N-CSR 1 a08-27690_9ncsr.htm N-CSR

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number

811-4367

 

Columbia Funds Series Trust I

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts

 

02111

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

James R. Bordewick, Jr., Esq.
Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

1-617-426-3750

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:

October 31

 

 

Date of reporting period:

October 31, 2008

 

 

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

 

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.

 



 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 



Columbia Management®

Annual Report

October 31, 2008

Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

NOT FDIC INSURED   May Lose Value  
NOT BANK ISSUED   No Bank Guarantee  

 



Table of Contents

Fund Profile     1    
Economic Update     2    
Performance Information     3    
Understanding Your Expenses     4    
Portfolio Manager's Report     5    
Investment Portfolio     7    
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities
    18    
Statement of Operations     19    
Statement of Changes in
Net Assets
    20    
Financial Highlights     22    
Notes to Financial Statements     26    
Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm
    34    
Federal Income Tax Information     35    
Fund Governance     36    
Board Consideration and
Approval of Advisory
Agreements
    40    
Summary of Management Fee
Evaluation by Independent
Fee Consultant
    43    
Important Information About
This Report
    49    

 

The views expressed in this report reflect the current views of the respective parties. These views are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, so actual outcomes and results may differ significantly from the views expressed. These views are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market or other conditions and the respective parties disclaim any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Columbia Fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any particular Columbia Fund. References to specific securities should not be construed as a recommendation or investment advice.

President's Message

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to provide this shareholder report for your Columbia Fund and hope you will find the portfolio management details, discussions and performance information helpful in monitoring your investments. As we've seen this past year, the financial markets can be quite volatile, with significant short-term price fluctuations. It's important to keep these ups and downs in perspective, particularly in light of your long-term investment strategy.

Staying the course with your long-term strategy typically involves riding out short-term price fluctuations, though we recognize that at times this can be tough. To support your efforts and give you the information you need to make prudent decisions, Columbia Management offers several valuable online resources. We encourage you to visit www.columbiamanagement.com/investor, where you can receive the most up-to-date information, including:

g  Daily pricing and performance. View pricing and performance from a link in Fund Tracker on the homepage. This listing of funds is updated nightly with the current net asset value and the amount and percentage change from the prior day.

g  News & Commentary. This tab provides links to quarterly fund commentaries and information from our investment strategies group, including trends in the economy and market impact.

If you would like more details on individual funds, select a fund from the dropdown menu on the top right side of the homepage for access to:

g  Monthly and quarterly performance information.

g  Portfolio holdings. Full holdings are updated monthly for money market funds, except for Columbia Cash Reserves, Columbia Government Plus Reserves, Columbia Government Reserves, Columbia Treasury Reserves and Columbia Money Market Reserves which are updated weekly, monthly for equity funds and quarterly for most other funds.

g  Quarterly fact sheets. Accessible from the Literature tab in each fund page.

By registering on the site, you'll receive secured, 24-hour access to*:

g  Mutual fund account details with balances, dividend and transaction information.

g  Fund Tracker to customize your homepage with current net asset values for the funds that interest you.

g  On-line transactions including purchases, exchanges and redemptions.

g  Account maintenance for updating your address and dividend payment options.

g  Electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports.

I encourage you to visit our website for access to the product information and tools described above. These valuable online resources can help you monitor your investments and provide direct access to your account. All of these tools, and more, can be found on www.columbiamanagement.com/investor.

While your financial advisor is a great resource for investment guidance, you can also access our website or call our service representatives at 800.345.6611 for additional assistance. We thank you for investing with Columbia Management and look forward to helping with your ongoing investment needs.

Sincerely,

Christopher L. Wilson
President, Columbia Funds

*Some restrictions apply. Shareholders who purchase shares through certain third-party organizations may not have the ability to register for online access.




Fund ProfileColumbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

Summary

g   For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares returned negative 6.80% without sales charge.

g   The fund trailed its benchmark, the Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index1, but performed better than its peer group average, the Lipper California Municipal Debt Funds Classification.2

g   Bonds in the mid-to-lower quality tiers held back performance compared to the benchmark. We believe that our focus on bonds in the 10-25 year maturity range and our comparatively smaller exposure to weaker performing sectors aided performance relative to the fund's peer group.

Portfolio Management

Gary Swayze has managed the fund since October 1997 and has been associated with the advisor or its predecessors or affiliate organizations since 1997.

1The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index) is considered representative of the broad market for investment-grade, tax exempt bonds with maturities of at least one year. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Summary

1-year return as of 10/31/08

  –6.80 %  
Class A Shares
(without sales charge)
 
  –3.30 %  
Barclays Capital
Municipal Bond Index
 

 

Morningstar Style Box

The Morningstar Style Box reveals a fund's investment strategy. For fixed-income funds the vertical axis shows the average credit quality of the bonds owned, and the horizontal axis shows interest rate sensitivity as measured by a bond's duration (short, intermediate or long). All of these numbers are drawn from the data most recently provided by the fund and entered into Morningstar's database as of quarter-end. Although the data is gathered from reliable sources, Morningstar cannot guarantee its completeness and accuracy. Information shown is as of 06/30/08.


1



Economic UpdateColumbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

Summary

For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008

g  Despite volatility in many segments of the bond market, the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index delivered a modest gain. High-yield bonds lost significant ground, as measured by the Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Index.

Barclays
Index
  Merrill
Lynch Index
 
   

 

g  The broad U.S. stock market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, returned negative 36.10%. Developed stock markets outside the United States returned negative 46.62%, as measured (in U.S. dollars) by the MSCI EAFE Index.

S&P Index   MSCI Index  
   

 

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Bond Index) is a market value-weighted index that tracks the daily price, coupon, pay-downs and total return performance of fixed-rate, publicly placed, dollar-denominated and non-convertible investment grade debt issues with at least $250 million par amount outstanding and with at least one year to final maturity.

The Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Index tracks the performance of non-investment-grade corporate bonds.

The Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index tracks the performance of 500 widely held, large-capitalization US stocks.

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe, Australasia, Far East (EAFE) Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure developed market equity performance, excluding the US and Canada.

Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

The pace of economic growth ground to a halt during the 12-month period that began November 1, 2007 and ended October 31, 2008. Although the economic growth was modestly positive at the beginning of the period, the economy slipped into recession in 2008, with little relief in sight. A host of factors weighed on consumers and businesses alike.

The most severe housing downturn in decades showed no sign of abating as inventories of homes for sale rose, home prices declined and tighter credit standards, a result of continued turmoil in the subprime mortgage market, made it more difficult for homebuyers to qualify for loans.

The labor market contracted for ten consecutive months, driving the unemployment rate to 6.5%, the highest rate since the early 1990s. Nearly 1.2 million jobs have been lost since the beginning of 2008, with announced layoffs likely to drive that number even higher in the months ahead. Manufacturing activity slowed and consumer spending declined, dimming hopes for the holiday season.

A weakening economy and turmoil in the financial markets took a toll on consumer confidence, which plummeted to the lowest point ever in the 40-year history of the Conference Board's monthly survey.

In an effort to inspire confidence in the capital markets, loosen the reins on credit and shore up economic growth, the Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) brought a key short-term rate—the federal funds rate—down from 4.50% to 1.0% during the 12-month period. Despite earlier concerns about inflation, a weak economic outlook has kept the Fed focused on stimulating economic growth through lowering borrowing rates. In fact, the one bright spot during this period of uncertainty has been lower energy and commodity prices. With oil trading near $60 per barrel at the end of the period, gasoline prices are forecasted to come down below $2 per gallon after peaking above $4 per gallon during the summer months.

Bonds eke out a small, positive return

The U.S. bond market seesawed during the 12-month period but managed to eke out a small gain as investors sought the relative safety of the highest quality sectors. After a weak start, bond prices in several sectors rose and yields declined as economic growth slowed and stock market volatility increased. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield ended the period at just under 4.0%, nearly one-half percentage point lower than where it stood one year ago. In this environment, the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index returned 0.30%. High-yield bonds disappointed as economic prospects weakened and default fears rose. The Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Index returned negative 26.43%.

Stocks retreat as economic outlook darkens

Against a shifting economic backdrop, the U.S. stock market lost 36.10% for the 12-month period, as measured by the S&P 500 Index. Losses extended across all market caps and both growth and value, although value stocks held up somewhat better than growth stocks, as measured by their respective Russell indices.1 Stock markets outside the U.S. suffered even greater losses. The MSCI EAFE Index, a broad gauge of stock market performance in foreign developed markets, lost 46.62% (in U.S. dollars) for the period. Emerging stock markets, which have had a strong run over the past several years, were also caught in the downdraft. As investors backed away from risk, emerging markets suffered most of all. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned negative 56.22% (in U.S. dollars).2

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

1The Russell 1000 Index measures the performance of 1,000 of the largest US companies, based on market capitalization. The Russell Midcap Index measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index, as ranked by total market capitalization. The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest of the 3,000 largest US companies based on market capitalization.

2The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index is a widely accepted index composed of a sample of companies from 25 countries representing the global emerging stock markets.

Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.


2



Performance InformationColumbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

Growth of a $10,000 Investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08

 

 

The chart above shows the growth in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class A shares of Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund during the stated time period, and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index is considered representative of the broad market for investment-grade, tax exempt bonds with maturities of at least one year. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

Performance of a $10,000 Investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08 ($)

Sales charge   without   with  
Class A     14,120       13,449    
Class B     13,107       13,107    
Class C     13,501       13,501    
Class Z     14,223       n/a    

 

Average annual total return as of 10/31/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C   Z  
Inception   06/16/86   08/04/92   08/01/97   09/19/05  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with   without  
1-year     –6.80       –11.22       –7.49       –11.93       –7.22       –8.11       –6.57    
5-year     1.98       0.99       1.22       0.89       1.52       1.52       2.13    
10-year     3.51       3.01       2.74       2.74       3.05       3.05       3.59    

 

        

Average annual total return as of 09/30/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C   Z  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with   without  
1-year     –4.35       –8.89       –5.06       –9.62       –4.78       –5.70       –4.11    
5-year     2.22       1.23       1.46       1.12       1.76       1.76       2.37    
10-year     3.66       3.16       2.90       2.90       3.20       3.20       3.74    

 

        

The "with sales charge" returns include the maximum initial sales charge of 4.75% for Class A shares, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 5.00% in the first year, declining to 1.00% in the sixth year, and eliminated thereafter for Class B shares and 1.00% for Class C shares for the first year only. The "without sales charge" returns do not include the effect of sales charges. If they had, returns would be lower.

Performance results reflect any fee waivers or reimbursements of fund expenses by the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates. Absent these fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements, performance results would have been lower.

All results shown assume reinvestment of distributions. Class Z shares are sold at net asset value with no distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees. Class Z shares have limited eligibility and the investment minimum requirements may vary. Please see the fund's prospectus for details. Performance for different share classes will vary based on differences in sales charges and the fees associated with each class.

The tables do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares.

Class Z share (newer class shares) performance information includes returns of the fund's Class A shares (the oldest existing fund class) for periods prior to the inception of Class Z shares. These returns have not been restated to reflect any differences in expenses such as distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees between Class A shares and Class Z shares. The Class A share returns have been adjusted to take into account the fact that Class Z shares are sold without sales charges. If differences in expenses had been reflected, the returns shown for periods prior to the inception of Class Z shares would have been higher, to the extent that Class Z shares are not subject to any distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees. Class A shares were initially offered on June 16, 1986, Class B shares were initially offered on August 4, 1992, Class C shares were initially offered on August 1, 1997, and Class Z shares were initially offered on September 19, 2005.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Annual operating expense ratio (%)*

Class A     0.86    
Class B     1.61    
Class C     1.61    
Class Z     0.63    

 

* The annual operating expense ratio is as stated in the fund's prospectus that is current as of the date of this report. Differences in expense ratios disclosed elsewhere in this report may result from including fee waivers and expense reimbursements as well as different time periods used in calculating the ratios.


3



Understanding Your ExpensesColumbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

Estimating your actual expenses

To estimate the expenses that you paid over the period, first you will need your account balance at the end of the period:

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from Columbia Management Services, Inc., your account balance is available online at www.columbiafunds.com or by calling Shareholder Services at 800.345.6611.

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from their financial intermediary, contact your financial intermediary to obtain your account balance.

1.  Divide your ending account balance by $1,000. For example, if an account balance was $8,600 at the end of the period, the result would be 8.6.

2.  In the section of the table below titled "Expenses paid during the period," locate the amount for your share class. You will find this number in the column labeled "Actual." Multiply this number by the result from step 1. Your answer is an estimate of the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

If the value of your account falls below the minimum initial investment requirement applicable to you, your account generally will be subject to a $20 annual fee. This fee is not included in the accompanying table. If you are subject to the fee, keep it in mind when you are estimating the ongoing expenses of investing in the fund and when comparing the expenses of this fund with other funds.

As a fund shareholder, you incur two types of costs. There are transaction costs, which generally include sales charges on purchases and may include redemption fees or exchange fees. There are also ongoing costs, which generally include investment advisory fees, distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees and other fund expenses. The information on this page is intended to help you understand the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

Analyzing your fund's expenses by share class

To illustrate these ongoing costs, we have provided an example and calculated the expenses paid by investors in each share class during the period. The information in the following table is based on an initial investment of $1,000, which is invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period. Expense information is calculated two ways and each method provides you with different information. The amount listed in the "Actual" column is calculated using the fund's actual operating expenses and total return for the period. The amount listed in the "Hypothetical" column for each share class assumes that the return each year is 5% before expenses and is calculated based on the fund's actual operating expenses. You should not use the hypothetical account values and expenses to estimate either your actual account balance at the end of the period or the expenses you paid during this period.

Compare with other funds

Since all mutual funds are required to include the same hypothetical calculations about expenses in shareholder reports, you can use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund with other funds. To do so, compare the 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. As you compare hypothetical examples of other funds, it is important to note that hypothetical examples are meant to highlight the ongoing costs of investing in a fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees.

05/01/08 – 10/31/08

    Account value at the
beginning of the period ($)
  Account value at the
end of the period ($)
  Expenses paid
during the period ($)
  Fund's annualized
expense ratio (%)
 
    Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual  
Class A     1,000.00       1,000.00       932.68       1,020.91       4.08       4.27       0.84    
Class B     1,000.00       1,000.00       929.22       1,017.14       7.71       8.06       1.59    
Class C     1,000.00       1,000.00       930.62       1,018.65       6.26       6.55       1.29    
Class Z     1,000.00       1,000.00       933.79       1,022.12       2.92       3.05       0.60    

 

        

Expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the share class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, then multiplied by the number of days in the fund's most recent fiscal half-year and divided by 366.

Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, account value at the end of the period would have been reduced.

It is important to note that the expense amounts shown in the table are meant to highlight only ongoing costs of investing in the fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees. Therefore, the hypothetical examples provided may not help you determine the relative total costs of owning shares of different funds. If these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


4



Portfolio Manager's ReportColumbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares returned negative 6.80% without sales charge. The fund's benchmark, the Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index returned negative 3.30%.1 The average return of the fund's peer group, the Lipper California Municipal Debt Funds Classification, was negative 9.24%2. The fund's shortfall to its benchmark was the result of two factors: the index is national in scope and it has less exposure than the fund to longer-term (20 to 30 years) and mid-to-lower quality sectors, which were underperformers during the period. We believe that the fund outperformed its peer group average because it had a greater focus on bonds in the 10-25 year maturity range and comparatively less exposure to weaker performing sectors.

Economic slowdown has sharp impact

A year ago, we anticipated an economic slowdown and an easing of inflationary pressures fed by high commodity prices and worldwide growth. But the intensity of the slowdown has been unexpectedly sharp. In hopes of reviving the economy, the Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) cut short-term interest rates aggressively while Congress passed a stimulus package to aid middle-class households.

Fallout from a widespread credit crisis caused municipal bonds to underperform Treasuries over this period. Sinking home values and waves of foreclosures began to shrink tax revenues and swell deficits for state and local governments. In addition, downgrades of municipal bond insurers dramatically reduced the number of AAA-rated3 municipal bonds. As a result, investors demanded higher yields for insured issues, which represent over half of the new issue market. Meanwhile, volatile markets forced some institutions to sell off their municipal bond holdings, especially hedge funds.

Amid this economic stress, the yield difference between higher and lower quality municipal bonds widened. The period's worst performance came in lower quality, long-maturity sectors where yields rose substantially. Skittish investors preferred to confine their commitments to better quality issues with maturities of five years or less, causing yields to decline and raising prices modestly for these bonds.

Lower and medium quality fund holdings and those with long maturities hurt results. We achieved better returns among intermediate-term prerefunded bonds, which are backed by escrowed government securities.

1The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index is considered representative of the broad market for investment-grade, tax-exempt bonds with maturities of at least one year. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.

3The credit quality ratings represent those of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") credit ratings. The ratings represent their opinions as to the quality of the securities they rate. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The security's credit quality does not eliminate risk.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Net asset value per share

as of 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     6.71    
Class B     6.71    
Class C     6.71    
Class Z     6.71    

 

Distributions declared per share

11/01/07 – 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     0.35    
Class B     0.29    
Class C     0.31    
Class Z     0.36    

 

A portion of the fund's income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. The fund may at times purchase tax-exempt securities at a discount. Some, or all, of this discount may be included in the fund's ordinary income, and is taxable when distributed. Distributions include $0.04 per share of taxable realized gains.

30-day SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     4.35    
Class B     3.80    
Class C     4.10    
Class Z     4.82    

 

The 30-day SEC yields reflect the fund's earning power, net of expenses, expressed as an annualized percentage of the public offering price per share at the end of the period.

Taxable equivalent SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     7.38    
Class B     6.45    
Class C     6.95    
Class Z     8.18    

 

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields are based on the combined maximum effective 35.0% federal income tax rate and the applicable state income tax rate. This tax rate does not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of the otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels.


5



Portfolio Manager's Report (continued)Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

Top 5 sectors

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Refunded/Escrowed     16.7    
Local General Obligations     16.5    
Special Property Tax     11.4    
Water & Sewer     8.7    
Local Appropriated     7.8    

 

Quality breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

AAA     21.2    
AA     52.3    
A     10.4    
BBB     11.9    
BB     0.2    
Non-rated     2.9    
Cash & Equivalents     1.1    

 

Maturity breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

1-3 years     1.1    
3-5 years     6.7    
5-7 years     15.0    
7-10 years     16.9    
10-15 years     23.7    
15-20 years     13.5    
20-25 years     8.3    
25 years and over     13.6    
Cash & Equivalents     1.1    

 

Ratings shown in the quality breakdown represent the rating assigned to a particular bond by one of the following nationally-recognized rating agencies: Standard and Poor's, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch Ratings Ltd. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The fund's credit quality does not remove market risk.

The fund is actively managed and the composition of its portfolio will change over time. Information provided is calculated as a percentage of net assets.

Housing and budget concerns pressured California's economy

Falling home prices and mortgage foreclosures were the triggers for California's latest recession. Stressed homeowners have slashed spending, eroding tax revenues at a time of severe shortfalls in the state's budget. Cutbacks in government construction projects added to California's unemployment rate, already among the nation's highest. With the 2009 budget gap unresolved well into the fiscal year, steep reductions were anticipated in state payrolls and programs; a boost in the sales tax was also possible. Depending on the outcome of these and other factors there may be rating downgrades by the rating agencies. Longer term, once the current slowdown ends and the budget stabilizes, we believe that California's strengths in technology, agriculture and higher education, plus global tourism and international trade, may set the state's economy back on course.

A cautious, deliberate approach

A widening difference in yield between higher and lower quality securities of comparable maturities offers potential opportunities in bonds in the mid and lower quality tiers. However, we are being selective in our choice of securities because we do not believe that the challenges facing municipal issuers will dissipate quickly in light of the current economic slowdown. In this environment, we believe that short-term interest rates are likely to remain low and further stimulus moves are possible. Eventually, we believe that taxes may rise, making municipal bonds more attractive. However, we believe that continued stimulus programs could also trigger inflation over the longer-term, a potential negative for bond investors.

Portfolio holdings and characteristics are subject to change periodically and may not be representative of current holdings and characteristics. The outlook for the fund may differ from that presented for other Columbia Funds.

Tax-exempt investing offers current tax-exempt income, but it also involves special risks. The value of the fund will be affected by interest rate changes and the creditworthiness of issues held in the fund. When interest rates go up, bond prices generally drop and vice versa.

Interest income from certain tax-exempt bonds may be subject to certain state and local taxes and, if applicable, the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains are not exempt from income taxes.

Single-state municipal bond funds pose additional risks due to limited geographical diversification.


6




Investment PortfolioColumbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds – 95.6%  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Education – 3.2%  
Education – 2.8%  
CA Educational Facilities Authority  
California College of Arts,
Series 2005: 
5.000% 06/01/26
    1,000,000       717,120    
5.000% 06/01/35     1,500,000       980,175    
California Lutheran University,  
Series 2008,
5.750% 10/01/38
    3,000,000       2,350,800    
Loyola Marymount University,  
Series 2001,
Insured: MBIA
(a) 10/01/15
    1,265,000       903,956    
University of Redlands,  
Series 2008 A,
5.125% 08/01/38
    1,750,000       1,499,942    
University of Southern California,  
Series 2007 A,
4.500% 10/01/33
    2,500,000       2,051,900    
Woodbury University,  
Series 2006,
5.000% 01/01/25
    1,830,000       1,339,286    
CA Statewide Communities Development
Authority
 
San Francisco Art Institute,
Series 2002, 
7.375% 04/01/32
    2,000,000       1,641,560    
Education Total     11,484,739    
Prep School – 0.4%  
CA Statewide Communities Development
Authority
 
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences,
Series 1998, 
6.000% 08/01/28 (b)
    1,690,000       1,458,690    
Prep School Total     1,458,690    
Education Total     12,943,429    
Health Care – 8.3%  
Continuing Care Retirement – 0.8%  
CA ABAG Finance Authority for
Nonprofit Corps.
 
Channing House,
Series 1999, 
5.375% 02/15/19
    1,700,000       1,525,512    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA Riverside County Public
Financing Authority
 
Air Force Village West, Inc.,
Series 1999, 
5.750% 05/15/19
    2,000,000       1,822,000    
Continuing Care Retirement Total     3,347,512    
Hospitals – 7.5%  
CA ABAG Finance Authority for
Nonprofit Corps.
 
San Diego Hospital Association,
Series 2003 C, 
5.375% 03/01/21
    1,000,000       897,620    
CA Health Facilities Financing Authority  
Catholic Healthcare West,
Series 2004 I, 
4.950% 07/01/26
    1,000,000       966,380    
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,
Series 2005: 
5.000% 11/15/27
    1,500,000       1,263,435    
5.000% 11/15/34     2,500,000       1,977,075    
Kaiser Permanante,
Series 2006,
     
5.250% 04/01/39     2,000,000       1,636,400    
Stanford Hospital & Clinics,
Series 2003 A,
     
5.000% 11/15/12     500,000       501,310    
Sutter Health,
Series 2042 A,
     
5.000% 11/15/42     2,000,000       1,602,140    
CA Infrastructure & Economic
Development Bank
 
Kaiser Assistance Corp.,
Series 2001 A, 
5.550% 08/01/31
    2,500,000       2,170,600    
CA Kaweah Delta Health Care District  
Series 2006,  
4.500% 06/01/34     3,500,000       2,353,785    
CA Loma Linda Hospital  
Loma Linda University Medical Center,
Series 2005, 
5.000% 12/01/22
    6,155,000       5,068,212    
CA Municipal Finance Authority  
Community Hospital Center,
Series 2007, 
5.250% 02/01/37
    2,500,000       1,761,425    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


7



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA Rancho Mirage Joint Powers
Financing Authority
 
Eisenhower Medical Center,
Series 2007 A, 
5.000% 07/01/47
    2,500,000       1,843,375    
CA Sierra View Local Health Care District  
Series 2007,  
5.250% 07/01/37     1,500,000       1,144,140    
CA Statewide Communities
Development Authority
 
Kaiser Permanente,
Series 2007 A, 
4.750% 04/01/33
    2,000,000       1,534,260    
CA Turlock Health Facility  
Emanuel Medical Center, Inc.:
Series 2004: 
5.000% 10/15/13
    940,000       899,721    
5.375% 10/15/34     800,000       598,824    
Series 2007 A,  
5.000% 10/15/22     2,780,000       2,234,397    
Series 2007 B,  
5.125% 10/15/37     2,500,000       1,740,350    
Hospitals Total     30,193,449    
Health Care Total     33,540,961    
Housing – 1.0%  
Multi-Family – 0.4%  
CA Statewide Communities
Development Authority
 
Oracle Communities Corp.,
Series 2002 E-1, 
5.375% 07/01/32
    2,000,000       1,459,340    
Multi-Family Total     1,459,340    
Single-Family – 0.6%  
CA Housing Finance Agency  
Series 1997 B-3 Class I, AMT,
Insured: FHA 
5.400% 08/01/28
    485,000       474,417    
Series 2006 K, AMT,
4.625% 08/01/26
    2,500,000       1,889,150    
CA Rural Home Mortgage Finance Authority  
Series 1997 A-2, AMT,
Guarantor: GNMA 
7.000% 09/01/29
    40,000       40,420    
Series 1998 B-5, AMT,
Guarantor: FNMA 
6.350% 12/01/29
    55,000       55,929    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2000 B, AMT,
Guarantor: FNMA 
7.300% 06/01/31
    40,000       40,983    
Series 2000 D, AMT,
Guarantor: GNMA 
7.100% 06/01/31
    40,000       40,481    
Single-Family Total     2,541,380    
Housing Total     4,000,720    
Industrials – 0.5%  
Oil & Gas – 0.5%  
CA Southern California Public
Power Authority
 
Series 2007,  
5.000% 11/01/33     3,385,000       2,111,902    
Oil & Gas Total     2,111,902    
Industrials Total     2,111,902    
Other – 18.7%  
Other – 0.7%  
CA Infrastructure & Economic
Development Bank
 
Walt Disney Family Museum,
Series 2008, 
5.250% 02/01/38
    3,050,000       2,694,217    
Other Total     2,694,217    
Pool/Bond Bank – 0.1%  
CA Educational Facilities Authority  
Series 1999 B,  
5.250% 04/01/24     725,000       558,627    
Pool/Bond Bank Total     558,627    
Refunded/Escrowed (c) – 16.7%  
CA Central Unified School District  
Series 1993,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
Insured: AMBAC
(a) 03/01/18
    20,065,000       12,749,903    
CA Daly City Housing Development
Finance Agency
 
Linc Franciscan LP,
Series 2002 A, 
Pre-refunded 12/15/13,
5.850% 12/15/32
    2,000,000       2,277,920    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


8



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA East Whittier City School District  
Series 1997 A,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
Insured: FGIC
5.750% 08/01/17
    1,675,000       1,835,415    
CA Educational Facilities Authority  
Series 1999 B,
Pre-refunded 04/01/09, 
5.250% 04/01/24
    275,000       281,831    
Series 2000 B,
Pre-refunded 06/01/10, 
6.625% 06/01/20
    170,000       182,493    
CA Health Facilities Financing Authority  
Kaiser Permanente,
Series 1998 A, 
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: FSA
5.000% 06/01/24
    3,000,000       2,993,430    
CA Infrastructure & Economic Development
Bank Revenue
 
Series 2003 A,
Pre-refunded 07/01/26, 
Insured: AMBAC
5.125% 07/01/37
    4,275,000       4,402,865    
CA Inland Empire Solid Waste
Financing Authority
 
Series 1996 B, AMT,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
Insured: FSA
6.250% 08/01/11
    1,270,000       1,328,966    
CA Lompoc Unified School District  
Election of 2002,
Series 2003 A, 
Pre-refunded 08/01/13,
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 08/01/27
    2,065,000       2,235,342    
CA Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California
 
Series 1993 A,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.750% 07/01/21
    2,865,000       3,103,569    
CA Morgan Hill Unified School District  
Series 2002,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
Insured: FGIC
(a) 08/01/21
    2,010,000       1,026,567    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA Pleasanton-Suisun City Home
Financing Authority
 
Series 1984 A,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
Insured: MBIA
(a) 10/01/16
    5,270,000       3,674,350    
CA Pomona  
Single Family Mortgage Revenue,
Series 1990 B, 
Escrowed to Maturity,
Guarantor: GNMA
7.500% 08/01/23
    1,000,000       1,206,320    
CA Redding Electric Systems Revenue  
Series 1992 A, IFRN,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
Insured: MBIA
6.223% 07/01/22 (d)
    580,000       735,649    
CA Riverside County  
Series 1989 A, AMT,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
Guarantor: GNMA
7.800% 05/01/21
    2,500,000       3,100,375    
CA San Joaquin Hills Transportation
Corridor Agency
 
Series 1993,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
(a) 01/01/20
    15,400,000       8,662,038    
CA San Jose Redevelopment Agency  
Series 1993,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
Insured: MBIA
6.000% 08/01/15
    1,405,000       1,611,914    
CA Santa Margarita Water District  
Community Facilities District No. 99-1,
Series 2003, 
Pre-refunded 09/01/13,
6.000% 09/01/30
    1,000,000       1,108,120    
CA Southern California Public
Power Authority
 
Series 2003 A-1,
Pre-refunded 07/01/13, 
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 07/01/25
    1,000,000       1,082,820    
CA State Department of Water Resources  
Series 2001,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
Insured: FSA
5.500% 12/01/14
    10,000       11,164    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


9



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA Statewide Communities
Development Authority
 
Eskaton Village - Grass Valley,
Series 2000, 
Pre-refunded 11/15/10,
8.250% 11/15/31
    2,395,000       2,666,928    
CA State  
Series 2000:
Pre-refunded 05/01/10, 
5.625% 05/01/26
    60,000       63,655    
Pre-refunded 09/01/10,  
Insured: FGIC  
5.250% 09/01/30     155,000       163,375    
Series 2004:  
Pre-refunded 02/01/14,  
5.000% 02/01/33     1,000,000       1,079,630    
Pre-refunded 04/01/14,  
5.250% 04/01/34     1,500,000       1,640,850    
CA Whisman School District  
Series 1996 A,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
Insured: FGIC
(a) 08/01/16
    1,645,000       1,166,124    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Aqueduct & Sewer Authority
 
Series 1995,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
Insured: MBIA
6.250% 07/01/13
    2,750,000       3,109,508    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Electric Power Authority
 
Series 1989 O,  
Pre-refunded to various dates
beginning 07/01/15,
(a) 07/01/17
    2,490,000       1,611,528    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Infrastructure Financing Authority
 
Series 2000 A,  
Economically Defeased to Maturity,
5.500% 10/01/32
    1,500,000       1,501,125    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Public Finance Corp.
 
