintain the best quality of life – and to value Columbia’s sense of community. As always, CA is committed to Rouse’s dream and will continue his great legacy for generations to come.