I wanted to respond to The State’s Tuesday editorial criticizing the city of Columbia for spreading the hospitality tax too thin among various organizations. Columbia established one standard for spending our hospitality tax: Create jobs and strengthen our economy.

City Council took the politics out of the process by creating a committee that was well-represented by businessmen and businesswomen, including restaurant owners. Their charge was to fund programs that would produce tourists and visitors to our city. Additionally, we directed them to hold those organizations that received funding accountable to demonstrate yearly the economic impact on our economy. While any process can be criticized and second-guessed, the committee’s recommendation and the council’s endorsement will strengthen our economy and produce jobs.

Columbia is going through the greatest renaissance in our history. Changes are occurring that will forever invigorate our city’s economy. Columbia’s renaissance is the result of three strategic accomplishments that have occurred through hard work, commitment and leadership.

First, we have entered the technology and information economy with our partnership with the University of South Carolina. The USC Research Campus will transform our economy and create high-wage jobs. Second, the heart of Columbia — the Riverfront, the Vista and downtown — have been revitalized. Private investment, both residential and commercial, has exploded. Third, tourism and conventions will strengthen our job base. We have a convention center under construction and new attractions such as EdVenture and the Three Rivers Greenway.

The hospitality tax recommendations concentrate on marketing the city and the various organizations that bring tourists to Columbia. As an example, the Convention and Visitors Bureau received $750,000 for a marketing program. In the coming weeks, we will unveil our branding campaign and unified marketing strategy, which will, for the first time in our city’s history, create a coordinated and effective unified marketing plan that all organizations, both public and private, can use. It will allow everyone in Columbia to sing off the same page when marketing our city and region.

Columbia is enjoying a renaissance. Marketing our city — and the hospitality tax that pays for that marketing — will be a major factor in our success.

Mr. Coble is the mayor of Columbia.