Series 2002 E,  
Pre-refunded 02/01/12,
5.500% 08/01/29
    480,000       511,502    
Refunded/Escrowed Total     67,125,276    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Tobacco – 1.2%  
CA Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corp.  
Series 2007 A-1,  
5.000% 06/01/33     7,500,000       4,650,675    
Tobacco Total     4,650,675    
Other Total     75,028,795    
Resource Recovery – 0.8%  
Disposal – 0.8%  
CA Pollution Control Financing Authority  
Waste Management,
Series 2002 A, 
5.000% 01/01/22
    2,000,000       1,465,500    
CA Statewide Communities Development
Authority
 
Series 2003 A, AMT,  
4.950% 12/01/12     2,000,000       1,749,760    
Disposal Total     3,215,260    
Resource Recovery Total     3,215,260    
Tax-Backed – 46.0%  
Local Appropriated – 7.8%  
CA Alameda County  
Series 1989,  
Insured: MBIA  
(a) 06/15/14     2,185,000       1,672,071    
CA Anaheim Public Financing Authority  
Series 1997 C,  
Insured: FSA  
6.000% 09/01/14     3,500,000       3,868,445    
Series 2007 A-1,  
Insured: FGIC  
4.250% 09/01/35     3,500,000       2,533,440    
CA Antelope Valley East-Kern Water Agency  
Certificates of Participation,
Series 2007 A-1, 
Insured: FGIC
4.375% 06/01/37
    2,500,000       1,882,525    
CA Bodega Bay Fire Protection District  
Certificates of Participation,
Series 1996, 
6.450% 10/01/31
    1,185,000       975,267    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


10



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA Los Angeles County Schools  
Regionalized Business Services Corp.,
Series 1999 A, 
Insured: AMBAC:
(a) 08/01/16
    1,945,000       1,307,662    
(a) 08/01/17     1,980,000       1,246,529    
CA Modesto  
Certificates of Participation,
Series 1993 A, 
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 11/01/23
    2,235,000       1,989,552    
CA Oakland Joint Powers Financing
Authority
 
Series 2008 B,  
5.000% 08/01/22     3,000,000       2,892,810    
CA Sacramento City Financing Authority  
Series 1993 A,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.375% 11/01/14     1,100,000       1,134,111    
CA San Joaquin County  
Certificates of Participation,
Series 1993, 
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 11/15/13
    1,750,000       1,820,893    
CA Santa Ana Financing Authority  
Series 1994 A,  
Insured: MBIA  
6.250% 07/01/18     6,035,000       6,449,665    
CA Victor Elementary School District  
Series 1996,  
Insured: MBIA  
6.450% 05/01/18     3,345,000       3,641,534    
Local Appropriated Total     31,414,504    
Local General Obligations – 16.5%  
CA Cabrillo Unified School District  
Series 1996 A,  
Insured: AMBAC  
(a) 08/01/15     3,000,000       2,149,710    
CA Central Valley School District
Financing Authority
 
Series 1998 A,  
Insured: MBIA  
6.450% 02/01/18     1,000,000       1,087,140    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA Clovis Unified School District  
Series 2001 A,  
Insured: FGIC  
(a) 08/01/16     3,000,000       2,053,890    
CA Coast Community College District  
Series 2005,  
Insured: MBIA  
(a) 08/01/22     4,000,000       1,856,800    
CA Corona-Norco Unified School District  
Series 2001 C,  
Insured: FGIC  
(a) 09/01/17     1,000,000       626,570    
CA Culver City School Facilities
Financing Authority
 
Series 2005,  
Insured: FSA:  
5.500% 08/01/25     655,000       675,253    
5.500% 08/01/26     1,750,000       1,804,057    
CA East Side Union High School
District Santa Clara County
 
Series 2003 B,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.250% 08/01/26     2,010,000       1,838,326    
CA Fillmore Unified School District  
Series 1997 A,  
Insured: FGIC  
(a) 07/01/17     650,000       411,158    
CA Fresno Unified School District  
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: MBIA  
6.000% 02/01/19     2,480,000       2,594,526    
CA Golden West Schools Financing Authority  
Beverly Hills Unified School District,
Series 2005, 
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 08/01/18
    1,000,000       1,042,630    
Placentia Yorba Linda Unified,
Series 2006, 
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 08/01/24
    1,825,000       1,877,268    
CA Grossmont Union High School District  
Series 2006,  
Insured: MBIA  
(a) 08/01/28     5,000,000       1,517,300    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


11



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA Hacienda La Puente Unified
School District
 
Series 2005,  
Insured: FGIC  
5.000% 08/01/19     2,050,000       2,026,199    
CA Jefferson Union High School District  
Series 2000 A,  
Insured: MBIA  
6.450% 08/01/25     1,000,000       1,040,770    
CA Lafayette  
Series 2002,  
5.125% 07/15/25     1,995,000       1,965,155    
CA Las Virgenes Unified School District  
Series 1997 C,  
Insured: FGIC  
(a) 11/01/20     1,205,000       615,526    
CA Los Angeles Unified School District  
Series 2002 E,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.750% 07/01/16     2,500,000       2,742,150    
CA Manteca Unified School District  
Series 2006,  
Insured: MBIA  
(a) 08/01/32     5,440,000       1,191,578    
CA Modesto High School District  
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: FGIC  
(a) 08/01/16     1,500,000       1,008,480    
CA New Haven Unified School District  
Series 2002,  
Insured: FSA  
12.000% 08/01/17     1,565,000       2,423,089    
CA Oak Park Unified School District  
Series 2000,  
Insured: FSA  
(a) 05/01/14     2,095,000       1,660,853    
CA Oxnard Union High School District  
Series 2001 A,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.650% 02/01/17     960,000       1,001,222    
CA Pajaro Valley Unified School District  
Series 2005,  
Insured: FSA  
5.250% 08/01/18     1,000,000       1,033,760    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA Pomona Unified School District  
Series 2001 A,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.900% 02/01/16     845,000       898,565    
CA Redwood City Elementary School District  
Series 1997,  
Insured: FGIC  
(a) 08/01/18     2,385,000       1,389,429    
CA Rocklin Unified School District  
Series 1995 C,  
Insured: MBIA  
(a) 07/01/20     6,920,000       3,679,295    
Series 2003,  
Insured: FGIC  
(a) 08/01/17     2,000,000       1,259,120    
CA San Juan Unified School District  
Series 2001,  
Insured: FSA  
(a) 08/01/15     2,760,000       2,001,304    
CA San Marino Unified School District  
Series 1998 B,  
5.000% 06/01/23     1,000,000       994,840    
CA San Mateo County Community College  
Series 2006 C,  
Insured: MBIA  
(a) 09/01/26     1,925,000       662,335    
CA San Mateo Union High School District  
Series 2000 B,  
Insured: FGIC  
(a) 09/01/26     4,005,000       1,385,890    
CA Sanger Unified School District  
Series 1999,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.350% 08/01/15     1,500,000       1,522,395    
CA Santa Margarita - Dana Point Authority  
Series 1994 B,  
Insured: MBIA  
7.250% 08/01/13     2,000,000       2,294,320    
CA Saratoga  
Series 2001,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.250% 08/01/31     2,000,000       1,930,340    
CA Simi Valley Unified School District  
Series 1997,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.250% 08/01/22     925,000       875,485    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


12



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA South San Francisco Unified School District  
Series 2006,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.250% 09/15/22     1,500,000       1,548,180    
CA Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District  
No. 1-A,  
Series 1999,  
Insured: FGIC  
(a) 08/01/23     3,780,000       1,533,697    
No. 2-A,  
Series 1999,  
Insured: FGIC  
(a) 08/01/24     2,965,000       1,121,333    
CA Union Elementary School District  
Series 1999 A,  
Insured: FGIC  
(a) 09/01/19     1,750,000       970,882    
CA Upland Unified School District  
Series 2001,  
Insured: FSA  
5.125% 08/01/25     750,000       733,043    
CA West Contra Costa Unified School District  
Series 2001 A,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.600% 02/01/20     1,610,000       1,568,591    
Series 2005 D,  
Insured: FGIC  
(a) 08/01/22     5,000,000       2,100,450    
CA West Covina Unified School District  
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.250% 02/01/19     725,000       718,374    
CA Yuba City Unified School District  
Series 2000,  
Insured: FGIC  
(a) 09/01/20     2,385,000       1,174,994    
Local General Obligations Total     66,606,272    
Special Non-Property Tax – 3.2%  
CA San Diego Redevelopment Agency  
Series 2001,  
Insured: FSA  
(a) 09/01/20     3,630,000       1,817,323    
CA San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit
Financing Authority
 
Series 2001,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.000% 07/01/26     525,000       501,816    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: MBIA  
4.250% 07/01/25     2,000,000       1,711,520    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority  
Series 1996 Y,  
Insured: MBIA  
6.250% 07/01/12     3,000,000       3,142,380    
Series 1998 A,  
Insured: MBIA  
4.750% 07/01/38     2,250,000       1,706,288    
Series 2002 E,  
Insured: FSA  
5.500% 07/01/14     2,000,000       2,091,800    
Series 2006 BB,  
Insured: FSA  
5.250% 07/01/22     2,000,000       1,932,680    
Special Non-Property Tax Total     12,903,807    
Special Property Tax – 11.4%  
CA Carson Improvement Bond Act 1915  
Series 1992,  
7.375% 09/02/22     125,000       118,813    
CA Cerritos Public Financing Authority  
Los Coyotes Redevelopment,
Series 1993 A, 
Insured: AMBAC
6.500% 11/01/23
    2,000,000       2,112,220    
CA Elk Grove Unified School District  
Community Facilities District No. 1,
Series 1995 A, 
Insured: AMBAC:
(a) 12/01/18
    2,720,000       1,518,386    
6.500% 12/01/24     4,055,000       4,046,687    
CA Inglewood Redevelopment Agency  
Series 1998 A,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.250% 05/01/23     1,000,000       977,670    
CA Lancaster Financing Authority  
Series 2003,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.125% 02/01/17     1,270,000       1,287,640    
CA Long Beach Bond Finance Authority  
Series 2006 C,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.500% 08/01/31     3,250,000       2,937,610    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


13



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA Los Angeles Community
Redevelopment Agency
 
Series 1998 C,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.375% 07/01/18     1,665,000       1,676,722    
CA Los Angeles County Public Works
Financing Authority
 
J.F. Shea Co.,  
Series 1996 A,  
Insured: FSA  
5.500% 10/01/18     2,695,000       2,859,179    
Regional Park & Open Space,  
Series 2005,  
Insured: FSA  
5.250% 10/01/18     2,000,000       2,124,120    
CA Oakdale Public Financing Authority  
Central City Redevelopment Project,
Series 2004, 
5.375% 06/01/33
    1,500,000       1,134,960    
CA Oakland Redevelopment Agency  
Series 1992,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.500% 02/01/14     8,400,000       8,844,360    
CA Oceanside Community Facilities  
Ocean Ranch Corp.,
Series 2004, 
5.875% 09/01/34
    1,000,000       803,130    
CA Orange County Community
Facilities District
 
Ladera Ranch,
Series 2004 A, 
5.625% 08/15/34
    850,000       679,787    
CA Rancho Cucamonga
Redevelopment Agency
 
Series 2007 A,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.000% 09/01/34     1,000,000       854,320    
CA Redwood City Community Facilities
District No. 1
 
Series 2003 B,  
5.950% 09/01/28     750,000       628,507    
CA Riverside County Public
Financing Authority
 
Series 1991 A,  
8.000% 02/01/18     20,000       20,061    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA San Bernardino Joint Powers
Financing Authority
 
Series 1998 A,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.750% 07/01/14     985,000       1,041,874    
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: FSA  
5.750% 10/01/24     2,420,000       2,557,383    
CA San Jose Redevelopment Agency  
Series 1993,  
Insured: MBIA  
6.000% 08/01/15     2,790,000       3,004,663    
CA Sulphur Springs Unified School District  
Series 2002-1-A,  
6.000% 09/01/33     1,500,000       1,162,935    
CA West Covina Redevelopment Agency  
Series 1996,  
6.000% 09/01/17     5,000,000       5,346,100    
Special Property Tax Total     45,737,127    
State Appropriated – 2.5%  
CA Public Works Board  
Department of Mental Health,
Coalinga State Hospital, 
Series 2004 A,
5.500% 06/01/19
    1,500,000       1,526,790    
Various State Prisons Projects,
Series 1993 A, 
Insured: AMBAC:
5.000% 12/01/19
    6,000,000       5,789,520    
5.250% 12/01/13     2,500,000       2,553,300    
State Appropriated Total     9,869,610    
State General Obligations – 4.6%  
CA State  
Series 1995,  
5.750% 03/01/09     65,000       65,709    
Series 2000,  
5.625% 05/01/26     160,000       160,387    
Series 2003,  
5.250% 02/01/20     1,250,000       1,259,088    
Series 2007,  
4.500% 08/01/26     2,500,000       2,142,050    
Series 2008,  
5.000% 08/01/34     2,500,000       2,231,925    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Public
Buildings Authority
 
Series 2002 C,  
5.500% 07/01/14     500,000       507,485    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


14



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico  
Series 1995,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.650% 07/01/15     1,000,000       1,019,920    
Series 1996,  
Insured: MBIA  
6.500% 07/01/14     2,000,000       2,119,980    
Series 2004 A:  
5.250% 07/01/21     2,000,000       1,841,380    
5.250% 07/01/22     2,000,000       1,833,300    
Series 2007 A,  
5.500% 07/01/21     2,500,000       2,356,125    
PR Public Buildings Authority  
Series 2007,  
6.250% 07/01/23     3,000,000       3,011,130    
State General Obligations Total     18,548,479    
Tax-Backed Total     185,079,799    
Transportation – 2.4%  
Airports – 0.7%  
CA County of Sacramento  
Series 2008 B, AMT,  
Insured: FSA  
5.250% 07/01/39     1,000,000       757,550    
CA San Diego County Regional
Airport Authority
 
Series 2005, AMT,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.250% 07/01/20     750,000       666,195    
CA San Francisco City & County
Airports Commission
 
Series 2008 34E, AMT,  
5.750% 05/01/25     1,500,000       1,327,590    
Airports Total     2,751,335    
Toll Facilities – 1.7%  
CA Bay Area Toll Authority  
Series 2008 F-1,  
5.125% 04/01/47     2,500,000       2,219,700    
CA Foothill Eastern Transportation
Corridor Agency
 
Series 1995 A,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.000% 01/01/35     2,000,000       1,646,480    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 1999,  
5.750% 01/15/40     4,000,000       3,113,000    
Toll Facilities Total     6,979,180    
Transportation Total     9,730,515    
Utilities – 14.7%  
Investor Owned – 1.8%  
CA Chula Vista Industrial Development
Authority
 
San Diego Gas & Electric Co.,
Series 1996 B, AMT, 
5.500% 12/01/21
    2,000,000       1,772,640    
San Diego Gas D,
Series 2005, AMT, 
5.000% 12/01/27
    3,500,000       2,747,185    
CA Pollution Control Financing Authority  
San Diego Gas & Electric Co.,
Series 1996 A, 
Insured: AMBAC
5.900% 06/01/14
    2,650,000       2,858,237    
Investor Owned Total     7,378,062    
Joint Power Authority – 1.1%  
CA Southern California Public
Power Authority
 
Series 1989,  
6.750% 07/01/13     4,000,000       4,512,760    
Joint Power Authority Total     4,512,760    
Municipal Electric – 3.1%  
CA Modesto Irrigation District  
Certificates of Participation,
Series 2004 B, 
5.500% 07/01/35
    2,000,000       1,832,900    
CA Sacramento Municipal Utility District  
Series 1993 G,  
Insured: MBIA  
6.500% 09/01/13     1,500,000       1,605,705    
Series 1997 K,  
Insured: AMBAC:  
5.250% 07/01/24     2,220,000       2,182,615    
5.700% 07/01/17     1,900,000       2,053,501    
Series 2001 N,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.000% 08/15/28     2,000,000       1,815,140    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


15



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Electric Power Authority
 
Series 2007 VV,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.250% 07/01/29     2,000,000       1,756,900    
Series 2008 WW,  
5.000% 07/01/28     1,500,000       1,286,265    
Municipal Electric Total     12,533,026    
Water & Sewer – 8.7%  
CA Big Bear Lake  
Series 1996,  
Insured: MBIA  
6.000% 04/01/15     1,350,000       1,440,018    
CA Chino Basin Regional Financing Authority  
Inland Empire Utilities Agency,  
Series 2008 A,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.000% 11/01/38     2,000,000       1,718,320    
CA Contra Costa Water District  
Series 2002 L,  
Insured: FSA  
5.000% 10/01/24     1,920,000       1,882,752    
CA Eastern Municipal Water District  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 1991,  
Insured: FGIC  
6.750% 07/01/12     1,000,000       1,062,740    
CA Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 1992 A,  
Insured: FGIC  
6.000% 07/01/12     2,500,000       2,572,500    
CA Fresno  
Series 1993 A-1,  
Insured: AMBAC  
6.250% 09/01/14     5,000,000       5,305,300    
CA Lodi Wastewater Systems Revenue  
Series 2007 A,  
Insured: FSA  
5.000% 10/01/37     1,250,000       1,110,525    
CA Los Angeles Department of
Water & Power
 
Series 2001 A:  
5.125% 07/01/41     3,000,000       2,684,490    
Insured: FGIC  
5.125% 07/01/41     3,000,000       2,676,540    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA Manteca Financing Authority  
Series 2003 B,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.000% 12/01/33     665,000       668,644    
CA Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California
 
Series 1993 A,  
5.750% 07/01/21     3,635,000       3,860,188    
CA Pico Rivera Water Authority  
Series 1999 A,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.500% 05/01/29     2,000,000       1,936,880    
CA Sacramento County Sanitation District  
Series 2001,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.500% 12/01/18     2,000,000       2,134,520    
CA Santa Clara Valley Water District  
Series 2006,  
Insured: FSA  
4.250% 06/01/30     2,500,000       1,992,275    
CA Santa Maria Water & Wastewater  
Series 1997 A,  
Insured: AMBAC  
(a) 08/01/14     2,000,000       1,520,620    
CA State Department of Water Resources  
Series 2001,  
Insured: FSA  
5.500% 12/01/14     1,990,000       2,182,891    
Water & Sewer Total     34,749,203    
Utilities Total     59,173,051    
Total Municipal Bonds
(cost of $406,286,166)
    384,824,432    
Municipal Preferred Stock – 0.5%  
    Shares      
Housing – 0.5%  
Multi-Family – 0.5%  
Munimae TE Bond Subsidiary LLC  
Series 2004 A-2,  
4.900% 06/30/49 (e)     2,000,000       1,740,180    
Multi-Family Total     1,740,180    
Housing Total     1,740,180    
Total Municipal Preferred Stock
(cost of $2,000,000)
    1,740,180    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


16



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Investment Company – 0.4%  
    Shares   Value ($)  
Dreyfus Municipal Cash  
Management Plus
(7 day yield of 2.260%)
    1,637,554       1,637,554    
Total Investment Company
(cost of $1,637,554)
    1,637,554    
Other – 0.0%  
Transportation – 0.0%  
CA Statewide Communities Development
Authority
 
United Airlines, Inc.,
Series 2001, 
07/01/39 (f)(g)
    2,000,000       80,000    
Transportation Total     80,000    
Total Other
(cost of $—)
    80,000    
Short-Term Obligation – 0.0%  
    Par ($)      
Variable Rate Demand Note (h) – 0.0%  
CA Department of Water Resources  
Power Supply Revenue,
Series 2005 F-2, 
LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank,
LOC: Societe Generale
0.900% 05/01/20
    100,000       100,000    
Variable Rate Demand Note Total     100,000    
Total Short-Term Obligation
(cost of $100,000)
    100,000    
Total Investments – 96.5%
(cost of $410,023,720) (i)
    388,382,166    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net – 3.5%     14,067,224    
Net Assets – 100.0%     402,449,390    

 

Notes to Investment Portfolio:

(a)  Zero coupon bond.

(b)  Denotes a restricted security, which is subject to restrictions on resale under federal securities laws or in transactions exempt from registration. At October 31, 2008, the value of this security amounted to $1,458,690 which represents 0.4% of net assets. Additional information on this restricted security is as follows:

Security   Acquisition
Date
  Acquisition
Cost
 
CA Statewide Communities Development
Authority; Crossroads School for Arts &
Sciences, Series 1998, 6.000% 08/01/28
    08/21/98     $ 1,750,000    

 

(c)  The Fund has been informed that each issuer has placed direct obligations of the U.S. Government in an irrevocable trust, solely for the payment of principal and interest.

(d)  The interest rate shown on floating rate or variable rate securities reflects the rate at October 31, 2008.

(e)  Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At October 31, 2008, the value of this security, which is not illiquid, represents 0.5% of net assets.

(f)  Non-income producing.

(g)  Position reflects anticipated residual bankruptcy claims. Income is not being accrued.

(h)  This security is payable upon demand and secured by letters of credit or other credit support agreements from banks. The interest rate changes periodically and the interest rate shown reflect the rate at October 31, 2008.

(i)  Cost for federal income tax purposes is $409,883,637.

At October 31, 2008, the composition of the Fund by revenue source is as follows:

Holdings By Revenue Source (Unaudited)   % of
Net Assets
 
Tax-Backed     46.0    
Refunded/Escrowed     16.7    
Utilities     14.7    
Health Care     8.3    
Education     3.2    
Transportation     2.4    
Other     2.0    
Housing     1.0    
Resource Recovery     0.8    
Industrials     0.5    
      95.6    
Municipal Preferred Stock     0.5    
Investment Company     0.4    
Other     0.0 *  
Short-Term Obligation     0.0 *  
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net     3.5    
      100.0    

 

*  Represented less than 0.1%.

Acronym   Name  
AMBAC   Ambac Assurance Corp.  
AMT   Alternative Minimum Tax  
FGIC   Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.  
FHA   Federal Housing Administration  
FNMA   Federal National Mortgage Association  
FSA   Financial Security Assurance, Inc.  
GNMA   Government National Mortgage Association  
IFRN   Inverse Floating Rate Note  
LOC   Letter of Credit  
MBIA   MBIA Insurance Corp.  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


17




Statement of Assets and LiabilitiesColumbia California Tax-Exempt Fund
October 31, 2008

Assets   Investments, at cost   $ 410,023,720    
    Investments, at value   $ 388,382,166    
    Cash     2,629,050    
    Receivable for:          
    Investments sold     4,704,390    
    Fund shares sold     2,561,551    
    Interest     5,587,653    
    Trustees' deferred compensation plan     33,550    
    Other assets     919    
    Total Assets     403,899,279    
Liabilities   Expense reimbursement due to investment advisor     17,238    
    Payable for:  
    Fund shares repurchased     199,763    
    Distributions     812,968    
    Investment advisory fee     170,839    
    Transfer agent fee     29,755    
    Pricing and bookkeeping fees     13,180    
    Trustees' fees     31,549    
    Custody fee     2,706    
    Distribution and service fees     73,790    
    Chief compliance officer expenses     62    
    Trustees' deferred compensation plan     33,550    
    Other liabilities     64,489    
    Total Liabilities     1,449,889    
    Net Assets     402,449,390    
Net Assets Consist of   Paid-in capital     423,973,206    
    Undistributed net investment income     282,480    
    Accumulated net realized loss     (164,742 )  
    Net unrealized depreciation on investments     (21,641,554 )  
    Net Assets     402,449,390    
Class A   Net assets   $ 263,220,250    
    Shares outstanding     39,247,362    
    Net asset value per share   $ 6.71 (a)  
    Maximum sales charge     4.75 %  
    Maximum offering price per share ($6.71/0.9525)   $ 7.04 (b)  
Class B   Net assets   $ 9,739,809    
    Shares outstanding     1,452,248    
    Net asset value and offering price per share   $ 6.71 (a)  
Class C   Net assets   $ 21,898,671    
    Shares outstanding     3,265,246    
    Net asset value and offering price per share   $ 6.71 (a)  
Class Z   Net assets   $ 107,590,660    
    Shares outstanding     16,042,628    
    Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share   $ 6.71    

 

(a)  Redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.

(b)  On sales of $50,000 or more the offering price is reduced.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


18



Statement of OperationsColumbia California Tax-Exempt Fund
For the Year Ended October 31, 2008

        ($)  
Investment Income   Interest     21,586,446    
    Dividends     125,457    
    Securities lending income     13    
    Total Investment Income     21,711,916    
Expenses   Investment advisory fee     2,181,403    
    Distribution fee:          
    Class B     98,202    
    Class C     150,840    
    Service fee:          
    Class A     664,448    
    Class B     31,156    
    Class C     47,855    
    Transfer agent fee     85,476    
    Pricing and bookkeeping fees     131,048    
    Trustees' fees     25,657    
    Custody fee     18,955    
    Chief compliance officer expenses     749    
    Other expenses     207,175    
    Total Expenses     3,642,964    
    Fees waived or expenses reimbursed by investment advisor     (29,313 )  
    Fees waived by distributor—Class C     (60,360 )  
    Expense reductions     (3,853 )  
    Net Expenses     3,549,438    
    Net Investment Income     18,162,478    
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Futures Contracts      
    Net realized gain (loss) on:        
    Investments     1,080,044    
    Futures contracts     (22,545 )  
    Net realized gain     1,057,499    
    Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:  
    Investments     (49,695,003 )  
    Futures contracts     192,106    
    Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (49,502,897 )  
    Net Loss     (48,445,398 )  
    Net Decrease Resulting from Operations     (30,282,920 )  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


19



Statement of Changes in Net AssetsColumbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

        Year Ended October 31,  
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets       2008 ($)   2007 ($)  
Operations   Net investment income     18,162,478       17,848,496    
    Net realized gain on investments and futures contracts     1,057,499       2,419,467    
    Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
investments and futures contracts
    (49,502,897 )     (12,124,486 )  
    Net Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Operations     (30,282,920 )     8,143,477    
Distributions to Shareholders   From net investment income:                  
    Class A     (11,559,069 )     (11,429,081 )  
    Class B     (442,150 )     (648,196 )  
    Class C     (741,322 )     (572,773 )  
    Class Z     (5,418,607 )     (5,193,527 )  
    From net realized gains:  
    Class A     (1,597,721 )     (985,879 )  
    Class B     (89,254 )     (77,965 )  
    Class C     (104,151 )     (54,363 )  
    Class Z     (730,285 )     (419,456 )  
    Total Distributions to Shareholders     (20,682,559 )     (19,381,240 )  
    Net Capital Share Transactions     16,332,602       (8,450,947 )  
    Total Decrease in Net Assets     (34,632,877 )     (19,688,710 )  
Net Assets   Beginning of period     437,082,267       456,770,977    
    End of period     402,449,390       437,082,267    
    Undistributed net investment income, at end of period     282,480       310,689    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


20



Statement of Changes in Net Assets (continued)Capital Stock Activity

    Year Ended October 31,  
    2008   2007  
    Shares   Dollars ($)   Shares   Dollars ($)  
Class A  
Subscriptions     8,916,823       65,274,242       4,085,761       30,967,797    
Distributions reinvested     1,184,466       8,612,536       1,015,424       7,726,947    
Redemptions     (8,118,611 )     (58,820,520 )     (5,669,785 )     (42,946,663 )  
Net Increase (Decrease)     1,982,678       15,066,258       (568,600 )     (4,251,919 )  
Class B  
Subscriptions     145,678       1,073,625       35,886       273,102    
Distributions reinvested     46,959       343,107       63,700       485,409    
Redemptions     (876,556 )     (6,424,692 )     (1,065,726 )     (8,110,885 )  
Net Decrease     (683,919 )     (5,007,960 )     (966,140 )     (7,352,374 )  
Class C  
Subscriptions     1,651,124       12,081,252       436,145       3,310,841    
Distributions reinvested     63,179       458,523       43,463       330,590    
Redemptions     (670,276 )     (4,878,905 )     (355,147 )     (2,711,044 )  
Net Increase     1,044,027       7,660,870       124,461       930,387    
Class Z  
Subscriptions     4,727,932       34,922,006       3,628,532       27,532,856    
Distributions reinvested     74,327       545,939       46,070       352,743    
Redemptions     (5,048,600 )     (36,854,511 )     (3,386,180 )     (25,662,640 )  
Net Increase (Decrease)     (246,341 )     (1,386,566 )     288,422       2,222,959    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


21




Financial HighlightsColumbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class A Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 7.55     $ 7.74     $ 7.59     $ 7.74     $ 7.70    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.30       0.30       0.31       0.31       0.31    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.79 )     (0.16 )     0.18       (0.15 )     0.20    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.49 )     0.14       0.49       0.16       0.51    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.31 )     (0.30 )     (0.31 )     (0.31 )     (0.31 )  
From net realized gains     (0.04 )     (0.03 )     (0.03 )           (0.16 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.35 )     (0.33 )     (0.34 )     (0.31 )     (0.47 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 6.71     $ 7.55     $ 7.74     $ 7.59     $ 7.74    
Total return (b)     (6.80 )%(c)     1.86 %(c)     6.61 %(c)     2.05 %(c)     6.81 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     0.84 %     0.83 %     0.83 %     0.90 %     0.87 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.01 %     0.03 %     0.02 %     %(e)        
Net investment income (d)     4.14 %     3.99 %     4.04 %     4.00 %     4.07 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     12 %     12 %     10 %     7 %     4 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 263,220     $ 281,254     $ 292,740     $ 303,486     $ 199,877    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


22



Financial HighlightsColumbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class B Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 7.55     $ 7.74     $ 7.59     $ 7.74     $ 7.70    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.25       0.25       0.25       0.25       0.25    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.80 )     (0.17 )     0.18       (0.15 )     0.20    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.55 )     0.08       0.43       0.10       0.45    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.25 )     (0.24 )     (0.25 )     (0.25 )     (0.25 )  
From net realized gains     (0.04 )     (0.03 )     (0.03 )           (0.16 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.29 )     (0.27 )     (0.28 )     (0.25 )     (0.41 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 6.71     $ 7.55     $ 7.74     $ 7.59     $ 7.74    
Total return (b)     (7.49 )%(c)     1.10 %(c)     5.82 %(c)     1.29 %(c)     6.01 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     1.59 %     1.58 %     1.58 %     1.65 %     1.62 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.01 %     0.03 %     0.02 %     %(e)        
Net investment income (d)     3.38 %     3.25 %     3.29 %     3.25 %     3.32 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     12 %     12 %     10 %     7 %     4 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 9,740     $ 16,123     $ 24,004     $ 30,327     $ 28,600    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


23



Financial HighlightsColumbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class C Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 7.55     $ 7.74     $ 7.59     $ 7.74     $ 7.70    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.27       0.27       0.27       0.27       0.28    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.80 )     (0.16 )     0.18       (0.15 )     0.19    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.53 )     0.11       0.45       0.12       0.47    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.27 )     (0.27 )     (0.27 )     (0.27 )     (0.27 )  
From net realized gains     (0.04 )     (0.03 )     (0.03 )           (0.16 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.31 )     (0.30 )     (0.30 )     (0.27 )     (0.43 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 6.71     $ 7.55     $ 7.74     $ 7.59     $ 7.74    
Total return (b)(c)     (7.22 )%     1.40 %     6.13 %     1.59 %     6.33 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     1.29 %     1.28 %     1.28 %     1.35 %     1.32 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.31 %     0.33 %     0.32 %     0.30 %     0.30 %  
Net investment income (d)     3.69 %     3.54 %     3.59 %     3.55 %     3.62 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     12 %     12 %     10 %     7 %     4 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 21,899     $ 16,765     $ 16,224     $ 17,063     $ 14,244    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


24



Financial HighlightsColumbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,   Period Ended
October 31,
 
Class Z Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005 (a)  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 7.55     $ 7.74     $ 7.59     $ 7.73    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (b)     0.32       0.32       0.32       0.04    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.80 )     (0.16 )     0.19       (0.14 )  
Total from Investment Operations     (0.48 )     0.16       0.51       (0.10 )  
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.32 )     (0.32 )     (0.33 )     (0.04 )  
From net realized gains     (0.04 )     (0.03 )     (0.03 )        
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.36 )     (0.35 )     (0.36 )     (0.04 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 6.71     $ 7.55     $ 7.74     $ 7.59    
Total return (c)(d)     (6.57 )%     2.09 %     6.85 %     (1.28 )%(e)  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (f)     0.60 %     0.60 %     0.60 %     0.58 %(g)  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.01 %     0.03 %     0.02 %     %(g)(h)  
Net investment income (f)     4.38 %     4.23 %     4.26 %     4.29 %(g)  
Portfolio turnover rate     12 %     12 %     10 %     7 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 107,591     $ 122,941     $ 123,803 %   $ 117,979    

 

(a)  Class Z shares commenced operations on September 19, 2005. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(b)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested.

(d)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(e)  Not annualized.

(f)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(g)  Annualized.

(h)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


25




Notes to Financial StatementsColumbia California Tax-Exempt Fund
October 31, 2008

Note 1. Organization

Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund (the "Fund"), a series of Columbia Funds Series Trust I (the "Trust"), is a diversified portfolio. The Trust is a Massachusetts business trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company.

Investment Objective

The Fund seeks total return, consisting of current income exempt from federal income tax and California individual income tax and of capital appreciation, consistent with moderate fluctuation of principal.

Fund Shares

The Trust may issue an unlimited number of shares, and the Fund offers four classes of shares: Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z. Each share class has its own expense structure and sales charges, as applicable.

Class A shares are subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of 4.75% based on the amount of initial investment. Class A shares purchased without an initial sales charge in accounts aggregating $1 million to $50 million at the time of purchase are subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") if the shares are sold within one year after purchase. Class B shares are subject to a maximum CDSC of 5.00% based upon the holding period after purchase. Class B shares will convert to Class A shares eight years after purchase. Class C shares are subject to a 1.00% CDSC on shares sold within one year after purchase. Class Z shares are offered continuously at net asset value. There are certain restrictions on the purchase of Class Z shares, as described in the Fund's prospectus.

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

Security Valuation

Debt securities generally are valued by pricing services approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, based upon market transactions for normal, institutional-size trading units of similar securities. The services may use various pricing techniques which take into account appropriate factors such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics and other data, as well as broker quotes. Debt securities for which quotations are readily available are valued at an over-the-counter or exchange bid quotation.

Certain debt securities, which tend to be more thinly traded and of lesser quality, are priced based on fundamental analysis of the financial condition of the issuer and the estimated value of any collateral. Valuations developed through pricing techniques may vary from the actual amounts realized upon sale of the securities, and the potential variation may be greater for those securities valued using fundamental analysis.

Short-term debt obligations maturing within 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.

Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value.

Futures contracts are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of trade or exchange on which they are traded.

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available, or that have quotations which management believes are not reliable, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees. If a security is valued at fair value, such value is likely to be different from the last quoted market price for the security.

In September 2006, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements ("SFAS 157"), was issued. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Management is evaluating the impact the application of SFAS 157 will have on the Fund's financial statement disclosures.


26



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Security Transactions

Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Cost is determined and gains (losses) are based upon the specific identification method for both financial statement and federal income tax purposes.

In March 2008, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 ("SFAS 161"), was issued. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. SFAS 161 requires additional discussion about the reporting entity's derivative instruments and hedging activities, by providing for qualitative disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative data about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative contracts, and details of credit-risk-related contingent features in their hedged positions. Management is evaluating the impact the application of SFAS 161 will have on the Fund's financial statement disclosures.

Futures Contracts

The Fund may invest in futures for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, including, for example, to seek to enhance returns or as a substitute for a position in an underlying asset.

The use of futures contracts involves certain risks, which include: (1) imperfect correlation between the price movement of the instruments and the underlying securities, (2) inability to close out positions due to differing trading hours, or the temporary absence of a liquid market, for either the instruments or the underlying securities, or (3) an inaccurate prediction of the future direction of interest rates by Columbia Management Advisors, LLC ("Columbia"), the Fund's investment advisor. Any of these risks may involve amounts exceeding the variation margin recorded in the Fund's Statement of Assets and Liabilities at any given time.

