Columbia Beach Citizens Improvement Association 

The Columbia Beach Citizens Improvement Association (CBCIA) manages the community’s responsibilities as a Special Community Benefit District (SCBD) and an Erosion Control District (ECD).

Anne Arundel County conferred SCBD designation on Columbia Beach in 1971. As an SCBD, the community is responsible for the safety, security, and upkeep of all community facilities, including roads and public spaces.

The community has been designated an ECD because of its location abutting the Chesapeake Bay. ECD funds are used for combatting shoreline erosion.

To carry out these responsibilities, the CBCIA Board of Directors creates a yearly budget based on community needs and priorities that is ratified by the association membership and approved by the county.  The budget is funded by property tax revenues, which are collected by the county and returned to the community on a yearly basis.

CBCIA is not a homeowners association and does not collect dues.  All homeowners  in the community are automatically members of the association and eligible to run for election to the board and to vote at membership meetings.

The Board is prohibited from using SCBD funds for social activities, such as Columbia Beach Day. Social activities undertaken by CBCIA are funded by donation.