The City of West Columbia was incorporated in 1894, and is located in the eastern part of Lexington County along the Saluda and Congaree Rivers, and  across the river from the state capital of Columbia. The city covers approximately 10 square miles and has a population of approximately 15,000. 

The city operates under a council form of government, where policy-making and legislative authority is vested in a governing council consisting of the mayor and eight other council members. The council is reponsible for such things as passing ordinances, adopting the budget, and hiring the city adminisistrator and city attorney, and appointing the city treasurer and city clerk.  Council members serve four-year staggard terms, with four council members elected every two years.  All eight council members are elected by district.  The mayor is elected to serve a four-year term, and is elected at large. The city administrator is responsible for carrying out the policies and ordinances of city council, for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the government, and for appointing the heads of various departments. 

The Saluda and Congaree Rivers have played a dominant role of strategic importance in the City of West Columbia's development. The city's portion of the ongoing Three Rivers Greenway project includes an amphitheater, public nature trails, picnic areas, scenic overlooks of the river and emergency call boxes for visitor safety. Development on both sides of the river is a driving force in the continuing economic development of the City of West Columbia.