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund pledges cash or securities with the broker in an amount sufficient to meet the initial margin requirement. Subsequent payments are made or received by the Fund equal to the daily change in the contract value and are recorded as variation margin receivable or payable and offset in unrealized gains or losses. The Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed or expires.

Restricted Securities

Restricted securities are securities that may only be resold upon registration under federal securities laws or in transactions exempt from registration. In some cases, the issuer of restricted securities has agreed to register such securities for resale at the issuer's expense either upon demand by the Fund or in connection with another registered offering of the securities. Many restricted securities may be resold in the secondary market in transactions exempt from registration. Such restricted securities may be determined to be liquid under criteria established by the Board of Trustees. The Fund will not incur any registration costs upon such resale.

Income Recognition

Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Premium and discount are amortized and accreted, respectively, on all debt securities, unless otherwise noted. Original issue discount is accreted to interest income over the life of the security with a corresponding increase in the cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-date.

Expenses

General expenses of the Trust are allocated to the Fund and the other series of the Trust based upon relative net assets or other expense allocation methodologies determined by the nature of the expense. Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged to the Fund.

Determination of Class Net Asset Value

All income, expenses (other than class-specific expenses, as shown on the Statement of Operations) and realized and unrealized gains (losses) are allocated to each class of the Fund on a daily basis for purposes of determining the net asset value of each class. Income and expenses are allocated to each class based on the settled shares method, while realized and unrealized gains (losses) are allocated based on the relative net assets of each class.


27



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Federal Income Tax Status

The Fund intends to qualify each year as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and will distribute substantially all of its tax exempt or taxable income, if any, for its tax year, and as such will not be subject to federal income taxes. In addition, the Fund intends to distribute in each calendar year substantially all of its net investment income, capital gains and certain other amounts, if any, such that the Fund should not be subject to federal excise tax. Therefore, no federal income or excise tax provision is recorded.

Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions from net investment income are declared daily and distributed monthly. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually. Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP.

Indemnification

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnities. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown because this would involve future claims against the Fund. Also, under the Trust's organizational documents and by contract, the Trustees and officers of the Trust are indemnified against certain liabilities that may arise out of actions relating to their duties to the Trust. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss due to these representations, warranties and indemnities to be minimal.

Note 3. Federal Tax Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Fund's capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, permanent book and tax basis differences resulting primarily from differing treatments for market discount reclassifications and discount accretion/premium amortization on debt securities were identified and reclassified among the components of the Fund's net assets as follows:

Undistributed Net
Investment Income
  Accumulated Net
Realized Loss
  Paid-In Capital  
$ (29,539 )   $ 29,538     $ 1    

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses), as disclosed on the Statement of Operations, and net assets were not affected by this reclassification.

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 was as follows:

    October 31,  
    2008   2007  
Tax-Exempt Income   $ 18,139,735     $ 17,835,543    
Ordinary Income*     302,206       396,868    
Long-Term Capital Gains     2,240,618       1,148,829    

 

*  For tax purposes short-term capital gain distributions, if any, are considered ordinary income distributions.

As of October 31, 2008, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

Undistributed
Tax-Exempt
Income
  Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
  Net Unrealized
Depreciation*
 
$ 1,000,997     $ 354,029     $ (21,501,471 )  

 

*  The differences between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized depreciation are primarily due to deferral of losses from discount accretion/premium amortization on debt securities.


28



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Unrealized appreciation and depreciation at October 31, 2008, based on cost of investments for federal income tax purposes, were:

Unrealized appreciation   $ 12,168,017    
Unrealized depreciation     (33,669,488 )  
Net unrealized depreciation   $ (21,501,471 )  

 

The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FIN 48"), effective April 30, 2008. FIN 48 requires management to determine whether a tax position of the Fund is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. FIN 48 was applied to all existing tax positions upon initial adoption. Management has evaluated the known implications of FIN 48 on its computation of net assets for the Fund. As a result of this evaluation, management has concluded that FIN 48 did not have any effect on the Fund's financial statements and no cumulative effect adjustments were recorded. However, management's conclusions regarding FIN 48 may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, further implementation guidance from the FASB, new tax laws, regulations, and administrative interpretations (including relevant court decisions). The Fund's federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Fund is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Note 4. Fees and Compensation Paid to Affiliates

Investment Advisory Fee

Columbia, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BOA"), provides investment advisory, administrative and other services to the Fund. Columbia receives a monthly investment advisory fee based on the Fund's pro-rata portion of the combined average daily net assets of the Fund, Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund, Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund and Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund as follows:

Combined Average Daily Net Assets   Annual Fee Rate  
First $1 billion     0.50 %  
$1 billion to $3 billion     0.45 %  
Over $3 billion     0.40 %  

 

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund's effective investment advisory fee rate was 0.50% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Pricing and Bookkeeping Fees

The Fund has entered into a Financial Reporting Services Agreement (the "Financial Reporting Services Agreement") with State Street Bank & Trust Company ("State Street") and Columbia pursuant to which State Street provides financial reporting services to the Fund. The Fund has also entered into an Accounting Services Agreement (collectively with the Financial Reporting Services Agreement, the "State Street Agreements") with State Street and Columbia pursuant to which State Street provides accounting services to the Fund. Under the State Street Agreements, the Fund pays State Street an annual fee of $38,000 paid monthly plus an additional monthly fee based on an annualized percentage rate of average daily net assets of the Fund for the month. The aggregate fee will not exceed $140,000 per year (exclusive of out-of-pocket expenses and charges). The Fund also reimburses State Street for certain out-of-pocket expenses and charges.

The Fund has entered into a Pricing and Bookkeeping Oversight and Services Agreement (the "Services Agreement") with Columbia. Under the Services Agreement, Columbia provides services related to Fund expenses and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and provides oversight of the accounting and financial reporting services provided by State Street. Under the Services Agreement, the Fund reimburses Columbia for out-of-pocket expenses. Prior to January 1, 2008, the Fund also reimbursed Columbia for accounting oversight services, services related to Fund expenses and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


29



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the amount charged to the Fund by affiliates included on the Statement of Operations under "Pricing and bookkeeping fees" aggregated to $1,952.

Transfer Agent Fee

Columbia Management Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent"), an affiliate of Columbia and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BOA, provides shareholder services to the Fund and has contracted with Boston Financial Data Services ("BFDS") to serve as sub-transfer agent. The Transfer Agent is entitled to receive a fee for its services, paid monthly, at the annual rate of $17.34 per open account plus reimbursement of certain sub-transfer agent fees paid by the Transfer Agent (exclusive of BFDS fees), calculated based on assets held in omnibus accounts and intended to recover the cost of payments to other parties (including affiliates of BOA) for services to those accounts. The Transfer Agent pays the fees of BFDS for services as sub-transfer agent and is not entitled to reimbursement for such fees from the Fund. The Transfer Agent may also retain, as additional compensation for its services, fees for wire, telephone and redemption orders, IRA trustee agent fees and account transcript fees due to the Transfer Agent from shareholders of the Fund and credits (net of bank charges) earned with respect to balances in accounts the Transfer Agent maintains in connection with its services to the Fund. The Transfer Agent also receives reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

An annual minimum account balance fee of $20 may apply to certain accounts with a value below the Fund's initial minimum investment requirements to reduce the impact of small accounts on transfer agent fees. These minimum account balance fees are recorded as part of expense reductions on the Statement of Operations. For the year ended October 31, 2008, these minimum account balance fees reduced total expenses by $1,460.

Underwriting Discounts, Service and Distribution Fees

Columbia Management Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of Columbia and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BOA, is the principal underwriter of the Fund's shares. For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Distributor has retained net underwriting discounts of $27,845 on sales of the Fund's Class A shares and received net CDSC fees of $45,355, $21,054 and $7,517 on Class A, Class B and Class C share redemptions, respectively.

The Fund has adopted distribution and shareholder servicing plans (the "Plans") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which require the payment of distribution and service fees. The fees are intended to compensate the Distributor and/or eligible selling and/or servicing agents for selling shares of the Fund and providing services to investors. The service fee is equal to 0.10% annually of the net assets attributable to shares of the Fund issued prior to December 1, 1994 and 0.25% annually of the net assets attributable to shares issued thereafter. This arrangement results in an annual rate of service fee for all shares that is a blend between the 0.10% and 0.25% rates. For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund's effective service fee rate was 0.24% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares.

The Plans also require the payment of a monthly distribution fee to the Distributor equal to 0.75% annually of the average daily net assets attributable to Class B and Class C shares only. The Distributor has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of the Class C shares distribution fee so that it will not exceed 0.45% annually of the average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. This arrangement may be modified or terminated by the Distributor at any time.

Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements

Columbia and/or some of the Fund's other service providers have voluntarily agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse the Fund for certain expenses so that total expenses (exclusive of distribution and service fees, brokerage commissions, interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses, but inclusive of custodial charges relating to overdrafts, if any), after giving effect to any balance credits from the Fund's custodian, will not exceed 0.60% annually of the Fund's average daily net assets. Columbia, at its discretion, may modify or terminate this arrangement any time.

Fees Paid to Officers and Trustees

All officers of the Fund are employees of Columbia or its affiliates and, with the exception of the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer, receive no compensation from the Fund. The Board of Trustees has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer to the Fund in accordance with federal securities regulations. The Fund, along with other affiliated funds, pays


30



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

its pro-rata share of the expenses associated with the Chief Compliance Officer. The Fund's expenses for the Chief Compliance Officer will not exceed $15,000 per year.

The Trust's eligible Trustees may participate in a deferred compensation plan which may be terminated at any time. Obligations of the plan will be paid solely out of the Fund's assets.

Note 5. Custody Credits

The Fund has an agreement with its custodian bank under which custody fees may be reduced by balance credits. These credits are recorded as part of expense reductions on the Statement of Operations. The Fund could have invested a portion of the assets utilized in connection with the expense offset arrangement in an income-producing asset if it had not entered into such an agreement.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, these custody credits reduced total expenses by $2,393 for the Fund.

Note 6. Portfolio Information

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities, excluding short-term obligations, were $51,696,473 and $49,228,648, respectively.

Note 7. Line of Credit

The Fund and other affiliated funds participate in a $280,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit. The maximum amount that may be borrowed by any fund is limited to the lesser of $200,000,000 and the Fund's borrowing limit set forth in the Fund's registration statement. Borrowings are available for short-term liquidity or temporary or emergency purposes.

Interest is charged to each participating fund based on the fund's borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% and the overnight LIBOR Rate plus 0.50%. In addition, an annual operations agency fee of $20,000, an amendment fee of 0.02% and a commitment fee of 0.12% per annum are accrued and apportioned among the participating funds pro rata based on their relative net assets.

Prior to October 16, 2008, the Fund and other affiliated funds participated in a $350,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit and a $150,000,000 uncommitted, unsecured line of credit, both provided by State Street. Interest on the committed line of credit was charged to each participating fund based on the fund's borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%. In addition, a commitment fee of 0.10% per annum was accrued and apportioned among the participating funds pro rata based on their relative net assets. Interest on the uncommitted line of credit was charged to each participating fund based on the fund's borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.375%. State Street charged an annual operations agency fee of $40,000 for the committed line of credit and was able to charge an annual administration fee of $15,000 for the uncommitted line of credit. The commitment fee, the operations agency fee and the administration fee were accrued and apportioned among the participating funds pro rata based on their relative net assets.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund did not borrow under these arrangements.

Note 8. Shares of Beneficial Interest

As of October 31, 2008, one shareholder held 24.6% of the Fund's shares outstanding, over which BOA and/or any of its affiliates had either sole or joint investment discretion.

Subscription and redemption activity of this account may have a significant effect on the operations of the Fund.

Note 9. Securities Lending

The Fund may lend its securities to certain approved brokers, dealers and other financial institutions. Each loan is collateralized by cash, in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned plus accrued income from the investment of collateral. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of business of the Fund and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. The collateral received is invested and the income generated by the investment of the collateral, net of any fees remitted to State Street as the lending agent and borrower rebates, is paid to the Fund. Generally, in the event of borrower default, the Fund has the right to use the collateral to offset any losses incurred. In the event the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its right to dispose of the collateral, there may be a potential loss to the Fund. The Fund bears the risk of loss with respect to the investment of collateral.


31



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Note 10. Significant Risks and Contingencies

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Fund holds investments that are insured by private insurers who guarantee the payment of principal and interest in the event of default or that are supported by a letter of credit. At October 31, 2008, private insurers who insured greater than 5% of the net assets of the Fund were as follows:

Insurer   % of Total
Net Assets
 
MBIA Insurance Corp.     19.8    
AMBAC Assurance Corp.     18.9    
Financial Security Assurance, Inc.     9.6    
Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.     8.9    

 

At November 24, 2008, MBIA Insurance Corp., Financial Guaranty Insurance Co., AMBAC Assurance Corp. and Financial Security Assurance, Inc. were rated by Standard & Poor's AA, CCC, A and AAA, respectively.

Geographic Concentration Risk

The Fund had greater than 5% of its total net assets at October 31, 2008 invested in debt obligations issued by each of California and Puerto Rico and their political subdivisions, agencies and public authorities. The Fund is more susceptible to economic and political factors adversely affecting issuers of the state's or territory's municipal securities than are municipal bond funds that are not concentrated to the same extent in these issuers.

Sector Focus Risk

The Fund may focus its investments in certain sectors, subjecting it to greater risk than a fund that is less focused.

Tax Development Risk

The Fund purchases municipal securities whose interest, in the opinion of bond counsel, is free from federal income tax. There is no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will agree with this opinion. In the event the IRS determines that an issuer does not comply with relevant tax requirements, interest payments from a security could become federally taxable, possibly retroactively to the date the security was issued. As a shareholder of the Fund, you may be required to file an amended tax return as a result.

Legal Proceedings

On February 9, 2005, Columbia Management Advisors, Inc. (which has since merged into Banc of America Capital Management, LLC (now named Columbia Management Advisors, LLC)) ("Columbia") and Columbia Funds Distributor, Inc. (which has been renamed Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.) (the "Distributor") (collectively, the "Columbia Group") entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance with the New York Attorney General ("NYAG") (the "NYAG Settlement") and consented to the entry of a cease-and-desist order by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") (the "SEC Order") on matters relating to mutual fund trading.

Under the terms of the SEC Order, the Columbia Group agreed, among other things, to: pay $70 million in disgorgement and $70 million in civil money penalties; cease and desist from violations of the antifraud provisions and certain other provisions of the federal securities laws; maintain certain compliance and ethics oversight structures; retain an independent consultant to review the Columbia Group's applicable supervisory, compliance, control and other policies and procedures; and retain an independent distribution consultant (see below). The Columbia Funds have also voluntarily undertaken to implement certain governance measures designed to maintain the independence of their boards of trustees. The NYAG Settlement also, among other things, requires Columbia and its affiliates to reduce management fees for certain Columbia Funds (including the former Nations Funds) and other mutual funds collectively by $32 million per year for five years, for a projected total of $160 million in management fee reductions.

Pursuant to the procedures set forth in the SEC Order, the $140 million in settlement amounts described above is being distributed in accordance with a distribution plan that was developed by an independent distribution consultant and approved by the SEC on April 6, 2007. Distributions under the distribution plan began in late June 2007.

A copy of the SEC Order is available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. A copy of the NYAG Settlement is available


32



Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

as part of the Bank of America Corporation Form 8-K filing on February 10, 2005.

In connection with the events described above, various parties have filed suit against certain funds, the Trustees of the Columbia Funds, FleetBoston Financial Corporation and its affiliated entities and/or Bank of America and its affiliated entities.

On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred these cases and cases against other mutual fund companies based on similar allegations to the United States District Court in Maryland for consolidated or coordinated pretrial proceedings (the "MDL"). Subsequently, additional related cases were transferred to the MDL. On September 29, 2004, the plaintiffs in the MDL filed amended and consolidated complaints. One of these amended complaints is a putative class action that includes claims under the federal securities laws and state common law, and that names Columbia, the Distributor, the Trustees of the Columbia Funds, Bank of America Corporation and others as defendants. Another of the amended complaints is a derivative action purportedly on behalf of the Columbia Funds that asserts claims under federal securities laws and state common law.

On February 25, 2005, Columbia and other defendants filed motions to dismiss the claims in the pending cases. On March 1, 2006, for reasons stated in the court's memoranda dated November 3, 2005, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland granted in part and denied in part the defendants' motions to dismiss. The court dismissed all of the class action claims pending against the Columbia Funds Trusts. As to Columbia and the Distributor, the claims under the Securities Act of 1933, the claims under Sections 34(b) and 36(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("ICA") and the state law claims were dismissed. The claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and claims under Section 36(b) of the ICA were not dismissed.

On March 21, 2005, a purported class action was filed in Massachusetts state court alleging that certain conduct, including market timing, entitled Class B shareholders in certain Columbia funds to an exemption from contingent deferred sales charges upon early redemption ("the CDSC Lawsuit"). The CDSC Lawsuit was removed to federal court in Massachusetts and transferred to the MDL.

On September 14, 2007, the plaintiffs and the Columbia defendants named in the MDL, including the Columbia Funds, entered into a stipulation of settlement with respect to all Columbia-related claims in the MDL described above, including the CDSC Lawsuit. The settlement is subject to court approval.

In 2004, the Columbia Funds' adviser and distributor and certain affiliated entities and individuals were named as defendants in certain purported shareholder class and derivative actions making claims, including claims under the Investment Company and the Investment Advisers Acts of 1940 and state law. Certain Columbia Funds were named as nominal defendants. The suits allege, inter alia, that the fees and expenses paid by the funds are excessive and that the advisers and their affiliates inappropriately used fund assets to distribute the funds and for other improper purposes. On March 2, 2005, the actions were consolidated in the Massachusetts federal court as In re Columbia Entities Litigation. The plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint on June 9, 2005. On November 30, 2005, the judge dismissed all claims by plaintiffs and entered final judgment in favor of the defendants. The plaintiffs appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit on December 30, 2005. A stipulation and settlement agreement dated January 19, 2007 was filed in the First Circuit on February 14, 2007, with a joint stipulation of dismissal and motion for remand to obtain district court approval of the settlement. That joint motion was granted and the appeal was dismissed. On March 6, 2007, the case was remanded to the District Court. The settlement, approved by the District Court on September 18, 2007, became effective October 19, 2007. Pursuant to the settlement, the funds' adviser and/or its affiliates made certain payments, including plaintiffs' attorneys' fees and costs of notice to class members.


33




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Trustees of Columbia Funds Series Trust I and the Shareholders of Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund:

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the investment portfolio, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund (the "Fund") (a series of Columbia Funds Series Trust I) at October 31, 2008, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for the periods indicated, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at October 31, 2008 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
December 22, 2008


34



Federal Income Tax Information (Unaudited)

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund designates long-term capital gains of $448,720.

99.8% of the distributions from net investment income will be treated as exempt income for federal income tax purposes.


35



Fund Governance

The Trustees serve terms of indefinite duration. The names, addresses and ages of the Trustees and officers of the Funds in Columbia Funds Series Trust I, the year each was first elected or appointed to office, their principal business occupations during at least the last five years, the number of Funds overseen by each Trustee and other directorships they hold are shown below. Each officer listed below serves as an officer of each Fund in the Columbia Funds Complex.

Independent Trustees

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Funds, Year First
Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Number of Funds in Columbia
Funds Complex Overseen by Trustee, Other Directorships Held
 
John D. Collins (Born 1938)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee(1) (since 2007)
  Retired. Consultant, KPMG, LLP (accounting and tax firm) from July 1999 to June 2000; Partner, KPMG, LLP from March 1962 to June 1999. Oversees 80, Mrs. Fields Famous Brands LLC (consumer products); Suburban Propane Partners, L.P.; and Montpelier Re (underwriting firm)  
Rodman L. Drake (Born 1943)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee(1) (since 2007)
  Co-Founder of Baringo Capital LLC (private equity) since 2002; President, Continuation Investments Group, Inc. from 1997 to 2001. Oversees 80, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (tax preparation services); Crystal Capital River Inc. (real estate investment trust); Student Loan Corporation (student loan provider); Celgene Corporation (global biotechnology company); Apex Silver Mines Ltd. (mining); and Hyperion Brookfield Total Return Fund, Inc. and Hyperion Brookfield Strategic Mortgage Income Fund, Inc. (exchange-traded funds)  
Douglas A. Hacker (Born 1955)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1996)
  Independent business executive since May 2006; Executive Vice President—Strategy of United Airlines (airline) from December 2002 to May 2006; President of UAL Loyalty Services (airline marketing company) from September 2001 to December 2002; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Airlines from July 1999 to September 2001. Oversees 80, Nash Finch Company (food distributor); Aircastle Limited (aircraft leasing)  
Janet Langford Kelly (Born 1957)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1996)
  Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, ConocoPhillips (integrated energy company) since September 2007; Deputy General Counsel—Corporate Legal Services, ConocoPhillips from August 2006 to August 2007; Partner, Zelle, Hofmann, Voelbel, Mason & Gette LLP (law firm) from March 2005 to July 2006; Adjunct Professor of Law, Northwestern University, from September 2004 to June 2006; Director, UAL Corporation (airline) from February 2006 to July 2006; Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President, Kmart Holding Corporation (consumer goods), from September 2003 to March 2004; Executive Vice President—Corporate Development and Administration, General Counsel and Secretary, Kellogg Company (food manufacturer), from September 1999 to August 2003. Oversees 80, None  

 


36



Fund Governance (continued)

Independent Trustees (continued)

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Funds, Year First
Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Number of Funds in Columbia
Funds Complex Overseen by Trustee, Other Directorships Held
 
Charles R. Nelson (Born 1942)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1981)
  Professor of Economics, University of Washington, since January 1976; Ford and Louisa Van Voorhis Professor of Political Economy, University of Washington, since September 1993; Director, Institute for Economic Research, University of Washington from September 2001 to June 2003; Adjunct Professor of Statistics, University of Washington, since September 1980; Associate Editor, Journal of Money Credit and Banking, since September 1993; Consultant on econometric and statistical matters. Oversees 80, None  
John J. Neuhauser (Born 1943)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1985)
  President, Saint Michael's College, since August 2007; University Professor, Boston College from November 2005 to August 2007; Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculties, Boston College from August 1999 to October 2005. Oversees 80, Liberty All-Star Equity Fund and Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc. (closed-end funds)  
Jonathan Piel (Born 1938)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee(1) (since 2007)
  Cable television producer and website designer; The Editor, Scientific American from 1984 to 1994; Vice President, Scientific American, Inc., from 1984 to 1994; Member, Advisory Board, Stone Age Institute, Bloomington, Indiana (research institute that explores the effect of technology on human evolution); Member, Board of Directors of the National Institute of Social Sciences, New York City; and Member, Board of Trustees of the William Alanson White Institute, New York City (institution for training psychoanalysts). Oversees 80, None  
Patrick J. Simpson (Born 1944)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 2000)
  Partner, Perkins Coie LLP (law firm). Oversees 80, None  
Thomas C. Theobald (Born 1937)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee and Chairman of the Board (since 1996)
  Partner and Senior Advisor, Chicago Growth Partners (private equity investing) since September 2004; Managing Director, William Blair Capital Partners (private equity investing) from September 1994 to September 2004. Oversees 80, Anixter International (network support equipment distributor); Ventas, Inc. (real estate investment trust); Jones Lang LaSalle (real estate management services); Ambac Financial Group (financial guaranty insurance)  
Anne-Lee Verville (Born 1945)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1998)
  Retired since 1997 (formerly General Manager—Global Education Industry (from 1994 to 1997), President—Application Systems Division (from 1991 to 1994), Chief Financial Officer—US Marketing & Services (from 1988 to 1991), and Chief Information Officer (from 1987 to 1988), IBM Corporation (computer and technology)). Oversees 80, None  

 


37



Fund Governance (continued)

Interested Trustee

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Funds, Year First
Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Number of Funds in Columbia
Funds Complex Overseen by Trustee, Other Directorships Held
 
William E. Mayer (Born 1940)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee(2) (since 1994)
  Partner, Park Avenue Equity Partners (private equity) since February 1999; Dean and Professor, College of Business, University of Maryland from 1992 to 1997. Oversees 80, Lee Enterprises (print media), WR Hambrecht + Co. (financial service provider); BlackRock Kelso Capital Corporation (investment company)  

 

1  Messrs. Drake, Piel and Collins have served as directors/trustees of the Excelsior Funds since 1996, 1996 and 2005, respectively. The Excelsior Funds consisted of 27 portfolios managed by affiliates of Columbia Management Advisors, LLC. Effective December 12, 2007, the Board elected Messrs. Drake, Piel and Collins as Trustees of the Trust.

2  Mr. Mayer is an "interested person" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) by reason of his affiliation with WR Hambrecht + Co., a registered broker/dealer that may execute portfolio transactions for or engage in principal transactions with the Funds or other funds or accounts advised/managed by the Advisor or other Bank of America affiliates.

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees of the Funds and is available, without charge, upon request by calling 1-800-345-6611.

Officers

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Columbia Funds, Year
First Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years  
Christopher L. Wilson (Born 1957)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
President (since 2004)
  President—Columbia Funds, since October 2004; Managing Director—Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, since September 2005; Senior Vice President—Columbia Management Distributors, Inc., since January 2005; Director—Columbia Management Services, Inc., since January 2005; Director—Bank of America Global Liquidity Funds, plc and Banc of America Capital Management (Ireland), Limited, since May 2005; Director—FIM Funding, Inc., since January 2005; President and Chief Executive Officer—CDC IXIS AM Services, Inc. (investment management), from September 1998 through August 2004; and a senior officer or director of various other Bank of America affiliated entities, including other registered and unregistered funds.  
James R. Bordewick, Jr. (Born 1959)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (since 2006)
  Associate General Counsel, Bank of America since April 2005; Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel, MFS Investment Management (investment management) prior to April 2005.  

 


38



Fund Governance (continued)

Officers (continued)

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Columbia Funds, Year
First Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years  
J. Kevin Connaughton (Born 1964)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (since 2000)
  Managing Director of Columbia Management Advisors, LLC since December 2004; Treasurer—Columbia Funds, from October 2003 to May 2008; Treasurer—the Liberty Funds, Stein Roe Funds and Liberty All-Star Funds, December 2000—December 2006; Senior Vice President—Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, from April 2003 to December 2004; President—Columbia Funds, Liberty Funds and Stein Roe Funds, February 2004 to October 2004; Treasurer—Galaxy Funds, September 2002 to December 2005; Treasurer, December 2002 to December 2004, and President, February 2004 to December 2004—Columbia Management Multi-Strategy Hedge Fund, LLC; and a senior officer of various other Bank of America-affiliated entities, including other registered and unregistered funds.  
Linda J. Wondrack (Born 1964)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2007)
  Director (Columbia Management Group LLC and Investment Product Group Compliance), Bank of America since June 2005; Director of Corporate Compliance and Conflicts Officer, MFS Investment Management (investment management), August 2004 to May 2005; Managing Director, Deutsche Asset Management (investment management) prior to August 2004.  
Michael G. Clarke (Born 1969)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Treasurer (since 2008)
  Director of Fund Administration of the Advisor since January 2006; Managing Director of the Advisor September 2004 to December 2005; Vice President Fund Administration June 2002 to September 2004.  
Jeffrey R. Coleman (Born 1969)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Deputy Treasurer (since 2006)
  Director of Fund Administration of the Advisor since January 2006; Fund Controller of the Advisor from October 2004 to January 2006; Vice President of CDC IXIS Asset Management Services, Inc. (investment management) from August 2000 to September 2004.  
Joseph F. DiMaria (Born 1968)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Chief Accounting Officer (since 2008)
  Director of Fund Administration of the Advisor since January 2006; Head of Tax/Compliance and Assistant Treasurer of the Advisor from November 2004 to December 2005; Director of Trustee Administration (Sarbanes-Oxley) of the Advisor from May 2003 to October 2004.  
Julian Quero (Born 1967)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Deputy Treasurer (since 2008)
  Senior Tax Manager of the Advisor since August 2006; Senior Compliance Manager of the Advisor from April 2002 to August 2006.  
Barry S. Vallan (Born 1969)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Controller (since 2006)
  Vice President—Fund Treasury of the Advisor since October 2004; Vice
President—Trustee Reporting of the Advisor from April 2002 to October 2004
 

 


39



Board Consideration and Approval of Advisory Agreements

The Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee of the Board of Trustees meets several times annually to review the advisory agreements (collectively, the "Agreements") of the funds for which the Trustees serve as trustees (each a "fund") and to determine whether to recommend that the full Board approve the continuation of the Agreements for an additional one-year period. After the Committee has made its recommendation, the full Board, including the Independent Trustees, determines whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements. In addition, the full Board, including the Independent Trustees, considers matters bearing on the Agreements at most of its other meetings throughout the year and meets regularly with senior management of the funds and Columbia, the funds' investment adviser, including the senior manager of each investment area within Columbia. Through the Board's Investment Oversight Committees, Trustees also meet with selected fund portfolio managers, research analysts and traders at various times throughout the year.

The Trustees receive and review all materials that they, their legal counsel or Columbia believe to be reasonably necessary for the Trustees to evaluate the Agreements and to determine whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements. Those materials generally include, among other items, (i) information on the investment performance of each fund relative to the performance of peer groups of mutual funds and the fund's performance benchmarks, and additional information assessing performance on a risk-adjusted basis, (ii) information on each fund's advisory fees and other expenses, including information comparing the fund's expenses to those of peer groups of mutual funds and information about any applicable expense caps and fee "breakpoints," (iii) information about the profitability of the Agreements to Columbia, including potential "fall-out" or ancillary benefits that Columbia and its affiliates may receive as a result of their relationships with the funds and (iv) information obtained through Columbia's response to a questionnaire prepared at the request of the Trustees by counsel to the funds and independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees. The Trustees also consider other information such as (v) Columbia's financial results and financial condition, (vi) each fund's investment objective and strategies and the size, education and experience of Columbia's investment staffs and their use of technology, external research and trading cost measurement tools, (vii) the allocation of the funds' brokerage and the use of "soft" commission dollars to pay for research products and services, (viii) Columbia's resources devoted to, and its record of compliance with, the funds' investment policies and restrictions, policies on personal securities transactions and other compliance policies and legal and regulatory requirements, (ix) Columbia's response to various legal and regulatory proceedings since 2003 and to the recent period of volatility in the securities markets and (x) the economic outlook generally and for the mutual fund industry in particular. In addition, the Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee confers with the funds' independent fee consultant and reviews materials relating to the funds' relationships with Columbia provided by the independent fee consultant. Throughout the process, the Trustees have the opportunity to ask questions of and to request additional materials from Columbia and to consult with the independent fee consultant and independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees.

The Board of Trustees most recently approved the continuation of the Agreements at its October, 2008 meeting, following meetings of the Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee held in February, April, August, September and October, 2008. In considering whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, did not identify any single factor as determinative, and each weighed various factors as he or she deemed appropriate. The Trustees considered the following matters in connection with their approval of the continuation of the Agreements:

The nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the funds under the Agreements. The Trustees considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Columbia and its affiliates to the funds and the resources dedicated to the funds by Columbia and its affiliates. Among other things, the Trustees considered (i) Columbia's ability (including its personnel and other resources, compensation programs for personnel involved in fund management,


40



reputation and other attributes) to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified research, advisory and supervisory investment professionals; (ii) the portfolio management services provided by those investment professionals; and (iii) the trade execution services provided on behalf of the funds. For each fund, the Trustees also considered the benefits to shareholders of investing in a mutual fund that is part of a family of funds offering exposure to a variety of asset classes and investment disciplines and providing a variety of fund and shareholder services. After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the nature, extent and quality of services provided supported the continuation of the Agreements.

Investment performance of the funds and Columbia. The Trustees reviewed information about the performance of each fund over various time periods, including information prepared by an independent third-party data provider that compared the performance of each fund to the performance of peer groups of mutual funds and performance benchmarks. The Trustees also reviewed a description of the third party's methodology for identifying each fund's peer group for purposes of performance and expense comparisons. The Trustees also considered additional information that the Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee requested from Columbia relating to funds that presented relatively weaker performance and/or relatively higher expenses. In the case of each fund whose performance lagged that of a relevant peer group for certain (although not necessarily all) periods, the Trustees concluded that other factors relevant to performance were sufficient, in light of other considerations, to warrant continuation of the fund's Agreements. Those factors varied from fund to fund, but included one or more of the following: (i) that the fund's performance, although lagging in certain recent periods, was stronger over the longer term; (ii) that the underperformance was attributable, to a significant extent, to investment decisions that were reasonable and consistent with the fund's investment strategy and policies and that the fund was performing within a reasonable range of expectations, given those investment decisions, market conditions and the fund's investment strategy; (iii) that the fund's performance was competitive when compared to other relevant performance benchmarks or peer groups; (iv) that Columbia had taken or was taking steps designed to help improve the fund's investment performance, including, but not limited to, replacing portfolio managers or modifying investment strategies; and (v) that Columbia proposed to waive advisory fees or cap the expenses of the fund.

The Trustees noted that, through April 30, 2008, Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund's performance was in the second quintile (where the best performance would be in the first quintile) for the one- and three- and five-year periods, and in the first quintile for the ten-year period, of the peer group selected by an independent third-party data provider for purposes of performance comparisons.

