The Department of Grants and Planning was created in 1979 by amending the Municipal Code. Though created, it was not staffed until September 1986, a year after Saturn announced its intention to locate in Maury County. From a staff of two persons (a Planner and a Secretary), it was quickly expanded to a staff of three. In 1989, one other position was added. Currently, the department staff consists of the department director, a planning assistant, a senior associate, and a secretary.

All City maps and zoning maps are maintained by the Grants and Planning Department. In addition, this department provides guidance for the implementation of long range planning in the areas of land use, transportation, community facilities, economic development, commercial development, floodplains, historic preservation, residential development, annexation, and zoning.

The Columbia Regional Planning Commission meets monthly to review and approve subdivision developments, recommended zoning changes, and annexations to City Council and assist in the administration of the Zoning Ordinance where so required.

The Grants and Planning office is also responsible for the filing of applications for grants to provide needed infrastructure and assistance to other departments, and also for the special census; one of which was completed in 1992 and increased our certified population from 28,583 to 30,190. The second effort in 1996 increased the certified population to 32,043 persons residing in Columbia. This increase in population means an annual increase of approximately $300,000 in state returned taxes.