"Investing in our community and resourcing community partners with proven track records is a key strategy for moving Columbia forward." - Barbara Buffaloe
Barbara Buffaloe is a longtime Columbia resident who has dedicated her career to serving her community. She and her husband, Luke, live near downtown with their two children, Eleanor and Benjamin. Together, they embrace the values of stewardship, community, and service, raising their family to contribute to a thriving Columbia. Barbara’s connection to Columbia runs deep; she earned both her BS in Environmental Design and MS in Environment & Behavior from the University of Missouri and has called the city home since the late 1990s.
Barbara is an active member of the Columbia Rotary Club and enjoys spending time exploring the city’s parks, trails, and local businesses. Her personal investment in Columbia shapes her vision for an inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable future for all who call the city home.
Authentic Leadership
Barbara is a results-driven leader who brings a collaborative and visionary approach to her role as Mayor of Columbia, MO. She has championed initiatives to grow the economy, enhance sustainability, and ensure equity for all residents. As Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Environment Committee, she represented U.S. cities at COP28 in 2023, advocating for global climate action. Barbara is also part of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, where she’s strengthening her ability to deliver meaningful results for the community.
Before becoming Mayor, Barbara served as Columbia’s first Sustainability Manager, where she led the development of the city’s Climate Action & Adaptation Plan. Her expertise in sustainability and public policy has made her a sought-after speaker at national and regional conferences, including the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Summit.
Barbara also serves as an advisor to the Urban Sustainability Directors Network and collaborates with local leaders as a board member for REDI, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and the Missouri Innovation Center.