The Trustees also considered Columbia's performance and reputation generally, the funds' performance as a fund family generally, and Columbia's historical responsiveness to Trustee concerns about performance and Columbia's willingness to take steps intended to improve performance. After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the performance of each fund and Columbia was sufficient, in light of other considerations, to warrant the continuation of the Agreement(s) pertaining to that fund.

The costs of the services provided and profits realized by Columbia and its affiliates from their relationships with the funds. The Trustees considered the fees charged to the funds for advisory services as well as the total expense levels of the funds. That information included comparisons (provided by management and by an independent third-party data provider) of each fund's advisory fees and total expense levels to those of the fund's peer groups and information about the advisory fees charged by Columbia to comparable institutional accounts. In considering the fees charged to those accounts, the Trustees took into account, among other things, management's representations about the differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts, including differences in the services provided, differences in the risk profile of such business for Columbia, and the additional resources required to manage mutual funds effectively. In evaluating each fund's advisory fees, the Trustees also took into account the demands, complexity and quality of the investment management of the fund. The Trustees considered existing advisory fee breakpoints, and Columbia's use of advisory fee waivers and expense caps, which benefited a number of the funds. The Trustees also noted management's stated justification for the fees charged to the funds, which


41



included information about the investment performance of the funds and the services provided to the funds.

The Trustees considered that Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund's total expenses were in the third quintile and actual management fees were in the second quintile (where the lowest fees and expenses would be in the first quintile) of the peer group selected by an independent third-party data provider for purposes of expense comparisons.

The Trustees also considered the compensation directly or indirectly received by Columbia and its affiliates from their relationships with the funds. The Trustees reviewed information provided by management as to the profitability to Columbia and its affiliates of their relationships with each fund, and information about the allocation of expenses used to calculate profitability. When reviewing profitability, the Trustees also considered court cases in which adviser profitability was an issue in whole or in part, the performance of the relevant funds, the expense level of each fund, and whether Columbia had implemented breakpoints and/or expense caps with respect to the fund.

After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the advisory fees charged to each fund, and the related profitability to Columbia and its affiliates of their relationships with the fund, supported the continuation of the Agreement(s) pertaining to that fund.

Economies of Scale. The Trustees considered the existence of any economies of scale in the provision by Columbia of services to each fund, to groups of related funds, and to Columbia's investment advisory clients as a whole and whether those economies were shared with the funds through breakpoints in the investment advisory fees or other means, such as fee waivers/expense reductions and additional investments by Columbia in investment, trading and compliance resources. The Trustees noted that many of the funds benefited from breakpoints, fee waivers/expense caps, or both. In considering those issues, the Trustees also took note of the costs of the services provided (both on an absolute and a relative basis) and the profitability to Columbia and its affiliates of their relationships with the funds, as discussed above.

After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the extent to which economies of scale were shared with the funds supported the continuation of the Agreements.

Other Factors. The Trustees also considered other factors, which included but were not limited to the following:

n  the extent to which each fund had operated in accordance with its investment objective and investment restrictions, the nature and scope of the compliance programs of the funds and Columbia and the compliance-related resources that Columbia and its affiliates were providing to the funds;

n  the nature, quality, cost and extent of administrative and shareholder services overseen and performed by Columbia and its affiliates, both under the Agreements and under separate agreements for the provision of transfer agency and administrative services;

n  so-called "fall-out benefits" to Columbia and its affiliates, such as the engagement of its affiliates to provide distribution, brokerage and transfer agency services to the funds, and the benefits of research made available to Columbia by reason of brokerage commissions generated by the funds' securities transactions, as well as possible conflicts of interest associated with those fall-out and other benefits, and the reporting, disclosure and other processes in place to disclose and monitor those possible conflicts of interest; and

n  the report provided by the funds' independent fee consultant, which included information about and analysis of the funds' fees, expenses and performance.

Based on their evaluation of all factors that they deemed to be material, including those factors described above, and assisted by the advice of independent counsel and the independent fee consultant, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of each of the Agreements through October 31, 2009.


42



Summary of Management Fee Evaluation by
Independent Fee Consultant

EXCERPTS FROM REPORT OF INDEPENDENT FEE CONSULTANT TO THE FUNDS SUPERVISED BY THE COLUMBIA ATLANTIC BOARD

Prepared Pursuant to the February 9, 2005
Assurance of Discontinuance among the
Office of Attorney General of New York State,
Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, and
Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.

November 3, 2008

I. Overview

On February 9, 2005, Columbia Management Advisors, LLC ("CMA") and Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.1 ("CMD") agreed to the New York Attorney General's Assurance of Discontinuance ("AOD"). Among other things, the AOD stipulates that CMA may manage or advise a Columbia Fund ("Columbia Fund" and, together with some or all of such funds, the "Columbia Funds") only if the Independent Members of the Columbia Fund's Board of Trustees appoint a Senior Officer or retain an Independent Fee Consultant ("IFC") who is to manage the process by which proposed management fees are negotiated. The AOD further stipulates that the Senior Officer or IFC is to prepare a written annual evaluation of the fee negotiation process.

With effect from January 1, 2007, the Independent Members of the Board of Trustees for certain Columbia Funds known collectively as the "Atlantic Funds" (together with the other members of that Board, the "Trustees") retained me as IFC for the Atlantic Funds.2 In this capacity, I have prepared the fourth annual written evaluation of the fee negotiation process. As was the case with last year's report (the "2007 Report") my immediate predecessor as IFC, John Rea, provided invaluable assistance in the preparation of this year's report.

A. Role of the Independent Fee Consultant

The AOD charges the IFC with "managing the process by which proposed management fees ... to be charged the Columbia Fund are negotiated so that they are negotiated in a manner which is at arms' length and reasonable and consistent with this Assurance of Discontinuance." The AOD also provides that CMA "may manage or advise a Columbia Fund only if the reasonableness of the proposed management fees is determined by the Board of Trustees ... using ... an annual independent written evaluation prepared by or under the direction of ... the Independent Fee Consultant." Therefore, the AOD makes clear that the IFC does not supplant the Trustees in negotiating management fees with CMA, nor does the IFC substitute his or her judgment for that of the Trustees with respect to the reasonableness of proposed fees or any other matter that is committed to the business judgment of the Trustees.

B. Elements Involved in Managing the Fee Negotiation Process

In preparing the report required by the AOD, the IFC must consider at least the following six factors set forth in the AOD:

1.  The nature and quality of CMA's services, including the Fund's performance;

2.  Management fees (including any components thereof) charged by other mutual fund companies for like services;

3.  Possible economies of scale as the Fund grows larger;

4.  Management fees (including any components thereof) charged to institutional and other clients of CMA for like services;

5.  Costs to CMA and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the management fee agreements, excluding any intra-corporate profit; and

6.  Profit margins of CMA and its affiliates from supplying such services.

C. Organization of the Annual Evaluation

This report, like last year's, focuses on the six factors and contains a section for each factor except that CMA's costs and profits from managing the Funds have been combined into a single section. In addition to a discussion of these factors, the report offers recommendations to improve the fee review process in future years. A review of the status of recommendations made in the 2007 Report is being provided separately with the materials for the October meeting.

1  CMA and CMD are subsidiaries of Columbia Management Group, LLC ("CMG"), and are the successors to the entities named in the AOD.

2  I have no material relationship with Bank of America, CMG or any of its affiliates, aside from serving as IFC, and I am aware of no material relationship with any of their affiliates. I retained John Rea, an independent economic consultant, to assist me with this report.

  Unless otherwise stated or required by the context, this report covers only the Atlantic Funds, which are also referred as the "Funds."


43



II. Summary of Findings

A. General

1.  Based upon my examination of the information supplied by CMG in the light of the six factors set forth in the AOD, I conclude that the Trustees have the relevant information necessary to evaluate the reasonableness of the proposed management fees for each Atlantic Fund.

2.  In my view, the process by which the proposed management fees of the Funds have been negotiated in 2008 thus far has been, to the extent practicable, at arms' length and reasonable and consistent with the AOD.

B. Nature and Quality of Services, Including Performance

3.  The performance of the Funds has been relatively strong in recent years. Based upon 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year returns through April 30, 2008, at least half of all the Funds were in the first and second performance quintiles in each of the four performance periods and, at most, only 11% were in the fifth quintile in any one performance period. Both equity and fixed-income funds posted strong performance relative to comparable funds.

4.  Performance rankings were similar in 2007 and 2008, although last year's were slightly stronger. Despite the stability in the distribution of rankings in the two years, at least half the Funds changed quintile rankings between the two years in at least one of the 1-, 3-, and 5-year performance periods.

5.  The performance of the actively managed equity Funds against their benchmarks was very strong. At least 57% and as many as 73% posted net returns exceeding their benchmarks over the 1-, 3-, and 5-year periods. In contrast, gross and net returns of fixed-income Funds typically fell short of their benchmarks.

6.  Atlantic equity Funds' overall performance adjusted for risk also was strong. Based upon 3-year returns, nearly 80% of the equity Funds had a combination of risk-adjusted and unadjusted returns that placed them in the top half of their performance universes. Only about one-fifth of the fixed income Funds posted high returns and low risk relative to comparable funds. About two-thirds of the fixed-income Funds took on more risk than the typical fund in their performance universes.

7.  The industry-standard procedure used by Lipper that includes all share classes in the performance universe tends to bias a Fund's ranking upward within that universe. The bias occurs because either no-12b-1 fee or low-12b-1 fee share classes of the Atlantic Funds are compared with funds in performance universes that include all share classes of multi-class funds with 12b-1 fees of up to 100 basis points. Correcting this bias by limiting the performance universe to classes of comparable funds with low or no 12b-1 fees (a "filtered universe") lowers the relative performance for the Funds, but their performance, on the whole, remains strong. The filtering process, however, did identify two Funds for further review that had not been designated review funds using unfiltered universes.

8.  A small number of Funds have consistently underperformed over the past four years. The exact number depends on the criteria used to evaluate longer-term performance. For example, the one-year returns of one Fund have been in the fourth or fifth performance quintiles in each of the past four years; there are six Funds whose three-year returns have been in the fourth or fifth quintile over the past four years.

9.  The services performed by CMG professionals beyond portfolio management, such as compliance, legal, information technology, risk management, finance and fund administration, are critical to the success of the Funds and appear to be of high quality.

C. Management Fees Charged by Other Mutual Fund Companies

10.  The Funds' management fees and total expenses are generally low relative to those of their peers. Only 21% of the Funds ranked in the two most expensive quintiles for actual management fees, and only 23% in those quintiles for total expenses.

11.  The highest concentration of low-expense Funds is found among the equity and tax-exempt fixed income Funds. The 12 former Excelsior Funds have relatively high fees and expenses, with half of those Funds ranking in either the fourth or fifth quintiles. The higher actual management fee


44



rankings of certain Excelsior Funds are due in part to fee schedules that are higher than standard Columbia Fund fee schedules at current asset levels. After discussion with the Trustees, CMA is proposing to lower the management fees on three of these Funds.

12.  The distribution of expense rankings is similar in 2007 and 2008, while management fee rankings improved markedly in 2008. Part of the improvement reflects expense limitations introduced last year for the state intermediate municipal bond Funds.

13.  The management fees of the Atlantic Funds are generally in line with those of Columbia Funds supervised by the Nations Board of Trustees (the "Nations Funds"). In investment categories in which the Atlantic Funds have higher average fees, the difference principally arises out of differences in asset size.

D. Trustees' Fee and Performance Evaluation Process

14.  The Trustees' evaluation process identified 17 Funds in 2008 for further review based upon their relative performance or expenses or both. When compared in filtered universes, two more Funds met the criteria for further review. CMG provided further information about those Funds to assist the Trustees in their evaluation.

E. Potential Economies of Scale

15.  CMG presented to the Trustees its analysis of the sources and sharing of potential economies of scale. CMG views economies of scale as arising at the complex level and would regard estimates of scale economies for individual funds as unreliable. In its analysis, CMG did not identify specific sources of economies of scale or provide any estimates of any economies of scale that might arise from future asset growth. CMG's analysis included measures taken by the Trustees and CMG that seek to share any potential economies of scale through breakpoints in management fee schedules, expense reimbursements, fee waivers, enhanced shareholder services, fund mergers, and operational consolidation.

16.  An examination of the contractual fee schedules for five Atlantic Funds shows that they are generally in line with those of their competitors, in terms of number and extent of fee breakpoints. A similar examination last year of five different Funds led to the same conclusion.

F. Management Fees Charged to Institutional Clients

17.  CMG has provided Trustees with comparisons of mutual fund management fees and institutional fees based upon standardized fee schedules and upon actual fees. The results show that, consistent with industry practice, institutional fees are generally lower than the Funds' management fees. However, because the services provided and risks borne by the manager are more extensive for mutual funds compared to institutional accounts, the differences are of limited value in assisting the Trustees in their review of the reasonableness of the Funds' management fees.

G. Revenues, Expenses, and Profits

18.  The activity-based cost allocation methodology ("ABC") employed by CMG to allocate costs, both direct and indirect, for purposes of calculating Fund profitability is thoughtful and detailed. This year, CMG proposed a change to the method by which indirect expenses are allocated. Under this "hybrid" method, indirect costs relating to fund management are allocated among the Funds 50% by assets and 50% per Fund. Allocating indirect expenses equally to each Fund has an intuitive logic, as each Fund regardless of size has certain expenses, such as preparing and printing prospectuses and financial statements.

19.  The materials provided on CMG's revenues and expenses with respect to the Funds and the methodology underlying their construction form a sufficient basis for Trustees to evaluate the expenses and profitability of the Funds.

20.  In 2007, CMG's complex-wide pre-tax margins on the Atlantic Funds were slightly below industry medians, based on limited data available for publicly held mutual fund managers. However, as is to be expected in a complex now comprising 75 Funds (including former Excelsior Funds), some Atlantic Funds have relatively high pre-tax profit margins, when calculated solely with respect to management revenues and expenses, while other Atlantic Funds operate at a loss. There is a positive relationship


45



between fund size and profitability, with smaller funds generally operating at a loss.

21.  CMG pays a fixed percentage of its management fee revenues to an affiliate, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, to compensate it for services it performs with respect to Atlantic Fund assets held for the benefit of its customers. Based on our analysis of the services provided by this affiliate, we have concluded that all payments other than those for sub-transfer agent or sub-accounting services should be treated as a distribution expense.

III. Recommendations

1)  Criteria for review. The Trustees may wish to consider modifying the criteria for classifying a fund as a "Review Fund" to include criteria that focus exclusively on performance without regard to expense or fee levels. For example, a fund whose one-year or three-year performance was median or below for four consecutive years could be treated as a Review Fund. When we applied such criteria to the Funds, several additional Funds would have been added to the list of Review Funds.

2)  Profitability data. CMG should present to the Trustees each year the profitability of each Fund, each investment style and each complex (of which Atlantic is one) calculated as follows:

a.  Management-only profitability should be calculated without reference to any Private Bank expense.

b.  Profitability excluding distribution (which essentially covers the management and transfer agency functions) should be adjusted by removing from the expense calculation any portion of the Private Bank payment not attributable to the performance by the Private Bank of sub-transfer agency or sub-accounting functions.

c.  Total profitability, including distribution: No adjustment for Private Bank expenses should be made, because all such expenses represent legitimate fund expenses to be taken into account in calculating CMG's profit margin including distribution.

d.  Distribution only: This should include all Private Bank expenses other than those attributable to sub-transfer agency services.

Therefore, the following data need not be provided:

1.  Adjusting total profitability data for Private Bank expenses

2.  Adjusting profitability excluding distribution by backing out all Private Bank expenses.

3)  Potential economies of scale. CMG and the IFC should continue to work on methods for more precisely quantifying to the extent possible the sources and magnitude of any economies of scale as CMG's mutual fund assets under management increase, to the extent that the data allows for meaningful year-over-year comparisons. The framework suggested in Section IV.D.4 may prove to be a useful model for such an analysis.

4)  Competitive breakpoint analysis. As part of the annual fee evaluation process, the breakpoints of a select group of Atlantic Funds (which would differ each year) should continue to be compared to those of industry rivals to ensure that the Funds' breakpoint schedules remain within industry norms. As breakpoint schedules change relatively little each year, performing such a comparison for each Atlantic Fund each year would not be an efficient use of Trustee and CMG resources.

5)  Cost allocation methodology. CMG's point that the current ABC system of allocating indirect expenses creates anomalous results in several cases, including sub-advised Funds, is well-taken. We would like to work with CMG over the forthcoming year on alternatives to the current system of allocating indirect expenses that (1) resolve the anomalies, (2) limit the amount of incremental effort on CMG's part and (3) remain faithful to the general principle that expenses should be allocated by time and effort to the extent reasonably possible.

6)  Management fee disparities. CMG and the Atlantic Trustees, as part of any future study of management fees, should analyze the differences in management fee schedules, principally arising out of the reorganization of the former Excelsior Funds as Atlantic Funds. As part of that analysis, CMG should provide an explanation for any significant fee differences among comparable funds across fund families managed by CMA, such as differences in the management styles of different Funds included the same Lipper category. Finally, whenever CMG proposes a


46



management fee change or an expense cap for any mutual fund managed by CMA that is comparable to any Atlantic Fund, CMG should provide the Trustees with sufficient information about the proposal to allow the Trustees to assess the applicability of the proposed change to the relevant Atlantic Fund or Funds.

7)  Tax-exempt Fund expense data. The expense rankings of certain tax-exempt Funds were adversely affected by including certain investment-related interest expenses that Lipper excluded in calculating the expense ratios of competitors. We recommend that CMG follow the Lipper practice and exclude such interest expenses from data submitted to Lipper to avoid unfairly disadvantaging the tax-exempt Funds.

8)  Reduction of volume of paper documents submitted. The effort to rationalize and simplify the data presented to the Trustees and the process by which that data was prepared and organized was regarded as a success by all parties. We should continue to look for opportunities to reduce and simplify the presentation of 15(c) data, especially in the area of Fund profitability. The Fund "Dashboard" volume presents a large volume of Fund data on a single page. If it is continued, the Trustees may wish to consider receiving the underlying Lipper data on CD, rather than the current paper volumes.

Respectfully submitted,
Steven E. Asher


47




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Important Information About This Report

The fund mails one shareholder report to each shareholder address. If you would like more than one report, please call shareholder services at 1-800-345-6611 and additional reports will be sent to you. This report has been prepared for shareholders of Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund.

A description of the policies and procedures that the fund uses to determine how to vote proxies and a copy of the fund's voting records are available (i) at www.columbiamanagement.com; (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov, and (iii) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-368-0346. Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 is available from the SEC's website. Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is also available from the fund's website, www.columbiamanagement.com.

The fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund's Form N-Q is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

An investment in money market mutual funds is not a bank deposit, and is not insured or guaranteed by Bank of America, N.A. or any of its affiliates or by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although money market mutual funds seek to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in money market mutual funds. Please see the prospectuses for a complete discussion of the risks of investing in money market mutual funds.

Please read and consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses for any fund carefully before investing. For a prospectus which contains this and other important information about the fund, contact your Columbia Management representative or financial advisor or go to www.columbiamanagement.com.

Columbia Management Group, LLC ("Columbia Management") is the investment management division of Bank of America Corporation. Columbia Management entities furnish investment management services and products for institutional and individual investors. Columbia Funds are distributed by Columbia Management Distributors, Inc., member of FINRA, SIPC, part of Columbia Management and an affiliate of Bank of America Corporation.

Transfer Agent

Columbia Management Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 8081
Boston, MA 02266-8081
1-800-345-6611

Distributor

Columbia Management
Distributors, Inc.
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111

Investment Advisor

Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
100 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110


49




Columbia Management®

Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund

Annual Report, October 31, 2008

PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Holliston, MA
Permit NO. 20

©2008 Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.

One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111-2621

800-345-6611 www.columbiafunds.com

SHC-42/156810-1008 (12/08) 08/65973




Columbia Management®

Annual Report

October 31, 2008

Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

NOT FDIC INSURED   May Lose Value  
NOT BANK ISSUED   No Bank Guarantee  

 



Table of Contents

Fund Profile     1    
Economic Update     2    
Performance Information     3    
Understanding Your Expenses     4    
Portfolio Manager's Report     5    
Investment Portfolio     7    
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities
    12    
Statement of Operations     13    
Statement of Changes in
Net Assets
    14    
Financial Highlights     16    
Notes to Financial Statements     19    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     27    
Federal Income Tax Information     28    
Fund Governance     29    
Board Consideration and
Approval of Advisory Agreements
    33    
Summary of Management
Fee Evaluation by Independent
Fee Consultant
    36    
Important Information About
This Report
    41    

 

The views expressed in this report reflect the current views of the respective parties. These views are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, so actual outcomes and results may differ significantly from the views expressed. These views are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market or other conditions and the respective parties disclaim any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Columbia Fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any particular Columbia Fund. References to specific securities should not be construed as a recommendation or investment advice.

President's Message

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to provide this shareholder report for your Columbia Fund and hope you will find the portfolio management details, discussions and performance information helpful in monitoring your investments. As we've seen this past year, the financial markets can be quite volatile, with significant short-term price fluctuations. It's important to keep these ups and downs in perspective, particularly in light of your long-term investment strategy.

Staying the course with your long-term strategy typically involves riding out short-term price fluctuations, though we recognize that at times this can be tough. To support your efforts and give you the information you need to make prudent decisions, Columbia Management offers several valuable online resources. We encourage you to visit www.columbiamanagement.com/investor, where you can receive the most up-to-date information, including:

g  Daily pricing and performance. View pricing and performance from a link in Fund Tracker on the homepage. This listing of funds is updated nightly with the current net asset value and the amount and percentage change from the prior day.

g  News & Commentary. This tab provides links to quarterly fund commentaries and information from our investment strategies group, including trends in the economy and market impact.

If you would like more details on individual funds, select a fund from the dropdown menu on the top right side of the homepage for access to:

g  Monthly and quarterly performance information.

g  Portfolio holdings. Full holdings are updated monthly for money market funds, except for Columbia Cash Reserves, Columbia Government Plus Reserves, Columbia Government Reserves, Columbia Treasury Reserves and Columbia Money Market Reserves which are updated weekly, monthly for equity funds and quarterly for most other funds.

g  Quarterly fact sheets. Accessible from the Literature tab in each fund page.

By registering on the site, you'll receive secured, 24-hour access to*:

g  Mutual fund account details with balances, dividend and transaction information.

g  Fund Tracker to customize your homepage with current net asset values for the funds that interest you.

g  On-line transactions including purchases, exchanges and redemptions.

g  Account maintenance for updating your address and dividend payment options.

g  Electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports.

I encourage you to visit our website for access to the product information and tools described above. These valuable online resources can help you monitor your investments and provide direct access to your account. All of these tools, and more, can be found on www.columbiamanagement.com/investor.

While your financial advisor is a great resource for investment guidance, you can also access our website or call our service representatives at 800.345.6611 for additional assistance. We thank you for investing with Columbia Management and look forward to helping with your ongoing investment needs.

Sincerely,

Christopher L. Wilson
President, Columbia Funds

*Some restrictions apply. Shareholders who purchase shares through certain third-party organizations may not have the ability to register for online access.




Fund ProfileColumbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

Summary

g  For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares returned negative 5.36% without sales charge.

g  The fund trailed its benchmark, the Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index,1 but performed better than its peer group average, the Lipper Connecticut Municipal Debt Funds Classification.2

g  Bonds in the mid-to-lower quality tiers held back performance compared to the benchmark. We believe the fund had less exposure than the average fund in its peer group to mid-quality bonds and bonds with the longest maturities, which helped it outperform.

Portfolio Management

Gary Swayze has managed the fund since November 1997 and has been with the advisor or its predecessors or affiliate organizations since 1997.

1The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index) is considered representative of the broad market for investment-grade, tax exempt bonds with maturities of at least one year. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Summary

1-year return as of 10/31/08

    –5.36%  
  Class A shares
(without sales charge)
 
    –3.30%  
  Barclays Capital
Municipal Bond Index
 

 

Morningstar Style Box

The Morningstar Style Box reveals a fund's investment strategy. For fixed-income funds the vertical axis shows the average credit quality of the bonds owned, and the horizontal axis shows interest rate sensitivity as measured by a bond's duration (short, intermediate or long). All of these numbers are drawn from the data most recently provided by the fund and entered into Morningstar's database as of quarter-end. Although the data gathered is from reliable sources, Morningstar cannot guarantee its completeness and accuracy. Information shown is as of 06/30/08.


1



Economic UpdateColumbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

Summary

For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008

g  Despite volatility in many segments of the bond market, the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index delivered a modest gain. High-yield bonds lost significant ground, as measured by the Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Index.

Barclays
Index
  Merrill
Lynch Index
 
   

 

g  The broad U.S. stock market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, returned negative 36.10%. Developed stock markets outside the United States returned negative 46.62%, as measured (in U.S. dollars) by the MSCI EAFE Index.

S&P Index   MSCI Index  
   

 

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Bond Index) is a market value-weighted index that tracks the daily price, coupon, pay-downs and total return performance of fixed-rate, publicly placed, dollar-denominated and non-convertible investment grade debt issues with at least $250 million par amount outstanding and with at least one year to final maturity.

The Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Index tracks the performance of non-investment-grade corporate bonds.

The Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index tracks the performance of 500 widely held, large-capitalization US stocks.

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe, Australasia, Far East (EAFE) Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure developed market equity performance, excluding the US and Canada.

Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

The pace of economic growth ground to a halt during the 12-month period that began November 1, 2007 and ended October 31, 2008. Although the economic growth was modestly positive at the beginning of the period, the economy slipped into recession in 2008, with little relief in sight. A host of factors weighed on consumers and businesses alike.

The most severe housing downturn in decades showed no sign of abating as inventories of homes for sale rose, home prices declined and tighter credit standards, a result of continued turmoil in the subprime mortgage market, made it more difficult for homebuyers to qualify for loans.

The labor market contracted for ten consecutive months, driving the unemployment rate to 6.5%, the highest rate since the early 1990s. Nearly 1.2 million jobs have been lost since the beginning of 2008, with announced layoffs likely to drive that number even higher in the months ahead. Manufacturing activity slowed and consumer spending declined, dimming hopes for the holiday season.

A weakening economy and turmoil in the financial markets took a toll on consumer confidence, which plummeted to the lowest point ever in the 40-year history of the Conference Board's monthly survey.

In an effort to inspire confidence in the capital markets, loosen the reins on credit and shore up economic growth, the Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) brought a key short-term rate—the federal funds rate—down from 4.50% to 1.0% during the 12-month period. Despite earlier concerns about inflation, a weak economic outlook has kept the Fed focused on stimulating economic growth through lowering borrowing rates. In fact, the one bright spot during this period of uncertainty has been lower energy and commodity prices. With oil trading near $60 per barrel at the end of the period, gasoline prices are forecasted to come down below $2 per gallon after peaking above $4 per gallon during the summer months.

Bonds eke out a small, positive return

The U.S. bond market seesawed during the 12-month period but managed to eke out a small gain as investors sought the relative safety of the highest quality sectors. After a weak start, bond prices in several sectors rose and yields declined as economic growth slowed and stock market volatility increased. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield ended the period at just under 4.0%, nearly one-half percentage point lower than where it stood one year ago. In this environment, the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index returned 0.30%. High-yield bonds disappointed as economic prospects weakened and default fears rose. The Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Index returned negative 26.43%.

Stocks retreat as economic outlook darkens

Against a shifting economic backdrop, the U.S. stock market lost 36.10% for the 12-month period, as measured by the S&P 500 Index. Losses extended across all market caps and both growth and value, although value stocks held up somewhat better than growth stocks, as measured by their respective Russell indices.1 Stock markets outside the U.S. suffered even greater losses. The MSCI EAFE Index, a broad gauge of stock market performance in foreign developed markets, lost 46.62% (in U.S. dollars) for the period. Emerging stock markets, which have had a strong run over the past several years, were also caught in the downdraft. As investors backed away from risk, emerging markets suffered most of all. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned negative 56.22% (in U.S. dollars).2

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

1The Russell 1000 Index measures the performance of 1,000 of the largest US companies, based on market capitalization. The Russell Midcap Index measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index, as ranked by total market capitalization. The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest of the 3,000 largest US companies based on market capitalization.

2The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index is a widely accepted index composed of a sample of companies from 25 countries representing the global emerging stock markets.

Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.


2



Performance InformationColumbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

Growth of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08

 

 

The chart above shows the growth in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class A shares of Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund during the stated time period, and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index is considered representative of the broad market for investment-grade, tax exempt bonds with maturities of at least one year. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

Performance of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08 ($)

Sales charge   without   with  
Class A     14,036       13,369    
Class B     13,029       13,029    
Class C     13,422       13,422    

 

Average annual total return as of 10/31/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C  
Inception   11/01/91   06/08/92   08/01/97  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with  
1-year     –5.36       –9.86       –6.07       –10.57       –5.79       –6.69    
5-year     1.43       0.45       0.68       0.35       0.98       0.98    
10-year     3.45       2.95       2.68       2.68       2.99       2.99    

 

      

Average annual total return as of 09/30/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with  
1-year     –3.78       –8.35       –4.50       –9.08       –4.22       –5.13    
5-year     1.55       0.57       0.80       0.46       1.10       1.10    
10-year     3.56       3.06       2.80       2.80       3.10       3.10    

 

      

The "with sales charge" returns include the maximum initial sales charge of 4.75% for Class A shares, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 5.00% in the first year, declining to 1.00% in the sixth year and eliminated thereafter for Class B shares and 1.00% for Class C shares for the first year only. The "without sales charge" returns do not include the effect of sales charges. If they had, returns would be lower.

Performance results reflect any fee waivers or reimbursements of fund expenses by the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates. Absent these fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements, performance results would have been lower.

All results shown assume reinvestment of distributions. Please see the fund's prospectus for details. Performance for different share classes will vary based on differences in sales charges and the fees associated with each class.

The tables do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Annual operating expense ratio (%)*

Class A     0.98    
Class B     1.73    
Class C     1.73    

 

* The annual operating expense ratio is as stated in the fund's prospectus that is current as of the date of this report. Differences in expense ratios disclosed elsewhere in this report may result from including fee waivers and expense reimbursements as well as different time periods used in calculating the ratios.


3



Understanding Your ExpensesColumbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

Estimating your actual expenses

To estimate the expenses that you paid over the period, first you will need your account balance at the end of the period:

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from Columbia Management Services, Inc., your account balance is available online at www.columbiafunds.com or by calling Shareholder Services at 800.345.6611.

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from their financial intermediary, contact your financial intermediary to obtain your account balance.

1.  Divide your ending account balance by $1,000. For example, if an account balance was $8,600 at the end of the period, the result would be 8.6.

2.  In the section of the table below titled "Expenses paid during the period," locate the amount for your share class. You will find this number in the column labeled "Actual." Multiply this number by the result from step 1. Your answer is an estimate of the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

If the value of your account falls below the minimum initial investment requirement applicable to you, your account generally will be subject to a $20 annual fee. This fee is not included in the accompanying table. If you are subject to the fee, keep it in mind when you are estimating the ongoing expenses of investing in the fund and when comparing the expenses of this fund with other funds.

As a fund shareholder, you incur two types of costs. There are transaction costs, which generally include sales charges on purchases and may include redemption fees or exchange fees. There are also ongoing costs, which generally include investment advisory fees, distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees and other fund expenses. The information on this page is intended to help you understand the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

Analyzing your fund's expenses by share class

To illustrate these ongoing costs, we have provided an example and calculated the expenses paid by investors in each share class during the period. The information in the following table is based on an initial investment of $1,000, which is invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period. Expense information is calculated two ways and each method provides you with different information. The amount listed in the "Actual" column is calculated using the fund's actual operating expenses and total return for the period. The amount listed in the "Hypothetical" column for each share class assumes that the return each year is 5% before expenses and is calculated based on the fund's actual operating expenses. You should not use the hypothetical account values and expenses to estimate either your actual account balance at the end of the period or the expenses you paid during this period.

Compare with other funds

Since all mutual funds are required to include the same hypothetical calculations about expenses in shareholder reports, you can use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund with other funds. To do so, compare the 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. As you compare hypothetical examples of other funds, it is important to note that hypothetical examples are meant to highlight the ongoing costs of investing in a fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees.

05/01/08 – 10/31/08

    Account value at the
beginning of the period ($)
  Account value at the
end of the period ($)
  Expenses paid
during the period ($)
  Fund's annualized
expense ratio (%)
 
    Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual  
Class A     1,000.00       1,000.00       940.68       1,020.91       4.10       4.27       0.84    
Class B     1,000.00       1,000.00       937.21       1,017.14       7.74       8.06       1.59    
Class C     1,000.00       1,000.00       938.62       1,018.65       6.29       6.55       1.29    

 

        

Expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the share class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, then multiplied by the number of days in the fund's most recent fiscal half-year and divided by 366.

Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, account value at the end of the period would have been reduced.

It is important to note that the expense amounts shown in the table are meant to highlight only ongoing costs of investing in the fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees. Therefore, the hypothetical examples provided may not help you determine the relative total costs of owning shares of different funds. If these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


4



Portfolio Manager's ReportColumbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares returned negative 5.36% without sales charge. The fund's benchmark, the Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index returned negative 3.30%.1 The average return of the fund's peer group, the Lipper Connecticut Municipal Debt Funds Classification, was negative 6.43%.2 The fund's shortfall to its benchmark was the result of two factors: the index is national in scope and it has less exposure than the fund to longer-term (20 to 30 years) and mid-to-lower quality sectors, which were underperformers during the period. We believe the fund outperformed its peer group average because it had less exposure to the longest maturity bonds and to weaker performing sectors.

Economic slowdown has sharp impact

A year ago, we anticipated an economic slowdown and an easing of inflationary pressures fed by high commodity prices and worldwide growth. But the intensity of the slowdown has been unexpectedly sharp. In hopes of reviving the economy, the Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) cut short-term interest rates aggressively while Congress passed a stimulus package to aid middle-class households.

Fallout from a widespread credit crisis caused municipal bonds to underperform Treasuries over this period. Sinking home values and waves of foreclosures began to shrink tax revenues and swell deficits for state and local governments. In addition, downgrades of municipal bond insurers dramatically reduced the number of AAA-rated3 municipal bonds. As a result, investors demanded higher yields for insured issues, which represent over half of the new issue market. Meanwhile, volatile markets forced some institutions to sell off their municipal bond holdings, especially hedge funds.

Amid this economic stress, the yield difference between higher and lower quality municipal bonds widened. The period's worst performance came in lower quality, long-maturity sectors where yields rose substantially. Skittish investors preferred to confine their commitments to better quality issues with maturities of five years or less, causing yields to decline and raising prices modestly for these bonds.

Lower and medium quality fund holdings and those with the longest maturities hurt results. We achieved better returns among intermediate-term prerefunded bonds, which are backed by escrowed government securities. Bonds of Puerto Rico, which are exempt from state and federal income taxes, also hurt returns. We attribute the fund's outperformance of its peer group to our smaller exposure to medium quality bonds and to bonds with the longest maturities.

1The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index is considered representative of the broad market for investment-grade, tax-exempt bonds with maturities of at least one year. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.

3The credit quality ratings represent those of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") credit ratings. The ratings represent their opinions as to the quality of the securities they rate. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The security's credit quality does not eliminate risk.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Net asset value per share

as of 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     6.95    
Class B     6.95    
Class C     6.95    

 

Distributions declared per share

11/01/07 – 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     0.36    
Class B     0.31    
Class C     0.33    

 

A portion of the fund's income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. The fund may at times purchase tax-exempt securities at a discount. Some, or all, of this discount may be included in the fund's ordinary income, and is taxable when distributed. Distributions include $0.09 per share of taxable realized gains.

30-day SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     4.05    
Class B     3.49    
Class C     3.79    

 

The 30-day SEC yields reflect the fund's earning power, net of expenses, expressed as an annualized percentage of the public offering price per share at the end of the period.

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     6.56    
Class B     5.65    
Class C     6.14    

 

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields are based on the combined maximum effective 35.0% federal income tax rate and the applicable state income tax rate. These tax rates do not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of the otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels.


5



Portfolio Manager's Report (continued)Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

Top 5 sectors

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Local General Obligations     27.9    
Education     14.1    
Special Non-Property Tax     10.8    
Prep School     7.1    
Municipal Electric     6.0    

 

Quality breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

AAA     32.3    
AA     50.9    
A     10.4    
BB     1.5    
Non-rated     3.2    
Cash & Equivalents     1.7    

 

Maturity breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

1-3 years     0.3    
3-5 years     8.3    
5-7 years     15.1    
7-10 years     16.1    
10-15 years     18.9    
15-20 years     20.6    
20-25 years     6.3    
25 years and over     12.7    
Cash & Equivalents     1.7    

 

Ratings shown in the quality breakdown represent the rating assigned to a particular bond by one of the following nationally-recognized rating agencies: Standard and Poor's, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch Ratings Ltd. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The fund's credit quality does not remove market risk.

The fund is actively managed and the composition of its portfolio will change over time. Information provided is calculated as a percentage of net assets.

Connecticut feels recession impact

Connecticut may have been one of the first states to fall into recession. Payroll growth has stalled, higher unemployment has eaten into retail activity, and housing data—existing home sales and housing starts—continue to sag. Fairfield County, with its ties to Wall Street and the financial industry, has been especially hard hit. Manufacturing, including the state's aerospace industry, has slumped in tune with slowing worldwide demand.

Looking ahead, we believe that depressed home prices could soon attract buyers. New initiatives in alternative energy and biotech also offer potential to fuel renewed growth. However, we believe that the forces weighing on Connecticut's economy, including high living costs, heavy traffic and costly energy, will continue to hold back expansion and limit new investment.

A cautious, deliberate approach

A widening difference in yield between higher and lower quality securities of comparable maturities offers potential opportunities in bonds in the mid and lower quality tiers. However, we are being selective in our choice of securities because we do not believe that the challenges facing municipal issuers will dissipate quickly in light of the current economic slowdown. In this environment, we believe that short-term interest rates are likely to remain low and further stimulus moves are possible. Eventually, we believe that taxes may rise, making municipal bonds more attractive. However, we believe that continued stimulus programs could also trigger inflation over the longer-term, a potential negative for bond investors.

Portfolio holdings and characteristics are subject to change periodically and may not be representative of current holdings and characteristics. The outlook for the fund may differ from that presented for other Columbia Funds.

Tax-exempt investing offers current tax-exempt income, but it also involves special risks. The value of the fund will be affected by interest rate changes and the creditworthiness of issues held in the fund. When interest rates go up, bond prices generally drop and vice versa.

Interest income from certain tax-exempt bonds may be subject to certain state and local taxes and, if applicable, the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains are not exempt from income taxes.

Single-state municipal bond funds pose additional risks due to limited geographical diversification.


6




Investment Portfolio Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds – 95.0%  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Education – 21.2%  
Education – 14.1%  
CT Health & Educational Facilities Authority  
Connecticut College,  
Series 2002 E,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.250% 07/01/22     400,000       396,892    
Fairfield University,  
Series 2008 N,  
4.750% 07/01/27     1,000,000       871,250    
Quinnipiac University,  
Series 2007 I,  
Insured: MBIA  
4.375% 07/01/28     1,015,000       815,542    
Trinity College:  
Series 1998 F,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.500% 07/01/21     2,000,000       2,055,000    
Series 2007 J,  
Insured: MBIA:  
4.250% 07/01/31     1,000,000       776,580    
4.500% 07/01/37     1,500,000       1,176,720    
University of Connecticut,  
Series 2000 A,  
Insured: FGIC  
5.250% 11/15/14     2,135,000       2,246,383    
University of Hartford,  
Series 2002,  
Insured: RAD  
5.375% 07/01/15     1,000,000       992,470    
Yale University:  
Series 2003 X-1,  
5.000% 07/01/42     2,000,000       1,879,280    
Series 2007 Z-1,  
5.000% 07/01/42     1,500,000       1,409,460    
Education Total     12,619,577    
Prep School – 7.1%  
CT Health & Educational Facilities Authority  
Brunswick School,  
Series 2003 B,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.000% 07/01/33     670,000       642,463    
Loomis Chaffee School:  
Series 2001 E,  
5.250% 07/01/21     1,765,000       1,738,419    
Series 2005 F,  
Insured: AMBAC:  
5.250% 07/01/25     2,035,000       2,034,837    
5.250% 07/01/26     1,045,000       1,043,725    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Miss Porter's School,  
Series 2006 B,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.000% 07/01/36     1,075,000       966,651    
Prep School Total     6,426,095    
Education Total     19,045,672    
Health Care – 7.3%  
Hospitals – 4.3%  
CT Health & Educational Facilities Authority  
Danbury Hospital,  
Series 2006 H,  
Insured: AMBAC  
4.500% 07/01/33     2,000,000       1,297,560    
Middlesex Hospital,  
Series 2006 L,  
Insured: FSA  
4.250% 07/01/36     1,000,000       733,650    
William W. Backus Hospital,  
Series F 2005,  
Insured: FSA  
5.125% 07/01/35     2,000,000       1,817,740    
Hospitals Total     3,848,950    
Intermediate Care Facilities – 0.8%  
CT Health & Educational Facilities Authority  
Village for Families & Children, Inc.,  
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.000% 07/01/23     255,000       205,265    
CT Housing Finance Authority  
Series 2000,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.850% 06/15/30     500,000       481,575    
Intermediate Care Facilities Total     686,840    
Nursing Homes – 2.2%  
CT Development Authority Health Facility  
Alzheimers Resources Center, Inc.,  
Series 2007:  
5.400% 08/15/21     500,000       376,050    
5.500% 08/15/27     2,375,000       1,644,212    
Nursing Homes Total     2,020,262    
Health Care Total     6,556,052    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


7



Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Housing – 3.0%  
Multi-Family – 0.8%  
CT Greenwich Housing Authority  
Greenwich Close Apartments,  
Series 1997 A,  
6.350% 09/01/27     750,000       718,433    
Multi-Family Total     718,433    
Single-Family – 2.2%  
CT Housing Finance Authority  
Series 2003 C-1,  
4.850% 11/15/23     1,000,000       924,220    
Series 2006, AMT,  
4.875% 11/15/36     1,500,000       1,061,595    
Single-Family Total     1,985,815    
Housing Total     2,704,248    
Other – 1.9%  
Refunded/Escrowed (a) – 1.9%  
CT Government  
Series 1993 B,  
Escrowed to Maturity,  
5.400% 09/15/09     25,000       25,814    
CT New Haven  
Series 2002 B,  
Escrowed to Maturity,  
Insured: FGIC  
5.000% 11/01/16     10,000       10,368    
Series 2002 C,  
Escrowed to Maturity,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.000% 11/01/20     10,000       10,188    
CT North Branford  
Series 2001,  
Pre-refunded 10/01/10,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.000% 10/01/15     50,000       52,976    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Public
Finance Corp.
 
Series 2002 E,  
Escrowed to Maturity,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.500% 08/01/27     1,500,000       1,549,710    
Refunded/Escrowed Total     1,649,056    
Other Total     1,649,056    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Resource Recovery – 3.3%  
Disposal – 1.8%  
CT New Haven Solid Waste Authority  
Series 2008,  
5.375% 06/01/28     1,750,000       1,640,188    
Disposal Total     1,640,188    
Resource Recovery – 1.5%  
CT Resource Recovery Authority  
American Re-Fuel Co.,  
Series 2001 AII, AMT,  
5.500% 11/15/15     1,500,000       1,288,995    
Resource Recovery Total     1,288,995    
Resource Recovery Total     2,929,183    
Tax-Backed – 46.9%  
Local General Obligations – 27.9%  
CT Bridgeport  
Series 1997 A,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.500% 08/15/19     1,500,000       1,523,910    
Series 2004 C,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.500% 08/15/21     1,225,000       1,217,675    
CT Cheshire  
Series 2000 B,  
5.000% 08/01/14     1,720,000       1,843,324    
CT East Hartford  
Series 2003,  
Insured: FGIC  
5.250% 05/01/15     1,000,000       1,079,420    
CT East Haven  
Series 2003,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.000% 09/01/15     640,000       672,704    
CT Granby  
Series 1993,  
Insured: MBIA  
6.550% 04/01/10     175,000       185,029    
Series 2006,  
5.000% 02/15/26     540,000       560,293    
CT Hartford County Metropolitan District  
Series 1993:  
5.200% 12/01/13     500,000       536,315    
5.625% 02/01/13     600,000       645,756    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


8



Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CT New Britain  
Series 1993 A,  
Insured: MBIA  
6.000% 10/01/12     2,000,000       2,113,400    
Series 1993 B,  
Insured: MBIA  
6.000% 03/01/12     1,000,000       1,047,360    
Series 2006,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.000% 04/15/21     1,160,000       1,175,451    
CT New Haven  
Series 2002 B,  
Insured: FGIC  
5.000% 11/01/16     1,000,000       1,026,350    
CT New Milford  
Series 2004,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.000% 01/15/17     1,025,000       1,089,257    
CT North Haven  
Series 2007,  
4.750% 07/15/26     1,150,000       1,113,775    
CT Plainville  
Series 2002,  
Insured: FGIC:  
5.000% 12/01/15     400,000       412,212    
5.000% 12/01/16     500,000       512,000    
CT Stamford  
Series 2003 B,  
5.250% 08/15/16     2,750,000       2,997,143    
CT Suffield  
Series 2005,  
5.000% 06/15/20     1,400,000       1,439,228    
CT West Hartford  
Series 2005 B,  
5.000% 10/01/24     1,500,000       1,510,395    
CT Westbrook  
Series 1992,  
Insured: MBIA  
6.300% 03/15/12     265,000       291,023    
CT Westport  
Series 2003,  
5.000% 08/15/15     1,000,000       1,070,240    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Municipal Finance Agency
 
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: FSA  
5.250% 08/01/18     1,000,000       1,002,780    
Local General Obligations Total     25,065,040    
Special Non-Property Tax – 10.8%  
CT Special Tax Obligation Revenue  
Transportation Infrastructure:  
Series 2002 B,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.000% 12/01/21     1,500,000       1,463,370    
Series 2004 B,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.250% 07/01/18     2,000,000       2,130,940    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Highway & Transportation Authority
 
Series 1993 X,  
Insured: FSA  
5.500% 07/01/13     3,000,000       3,119,460    
Series 2002 E,  
Insured: FSA  
5.500% 07/01/21     1,000,000       995,410    
Series 2005 L,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.250% 07/01/38     2,000,000       1,645,860    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Infrastructure Financing Authority
 
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: AMBAC  
(b) 07/01/35     2,000,000       321,700    
Special Non-Property Tax Total     9,676,740    
State Appropriated – 2.6%  
CT Juvenile Training School  
Series 2001,  
4.750% 12/15/25     2,500,000       2,343,675    
State Appropriated Total     2,343,675    
State General Obligations – 5.6%  
CT State  
Series 2001 C,  
Insured: FSA  
5.500% 12/15/15     1,500,000       1,651,155    
Series 2001,  
Insured: FSA  
5.500% 12/15/14     1,500,000       1,648,620    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


9



Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2005 B,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.250% 06/01/20     400,000       416,124    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico  
Public Improvement,  
Series 2001,  
Insured: FSA  
5.500% 07/01/16     1,250,000       1,297,362    
State General Obligations Total     5,013,261    
Tax-Backed Total     42,098,716    
Transportation – 0.6%  
Transportation – 0.6%  
CT New Haven Air Rights Parking Facility  
Series 2002,  
Insured: AMBAC  
5.375% 12/01/15     500,000       517,890    
Transportation Total     517,890    
Transportation Total     517,890    
Utilities – 10.8%  
Municipal Electric – 6.0%  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Electric Power Authority
 
Series 2002 JJ,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.250% 07/01/15     2,000,000       1,988,760    
Series 2002 KK,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.500% 07/01/15     1,000,000       1,008,240    
Series 2003 NN,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.250% 07/01/19     2,500,000       2,379,150    
Municipal Electric Total     5,376,150    
Water & Sewer – 4.8%  
CT Greater New Haven Water Pollution
Control Authority
 
Series 2008,  
Insured: FSA  
4.750% 11/15/28     600,000       545,076    
CT South Central Regional Water Authority  
Series 2005,  
Insured: MBIA  
5.000% 08/01/30     1,870,000       1,749,815    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2007 A,  
Insured: MBIA:  
5.250% 08/01/23     1,000,000       1,005,020    
5.250% 08/01/24     1,000,000       1,000,980    
Water & Sewer Total     4,300,891    
Utilities Total     9,677,041    
Total Municipal Bonds
(cost of $91,797,008)
    85,177,858    
Investment Company – 0.5%  
    Shares      
Dreyfus Municipal Cash
Management Plus  
(7 day yield of 2.260%)
    432,900       432,900    
Total Investment Company
(cost of $432,900)
    432,900    
Short-Term Obligation – 0.2%  
    Par ($)      
Variable Rate Demand Note (c) – 0.2%  
CA Department of Water Resources  
Series 2005 F-5,  
LOC: Citibank N.A.  
0.900% 05/01/22     200,000       200,000    
Variable Rate Demand Note Total     200,000    
Total Short-Term Obligation
(cost of $200,000)
    200,000    
Total Investments – 95.7%
(cost of $92,429,908) (d)
    85,810,758    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net – 4.3%     3,879,931    
Net Assets – 100.0%     89,690,689    

 

Notes to Investment Portfolio:

(a)  The Fund has been informed that each issuer has placed direct obligations of the U.S. Government in an irrevocable trust, solely for the payment of principal and interest.

(b)  Zero coupon bond.

(c)  This security is payable upon demand and secured by letters of credit or other credit support agreements from banks. The interest rate changes periodically and the interest rate shown reflect the rate at October 31, 2008.

(d)  Cost for federal income tax purposes is $92,406,304.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


10



Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

At October 31, 2008, the composition of the Fund by revenue source is as follows:

Holdings By Revenue Source (Unaudited)   % of
Net Assets
 
Tax-Backed     46.9    
Education     21.2    
Utilities     10.8    
Health Care     7.3    
Resource Recovery     3.3    
Housing     3.0    
Other     1.9    
Transportation     0.6    
      95.0    
Investment Company     0.5    
Short-Term Obligation     0.2    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net     4.3    
      100.0    

 

Acronym   Name  
AMBAC   Ambac Assurance Corp.  
AMT   Alternative Minimum Tax  
FGIC   Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.  
FSA   Financial Security Assurance, Inc.  
LOC   Letter of Credit  
MBIA   MBIA Insurance Corp.  
RAD   Radian Asset Assurance, Inc.  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


11




Statement of Assets and LiabilitiesColumbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund
October 31, 2008

Assets   Investments, at cost   $ 92,429,908    
    Investments, at value   $ 85,810,758    
    Cash     864,086    
    Receivable for:          
    Investments sold     1,999,915    
    Fund shares sold     64,818    
    Interest     1,410,192    
    Expense reimbursement due from investment advisor     6,767    
    Trustees' deferred compensation plan     22,042    
    Other assets     216    
    Total Assets     90,178,794    
Liabilities   Payable for:          
    Fund shares repurchased     208,177    
    Distributions     111,355    
    Investment advisory fee     38,685    
    Transfer agent fee     13,326    
    Pricing and bookkeeping fees     6,073    
    Trustees' fees     143    
    Audit fee     33,800    
    Custody fee     1,166    
    Distribution and service fees     29,761    
    Chief compliance officer expenses     53    
    Trustees' deferred compensation plan     22,042    
    Other liabilities     23,524    
    Total Liabilities     488,105    
    Net Assets     89,690,689    
Net Assets Consist of   Paid-in capital     95,842,758    
    Undistributed net investment income     266,768    
    Accumulated net realized gain     200,313    
    Net unrealized depreciation on investments     (6,619,150 )  
    Net Assets     89,690,689    
Class A   Net assets   $ 67,265,337    
    Shares outstanding     9,672,160    
    Net asset value per share   $ 6.95 (a)  
    Maximum sales charge     4.75 %  
    Maximum offering price per share ($6.95/0.9525)   $ 7.30 (b)  
Class B   Net assets   $ 10,860,276    
    Shares outstanding     1,561,624    
    Net asset value and offering price per share   $ 6.95 (a)  
Class C   Net assets   $ 11,565,076    
    Shares outstanding     1,662,969    
    Net asset value and offering price per share   $ 6.95 (a)  

 

(a) Redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.

(b) On sales of $50,000 or more the offering price is reduced.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


12



Statement of OperationsColumbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund
For the Year Ended October 31, 2008

        ($)  
Investment Income   Interest     4,772,991    
    Dividends     15,508    
    Total Investment Income     4,788,499    
Expenses   Investment advisory fee     524,477    
    Distribution fee:          
    Class B     103,338    
    Class C     92,776    
    Service fee:          
    Class A     188,383    
    Class B     32,873    
    Class C     29,621    
    Transfer agent fee     40,861    
    Pricing and bookkeeping fees     64,845    
    Trustees' fees     17,938    
    Custody fee     8,043    
    Chief compliance officer expenses     635    
    Other expenses     134,693    
    Total Expenses     1,238,483    
    Fees waived or expenses reimbursed by investment advisor     (160,592 )  
    Fees waived by distributor—Class C     (37,126 )  
    Expense reductions     (1,529 )  
    Net Expenses     1,039,236    
    Net Investment Income     3,749,263    
    Net realized gain on:          
    Investments     499,536    
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on Investments and
Futures Contracts
 
    Futures contracts     61,389    
    Net realized gain     560,925    
    Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:          
    Investments     (9,598,231 )  
    Futures contracts     (20,720 )  
    Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (9,618,951 )  
    Net Loss     (9,058,026 )  
    Net Decrease Resulting from Operations     (5,308,763 )  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


13



Statement of Changes in Net AssetsColumbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

        Year Ended October 31,  
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets       2008 ($)   2007 ($)  
Operations   Net investment income     3,749,263       4,031,548    
    Net realized gain on investments and futures contracts     560,925       1,142,284    
    Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
investments and futures contracts
    (9,618,951 )     (3,126,182 )  
    Net Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Operations     (5,308,763 )     2,047,650    
Distributions to Shareholders   From net investment income:                  
    Class A     (2,926,539 )     (3,028,284 )  
    Class B     (408,528 )     (584,055 )  
    Class C     (404,081 )     (412,247 )  
    From net realized gains:                  
    Class A     (917,387 )     (946,187 )  
    Class B     (179,705 )     (268,780 )  
    Class C     (143,822 )     (149,496 )  
    Total Distributions to Shareholders     (4,980,062 )     (5,389,049 )  
    Net Capital Share Transactions     (14,287,061 )     (9,175,892 )  
    Total Decrease in Net Assets     (24,575,886 )     (12,517,291 )  
Net Assets   Beginning of period     114,266,575       126,783,866    
    End of period     89,690,689       114,266,575    
    Undistributed net investment income at end of period     266,768       285,948    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


14



Statement of Changes in Net Assets (continued)Capital Stock Activity

    Year Ended October 31,  
    2008   2007  
    Shares   Dollars ($)   Shares   Dollars ($)  
Class A  
Subscriptions     610,845       4,564,564       1,338,394       10,275,047    
Distributions reinvested     354,270       2,649,306       337,680       2,620,668    
Redemptions     (2,239,346 )     (16,546,937 )     (1,825,289 )     (14,148,553 )  
Net Decrease     (1,274,231 )     (9,333,067 )     (149,215 )     (1,252,838 )  
Class B  
Subscriptions     36,717       272,456       44,175       342,619    
Distributions reinvested     46,527       348,837       66,949       520,625    
Redemptions     (731,158 )     (5,483,520 )     (1,067,796 )     (8,253,790 )  
Net Decrease     (647,914 )     (4,862,227 )     (956,672 )     (7,390,546 )  
Class C  
Subscriptions     273,434       2,031,391       237,987       1,854,490    
Distributions reinvested     38,569       288,570       43,807       340,249    
Redemptions     (321,759 )     (2,411,728 )     (349,952 )     (2,727,247 )  
Net Decrease     (9,756 )     (91,767 )     (68,158 )     (532,508 )  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


15




Financial HighlightsColumbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class A Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 7.71     $ 7.92     $ 7.91     $ 8.19     $ 8.21    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.28       0.28       0.29       0.29       0.29    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and futures contracts
    (0.68 )     (0.12 )     0.11       (0.23 )     0.10    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.40 )     0.16       0.40       0.06       0.39    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.27 )     (0.28 )     (0.28 )     (0.29 )     (0.29 )  
From net realized gains     (0.09 )     (0.09 )     (0.11 )     (0.05 )     (0.12 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.36 )     (0.37 )     (0.39 )     (0.34 )     (0.41 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 6.95     $ 7.71     $ 7.92     $ 7.91     $ 8.19    
Total return (b)(c)     (5.36 )%     2.03 %     5.25 %     0.72 %     4.91 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     0.84 %     0.84 %     0.84 %     0.84 %     0.83 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.15 %     0.13 %     0.16 %     0.09 %     0.09 %  
Net investment income (d)     3.73 %     3.61 %     3.67 %     3.63 %     3.60 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     10 %     14 %     13 %     9 %     9 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 67,265     $ 84,351     $ 87,906     $ 98,063     $ 106,661    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


16



Financial HighlightsColumbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class B Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 7.71     $ 7.92     $ 7.91     $ 8.19     $ 8.21    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.22       0.22       0.23       0.23       0.23    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and futures contracts
    (0.67 )     (0.12 )     0.11       (0.23 )     0.10    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.45 )     0.10       0.34             0.33    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.22 )     (0.22 )     (0.22 )     (0.23 )     (0.23 )  
From net realized gains     (0.09 )     (0.09 )     (0.11 )     (0.05 )     (0.12 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.31 )     (0.31 )     (0.33 )     (0.28 )     (0.35 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 6.95     $ 7.71     $ 7.92     $ 7.91     $ 8.19    
Total return (b)(c)     (6.07 )%     1.27 %     4.47 %     (0.03 )%     4.13 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     1.59 %     1.59 %     1.59 %     1.59 %     1.58 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.15 %     0.13 %     0.16 %     0.09 %     0.09 %  
Net investment income (d)     2.98 %     2.86 %     2.93 %     2.88 %     2.84 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     10 %     14 %     13 %     9 %     9 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 10,860     $ 17,026     $ 25,085     $ 34,784     $ 46,271    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


17



Financial HighlightsColumbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class C Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 7.71     $ 7.92     $ 7.91     $ 8.19     $ 8.21    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.25       0.24       0.25       0.26       0.26    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and futures contracts
    (0.68 )     (0.12 )     0.12       (0.24 )     0.10    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.43 )     0.12       0.37       0.02       0.36    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.24 )     (0.24 )     (0.25 )     (0.25 )     (0.26 )  
From net realized gains     (0.09 )     (0.09 )     (0.11 )     (0.05 )     (0.12 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.33 )     (0.33 )     (0.36 )     (0.30 )     (0.38 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 6.95     $ 7.71     $ 7.92     $ 7.91     $ 8.19    
Total return (b)(c)     (5.79 )%     1.57 %     4.78 %     0.27 %     4.44 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     1.29 %     1.29 %     1.29 %     1.29 %     1.28 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.45 %     0.43 %     0.46 %     0.39 %     0.39 %  
Net investment income (d)     3.28 %     3.16 %     3.23 %     3.18 %     3.15 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     10 %     14 %     13 %     9 %     9 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 11,565     $ 12,890     $ 13,792     $ 19,585     $ 24,764    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


18




Notes to Financial StatementsColumbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund
October
31, 2008

Note 1. Organization

Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund (the "Fund"), a series of Columbia Funds Series Trust I (the "Trust"), is a diversified portfolio. The Trust is a Massachusetts business trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company.

Investment Objective

The Fund seeks total return, consisting of current income exempt from federal income tax and Connecticut individual income tax and of capital appreciation, consistent with moderate fluctuation of principal.

Fund Shares

The Trust may issue an unlimited number of shares, and the Fund offers three classes of shares: Class A, Class B and Class C. Each share class has its own expense structure and sales charges, as applicable.

Class A shares are subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of 4.75% based on the amount of initial investment. Class A shares purchased without an initial sales charge in accounts aggregating $1 million to $50 million at the time of purchase are subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") if the shares are sold within one year after purchase. Class B shares are subject to a maximum CDSC of 5.00% based upon the holding period after purchase. Class B shares will convert to Class A shares eight years after purchase. Class C shares are subject to a 1.00% CDSC on shares sold within one year after purchase.

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

Security Valuation

Debt securities generally are valued by pricing services approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, based upon market transactions for normal, institutional-size trading units of similar securities. The services may use various pricing techniques which take into account appropriate factors such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics and other data, as well as broker quotes. Debt securities for which quotations are readily available are valued at an over-the-counter or exchange bid quotation.

Certain debt securities, which tend to be more thinly traded and of lesser quality, are priced based on fundamental analysis of the financial condition of the issuer and the estimated value of any collateral. Valuations developed through pricing techniques may vary from the actual amounts realized upon sale of the securities, and the potential variation may be greater for those securities valued using fundamental analysis.

Short-term debt obligations maturing within 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.

Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value.

Futures contracts are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of trade or exchange on which they are traded.

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available, or that have quotations which management believes are not reliable, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees. If a security is valued at fair value, such value is likely to be different from the last quoted market price for the security.

In September 2006, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements ("SFAS 157"), was issued. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Management is evaluating the impact the application of SFAS 157 will have on the Fund's financial statement disclosures.


19



Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Security Transactions

Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Cost is determined and gains (losses) are based upon the specific identification method for both financial statement and federal income tax purposes.

In March 2008, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 ("SFAS 161"), was issued. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. SFAS 161 requires additional discussion about the reporting entity's derivative instruments and hedging activities, by providing for qualitative disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative data about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative contracts, and details of credit-risk-related contingent features in their hedged positions. Management is evaluating the impact the application of SFAS 161 will have on the Fund's financial statement disclosures.

Futures Contracts

The Fund may invest in futures for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, including, for example, to seek enhanced returns or as a substitute for a position in an underlying asset.

The use of futures contracts involves certain risks, which include: (1) imperfect correlation between the price movement of the instruments and the underlying securities, (2) inability to close out positions due to differing trading hours, or the temporary absence of a liquid market, for either the instruments or the underlying securities, or (3) an inaccurate prediction of the future direction of interest rates by Columbia Management Advisors, LLC ("Columbia"), the Fund's investment advisor. Any of these risks may involve amounts exceeding the variation margin recorded in the Fund's Statement of Assets and Liabilities at any given time.

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund pledges cash or securities with the broker in an amount sufficient to meet the initial margin requirement. Subsequent payments are made or received by the Fund equal to the daily change in the contract value and are recorded as variation margin receivable or payable and offset in unrealized gains or losses. The Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed or expires.

Income Recognition

Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Premium and discount are amortized and accreted, respectively, on all debt securities, unless otherwise noted. Original issue discount is accreted to interest income over the life of the security with a corresponding increase in the cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-date.

Expenses

General expenses of the Trust are allocated to the Fund and the other series of the Trust based upon relative net assets or other expense allocation methodologies determined by the nature of the expense. Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged to the Fund.

Determination of Class Net Asset Value

All income, expenses (other than class-specific expenses, as shown on the Statement of Operations) and realized and unrealized gains (losses) are allocated to each class of the Fund on a daily basis for purposes of determining the net asset value of each class. Income and expenses are allocated to each class based on the settled shares method, while realized and unrealized gains (losses) are allocated based on the relative net assets of each class.

Federal Income Tax Status

The Fund intends to qualify each year as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and will distribute substantially all of its tax exempt or taxable income, if any, for its tax year, and as such will not be subject to federal income taxes. In addition, the Fund intends to distribute in each calendar year substantially all of its net investment income, capital gains and certain other amounts, if any, such that the Fund should not be subject to federal excise tax. Therefore, no federal income or excise tax provision is recorded.

Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions from net investment income are declared daily and distributed monthly. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually. Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP.


20



Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Indemnification

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnities. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown because this would involve future claims against the Fund. Also, under the Trust's organizational documents and by contract, the Trustees and officers of the Trust are indemnified against certain liabilities that may arise out of actions relating to their duties to the Trust. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss due to these representations, warranties and indemnities to be minimal.

Note 3. Federal Tax Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Fund's capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, permanent book and tax basis differences resulting primarily from differing treatments for market discount reclassification and discount accretion/premium amortization on debt instruments were identified and reclassified among the components of the Fund's net assets as follows:

Undistributed
Net Investment
Income
  Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain
  Paid-In Capital  
$ (29,295 )   $ (47,944 )   $ 77,239    

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses), as disclosed on the Statement of Operations, and net assets were not affected by this reclassification.

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 was as follows:

    October 31,  
    2008   2007  
Tax-Exempt Income   $ 3,739,148     $ 4,022,563    
Ordinary Income*     72,275       2,023    
Long-Term Capital Gains     1,168,639       1,364,463    

 

*  For tax purposes short-term capital gain distributions, if any, are considered ordinary income distributions.

As of October 31, 2008, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

Undistributed
Tax-Exempt
Income
  Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
  Net Unrealized
Depreciation*
 
$ 384,549     $ 252,127     $ (6,595,546 )  

 

*  The differences between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized appreciation/depreciation are primarily due to discount accretion/premium amortization on debt securities.

Unrealized appreciation and depreciation at October 31, 2008, based on cost of investments for federal income tax purposes, were:

Unrealized appreciation   $ 648,196    
Unrealized depreciation     (7,243,742 )  
Net unrealized depreciation   $ (6,595,546 )  

 

The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FIN 48"), effective April 30, 2008. FIN 48 requires management to determine whether a tax position of the Fund is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. FIN 48 was applied to all existing tax positions upon initial adoption. Management has evaluated the known implications of FIN 48 on its computation of net assets for the Fund. As a


21



Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

result of this evaluation, management has concluded that FIN 48 did not have any effect on the Fund's financial statements and no cumulative effect adjustments were recorded. However, management's conclusions regarding FIN 48 may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, further implementation guidance from the FASB, new tax laws, regulations, and administrative interpretations (including relevant court decisions). The Fund's federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Fund is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Note 4. Fees and Compensation Paid to Affiliates

Investment Advisory Fee

Columbia, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BOA"), provides investment advisory, administrative and other services to the Fund. Columbia receives a monthly investment advisory fee based on the Fund's pro-rata portion of the combined average daily net assets of the Fund, Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund, Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund and Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund as follows:

Combined Average Daily Net Assets   Annual Fee Rate  
First $1 billion     0.50 %  
$1 billion to $3 billion     0.45 %  
Over $3 billion     0.40 %  

 

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund's effective investment advisory fee rate was 0.50% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Pricing and Bookkeeping Fees

The Fund has entered into a Financial Reporting Services Agreement (the "Financial Reporting Services Agreement") with State Street Bank & Trust Company ("State Street") and Columbia pursuant to which State Street provides financial reporting services to the Fund. The Fund has also entered into an Accounting Services Agreement (collectively with the Financial Reporting Services Agreement, the "State Street Agreements") with State Street and Columbia pursuant to which State Street provides accounting services to the Fund. Under the State Street Agreements, the Fund pays State Street an annual fee of $38,000 paid monthly plus an additional monthly fee based on an annualized percentage rate of average daily net assets of the Fund for the month. The aggregate fee will not exceed $140,000 per year (exclusive of out-of-pocket expenses and charges). The Fund also reimburses State Street for certain out-of-pocket expenses and charges.

The Fund has entered into a Pricing and Bookkeeping Oversight and Services Agreement (the "Services Agreement") with Columbia. Under the Services Agreement, Columbia provides services related to Fund expenses and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and provides oversight of the accounting and financial reporting services provided by State Street. Under the Services Agreement, the Fund reimburses Columbia for out-of-pocket expenses. Prior to January 1, 2008, the Fund also reimbursed Columbia for accounting oversight services, services related to Fund expenses and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the amount charged to the Fund by affiliates included on the Statement of Operations under "Pricing and bookkeeping fees" aggregated to $1,952.

Transfer Agent Fee

Columbia Management Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent"), an affiliate of Columbia and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BOA, provides shareholder services to the Fund and has contracted with Boston Financial Data Services ("BFDS") to serve as sub-transfer agent. The Transfer Agent is entitled to receive a fee for its services, paid monthly, at the annual rate of $17.34 per open account plus reimbursement of certain sub-transfer agent fees paid by the Transfer Agent (exclusive of BFDS fees), calculated based on assets held in omnibus accounts and intended to recover the cost of payments to other parties (including affiliates of BOA) for services to those accounts. The Transfer Agent pays the fees of BFDS for services as sub-transfer agent and is not entitled to reimbursement for such fees from the Fund. The Transfer Agent may also retain, as additional compensation for its services, fees for wire, telephone and redemption orders, IRA trustee agent fees and account transcript fees due to the


22



Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Transfer Agent from shareholders of the Fund and credits (net of bank charges) earned with respect to balances in accounts the Transfer Agent maintains in connection with its services to the Fund. The Transfer Agent also receives reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

An annual minimum account balance fee of $20 may apply to certain accounts with a value below the Fund's initial minimum investment requirements to reduce the impact of small accounts on transfer agent fees. These minimum account balance fees are recorded as part of expense reductions on the Statement of Operations. For the year ended October 31, 2008, these minimum account balance fees reduced total expenses by $420.

Underwriting Discounts, Service and Distribution Fees

Columbia Management Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of Columbia and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BOA, is the principal underwriter of the Fund's shares. For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Distributor has retained net underwriting discounts of $7,301 on sales of the Fund's Class A shares and received net CDSC fees of $13,389 and $467 on Class B and Class C share redemptions, respectively.

The Fund has adopted distribution and shareholder servicing plans (the "Plans") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which require the payment of distribution and service fees. The fees are intended to compensate the Distributor and/or eligible selling and/or servicing agents for selling shares of the Fund and providing services to investors. The service fee is equal to 0.10% annually of the net assets attributable to shares of the Fund issued prior to December 1, 1994 and 0.25% annually of the net assets attributable to shares issued thereafter. This arrangement results in an annual rate of service fee for all shares that is a blend between the 0.10% and 0.25% rates. For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund's effective service fee rate was 0.24% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares.

The Plans also require the payment of a monthly distribution fee to the Distributor equal to 0.75% annually of the average daily net assets attributable to Class B and Class C shares only. The Distributor has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of the Class C shares distribution fee so that it will not exceed 0.45% annually of the average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. This arrangement may be modified or terminated by the Distributor at any time.

Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements

Columbia and/or some of the Fund's other service providers have voluntarily agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse the Fund for certain expenses so that total expenses (exclusive of distribution and service fees, brokerage commissions, interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses, but inclusive of custodial charges relating to overdrafts, if any), after giving effect to any balance credits from the Fund's custodian, will not exceed 0.60% annually of the Fund's average daily net assets. Columbia, at its discretion, may modify or terminate this arrangement any time.

Fees Paid to Officers and Trustees

All officers of the Fund are employees of Columbia or its affiliates and, with the exception of the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer, receive no compensation from the Fund. The Board of Trustees has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer to the Fund in accordance with federal securities regulations. The Fund, along with other affiliated funds, pays its pro-rata share of the expenses associated with the Chief Compliance Officer. The Fund's expenses for the Chief Compliance Officer will not exceed $15,000 per year.

The Trust's eligible Trustees may participate in a deferred compensation plan which may be terminated at any time. Obligations of the plan will be paid solely out of the Fund's assets.

Note 5. Custody Credits

The Fund has an agreement with its custodian bank under which custody fees may be reduced by balance credits. These credits are recorded as part of expense reductions on the Statement of Operations. The Fund could have invested a portion of the assets utilized in connection with the expense offset arrangement in an income-producing asset if it had not entered into such an agreement.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, these custody credits reduced total expenses by $1,109 for the Fund.


23



Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Note 6. Portfolio Information

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities, excluding short-term obligations, were $9,889,025 and $27,139,560, respectively.

Note 7. Line of Credit

The Fund and other affiliated funds participate in a $280,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit. The maximum amount that may be borrowed by any fund is limited to the lesser of $200,000,000 and the Fund's borrowing limit set forth in the Fund's registration statement. Borrowings are available for short-term liquidity or temporary or emergency purposes.

Interest is charged to each participating fund based on the fund's borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% and the overnight LIBOR Rate plus 0.50%. In addition, an annual operations agency fee of $20,000, an amendment fee of 0.02% and a commitment fee of 0.12% per annum are accrued and apportioned among the participating funds pro rata based on their relative net assets.

Prior to October 16, 2008, the Fund and other affiliated Funds participated in a $350,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit and a $150,000,000 uncommitted, unsecured line of credit, both provided by State Street. Interest on the committed line of credit was charged to each participating fund based on the fund's borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%. In addition, a commitment fee of 0.10% per annum was accrued and apportioned among the participating funds pro rata based on their relative net assets. Interest on the uncommitted line of credit was charged to each participating fund based on the fund's borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.375%. State Street charged an annual operations agency fee of $40,000 for the committed line of credit and was able to charge an annual administration fee of $15,000 for the uncommitted line of credit. The commitment fee, the operations agency fee and the administration fee were accrued and apportioned among the participating funds pro rata based on their relative net assets.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund did not borrow under these arrangements.

Note 8. Shares of Beneficial Interest

As of October 31, 2008, three shareholders held 10.2% of the Fund's shares outstanding over which BOA and/or any of its affiliates did not have investment discretion.

Subscription and redemption activity of these accounts may have a significant effect on the operations of the Fund.

Note 9. Significant Risks and Contingencies

Sector Focus Risk

The Fund may focus its investments in certain sectors, subjecting it to greater risk than a fund that is less focused.

Geographic Concentration Risk

The Fund had greater than 5% of its total net assets at October 31, 2008 invested in debt obligations issued by each of Connecticut and Puerto Rico and their political subdivisions, agencies and public authorities. The Fund is more susceptible to economic and political factors adversely affecting issuers of the state's or territory's municipal securities than are municipal bond funds that are not concentrated to the same extent in these issuers.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Fund holds investments that are insured by private insurers who guarantee the payment of principal and interest in the event of default or that are supported by a letter of credit. At October 31, 2008, private insurers who insured greater than 5% of the total net assets of the Fund were as follows:

Insurer   % of Total
Net Assets
 
MBIA Insurance Corp.     24.7    
AMBAC Assurance Corp.     18.2    
Financial Security Assurance, Inc.     14.3    
Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.     5.9    

 

At November 24, 2008, MBIA Insurance Corp., Financial Guaranty Insurance Co., AMBAC Assurance Corp. and Financial Security Assurance, Inc. were rated by Standard & Poor's AA, CCC, A and AAA, respectively.


24



Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Tax Development Risk

The Fund purchases municipal securities whose interest, in the opinion of bond counsel, is free from federal income tax. There is no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will agree with this opinion. In the event the IRS determines that an issuer does not comply with relevant tax requirements, interest payments from a security could become federally taxable, possibly retroactively to the date the security was issued. As a shareholder of the Fund, you may be required to file an amended tax return as a result.

Legal Proceedings

On February 9, 2005, Columbia Management Advisors, Inc. (which has since merged into Banc of America Capital Management, LLC (now named Columbia Management Advisors, LLC)) ("Columbia") and Columbia Funds Distributor, Inc. (which has been renamed Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.) (the "Distributor") (collectively, the "Columbia Group") entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance with the New York Attorney General ("NYAG") (the "NYAG Settlement") and consented to the entry of a cease-and-desist order by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") (the "SEC Order") on matters relating to mutual fund trading.

Under the terms of the SEC Order, the Columbia Group agreed, among other things, to: pay $70 million in disgorgement and $70 million in civil money penalties; cease and desist from violations of the antifraud provisions and certain other provisions of the federal securities laws; maintain certain compliance and ethics oversight structures; retain an independent consultant to review the Columbia Group's applicable supervisory, compliance, control and other policies and procedures; and retain an independent distribution consultant (see below). The Columbia Funds have also voluntarily undertaken to implement certain governance measures designed to maintain the independence of their boards of trustees. The NYAG Settlement also, among other things, requires Columbia and its affiliates to reduce management fees for certain Columbia Funds (including the former Nations Funds) and other mutual funds collectively by $32 million per year for five years, for a projected total of $160 million in management fee reductions.

Pursuant to the procedures set forth in the SEC Order, the $140 million in settlement amounts described above is being distributed in accordance with a distribution plan that was developed by an independent distribution consultant and approved by the SEC on April 6, 2007. Distributions under the distribution plan began in late June 2007.

A copy of the SEC Order is available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. A copy of the NYAG Settlement is available as part of the Bank of America Corporation Form 8-K filing on February 10, 2005.

In connection with the events described above, various parties have filed suit against certain funds, the Trustees of the Columbia Funds, FleetBoston Financial Corporation and its affiliated entities and/or Bank of America and its affiliated entities.

On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred these cases and cases against other mutual fund companies based on similar allegations to the United States District Court in Maryland for consolidated or coordinated pretrial proceedings (the "MDL"). Subsequently, additional related cases were transferred to the MDL. On September 29, 2004, the plaintiffs in the MDL filed amended and consolidated complaints. One of these amended complaints is a putative class action that includes claims under the federal securities laws and state common law, and that names Columbia, the Distributor, the Trustees of the Columbia Funds, Bank of America Corporation and others as defendants. Another of the amended complaints is a derivative action purportedly on behalf of the Columbia Funds that asserts claims under federal securities laws and state common law.

On February 25, 2005, Columbia and other defendants filed motions to dismiss the claims in the pending cases. On March 1, 2006, for reasons stated in the court's memoranda dated November 3, 2005, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland granted in part and denied in part the defendants' motions to dismiss. The court dismissed all of the class action claims pending against the Columbia Funds Trusts. As to Columbia and the Distributor, the claims under the Securities Act of 1933, the claims under Sections 34(b) and 36(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("ICA") and the state law claims were dismissed. The claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and claims under Section 36(b) of the ICA were not dismissed.


25



Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

On March 21, 2005, a purported class action was filed in Massachusetts state court alleging that certain conduct, including market timing, entitled Class B shareholders in certain Columbia funds to an exemption from contingent deferred sales charges upon early redemption ("the CDSC Lawsuit"). The CDSC Lawsuit was removed to federal court in Massachusetts and transferred to the MDL.

On September 14, 2007, the plaintiffs and the Columbia defendants named in the MDL, including the Columbia Funds, entered into a stipulation of settlement with respect to all Columbia-related claims in the MDL described above, including the CDSC Lawsuit. The settlement is subject to court approval.

In 2004, the Columbia Funds' adviser and distributor and certain affiliated entities and individuals were named as defendants in certain purported shareholder class and derivative actions making claims, including claims under the Investment Company and the Investment Advisers Acts of 1940 and state law. Certain Columbia Funds were named as nominal defendants. The suits allege, inter alia, that the fees and expenses paid by the funds are excessive and that the advisers and their affiliates inappropriately used fund assets to distribute the funds and for other improper purposes. On March 2, 2005, the actions were consolidated in the Massachusetts federal court as In re Columbia Entities Litigation. The plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint on June 9, 2005. On November 30, 2005, the judge dismissed all claims by plaintiffs and entered final judgment in favor of the defendants. The plaintiffs appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit on December 30, 2005. A stipulation and settlement agreement dated January 19, 2007 was filed in the First Circuit on February 14, 2007, with a joint stipulation of dismissal and motion for remand to obtain district court approval of the settlement. That joint motion was granted and the appeal was dismissed. On March 6, 2007, the case was remanded to the District Court. The settlement, approved by the District Court on September 18, 2007, became effective October 19, 2007. Pursuant to the settlement, the funds' adviser and/or its affiliates made certain payments, including plaintiffs' attorneys' fees and costs of notice to class members.


26




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Trustees of Columbia Funds Series Trust I and the Shareholders of Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund:

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the investment portfolio, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund (the "Fund") (a series of Columbia Funds Series Trust I) at October 31, 2008, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at October 31, 2008 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
December 22, 2008


27



Federal Income Tax Information (Unaudited)

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund designates long-term capital gains of $402,460.

100.0% of the distributions from net investment income will be treated as exempt income for federal income tax purposes.


28



Fund Governance

The Trustees serve terms of indefinite duration. The names, addresses and ages of the Trustees and officers of the Funds in Columbia Funds Series Trust I, the year each was first elected or appointed to office, their principal business occupations during at least the last five years, the number of Funds overseen by each Trustee and other directorships they hold are shown below. Each officer listed below serves as an officer of each Fund in the Columbia Funds Complex.

Independent Trustees

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Funds, Year First
Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Number of Funds in Columbia
Funds Complex Overseen by Trustee, Other Directorships Held
 
John D. Collins (Born 1938)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee1 (since 2007)
  Retired. Consultant, KPMG, LLP (accounting and tax firm) from July 1999 to June 2000; Partner, KPMG, LLP from March 1962 to June 1999. Oversees 80, Mrs. Fields Famous Brands LLC (consumer products); Suburban Propane Partners, L.P.; and Montpelier Re (underwriting firm)  
Rodman L. Drake (Born 1943)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee1 (since 2007)
  Co-Founder of Baringo Capital LLC (private equity) since 2002; President, Continuation Investments Group, Inc. from 1997 to 2001. Oversees 80, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (tax preparation services); Crystal Capital River Inc. (real estate investment trust); Student Loan Corporation (student loan provider); Celgene Corporation (global biotechnology company); Apex Silver Mines Ltd. (mining); and Hyperion Brookfield Total Return Fund, Inc. and Hyperion Brookfield Strategic Mortgage Income Fund, Inc. (exchange-traded funds)  
Douglas A. Hacker (Born 1955)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1996)
  Independent business executive since May 2006; Executive Vice President–Strategy of United Airlines (airline) from December 2002 to May 2006; President of UAL Loyalty Services (airline marketing company) from September 2001 to December 2002; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Airlines from July 1999 to September 2001. Oversees 80, Nash Finch Company (food distributor); Aircastle Limited (aircraft leasing)  
Janet Langford Kelly (Born 1957)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1996)
  Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, ConocoPhillips (integrated energy company) since September 2007; Deputy General Counsel–Corporate Legal Services, ConocoPhillips from August 2006 to August 2007; Partner, Zelle, Hofmann, Voelbel, Mason & Gette LLP (law firm) from March 2005 to July 2006; Adjunct Professor of Law, Northwestern University, from September 2004 to June 2006; Director, UAL Corporation (airline) from February 2006 to July 2006; Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President, Kmart Holding Corporation (consumer goods), from September 2003 to March 2004; Executive Vice President–Corporate Development and Administration, General Counsel and Secretary, Kellogg Company (food manufacturer), from September 1999 to August 2003. Oversees 80, None  

 


29



Fund Governance (continued)

Independent Trustees (continued)

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Funds, Year First
Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Number of Funds in Columbia
Funds Complex Overseen by Trustee, Other Directorships Held
 
Charles R. Nelson (Born 1942)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1981)
  Professor of Economics, University of Washington, since January 1976; Ford and Louisa Van Voorhis Professor of Political Economy, University of Washington, since September 1993; Director, Institute for Economic Research, University of Washington from September 2001 to June 2003; Adjunct Professor of Statistics, University of Washington, since September 1980; Associate Editor, Journal of Money Credit and Banking, since September 1993; Consultant on econometric and statistical matters. Oversees 80, None  
John J. Neuhauser (Born 1943)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1985)
  President, Saint Michael's College, since August 2007; University Professor, Boston College from November 2005 to August 2007; Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculties, Boston College from August 1999 to October 2005. Oversees 80, Liberty All-Star Equity Fund and Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc. (closed-end funds)  
Jonathan Piel (Born 1938)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee1 (since 2007)
  Cable television producer and website designer; The Editor, Scientific American from 1984 to 1994; Vice President, Scientific American, Inc., from 1984 to 1994; Member, Advisory Board, Stone Age Institute, Bloomington, Indiana (research institute that explores the effect of technology on human evolution); Member, Board of Directors of the National Institute of Social Sciences, New York City; and Member, Board of Trustees of the William Alanson White Institute, New York City (institution for training psychoanalysts). Oversees 80, None  
Patrick J. Simpson (Born 1944)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 2000)
  Partner, Perkins Coie LLP (law firm). Oversees 80, None  
Thomas C. Theobald (Born 1937)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee and
Chairman of the Board (since 1996)
  Partner and Senior Advisor, Chicago Growth Partners (private equity investing) since September 2004; Managing Director, William Blair Capital Partners (private equity investing) from September 1994 to September 2004. Oversees 80, Anixter International (network support equipment distributor); Ventas, Inc. (real estate investment trust); Jones Lang LaSalle (real estate management services); Ambac Financial Group (financial guaranty insurance)  
Anne-Lee Verville (Born 1945)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1998)
  Retired since 1997 (formerly General Manager–Global Education Industry (from 1994 to 1997), President–Application Systems Division (from 1991 to 1994), Chief Financial Officer–US Marketing & Services (from 1988 to 1991), and Chief Information Officer (from 1987 to 1988), IBM Corporation (computer and technology)). Oversees 80, None  

 


30



Fund Governance (continued)

Interested Trustee

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Funds, Year First
Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Number of Funds in Columbia
Funds Complex Overseen by Trustee, Other Directorships Held
 
William E. Mayer (Born 1940)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee2 (since 1994)
  Partner, Park Avenue Equity Partners (private equity) since February 1999; Dean and Professor, College of Business, University of Maryland from 1992 to 1997. Oversees 80, Lee Enterprises (print media), WR Hambrecht + Co. (financial service provider); BlackRock Kelso Capital Corporation (investment company)  

 

1  Messrs. Drake, Piel and Collins have served as directors/trustees of the Excelsior Funds since 1996, 1996 and 2005, respectively. The Excelsior Funds consisted of 27 portfolios managed by affiliates of Columbia Management Advisors, LLC. Effective December 12, 2007, the Board elected Messrs. Drake, Piel and Collins as Trustees of the Trust.

2  Mr. Mayer is an "interested person" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) by reason of his affiliation with WR Hambrecht + Co., a registered broker/dealer that may execute portfolio transactions for or engage in principal transactions with the Funds or other funds or accounts advised/managed by the Advisor or other Bank of America affiliates.

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees of the Funds and is available, without charge, upon request by calling 1-800-345-6611.

Officers

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Columbia Funds,
Year First Elected or
Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years  
Christopher L. Wilson (Born 1957)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
President (since 2004)
  President–Columbia Funds, since October 2004; Managing Director–Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, since September 2005; Senior Vice President–Columbia Management Distributors, Inc., since January 2005; Director–Columbia Management Services, Inc., since January 2005; Director–Bank of America Global Liquidity Funds, plc and Banc of America Capital Management (Ireland), Limited, since May 2005; Director–FIM Funding, Inc., since January 2005; President and Chief Executive Officer–CDC IXIS AM Services, Inc. (investment management), from September 1998 through August 2004; and a senior officer or director of various other Bank of America affiliated entities, including other registered and unregistered funds.  
James R. Bordewick, Jr. (Born 1959)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Senior Vice President, Secretary
and Chief Legal Officer (since 2006)
  Associate General Counsel, Bank of America since April 2005; Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel, MFS Investment Management (investment management) prior to April 2005.  

 


31



Fund Governance (continued)

Officers (continued)

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Columbia Funds,
Year First Elected or
Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years  
J. Kevin Connaughton (Born 1964)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
(since 2000)
  Managing Director of Columbia Management Advisors, LLC since December 2004; Treasurer–Columbia Funds, from October 2003 to May 2008; Treasurer–the Liberty Funds, Stein Roe Funds and Liberty All-Star Funds, December 2000–December 2006; Senior Vice President–Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, from April 2003 to December 2004; President–Columbia Funds, Liberty Funds and Stein Roe Funds, February 2004 to October 2004; Treasurer–Galaxy Funds, September 2002 to December 2005; Treasurer, December 2002 to December 2004, and President, February 2004 to December 2004–Columbia Management Multi-Strategy Hedge Fund, LLC; and a senior officer of various other Bank of America-affiliated entities, including other registered and unregistered funds.  
Linda J. Wondrack (Born 1964)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Senior Vice President
and Chief Compliance Officer
(since 2007)
  Director (Columbia Management Group LLC and Investment Product Group Compliance), Bank of America since June 2005; Director of Corporate Compliance and Conflicts Officer, MFS Investment Management (investment management), August 2004 to May 2005; Managing Director, Deutsche Asset Management (investment management) prior to August 2004.  
Michael G. Clarke (Born 1969)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Treasurer (since 2008)
  Director of Fund Administration of the Advisor since January 2006; Managing Director of the Advisor September 2004 to December 2005; Vice President Fund Administration June 2002 to September 2004.  
Jeffrey R. Coleman (Born 1969)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Deputy Treasurer (since 2006)
  Director of Fund Administration of the Advisor since January 2006; Fund Controller of the Advisor from October 2004 to January 2006; Vice President of CDC IXIS Asset Management Services, Inc. (investment management) from August 2000 to September 2004.  
Joseph F. DiMaria (Born 1968)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Chief Accounting Officer
(since 2008)
  Director of Fund Administration of the Advisor since January 2006; Head of Tax/Compliance and Assistant Treasurer of the Advisor from November 2004 to December 2005; Director of Trustee Administration (Sarbanes-Oxley) of the Advisor from May 2003 to October 2004.  
Julian Quero (Born 1967)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Deputy Treasurer (since 2008)
  Senior Tax Manager of the Advisor since August 2006; Senior Compliance Manager of the Advisor from April 2002 to August 2006.  
Barry S. Vallan (Born 1969)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Controller (since 2006)
  Vice President–Fund Treasury of the Advisor since October 2004; Vice President–Trustee Reporting of the Advisor from April 2002 to October 2004  

 


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Board Consideration and Approval of Advisory Agreements

The Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee of the Board of Trustees meets several times annually to review the advisory agreements (collectively, the "Agreements") of the funds for which the Trustees serve as trustees (each a "fund") and to determine whether to recommend that the full Board approve the continuation of the Agreements for an additional one-year period. After the Committee has made its recommendation, the full Board, including the Independent Trustees, determines whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements. In addition, the full Board, including the Independent Trustees, considers matters bearing on the Agreements at most of its other meetings throughout the year and meets regularly with senior management of the funds and Columbia, the funds' investment adviser, including the senior manager of each investment area within Columbia. Through the Board's Investment Oversight Committees, Trustees also meet with selected fund portfolio managers, research analysts and traders at various times throughout the year.

The Trustees receive and review all materials that they, their legal counsel or Columbia believe to be reasonably necessary for the Trustees to evaluate the Agreements and to determine whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements. Those materials generally include, among other items, (i) information on the investment performance of each fund relative to the performance of peer groups of mutual funds and the fund's performance benchmarks, and additional information assessing performance on a risk-adjusted basis, (ii) information on each fund's advisory fees and other expenses, including information comparing the fund's expenses to those of peer groups of mutual funds and information about any applicable expense caps and fee "breakpoints," (iii) information about the profitability of the Agreements to Columbia, including potential "fall-out" or ancillary benefits that Columbia and its affiliates may receive as a result of their relationships with the funds and (iv) information obtained through Columbia's response to a questionnaire prepared at the request of the Trustees by counsel to the funds and independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees. The Trustees also consider other information such as (v) Columbia's financial results and financial condition, (vi) each fund's investment objective and strategies and the size, education and experience of Columbia's investment staffs and their use of technology, external research and trading cost measurement tools, (vii) the allocation of the funds' brokerage and the use of "soft" commission dollars to pay for research products and services, (viii) Columbia's resources devoted to, and its record of compliance with, the funds' investment policies and restrictions, policies on personal securities transactions and other compliance policies and legal and regulatory requirements, (ix) Columbia's response to various legal and regulatory proceedings since 2003 and to the recent period of volatility in the securities markets and (x) the economic outlook generally and for the mutual fund industry in particular. In addition, the Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee confers with the funds' independent fee consultant and reviews materials relating to the funds' relationships with Columbia provided by the independent fee consultant. Throughout the process, the Trustees have the opportunity to ask questions of and to request additional materials from Columbia and to consult with the independent fee consultant and independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees.

The Board of Trustees most recently approved the continuation of the Agreements at its October, 2008 meeting, following meetings of the Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee held in February, April, August, September and October, 2008. In considering whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, did not identify any single factor as determinative, and each weighed various factors as he or she deemed appropriate. The Trustees considered the following matters in connection with their approval of the continuation of the Agreements:

The nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the funds under the Agreements. The Trustees considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Columbia and its affiliates to the funds and the resources dedicated to the funds by Columbia and its affiliates. Among other things, the Trustees considered (i) Columbia's ability (including its personnel and other resources, compensation programs for personnel involved in fund management, reputation and other attributes) to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified research, advisory and supervisory investment professionals; (ii) the portfolio management services provided by those investment professionals; and (iii) the trade execution services provided on behalf of the funds. For each fund, the Trustees also considered the benefits to shareholders of investing in a mutual fund that is part of a family of funds offering exposure to a variety of asset classes


33



and investment disciplines and providing a variety of fund and shareholder services. After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the nature, extent and quality of services provided supported the continuation of the Agreements.

Investment performance of the funds and Columbia. The Trustees reviewed information about the performance of each fund over various time periods, including information prepared by an independent third-party data provider that compared the performance of each fund to the performance of peer groups of mutual funds and performance benchmarks. The Trustees also reviewed a description of the third party's methodology for identifying each fund's peer group for purposes of performance and expense comparisons. The Trustees also considered additional information that the Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee requested from Columbia relating to funds that presented relatively weaker performance and/or relatively higher expenses. In the case of each fund whose performance lagged that of a relevant peer group for certain (although not necessarily all) periods, the Trustees concluded that other factors relevant to performance were sufficient, in light of other considerations, to warrant continuation of the fund's Agreements. Those factors varied from fund to fund, but included one or more of the following: (i) that the fund's performance, although lagging in certain recent periods, was stronger over the longer term; (ii) that the underperformance was attributable, to a significant extent, to investment decisions that were reasonable and consistent with the fund's investment strategy and policies and that the fund was performing within a reasonable range of expectations, given those investment decisions, market conditions and the fund's investment strategy; (iii) that the fund's performance was competitive when compared to other relevant performance benchmarks or peer groups; (iv) that Columbia had taken or was taking steps designed to help improve the fund's investment performance, including, but not limited to, replacing portfolio managers or modifying investment strategies; and (v) that Columbia proposed to waive advisory fees or cap the expenses of the fund.

The Trustees noted that, through April 30, 2008, Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund's performance was in the second quintile (where the best performance would be in the first quintile) for the one-year period, in the third quintile for the three- and five-year periods, and in the first quintile for the ten-year period, of the peer group selected by an independent third-party data provider for purposes of performance comparisons.

The Trustees also considered Columbia's performance and reputation generally, the funds' performance as a fund family generally, and Columbia's historical responsiveness to Trustee concerns about performance and Columbia's willingness to take steps intended to improve performance. After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the performance of each fund and Columbia was sufficient, in light of other considerations, to warrant the continuation of the Agreement(s) pertaining to that fund.

The costs of the services provided and profits realized by Columbia and its affiliates from their relationships with the funds. The Trustees considered the fees charged to the funds for advisory services as well as the total expense levels of the funds. That information included comparisons (provided by management and by an independent third-party data provider) of each fund's advisory fees and total expense levels to those of the fund's peer groups and information about the advisory fees charged by Columbia to comparable institutional accounts. In considering the fees charged to those accounts, the Trustees took into account, among other things, management's representations about the differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts, including differences in the services provided, differences in the risk profile of such business for Columbia, and the additional resources required to manage mutual funds effectively. In evaluating each fund's advisory fees, the Trustees also took into account the demands, complexity and quality of the investment management of the fund. The Trustees considered existing advisory fee breakpoints, and Columbia's use of advisory fee waivers and expense caps, which benefited a number of the funds. The Trustees also noted management's stated justification for the fees charged to the funds, which included information about the investment performance of the funds and the services provided to the funds.

The Trustees considered that Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund's total expenses were in the third quintile and actual management fees were in the second quintile (where the lowest fees and expenses would be in the first quintile) of the peer group selected by an independent third-party data provider for purposes of expense comparisons.


34



The Trustees also considered the compensation directly or indirectly received by Columbia and its affiliates from their relationships with the funds. The Trustees reviewed information provided by management as to the profitability to Columbia and its affiliates of their relationships with each fund, and information about the allocation of expenses used to calculate profitability. When reviewing profitability, the Trustees also considered court cases in which adviser profitability was an issue in whole or in part, the performance of the relevant funds, the expense level of each fund, and whether Columbia had implemented breakpoints and/or expense caps with respect to the fund.

After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the advisory fees charged to each fund, and the related profitability to Columbia and its affiliates of their relationships with the fund, supported the continuation of the Agreement(s) pertaining to that fund.

Economies of Scale. The Trustees considered the existence of any economies of scale in the provision by Columbia of services to each fund, to groups of related funds, and to Columbia's investment advisory clients as a whole and whether those economies were shared with the funds through breakpoints in the investment advisory fees or other means, such as fee waivers/expense reductions and additional investments by Columbia in investment, trading and compliance resources. The Trustees noted that many of the funds benefited from breakpoints, fee waivers/expense caps, or both. In considering those issues, the Trustees also took note of the costs of the services provided (both on an absolute and a relative basis) and the profitability to Columbia and its affiliates of their relationships with the funds, as discussed above.

After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the extent to which economies of scale were shared with the funds supported the continuation of the Agreements.

Other Factors. The Trustees also considered other factors, which included but were not limited to the following:

•  the extent to which each fund had operated in accordance with its investment objective and investment restrictions, the nature and scope of the compliance programs of the funds and Columbia and the compliance-related resources that Columbia and its affiliates were providing to the funds;

•  the nature, quality, cost and extent of administrative and shareholder services overseen and performed by Columbia and its affiliates, both under the Agreements and under separate agreements for the provision of transfer agency and administrative services;

•  so-called "fall-out benefits" to Columbia and its affiliates, such as the engagement of its affiliates to provide distribution, brokerage and transfer agency services to the funds, and the benefits of research made available to Columbia by reason of brokerage commissions generated by the funds' securities transactions, as well as possible conflicts of interest associated with those fall-out and other benefits, and the reporting, disclosure and other processes in place to disclose and monitor those possible conflicts of interest; and

•  the report provided by the funds' independent fee consultant, which included information about and analysis of the funds' fees, expenses and performance.

Based on their evaluation of all factors that they deemed to be material, including those factors described above, and assisted by the advice of independent counsel and the independent fee consultant, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of each of the Agreements through October 31, 2009.


35



Summary of Management Fee Evaluation by
Independent Fee Consultant

EXCERPTS FROM REPORT OF INDEPENDENT FEE CONSULTANT TO THE FUNDS SUPERVISED BY THE COLUMBIA ATLANTIC BOARD

Prepared Pursuant to the February 9, 2005
Assurance of Discontinuance among the
Office of Attorney General of New York State,
Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, and
Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.

November 3, 2008

I. Overview

On February 9, 2005, Columbia Management Advisors, LLC ("CMA") and Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.1 ("CMD") agreed to the New York Attorney General's Assurance of Discontinuance ("AOD"). Among other things, the AOD stipulates that CMA may manage or advise a Columbia Fund ("Columbia Fund" and, together with some or all of such funds, the "Columbia Funds") only if the Independent Members of the Columbia Fund's Board of Trustees appoint a Senior Officer or retain an Independent Fee Consultant ("IFC") who is to manage the process by which proposed management fees are negotiated. The AOD further stipulates that the Senior Officer or IFC is to prepare a written annual evaluation of the fee negotiation process.

With effect from January 1, 2007, the Independent Members of the Board of Trustees for certain Columbia Funds known collectively as the "Atlantic Funds" (together with the other members of that Board, the "Trustees") retained me as IFC for the Atlantic Funds.2 In this capacity, I have prepared the fourth annual written evaluation of the fee negotiation process. As was the case with last year's report (the "2007 Report") my immediate predecessor as IFC, John Rea, provided invaluable assistance in the preparation of this year's report.

A. Role of the Independent Fee Consultant

The AOD charges the IFC with "managing the process by which proposed management fees ... to be charged the Columbia Fund are negotiated so that they are negotiated in a manner which is at arms' length and reasonable and consistent with this Assurance of Discontinuance." The AOD also provides that CMA "may manage or advise a Columbia Fund only if the reasonableness of the proposed management fees is determined by the Board of Trustees ... using ... an annual independent written evaluation prepared by or under the direction of ... the Independent Fee Consultant." Therefore, the AOD makes clear that the IFC does not supplant the Trustees in negotiating management fees with CMA, nor does the IFC substitute his or her judgment for that of the Trustees with respect to the reasonableness of proposed fees or any other matter that is committed to the business judgment of the Trustees.

B. Elements Involved in Managing the Fee Negotiation Process

In preparing the report required by the AOD, the IFC must consider at least the following six factors set forth in the AOD:

1.  The nature and quality of CMA's services, including the Fund's performance;

2.  Management fees (including any components thereof) charged by other mutual fund companies for like services;

3.  Possible economies of scale as the Fund grows larger;

4.  Management fees (including any components thereof) charged to institutional and other clients of CMA for like services;

5.  Costs to CMA and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the management fee agreements, excluding any intra-corporate profit; and

6.  Profit margins of CMA and its affiliates from supplying such services.

C. Organization of the Annual Evaluation

This report, like last year's, focuses on the six factors and contains a section for each factor except that CMA's costs and profits from managing the Funds have been combined into a single section. In addition to a discussion of these factors, the report offers recommendations to improve the fee review process in future years. A review of the status of

1  CMA and CMD are subsidiaries of Columbia Management Group, LLC ("CMG"), and are the successors to the entities named in the AOD.

2  I have no material relationship with Bank of America, CMG or any of its affiliates, aside from serving as IFC, and I am aware of no material relationship with any of their affiliates. I retained John Rea, an independent economic consultant, to assist me with this report.

  Unless otherwise stated or required by the context, this report covers only the Atlantic Funds, which are also referred as the "Funds."


36



recommendations made in the 2007 Report is being provided separately with the materials for the October meeting.

II. Summary of Findings

A. General

1.  Based upon my examination of the information supplied by CMG in the light of the six factors set forth in the AOD, I conclude that the Trustees have the relevant information necessary to evaluate the reasonableness of the proposed management fees for each Atlantic Fund.

2.  In my view, the process by which the proposed management fees of the Funds have been negotiated in 2008 thus far has been, to the extent practicable, at arms' length and reasonable and consistent with the AOD.

B. Nature and Quality of Services, Including Performance

3.  The performance of the Funds has been relatively strong in recent years. Based upon 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year returns through April 30, 2008, at least half of all the Funds were in the first and second performance quintiles in each of the four performance periods and, at most, only 11% were in the fifth quintile in any one performance period. Both equity and fixed-income funds posted strong performance relative to comparable funds.

4.  Performance rankings were similar in 2007 and 2008, although last year's were slightly stronger. Despite the stability in the distribution of rankings in the two years, at least half the Funds changed quintile rankings between the two years in at least one of the 1-, 3-, and 5-year performance periods.

5.  The performance of the actively managed equity Funds against their benchmarks was very strong. At least 57% and as many as 73% posted net returns exceeding their benchmarks over the 1-, 3-, and 5-year periods. In contrast, gross and net returns of fixed-income Funds typically fell short of their benchmarks.

6.  Atlantic equity Funds' overall performance adjusted for risk also was strong. Based upon 3-year returns, nearly 80% of the equity Funds had a combination of risk-adjusted and unadjusted returns that placed them in the top half of their performance universes. Only about one-fifth of the fixed income Funds posted high returns and low risk relative to comparable funds. About two-thirds of the fixed-income Funds took on more risk than the typical fund in their performance universes.

7.  The industry-standard procedure used by Lipper that includes all share classes in the performance universe tends to bias a Fund's ranking upward within that universe. The bias occurs because either no-12b-1 fee or low-12b-1 fee share classes of the Atlantic Funds are compared with funds in performance universes that include all share classes of multi-class funds with 12b-1 fees of up to 100 basis points. Correcting this bias by limiting the performance universe to classes of comparable funds with low or no 12b-1 fees (a "filtered universe") lowers the relative performance for the Funds, but their performance, on the whole, remains strong. The filtering process, however, did identify two Funds for further review that had not been designated review funds using unfiltered universes.

8.  A small number of Funds have consistently underperformed over the past four years. The exact number depends on the criteria used to evaluate longer-term performance. For example, the one-year returns of one Fund have been in the fourth or fifth performance quintiles in each of the past four years; there are six Funds whose three-year returns have been in the fourth or fifth quintile over the past four years.

9.  The services performed by CMG professionals beyond portfolio management, such as compliance, legal, information technology, risk management, finance and fund administration, are critical to the success of the Funds and appear to be of high quality.

C. Management Fees Charged by Other Mutual Fund Companies

10.  The Funds' management fees and total expenses are generally low relative to those of their peers. Only 21% of the Funds ranked in the two most expensive quintiles for actual management fees, and only 23% in those quintiles for total expenses.

11.  The highest concentration of low-expense Funds is found among the equity and tax-exempt fixed income Funds. The 12 former Excelsior Funds have relatively high fees and expenses, with half of those Funds ranking in either the


37



fourth or fifth quintiles. The higher actual management fee rankings of certain Excelsior Funds are due in part to fee schedules that are higher than standard Columbia Fund fee schedules at current asset levels. After discussion with the Trustees, CMA is proposing to lower the management fees on three of these Funds.

12.  The distribution of expense rankings is similar in 2007 and 2008, while management fee rankings improved markedly in 2008. Part of the improvement reflects expense limitations introduced last year for the state intermediate municipal bond Funds.

13.  The management fees of the Atlantic Funds are generally in line with those of Columbia Funds supervised by the Nations Board of Trustees (the "Nations Funds"). In investment categories in which the Atlantic Funds have higher average fees, the difference principally arises out of differences in asset size.

D. Trustees' Fee and Performance Evaluation Process

14.  The Trustees' evaluation process identified 17 Funds in 2008 for further review based upon their relative performance or expenses or both. When compared in filtered universes, two more Funds met the criteria for further review. CMG provided further information about those Funds to assist the Trustees in their evaluation.

E. Potential Economies of Scale

15.  CMG presented to the Trustees its analysis of the sources and sharing of potential economies of scale. CMG views economies of scale as arising at the complex level and would regard estimates of scale economies for individual funds as unreliable. In its analysis, CMG did not identify specific sources of economies of scale or provide any estimates of any economies of scale that might arise from future asset growth. CMG's analysis included measures taken by the Trustees and CMG that seek to share any potential economies of scale through breakpoints in management fee schedules, expense reimbursements, fee waivers, enhanced shareholder services, fund mergers, and operational consolidation.

16.  An examination of the contractual fee schedules for five Atlantic Funds shows that they are generally in line with those of their competitors, in terms of number and extent of fee breakpoints. A similar examination last year of five different Funds led to the same conclusion.

F. Management Fees Charged to Institutional Clients

17.  CMG has provided Trustees with comparisons of mutual fund management fees and institutional fees based upon standardized fee schedules and upon actual fees. The results show that, consistent with industry practice, institutional fees are generally lower than the Funds' management fees. However, because the services provided and risks borne by the manager are more extensive for mutual funds compared to institutional accounts, the differences are of limited value in assisting the Trustees in their review of the reasonableness of the Funds' management fees.

G. Revenues, Expenses, and Profits

18.  The activity-based cost allocation methodology ("ABC") employed by CMG to allocate costs, both direct and indirect, for purposes of calculating Fund profitability is thoughtful and detailed. This year, CMG proposed a change to the method by which indirect expenses are allocated. Under this "hybrid" method, indirect costs relating to fund management are allocated among the Funds 50% by assets and 50% per Fund. Allocating indirect expenses equally to each Fund has an intuitive logic, as each Fund regardless of size has certain expenses, such as preparing and printing prospectuses and financial statements.

19.  The materials provided on CMG's revenues and expenses with respect to the Funds and the methodology underlying their construction form a sufficient basis for Trustees to evaluate the expenses and profitability of the Funds.

20.  In 2007, CMG's complex-wide pre-tax margins on the Atlantic Funds were slightly below industry medians, based on limited data available for publicly held mutual fund managers. However, as is to be expected in a complex now comprising 75 Funds (including former Excelsior Funds), some Atlantic Funds have relatively high pre-tax profit margins, when calculated solely with respect to management revenues and expenses, while other Atlantic Funds operate at a loss. There is a positive relationship


38



between fund size and profitability, with smaller funds generally operating at a loss.

21.  CMG pays a fixed percentage of its management fee revenues to an affiliate, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, to compensate it for services it performs with respect to Atlantic Fund assets held for the benefit of its customers. Based on our analysis of the services provided by this affiliate, we have concluded that all payments other than those for sub-transfer agent or sub-accounting services should be treated as a distribution expense.

III. Recommendations

1.  Criteria for review. The Trustees may wish to consider modifying the criteria for classifying a fund as a "Review Fund" to include criteria that focus exclusively on performance without regard to expense or fee levels. For example, a fund whose one-year or three-year performance was median or below for four consecutive years could be treated as a Review Fund. When we applied such criteria to the Funds, several additional Funds would have been added to the list of Review Funds.

2.  Profitability data. CMG should present to the Trustees each year the profitability of each Fund, each investment style and each complex (of which Atlantic is one) calculated as follows:

a.  Management-only profitability should be calculated without reference to any Private Bank expense.

b.  Profitability excluding distribution (which essentially covers the management and transfer agency functions) should be adjusted by removing from the expense calculation any portion of the Private Bank payment not attributable to the performance by the Private Bank of sub-transfer agency or sub-accounting functions.

c.  Total profitability, including distribution: No adjustment for Private Bank expenses should be made, because all such expenses represent legitimate fund expenses to be taken into account in calculating CMG's profit margin including distribution.

d.  Distribution only: This should include all Private Bank expenses other than those attributable to sub-transfer agency services.

Therefore, the following data need not be provided:

1.  Adjusting total profitability data for Private Bank expenses

2.  Adjusting profitability excluding distribution by backing out all Private Bank expenses.

3.  Potential economies of scale. CMG and the IFC should continue to work on methods for more precisely quantifying to the extent possible the sources and magnitude of any economies of scale as CMG's mutual fund assets under management increase, to the extent that the data allows for meaningful year-over-year comparisons. The framework suggested in Section IV.D.4 may prove to be a useful model for such an analysis.

4.  Competitive breakpoint analysis. As part of the annual fee evaluation process, the breakpoints of a select group of Atlantic Funds (which would differ each year) should continue to be compared to those of industry rivals to ensure that the Funds' breakpoint schedules remain within industry norms. As breakpoint schedules change relatively little each year, performing such a comparison for each Atlantic Fund each year would not be an efficient use of Trustee and CMG resources.

5.  Cost allocation methodology. CMG's point that the current ABC system of allocating indirect expenses creates anomalous results in several cases, including sub-advised Funds, is well-taken. We would like to work with CMG over the forthcoming year on alternatives to the current system of allocating indirect expenses that (1) resolve the anomalies, (2) limit the amount of incremental effort on CMG's part and (3) remain faithful to the general principle that expenses should be allocated by time and effort to the extent reasonably possible.

6.  Management fee disparities. CMG and the Atlantic Trustees, as part of any future study of management fees, should analyze the differences in management fee schedules, principally arising out of the reorganization of the former Excelsior Funds as Atlantic Funds. As part of that analysis, CMG should provide an explanation for any significant fee differences among comparable funds across fund families managed by CMA, such as differences in the management styles of different Funds included the same Lipper category. Finally, whenever CMG proposes a


39



management fee change or an expense cap for any mutual fund managed by CMA that is comparable to any Atlantic Fund, CMG should provide the Trustees with sufficient information about the proposal to allow the Trustees to assess the applicability of the proposed change to the relevant Atlantic Fund or Funds.

7.  Tax-exempt Fund expense data. The expense rankings of certain tax-exempt Funds were adversely affected by including certain investment-related interest expenses that Lipper excluded in calculating the expense ratios of competitors. We recommend that CMG follow the Lipper practice and exclude such interest expenses from data submitted to Lipper to avoid unfairly disadvantaging the tax-exempt Funds.

8.  Reduction of volume of paper documents submitted. The effort to rationalize and simplify the data presented to the Trustees and the process by which that data was prepared and organized was regarded as a success by all parties. We should continue to look for opportunities to reduce and simplify the presentation of 15(c) data, especially in the area of Fund profitability. The Fund "Dashboard" volume presents a large volume of Fund data on a single page. If it is continued, the Trustees may wish to consider receiving the underlying Lipper data on CD, rather than the current paper volumes.

Respectfully submitted,
Steven E. Asher


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Important Information About This Report

The fund mails one shareholder report to each shareholder address. If you would like more than one report, please call shareholder services at 1-800-345-6611 and additional reports will be sent to you. This report has been prepared for shareholders of Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund.

A description of the policies and procedures that the fund uses to determine how to vote proxies and a copy of the fund's voting records are available (i) at www.columbiamanagement.com; (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov, and (iii) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-368-0346. Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 is available from the SEC's website. Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is also available from the fund's website, www.columbiamanagement.com.

The fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund's Form N-Q is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

An investment in money market mutual funds is not a bank deposit, and is not insured or guaranteed by Bank of America, N.A. or any of its affiliates or by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although money market mutual funds seek to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in money market mutual funds. Please see the prospectuses for a complete discussion of the risks of investing in money market mutual funds.

Please read and consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses for any fund carefully before investing. For a prospectus which contains this and other important information about the fund, contact your Columbia Management representative or financial advisor or go to www.columbiamanagement.com.

Columbia Management Group, LLC ("Columbia Management") is the investment management division of Bank of America Corporation. Columbia Management entities furnish investment management services and products for institutional and individual investors. Columbia Funds are distributed by Columbia Management Distributors, Inc., member of FINRA, SIPC, part of Columbia Management and an affiliate of Bank of America Corporation.

Transfer Agent

Columbia Management Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 8081
Boston, MA 02266-8081
1-800-345-6611

Distributor

Columbia Management
Distributors, Inc.
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111

Investment Advisor

Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
100 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110


41




Columbia Management®

Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund

Annual Report, October 31, 2008

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©2008 Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.

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800-345-6611 www.columbiafunds.com

SHC-42/157010-1008 (12/08) 08/65974




Columbia Management®

Annual Report

October 31, 2008

Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

NOT FDIC INSURED   May Lose Value  
NOT BANK ISSUED   No Bank Guarantee  

 



Table of Contents

Fund Profile     1    
Economic Update     2    
Performance Information     3    
Understanding Your Expenses     4    
Portfolio Manager's Report     5    
Investment Portfolio     7    
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities
    12    
Statement of Operations     13    
Statement of Changes in
Net Assets
    14    
Financial Highlights     16    
Notes to Financial Statements     19    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     27    
Federal Income Tax Information     28    
Fund Governance     29    
Board Consideration and Approval of Advisory Agreements     34    
Summary of Management Fee Evaluation by Independent Fee Consultant     37    
Important Information About This Report     45    

 

The views expressed in this report reflect the current views of the respective parties. These views are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, so actual outcomes and results may differ significantly from the views expressed. These views are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market or other conditions and the respective parties disclaim any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Columbia Fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any particular Columbia Fund. References to specific securities should not be construed as a recommendation or investment advice.

President's Message

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to provide this shareholder report for your Columbia Fund and hope you will find the portfolio management details, discussions and performance information helpful in monitoring your investments. As we've seen this past year, the financial markets can be quite volatile, with significant short-term price fluctuations. It's important to keep these ups and downs in perspective, particularly in light of your long-term investment strategy.

Staying the course with your long-term strategy typically involves riding out short-term price fluctuations, though we recognize that at times this can be tough. To support your efforts and give you the information you need to make prudent decisions, Columbia Management offers several valuable online resources. We encourage you to visit www.columbiamanagement.com/investor, where you can receive the most up-to-date information, including:

g  Daily pricing and performance. View pricing and performance from a link in Fund Tracker on the homepage. This listing of funds is updated nightly with the current net asset value and the amount and percentage change from the prior day.

g  News & Commentary. This tab provides links to quarterly fund commentaries and information from our investment strategies group, including trends in the economy and market impact.

If you would like more details on individual funds, select a fund from the dropdown menu on the top right side of the homepage for access to:

g  Monthly and quarterly performance information.

g  Portfolio holdings. Full holdings are updated monthly for money market funds, except for Columbia Cash Reserves, Columbia Government Plus Reserves, Columbia Government Reserves, Columbia Treasury Reserves and Columbia Money Market Reserves which are updated weekly, monthly for equity funds and quarterly for most other funds.

g  Quarterly fact sheets. Accessible from the Literature tab in each fund page.

By registering on the site, you'll receive secured, 24-hour access to*:

g  Mutual fund account details with balances, dividend and transaction information.

g  Fund Tracker to customize your homepage with current net asset values for the funds that interest you.

g  On-line transactions including purchases, exchanges and redemptions.

g  Account maintenance for updating your address and dividend payment options.

g  Electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports.

I encourage you to visit our website for access to the product information and tools described above. These valuable online resources can help you monitor your investments and provide direct access to your account. All of these tools, and more, can be found on www.columbiamanagement.com/investor.

While your financial advisor is a great resource for investment guidance, you can also access our website or call our service representatives at 800.345.6611 for additional assistance. We thank you for investing with Columbia Management and look forward to helping with your ongoing investment needs.

Sincerely,

Christopher L. Wilson
President, Columbia Funds

*Some restrictions apply. Shareholders who purchase shares through certain third-party organizations may not have the ability to register for online access.




Fund ProfileColumbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

Summary

g  For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares returned negative 5.46% without sales charge.

g  The fund trailed its benchmark, the Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index1, but performed better than its peer group average, the Lipper Massachusetts Municipal Debt Funds Classification.2

g  Bonds in the mid-to-lower quality tiers held back performance compared to the benchmark. We believe the fund outperformed its peer group because it was focused on bonds in the 10-25 year maturity range and had less exposure to weaker performing sectors.

Portfolio Management

Gary Swayze has managed the fund since July 1998 and has been with the advisor or its predecessors or affiliate organizations since 1997.

1The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index) is considered representative of the broad market for investment-grade, tax exempt bonds with maturities of at least one year. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Summary

1-year return as of 10/31/08

    –5.46%  
  Class A shares
(without sales charge)
 
    –3.30%  
  Barclays Capital Municipal
Bond Index
 

 

Morningstar Style Box

The Morningstar Style Box reveals a fund's investment strategy. For fixed-income funds the vertical axis shows the average credit quality of the bonds owned, and the horizontal axis shows interest rate sensitivity as measured by a bond's duration (short, intermediate or long). All of these numbers are drawn from the data most recently provided by the fund and entered into Morningstar's database as of quarter-end. Although the data is gathered from reliable sources, Morningstar cannot guarantee its completeness and accuracy. Information shown is as of 06/30/08.


1



Economic UpdateColumbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

Summary

For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008

g  Despite volatility in many segments of the bond market, the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index delivered a modest gain. High-yield bonds lost significant ground, as measured by the Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Index.

Barclays
Index
  Merrill
Lynch Index
 
   

 

g  The broad U.S. stock market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, returned negative 36.10%. Developed stock markets outside the United States returned negative 46.62%, as measured (in U.S. dollars) by the MSCI EAFE Index.

S&P Index   MSCI Index  
   

 

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Bond Index) is a market value-weighted index that tracks the daily price, coupon, pay-downs and total return performance of fixed-rate, publicly placed, dollar-denominated and non-convertible investment grade debt issues with at least $250 million par amount outstanding and with at least one year to final maturity.

The Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Index tracks the performance of non-investment-grade corporate bonds.

The Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index tracks the performance of 500 widely held, large-capitalization US stocks.

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe, Australasia, Far East (EAFE) Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure developed market equity performance, excluding the US and Canada.

Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

The pace of economic growth ground to a halt during the 12-month period that began November 1, 2007 and ended October 31, 2008. Although the economic growth was modestly positive at the beginning of the period, the economy slipped into recession in 2008, with little relief in sight. A host of factors weighed on consumers and businesses alike.

The most severe housing downturn in decades showed no sign of abating as inventories of homes for sale rose, home prices declined and tighter credit standards, a result of continued turmoil in the subprime mortgage market, made it more difficult for homebuyers to qualify for loans.

The labor market contracted for ten consecutive months, driving the unemployment rate to 6.5%, the highest rate since the early 1990s. Nearly 1.2 million jobs have been lost since the beginning of 2008, with announced layoffs likely to drive that number even higher in the months ahead. Manufacturing activity slowed and consumer spending declined, dimming hopes for the holiday season.

A weakening economy and turmoil in the financial markets took a toll on consumer confidence, which plummeted to the lowest point ever in the 40-year history of the Conference Board's monthly survey.

In an effort to inspire confidence in the capital markets, loosen the reins on credit and shore up economic growth, the Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) brought a key short-term rate—the federal funds rate—down from 4.50% to 1.0% during the 12-month period. Despite earlier concerns about inflation, a weak economic outlook has kept the Fed focused on stimulating economic growth through lowering borrowing rates. In fact, the one bright spot during this period of uncertainty has been lower energy and commodity prices. With oil trading near $60 per barrel at the end of the period, gasoline prices are forecasted to come down below $2 per gallon after peaking above $4 per gallon during the summer months.

Bonds eke out a small, positive return

The U.S. bond market seesawed during the 12-month period but managed to eke out a small gain as investors sought the relative safety of the highest quality sectors. After a weak start, bond prices in several sectors rose and yields declined as economic growth slowed and stock market volatility increased. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield ended the period at just under 4.0%, nearly one-half percentage point lower than where it stood one year ago. In this environment, the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index returned 0.30%. High-yield bonds disappointed as economic prospects weakened and default fears rose. The Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Index returned negative 26.43%.

Stocks retreat as economic outlook darkens

Against a shifting economic backdrop, the U.S. stock market lost 36.10% for the 12-month period, as measured by the S&P 500 Index. Losses extended across all market caps and both growth and value, although value stocks held up somewhat better than growth stocks, as measured by their respective Russell indices.1 Stock markets outside the U.S. suffered even greater losses. The MSCI EAFE Index, a broad gauge of stock market performance in foreign developed markets, lost 46.62% (in U.S. dollars) for the period. Emerging stock markets, which have had a strong run over the past several years, were also caught in the downdraft. As investors backed away from risk, emerging markets suffered most of all. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned negative 56.22% (in U.S. dollars).2

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

1The Russell 1000 Index measures the performance of 1,000 of the largest US companies, based on market capitalization. The Russell Midcap Index measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index, as ranked by total market capitalization. The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest of the 3,000 largest US companies based on market capitalization.

2The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index is a widely accepted index composed of a sample of companies from 25 countries representing the global emerging stock markets.

Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.


2



Performance InformationColumbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

Growth of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08

 

 

The chart above shows the growth in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class A shares of Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund during the stated time period, and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index is considered representative of the broad market for investment-grade, tax exempt bonds with maturities of at least one year. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

Performance of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08 ($)

Sales charge   without   with  
Class A     14,357       13,675    
Class B     13,328       13,328    
Class C     13,727       13,727    

 

Average annual total return as of 10/31/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C  
Inception   04/10/87   06/08/92   08/01/97  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with  
1-year     5.46       9.95       6.16       10.70       5.88       6.79    
5-year     1.88       0.89       1.12       0.79       1.42       1.42    
10-year     3.68       3.18       2.91       2.91       3.22       3.22    

 

      

Average annual total return as of 09/30/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with  
1-year     3.35       7.94       4.07       8.71       3.79       4.72    
5-year     2.06       1.07       1.30       0.97       1.60       1.60    
10-year     3.83       3.32       3.06       3.06       3.36       3.36    

 

      

The "with sales charge" returns include the maximum initial sales charge of 4.75% for Class A shares, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 5.00% in the first year, declining to 1.00% in the sixth year and eliminated thereafter for Class B shares and 1.00% for Class C shares for the first year only. The "without sales charge" returns do not include the effect of sales charges. If they had, returns would be lower.

Performance results reflect any fee waivers or reimbursements of fund expenses by the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates. Absent these fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements, performance results would have been lower.

All results shown assume reinvestment of distributions. Please see the fund's prospectus for details. Performance for different share classes will vary based on differences in sales charges and the fees associated with each class.

The tables do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Annual operating expense ratio (%)*

Class A     1.01    
Class B     1.76    
Class C     1.76    

 

* The annual operating expense ratio is as stated in the fund's prospectus that is current as of the date of this report. Differences in expense ratios disclosed elsewhere in this report may result from including fee waivers and expense reimbursements as well as different time periods used in calculating the ratios.


3



Understanding Your ExpensesColumbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

Estimating your actual expenses

To estimate the expenses that you paid over the period, first you will need your account balance at the end of the period:

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from Columbia Management Services, Inc., your account balance is available online at www.columbiafunds.com or by calling Shareholder Services at 800.345.6611.

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from their financial intermediary, contact your financial intermediary to obtain your account balance.

1.  Divide your ending account balance by $1,000. For example, if an account balance was $8,600 at the end of the period, the result would be 8.6.

2.  In the section of the table below titled "Expenses paid during the period," locate the amount for your share class. You will find this number in the column labeled "Actual." Multiply this number by the result from step 1. Your answer is an estimate of the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

If the value of your account falls below the minimum initial investment requirement applicable to you, your account generally will be subject to a $20 annual fee. This fee is not included in the accompanying table. If you are subject to the fee, keep it in mind when you are estimating the ongoing expenses of investing in the fund and when comparing the expenses of this fund with other funds.

As a fund shareholder, you incur two types of costs. There are transaction costs, which generally include sales charges on purchases and may include redemption fees or exchange fees. There are also ongoing costs, which generally include investment advisory fees, distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees and other fund expenses. The information on this page is intended to help you understand the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

Analyzing your fund's expenses by share class

To illustrate these ongoing costs, we have provided an example and calculated the expenses paid by investors in each share class during the period. The information in the following table is based on an initial investment of $1,000, which is invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period. Expense information is calculated two ways and each method provides you with different information. The amount listed in the "Actual" column is calculated using the fund's actual operating expenses and total return for the period. The amount listed in the "Hypothetical" column for each share class assumes that the return each year is 5% before expenses and is calculated based on the fund's actual operating expenses. You should not use the hypothetical account values and expenses to estimate either your actual account balance at the end of the period or the expenses you paid during this period.

Compare with other funds

Since all mutual funds are required to include the same hypothetical calculations about expenses in shareholder reports, you can use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund with other funds. To do so, compare the 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. As you compare hypothetical examples of other funds, it is important to note that hypothetical examples are meant to highlight the ongoing costs of investing in a fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees.

05/01/08 – 10/31/08

    Account value at the
beginning of the period ($)
  Account value at the
end of the period ($)
  Expenses paid
during the period ($)
  Fund's annualized
expense ratio (%)
 
    Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual  
Class A     1,000.00       1,000.00       937.71       1,020.46       4.53       4.72       0.93    
Class B     1,000.00       1,000.00       934.09       1,016.69       8.17       8.52       1.68    
Class C     1,000.00       1,000.00       935.50       1,018.20       6.71       7.00       1.38    

 

        

Expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the share class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, then multiplied by the number of days in the fund's most recent fiscal half-year and divided by 366.

Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses for Class C shares, account value at the end of the period would have been reduced.

It is important to note that the expense amounts shown in the table are meant to highlight only ongoing costs of investing in the fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees. Therefore, the hypothetical examples provided may not help you determine the relative total costs of owning shares of different funds. If these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


4



Portfolio Manager's ReportColumbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares returned negative 5.46% without sales charge. The fund's benchmark, the Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index, returned negative 3.30%1, and the average return of the fund's peer group, the Lipper Massachusetts Municipal Debt Funds Classification, was negative 7.80%.2 The fund's shortfall to its benchmark was the result of two factors: the index is national in scope and it has less exposure than the fund to longer-term (20 to 30 years) and mid-to-lower quality sectors, which were underperformers during the period. We believe the fund outperformed its peer group average because it had a greater focus on bonds in the 10-25 year maturity range and comparatively less exposure to weaker performing sectors.

Economic slowdown has sharp impact

A year ago, we anticipated an economic slowdown and an easing of inflationary pressures fed by high commodity prices and worldwide growth. But the intensity of the slowdown has been unexpectedly sharp. In hopes of reviving the economy, the Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) cut short-term interest rates aggressively while Congress passed a stimulus package to aid middle-class households.

Fallout from a widespread credit crisis caused municipal bonds to underperform Treasuries over this period. Sinking home values and waves of foreclosures began to shrink tax revenues and swell deficits for state and local governments. In addition, downgrades of municipal bond insurers dramatically reduced the number of AAA-rated3 municipal bonds. As a result, investors demanded higher yields for insured issues, which represent over half of the new issue market. Meanwhile, volatile markets forced some institutions to sell off their municipal bond holdings, especially hedge funds.

Amid this economic stress, the yield difference between higher and lower quality municipal bonds widened. The period's worst performance came in lower quality, long-maturity sectors where yields rose substantially. Skittish investors preferred to confine their commitments to better quality issues with maturities of five years or less, causing yields to decline and raising prices modestly for these bonds.

Lower and medium quality fund holdings and those with long maturities hurt results. We achieved better returns among intermediate-term prerefunded bonds, which are backed by escrowed government securities.

In Massachusetts, steps to tighten the budget

The commonwealth faces a large budget gap for the current fiscal year, based on an anticipated revenue shortfall of more than $1 billion and $300 million in over-budget

1The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index is considered representative of the broad market for investment-grade, tax-exempt bonds with maturities of at least one year. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.

3The credit quality ratings represent those of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") credit ratings. The ratings represent their opinions as to the quality of the securities they rate. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The security's credit quality does not eliminate risk.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Net asset value per share

as of 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     6.98    
Class B     6.98    
Class C     6.98    

 

Distributions declared per share

11/01/07 – 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     0.31    
Class B     0.25    
Class C     0.27    

 

A portion of the fund's income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. The fund may at times purchase tax-exempt securities at a discount. Some, or all, of this discount may be included in the fund's ordinary income, and is taxable when distributed.

30-day SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     4.19    
Class B     3.66    
Class C     3.95    

 

The 30-day SEC yields reflect the fund's earning power, net of expenses, expressed as an annualized percentage of the public offering price per share at the end of the period.

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     6.81    
Class B     5.95    
Class C     6.42    

 

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields are based on the combined maximum effective 35.0% federal income tax rate and the applicable state income tax rate. This tax rate does not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of the otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels.


5



Portfolio Manager's Report (continued)Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

Top 5 sectors

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Refunded/Escrowed     17.9    
Education     17.6    
State General Obligations     11.0    
Water & Sewer     8.8    
Special Non-Property Tax     7.2    

 

Quality breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

AAA     30.8    
AA     39.2    
A     12.9    
BBB     4.7    
BB     4.3    
Non-rated     4.3    
Cash & Equivalents     3.8    

 

Maturity breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

1-3 years     2.2    
3-5 years     2.8    
5-7 years     4.9    
7-10 years     20.8    
10-15 years     34.9    
15-20 years     6.8    
20-25 years     12.6    
25 years and over     11.2    
Cash & Equivalents     3.8    

 

Ratings shown in the quality breakdown represent the rating assigned to a particular bond by one of the following nationally-recognized rating agencies: Standard and Poor's, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch Ratings Ltd. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The fund's credit quality does not remove market risk.

The fund is actively managed and the composition of its portfolio will change over time. Information provided is calculated as a percentage of net assets.

outlays. Meanwhile, the financial crisis has led to job cuts in the high-paying financial sector, as well as in construction and manufacturing.

The governor has called for the elimination of 1000 public jobs and reductions in the commonwealth's pension contribution. These measures would close most of the gap but the rest will have to come from the Commonwealth's rainy day fund. Once past the current crisis, we believe that Massachusetts will benefit from its unquestioned strengths in the biotech, financial services, technology and education industries.

A cautious, deliberate approach

A widening difference in yield between higher and lower quality securities of comparable maturities offers potential opportunities in bonds in the mid and lower quality tiers. However, we are being selective in our choice of securities because we do not believe that the challenges facing municipal issuers will dissipate quickly in light of the current economic slowdown. In this environment, we believe that short-term interest rates are likely to remain low and further stimulus moves are possible. Eventually, we believe that taxes may rise, making municipal bonds more attractive. However, we believe that continued stimulus programs could also trigger inflation over the longer-term, a potential negative for bond investors.

Portfolio holdings and characteristics are subject to change periodically and may not be representative of current holdings and characteristics. The outlook for the fund may differ from that presented for other Columbia Funds.

Tax-exempt investing offers current tax-exempt income, but it also involves special risks. The value of the fund will be affected by interest rate changes and the creditworthiness of issues held in the fund. When interest rates go up, bond prices generally drop and vice versa.

Interest income from certain tax-exempt bonds may be subject to certain state and local taxes and, if applicable, the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains are not exempt from income taxes.

The fund is non-diversified, which generally means that it may invest a greater percentage of its total assets in the securities of fewer issuers than a "diversified" fund. This increases the risk that a change in the value of any one investment held by the fund could affect the overall value of the fund more than it would affect that of a diversified fund holding a greater number of investments. Accordingly, the fund's value will likely be more volatile than the value of more diversified funds

Single-state municipal bond funds pose additional risks due to limited geographical diversification.


6




Investment PortfolioColumbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds – 95.2%  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Education – 21.8%  
Education – 17.6%  
MA College Building Authority  
Series 1994 A,
7.500% 05/01/14
    1,825,000       2,050,935    
MA Development Finance Agency  
Boston University:
Series 1999 P, 
6.000% 05/15/59
    1,000,000       949,780    
Series 2005 T-1,
5.000% 10/01/39
    2,000,000       1,650,180    
College of The Holy Cross,
Series 2002, 
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 09/01/32
    2,000,000       1,944,220    
Emerson College,
Series 2006, 
5.000% 01/01/23
    2,500,000       2,234,850    
MA Health & Educational Facilities Authority  
Boston College,
Series 2008, 
5.500% 06/01/35
    1,000,000       987,570    
Harvard University,
Series 1991 N, 
6.250% 04/01/20
    2,675,000       3,066,807    
Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
Series 2002 K: 
5.375% 07/01/17
    4,250,000       4,625,487    
5.500% 07/01/32     1,500,000       1,554,495    
Northeastern University,
Series 2008 R, 
5.000% 10/01/28
    1,000,000       896,400    
Tufts University,
Series 2002 J: 
5.500% 08/15/16
    1,250,000       1,356,913    
5.500% 08/15/18     1,000,000       1,072,910    
Education Total     22,390,547    
Prep School – 2.5%  
MA Development Finance Agency  
Dexter School,
Series 2007, 
4.500% 05/01/26
    1,600,000       1,365,376    
MA Health & Educational Facilities Authority  
Learning Center for Deaf Children,
Series 1999 C, 
6.100% 07/01/19
    1,000,000       899,750    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
MA Industrial Finance Agency  
Cambridge Friends School,
Series 1998, 
5.750% 09/01/18
    1,000,000       880,390    
Prep School Total     3,145,516    
Student Loan – 1.7%  
MA Educational Financing Authority  
Sereies 2008 H, AMT,
Insured: AGO 
6.350% 01/01/30
    1,000,000       926,900    
Series 2002 E, AMT,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.000% 01/01/13
    1,340,000       1,324,550    
Student Loan Total     2,251,450    
Education Total     27,787,513    
Health Care – 11.5%  
Continuing Care Retirement – 2.4%  
MA Boston Industrial Development
Financing Authority
 
Springhouse, Inc.,
Series 1998, 
5.875% 07/01/18
    950,000       853,603    
MA Development Finance Agency  
Linden Ponds, Inc.,
Series 2007 A, 
5.750% 11/15/42
    2,000,000       1,262,880    
Loomis House, Inc.,
Series 2002 A, 
6.900% 03/01/32
    1,000,000       875,490    
Continuing Care Retirement Total     2,991,973    
Health Services – 0.7%  
MA Development Finance Agency  
Boston Biomedical Research Institute,
Series 1999, 
5.750% 02/01/29
    1,200,000       905,028    
Health Services Total     905,028    
Hospitals – 5.5%  
MA Development Finance Agency  
Massachusetts Biomedical Research Corp.,
Series 2000, 
6.250% 08/01/20
    1,000,000       1,011,170    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


7



Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
MA Health & Educational Facilities Authority  
Covenant Health System,
Series 2002, 
6.000% 07/01/31
    790,000       727,630    
Jordan Hospital,
Series 2003 E, 
6.750% 10/01/33
    1,500,000       1,212,915    
Tri-County Medical Associates, Inc.,
Series 2007, 
5.000% 07/15/27
    1,695,000       1,199,331    
MA Industrial Finance Agency  
Massachusetts Biomedical Research Corp.,
Series 1989 A-2 
(a) 08/01/10
    3,000,000       2,821,950    
Hospitals Total     6,972,996    
Intermediate Care Facilities – 1.0%  
MA Development Finance Agency  
Evergreen Center, Inc.,
Series 2005, 
5.500% 01/01/35
    750,000       529,448    
New England Center for Children,
Series 1998, 
5.875% 11/01/18
    850,000       748,646    
Intermediate Care Facilities Total     1,278,094    
Nursing Homes – 1.9%  
MA Industrial Finance Agency  
Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home,
Series 1997 A, 
Insured: FHA
6.500% 08/01/37
    810,000       821,429    
GF/Massachusetts, Inc.,
Series 1994, 
8.300% 07/01/23
    1,955,000       1,606,130    
Nursing Homes Total     2,427,559    
Health Care Total     14,575,650    
Housing – 1.6%  
Assisted Living/Senior – 0.6%  
MA Development Finance Agency  
VOA Concord Assisted Living, Inc.,
Series 2007, 
5.200% 11/01/41
    1,145,000       722,747    
Assisted Living/Senior Total     722,747    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Multi-Family – 1.0%  
MA Housing Finance Agency  
Series 2004 A, AMT,
Insured: FSA 
5.250% 07/01/25
    1,500,000       1,271,445    
Multi-Family Total     1,271,445    
Housing Total     1,994,192    
Other – 23.6%  
Other – 2.7%  
MA Development Finance Agency  
WGBH Educational Foundation:
Series 2002 A, 
Insured: AMBAC
5.750% 01/01/42
    2,000,000       1,872,480    
Series 2008 A,
Insured: AGO
4.500% 01/01/39
    2,000,000       1,578,320    
Other Total     3,450,800    
Pool/Bond Bank – 3.0%  
MA Water Pollution Abatement Trust  
Series 1999 A,
6.000% 08/01/17
    2,445,000       2,744,317    
Series 2002-8,
5.000% 08/01/17
    20,000       20,615    
Series 2005-11,
4.750% 08/01/23
    25,000       24,351    
Series 2006,
5.250% 08/01/24
    1,000,000       1,041,380    
Pool/Bond Bank Total     3,830,663    
Refunded/Escrowed (b) – 17.9%  
MA College Building Authority  
Series 1999 A,
Insured: MBIA, 
Escrowed to Maturity:
(a) 05/01/18
    7,760,000       4,878,479    
(a) 05/01/23     6,000,000       2,751,360    
MA Development Finance Agency  
Western New England College,
Series 2002, 
Pre-refunded 12/01/12,
5.875% 12/01/22
    905,000       971,056    
MA Health & Educational Facilities Authority  
Covenant Health System,
Series 2002, 
Pre-refunded 01/01/12,
6.000% 07/01/31
    210,000       229,936    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


8



Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
MA Turnpike Authority  
Series 1993 A,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
5.000% 01/01/20
    4,500,000       4,621,005    
MA Water Resources Authority  
Series 1992 A,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
6.500% 07/15/19
    5,100,000       5,790,999    
Series 1993 C,
Insured: AMBAC, 
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.250% 12/01/15
    610,000       652,627    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Public
Buildings Authority
 
Series 2002 C,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
5.500% 07/01/14
    5,000       5,504    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Public
Finance Corp.
 
Series 1998 A,
Insured: AMBAC, 
Economically Defeased to Maturity
5.375% 06/01/19
    2,190,000       2,275,388    
Series 2002 E,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
6.000% 08/01/26
    600,000       646,088    
Refunded/Escrowed Total     22,822,442    
Other Total     30,103,905    
Other Revenue – 1.4%  
Hotels – 1.4%  
MA Boston Industrial Development
Financing Authority
 
Crosstown Center Hotel LLC,
Series 2002, AMT, 
6.500% 09/01/35
    2,220,000       1,717,303    
Hotels Total     1,717,303    
Other Revenue Total     1,717,303    
Tax-Backed – 19.3%  
Local General Obligations – 1.1%  
MA Norwell  
Series 2003,
Insured: FGIC 
5.000% 11/15/22
    1,410,000       1,390,542    
Local General Obligations Total     1,390,542    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Special Non-Property Tax – 7.2%  
MA Bay Transportation Authority  
Series 2004 C,
5.250% 07/01/21
    1,500,000       1,566,315    
Series 2005 B,
Insured: MBIA 
5.500% 07/01/27
    1,000,000       1,046,490    
Series 2008 B,
5.250% 07/01/27
    710,000       724,392    
MA Special Obligation Dedicated
Tax Revenue
 
Series 2005,  
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 01/01/30
    2,500,000       2,465,975    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway &
Transportation Authority
 
Series 2002 E,
Insured: FSA 
5.500% 07/01/14
    1,000,000       1,045,900    
Series 2006 BB,
Insured: FSA 
5.250% 07/01/22
    1,500,000       1,449,510    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Sales Tax
Financing Corp.
 
Series 2007 A,
5.250% 08/01/57
    1,000,000       862,550    
Special Non-Property Tax Total     9,161,132    
State General Obligations – 11.0%  
MA Bay Transportation Authority  
Series 1991 A,
Insured: MBIA 
7.000% 03/01/21
    1,500,000       1,719,945    
Series 1992 B,
Insured: MBIA 
6.200% 03/01/16
    3,725,000       4,090,348    
Series 1994,
Insured: FGIC 
7.000% 03/01/14
    1,250,000       1,434,038    
MA State  
Series 2001 D,
5.500% 11/01/15
    1,000,000       1,090,350    
Series 2003 D,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.500% 10/01/19
    450,000       480,051    
Series 2004 B,
5.250% 08/01/22
    1,000,000       1,041,150    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


9



Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Public Buildings Authority
 
Series 2002 C,
5.500% 07/01/14
    495,000       502,410    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico  
Public Improvement:
Series 1998, 
5.250% 07/01/18
    1,000,000       957,510    
Series 2001,
Insured: FSA
5.500% 07/01/16
    1,750,000       1,816,307    
Series 2007 A,
5.500% 07/01/21
    1,000,000       942,450    
State General Obligations Total     14,074,559    
Tax-Backed Total     24,626,233    
Transportation – 4.4%  
Air Transportation – 1.2%  
MA Port Authority  
Bosfuel Corp.,
Series 2007, AMT, 
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 07/01/32
    2,000,000       1,495,980    
Air Transportation Total     1,495,980    
Airports – 2.4%  
MA Port Authority  
Series 1999 D, AMT,
Insured: FGIC 
6.000% 07/01/29
    2,000,000       1,867,620    
Series 2007 A,
Insured: FSA 
4.500% 07/01/37
    1,500,000       1,188,780    
Airports Total     3,056,400    
Toll Facilities – 0.8%  
MA Turnpike Authority  
Series 1997 C,
Insured: MBIA 
(a) 01/01/20
    2,000,000       1,051,640    
Toll Facilities Total     1,051,640    
Transportation Total     5,604,020    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Utilities – 11.6%  
Municipal Electric – 2.8%  
MA Development Finance Agency  
Devens Electric System,
Series 2001, 
6.000% 12/01/30
    1,000,000       971,380    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Electric Power Authority
 
Series 2003 NN,
Insured: MBIA 
5.250% 07/01/21
    1,360,000       1,265,711    
Series 2007 VV,
Insured: MBIA 
5.250% 07/01/29
    1,000,000       878,450    
Series 2008 WW,
5.000% 07/01/28
    500,000       428,755    
Municipal Electric Total     3,544,296    
Water & Sewer – 8.8%  
MA Boston Water & Sewer Commission  
Series 1992 A,
5.750% 11/01/13
    1,000,000       1,057,540    
Series 1993 A,
5.250% 11/01/19
    4,750,000       4,952,350    
MA Water Resources Authority  
Series 1993 C:
Insured: AMBAC 
5.250% 12/01/15
    390,000       404,933    
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 12/01/15
    1,070,000       1,116,395    
Series 2002 J,
Insured: FSA: 
5.250% 08/01/19
    1,000,000       1,053,440    
5.500% 08/01/21     2,500,000       2,654,925    
Water & Sewer Total     11,239,583    
Utilities Total     14,783,879    
Total Municipal Bonds
(cost of $126,613,364)
    121,192,695    
    Shares      
Investment Company – 0.2%  
Dreyfus Massachusetts
Municipal Money Market Fund  
(7 day yield of 1.760%)
    199,259       199,259    
Total Investment Company
(cost of $199,259)
    199,259    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


10



Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Short-Term Obligations – 0.5%  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Variable Rate Demand Notes (c) – 0.5%  
MA Development Finance Agency  
Harvard University,
Series 2006 B-1, 
0.700% 07/15/36
    200,000       200,000    
MA Health & Educational Facilities
Authority
 
Harvard University,
Series 1999 R, 
0.700% 11/01/49
    500,000       500,000    
Variable Rate Demand Notes Total     700,000    
Total Short-Term Obligations
(cost of $700,000)
    700,000    
Total Investments – 95.9%
(cost of $127,512,623) (d)
    122,091,954    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net – 4.1%     5,245,343    
Net Assets – 100.0%     127,337,297    

 

Notes to Investment Portfolio:

(a)  Zero coupon bond.

(b)  The Fund has been informed that each issuer has placed direct obligations of the U.S. Government in an irrevocable trust, solely for the payment of principal and interest.

(c)  These securities are payable upon demand and are secured by letters of credit or other credit support agreements from banks. These interest rates change periodically and the interest rates shown reflect the rates at October 31, 2008.

(d)  Cost for federal income tax purposes is $127,235,211.

At October 31, 2008, the composition of the Fund by revenue source is as follows:

Holdings By Revenue Source (Unaudited)   % of
Net Assets
 
Education     21.8    
Tax-Backed     19.3    
Refunded/Escrowed     17.9    
Utilities     11.6    
Health Care     11.5    
Other     5.7    
Transportation     4.4    
Housing     1.6    
Other Revenue     1.4    
      95.2    
Investment Company     0.2    
Short-Term Obligations     0.5    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net     4.1    
      100.0    

 

Acronym   Name  
AGO   Assured Guaranty Corp.  
AMBAC   AMBAC Assurance Corp.  
AMT   Alternative Minimum Tax  
FGIC   Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.  
FHA   Federal Housing Administration  
FSA   Financial Security Assurance, Inc.  
MBIA   MBIA Insurance Corp.  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


11




Statement of Assets and LiabilitiesColumbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund
October 31, 2008

Assets   Investments, at cost   $ 127,512,623    
    Investments, at value   $ 122,091,954    
    Cash     3,853,187    
    Receivable for:        
    Fund shares sold     24,301    
    Interest     1,959,204    
    Trustees' deferred compensation plan     23,740    
    Other assets     301    
    Total Assets     127,952,687    
Liabilities   Payable for:          
    Fund shares repurchased     221,767    
    Distributions     187,524    
    Investment advisory fee     54,413    
    Transfer agent fee     21,198    
    Pricing and bookkeeping fees     6,485    
    Trustees' fees     163    
    Audit fee     33,800    
    Custody fee     1,272    
    Distribution and service fees     35,023    
    Chief compliance officer expenses     54    
    Trustees' deferred compensation plan     23,740    
    Other liabilities     29,951    
    Total Liabilities     615,390    
    Net Assets     127,337,297    
Net Assets Consist of   Paid-in capital     131,929,033    
    Undistributed net investment income     369,382    
    Accumulated net realized gain     459.551    
    Net unrealized depreciation on investments     (5,420,669 )  
    Net Assets     127,337,297    
Class A   Net assets   $ 108,149,440    
    Shares outstanding     15,503,688    
    Net asset value per share   $ 6.98 (a)  
    Maximum sales charge     4.75 %  
    Maximum offering price per share ($6.98/0.9525)   $ 7.33 (b)  
Class B   Net assets   $ 10,517,572    
    Shares outstanding     1,507,762    
    Net asset value and offering price per share   $ 6.98 (a)  
Class C   Net assets   $ 8,670,285    
    Shares outstanding     1,242,927    
    Net asset value and offering price per share   $ 6.98 (a)  

 

(a)  Redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.

(b)  On sales of $50,000 or more the offering price is reduced.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


12



Statement of OperationsColumbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund
For the Year Ended October 31, 2008

        ($)  
Investment Income   Interest     7,262,809    
    Dividends     17,150    
    Total Investment Income     7,279,959    
Expenses   Investment advisory fee     722,531    
    Distribution fee:        
    Class B     100,723    
    Class C     72,757    
    Service fee:          
    Class A     277,174    
    Class B     30,579    
    Class C     22,110    
    Transfer agent fee     51,893    
    Pricing and bookkeeping fees     69,933    
    Trustees' fees     17,779    
    Custody fee     9,930    
    Chief compliance officer expenses     649    
    Other expenses     141,429    
    Expenses before interest expense and fees     1,517,487    
    Interest expense and fees     50,533    
    Total Expenses     1,568,020    
    Fees waived by distributor—Class C     (29,096 )  
    Expense reductions     (3,855 )  
    Net Expenses     1,535,069    
    Net Investment Income     5,744,890    
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Futures Contracts  
    Net realized gain (loss) on:          
    Investments     1,217,787    
    Futures contracts     (17,182 )  
    Net realized gain     1,200,605    
    Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:          
    Investments     (14,617,873 )  
    Futures contracts     66,388    
    Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (14,551,485 )  
    Net Loss     (13,350,880 )  
    Net Decrease Resulting from Operations     (7,605,990 )  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


13



Statement of Changes in Net AssetsColumbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

        Year Ended October 31,  
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets       2008 ($)   2007 ($)  
Operations   Net investment income     5,744,890       6,261,578    
    Net realized gain (loss) on investments and
futures contracts
    1,200,605       (109,217 )  
    Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on investments and futures contracts
    (14,551,485 )     (3,764,170 )  
    Net Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Operations     (7,605,990 )     2,388,191    
Distributions to Shareholders   From net investment income:                  
    Class A     (4,924,183 )     (5,224,712 )  
    Class B     (443,714 )     (577,275 )  
    Class C     (350,134 )     (422,977 )  
    From net realized gains:                  
    Class A           (1,239,462 )  
    Class B           (189,466 )  
    Class C           (120,859 )  
    Total Distributions to Shareholders     (5,718,031 )     (7,774,751 )  
    Net Capital Share Transactions     (13,795,105 )     (12,563,583 )  
    Total Decrease in Net Assets     (27,119,126 )     (17,950,143 )  
Net Assets   Beginning of period     154,456,423       172,406,566    
    End of period     127,337,297       154,456,423    
    Undistributed net investment income, at end of period     369,382       358,052    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


14



Statement of Changes in Net Assets (continued)Capital Stock Activity

    Year Ended October 31,  
    2008   2007  
    Shares   Dollars ($)   Shares   Dollars ($)  
Class A  
Subscriptions     882,973       6,678,958       1,235,563       9,584,171    
Distributions reinvested     392,191       2,938,491       510,589       3,967,962    
Redemptions     (2,530,546 )     (19,074,394 )     (2,279,635 )     (17,610,668 )  
Net Decrease     (1,255,382 )     (9,456,945 )     (533,483 )     (4,058,535 )  
Class B  
Subscriptions     42,455       323,103       38,454       301,682    
Distributions reinvested     40,274       302,130       69,641       541,996    
Redemptions     (518,466 )     (3,855,607 )     (834,976 )     (6,467,145 )  
Net Decrease     (435,737 )     (3,230,374 )     (726,881 )     (5,623,467 )  
Class C  
Subscriptions     211,865       1,602,702       160,143       1,243,939    
Distributions reinvested     26,640       199,738       40,297       313,083    
Redemptions     (385,242 )     (2,910,226 )     (572,697 )     (4,438,603 )  
Net Decrease     (146,737 )     (1,107,786 )     (372,257 )     (2,881,581 )  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


15




Financial HighlightsColumbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class A Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 7.69     $ 7.94     $ 7.83     $ 8.17     $ 8.16    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.31       0.31       0.31       0.32       0.33    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.71 )     (0.18 )     0.17       (0.23 )     0.17    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.40 )     0.13       0.48       0.09       0.50    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.31 )     (0.31 )     (0.31 )     (0.32 )     (0.33 )  
From net realized gains           (0.07 )     (0.06 )     (0.11 )     (0.16 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.31 )     (0.38 )     (0.37 )     (0.43 )     (0.49 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 6.98     $ 7.69     $ 7.94     $ 7.83     $ 8.17    
Total return (b)     (5.46 )%     1.65 %     6.30 %     1.09 %(c)     6.28 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/
Supplemental Data:
 
Net expenses before interest expense and fees (d)     0.93 %     0.94 %     0.93 %     0.90 %     0.91 %  
Interest expense and fees (e)     0.03 %     0.07 %     0.06 %     0.04 %     0.01 %  
Net expenses (d)     0.96 %     1.01 %     0.99 %     0.94 %     0.92 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement                       %(f)        
Net investment income (d)     4.08 %     3.96 %     3.99 %     4.03 %     4.05 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     16 %     14 %     6 %     6 %     6 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 108,149     $ 128,833     $ 137,232     $ 146,149     $ 157,198    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Interest expense and fees relate to the liability for floating-rate notes issued in conjunction with inverse floater securities transactions.

(f)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


16



Financial HighlightsColumbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class B Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 7.69     $ 7.94     $ 7.83     $ 8.17     $ 8.16    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.25       0.25       0.25       0.26       0.27    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.71 )     (0.18 )     0.17       (0.23 )     0.16    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.46 )     0.07       0.42       0.03       0.43    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.25 )     (0.25 )     (0.25 )     (0.26 )     (0.26 )  
From net realized gains           (0.07 )     (0.06 )     (0.11 )     (0.16 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.25 )     (0.32 )     (0.31 )     (0.37 )     (0.42 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 6.98     $ 7.69     $ 7.94     $ 7.83     $ 8.17    
Total return (b)     (6.16 )%     0.90 %     5.50 %     0.34 %(c)     5.49 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/
Supplemental Data:
 
Net expenses before interest expense and fees (d)     1.68 %     1.69 %     1.68 %     1.65 %     1.66 %  
Interest expense and fees (e)     0.03 %     0.07 %     0.06 %     0.04 %     0.01 %  
Net expenses (d)     1.71 %     1.76 %     1.74 %     1.69 %     1.67 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement                       %(f)        
Net investment income (d)     3.32 %     3.21 %     3.25 %     3.28 %     3.29 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     16 %     14 %     6 %     6 %     6 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 10,518     $ 14,941     $ 21,192     $ 27,208     $ 34,035    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Interest expense and fees relate to the liability for floating-rate notes issued in conjunction with inverse floater securities transactions.

(f)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


17



Financial HighlightsColumbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class C Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 7.69     $ 7.94     $ 7.83     $ 8.17     $ 8.16    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.27       0.27       0.28       0.29       0.29    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.71 )     (0.18 )     0.16       (0.24 )     0.17    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.44 )     0.09       0.44       0.05       0.46    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.27 )     (0.27 )     (0.27 )     (0.28 )     (0.29 )  
From net realized gains           (0.07 )     (0.06 )     (0.11 )     (0.16 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.27 )     (0.34 )     (0.33 )     (0.39 )     (0.45 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 6.98     $ 7.69     $ 7.94     $ 7.83     $ 8.17    
Total return (b)(c)     (5.88 )%     1.20 %     5.82 %     0.64 %     5.81 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/
Supplemental Data:
 
Net expenses before interest expense and fees (d)     1.38 %     1.39 %     1.38 %     1.35 %     1.36 %  
Interest expense and fees (e)     0.03 %     0.07 %     0.06 %     0.04 %     0.01 %  
Net expenses (d)     1.41 %     1.46 %     1.44 %     1.39 %     1.37 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.30 %     0.30 %     0.30 %     0.30 %     0.30 %  
Net investment income (d)     3.63 %     3.51 %     3.54 %     3.57 %     3.58 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     16 %     14 %     6 %     6 %     6 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 8,670     $ 10,683     $ 13,982     $ 13,986     $ 13,360    

 

(a) Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(c) Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d) The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e) Interest expense and fees relate to the liability for floating-rate notes issued in conjunction with inverse floater securities transactions.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


18




Notes to Financial StatementsColumbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund
October 31, 2008

Note 1. Organization

Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund (the "Fund"), a series of Columbia Funds Series Trust I (the "Trust"), is a non-diversified portfolio. The Trust is a Massachusetts business trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company.

Investment Objective

The Fund seeks total return, consisting of current income exempt from federal income tax and Massachusetts individual income tax and of capital appreciation, consistent with moderate fluctuation of principal.

Fund Shares

The Trust may issue an unlimited number of shares, and the Fund offers three classes of shares: Class A, Class B and Class C. Each share class has its own expense structure and sales charges, as applicable.

Class A shares are subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of 4.75% based on the amount of initial investment. Class A shares purchased without an initial sales charge in accounts aggregating $1 million to $50 million at the time of purchase are subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") if the shares are sold within one year after purchase. Class B shares are subject to a maximum CDSC of 5.00% based upon the holding period after purchase. Class B shares will convert to Class A shares eight years after purchase. Class C shares are subject to a 1.00% CDSC on shares sold within one year after purchase.

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

Security Valuation

Debt securities generally are valued by pricing services approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, based upon market transactions for normal, institutional-size trading units of similar securities. The services may use various pricing techniques which take into account appropriate factors such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics and other data, as well as broker quotes. Debt securities for which quotations are readily available are valued at an over-the-counter or exchange bid quotation.

Certain debt securities, which tend to be more thinly traded and of lesser quality, are priced based on fundamental analysis of the financial condition of the issuer and the estimated value of any collateral. Valuations developed through pricing techniques may vary from the actual amounts realized upon sale of the securities, and the potential variation may be greater for those securities valued using fundamental analysis.

Short-term debt obligations maturing within 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.

Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value.

Futures contracts are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of trade or exchange on which they are traded.

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available, or that have quotations which management believes are not reliable, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees. If a security is valued at fair value, such value is likely to be different from the last quoted market price for the security.

In September 2006, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements ("SFAS 157"), was issued. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Management is evaluating the impact the application of SFAS 157 will have on the Fund's financial statement disclosures.


19



Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Security Transactions

Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Cost is determined and gains (losses) are based upon the specific identification method for both financial statement and federal income tax purposes.

In March 2008, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 ("SFAS 161"), was issued. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. SFAS 161 requires additional discussion about the reporting entity's derivative instruments and hedging activities, by providing for qualitative disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative data about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative contracts, and details of credit-risk-related contingent features in their hedged positions. Management is evaluating the impact the application of SFAS 161 will have on the Fund's financial statement disclosures.

Futures Contracts

The Fund may invest in futures for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, including, for example, to seek to enhance returns or as a substitute for a position in an underlying asset.

The use of futures contracts involves certain risks, which include: (1) imperfect correlation between the price movement of the instruments and the underlying securities, (2) inability to close out positions due to differing trading hours, or the temporary absence of a liquid market, for either the instruments or the underlying securities, or (3) an inaccurate prediction of the future direction of interest rates by Columbia Management Advisors, LLC ("Columbia"), the Fund's investment advisor. Any of these risks may involve amounts exceeding the variation margin recorded in the Fund's Statement of Assets and Liabilities at any given time.

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund pledges cash or securities with the broker in an amount sufficient to meet the initial margin requirement. Subsequent payments are made or received by the Fund equal to the daily change in the contract value and are recorded as variation margin receivable or payable and offset in unrealized gains or losses. The Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed or expires.

Floating-Rate Notes Issued in Conjunction with Securities Held

The Fund may sell a fixed-rate bond ("Fixed-Rate Bond") to a broker who deposits the Fixed-Rate Bond into a special-purpose entity from which are issued floating-rate notes ("Floating-Rate Notes") that are sold to third parties. The Floating-Rate Notes have interest rates that reset weekly and the holders of the Floating-Rate Notes have the option to tender their notes to the broker at par at each reset date. A residual certificate (an "Inverse Floater"), which pays interest equal to the difference between the Fixed-Rate Bond and the Floating-Rate Notes, is also issued by the special-purpose entity. The Inverse Floater also gives the holder the right to cause the Floating-Rate Note to be called at par and to require transfer of the Fixed-Rate Bond to the holder of the Inverse Floater, thereby liquidating the special-purpose entity. In certain transactions, the Fund ultimately receives the Inverse Floater plus the cash equivalent of the proceeds raised from the issuance of the Floating-Rate Notes in exchange for the Fixed-Rate Bonds.

Although the Fund physically holds the Inverse Floater, the transaction is accounted for as a secured borrowing pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities ("SFAS 140"), because of its unilateral right to cause the liquidation of the special-purpose entity and recover the Fixed-Rate Bond it originally sold to the broker. In accordance with SFAS 140, the Fund includes the Fixed-Rate Bond on the Portfolio of Investments and recognizes the Floating-Rate Notes as a liability on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Income Recognition

Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Premium and discount are amortized and accreted, respectively, on all debt securities, unless otherwise noted. Original issue discount is accreted to interest income over the life of the security with a corresponding increase in the cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-date.

Expenses

General expenses of the Trust are allocated to the Fund and the other series of the Trust based upon relative net assets or other expense allocation methodologies determined by the nature of the expense. Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged to the Fund.


20



Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Determination of Class Net Asset Value

All income, expenses (other than class-specific expenses, as shown on the Statement of Operations) and realized and unrealized gains (losses) are allocated to each class of the Fund on a daily basis for purposes of determining the net asset value of each class. Income and expenses are allocated to each class based on the settled shares method, while realized and unrealized gains (losses) are allocated based on the relative net assets of each class.

Federal Income Tax Status

The Fund intends to qualify each year as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and will distribute substantially all of its tax exempt or taxable income, if any, for its tax year, and as such will not be subject to federal income taxes. In addition, the Fund intends to distribute in each calendar year substantially all of its net investment income, capital gains and certain other amounts, if any, such that the Fund should not be subject to federal excise tax. Therefore, no federal income or excise tax provision is recorded.

Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions from net investment income are declared daily and distributed monthly. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually. Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP.

Indemnification

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnities. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown because this would involve future claims against the Fund. Also, under the Trust's organizational documents and by contract, the Trustees and officers of the Trust are indemnified against certain liabilities that may arise out of actions relating to their duties to the Trust. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss due to these representations, warranties and indemnities to be minimal.

Note 3. Federal Tax Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Fund's capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, permanent book and tax basis differences resulting primarily from differing treatments for distribution reclassifications and discount accretion/premium amortization on debt securities were identified and reclassified among the components of the Fund's net assets as follows:

Undistributed
Net Investment
Income
  Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain
  Paid-In Capital  
$ (15,529 )   $ 15,528     $ 1    

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses), as disclosed on the Statement of Operations, and net assets were not affected by this reclassification.

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 was as follows:

    October 31,  
    2008   2007  
Tax-Exempt Income   $ 5,714,770     $ 6,271,824    
Ordinary Income*     3,261       73,183    
Long-Term Capital Gains           1,429,744    

 

*  For tax purposes short-term capital gain distributions, if any, are considered ordinary income distributions.

As of October 31, 2008, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

Undistributed
Tax-Exempt
Income
  Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
  Net Unrealized
Depreciation*
 
$ 311,934     $ 783,051     $ (5,143,257 )  

 

*  The differences between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized depreciation are primarily due to discount accretion/premium amortization on debt securities.


21



Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Unrealized appreciation and depreciation at October 31, 2008, based on cost of investments for federal income tax purposes, were:

Unrealized appreciation   $ 3,830,358    
Unrealized depreciation     (8,973,615 )  
Net unrealized depreciation   $ (5,143,257 )  

 

Capital loss carryfowards of $246,754 were utilized during the year ended October 31, 2008.

The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FIN 48"), effective April 30, 2008. FIN 48 requires management to determine whether a tax position of the Fund is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. FIN 48 was applied to all existing tax positions upon initial adoption. Management has evaluated the known implications of FIN 48 on its computation of net assets for the Fund. As a result of this evaluation, management has concluded that FIN 48 did not have any effect on the Fund's financial statements and no cumulative effect adjustments were recorded. However, management's conclusions regarding FIN 48 may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, further implementation guidance from the FASB, new tax laws, regulations, and administrative interpretations (including relevant court decisions). The Fund's federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Fund is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Note 4. Fees and Compensation Paid to Affiliates

Investment Advisory Fee

Columbia, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BOA"), provides investment advisory, administrative and other services to the Fund. Columbia receives a monthly investment advisory fee based on the Fund's pro-rata portion of the combined average daily net assets of the Fund, Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund, Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund and Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund as follows:

Combined Average Daily Net Assets   Annual Fee Rate  
First $1 billion     0.50 %  
$1 billion to $3 billion     0.45 %  
Over $3 billion     0.40 %  

 

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund's effective investment advisory fee rate was 0.50% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Pricing and Bookkeeping Fees

The Fund has entered into a Financial Reporting Services Agreement (the "Financial Reporting Services Agreement") with State Street Bank & Trust Company ("State Street") and Columbia pursuant to which State Street provides financial reporting services to the Fund. The Fund has also entered into an Accounting Services Agreement (collectively with the Financial Reporting Services Agreement, the "State Street Agreements") with State Street and Columbia pursuant to which State Street provides accounting services to the Fund. Under the State Street Agreements, the Fund pays State Street an annual fee of $38,000 paid monthly plus an additional monthly fee based on an annualized percentage rate of average daily net assets of the Fund for the month. The aggregate fee will not exceed $140,000 per year (exclusive of out-of-pocket expenses and charges). The Fund also reimburses State Street for certain out-of-pocket expenses and charges.

The Fund has entered into a Pricing and Bookkeeping Oversight and Services Agreement (the "Services Agreement") with Columbia. Under the Services Agreement, Columbia provides services related to Fund expenses and the


22



Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and provides oversight of the accounting and financial reporting services provided by State Street. Under the Services Agreement, the Fund reimburses Columbia for out-of-pocket expenses. Prior to January 1, 2008, the Fund also reimbursed Columbia for accounting oversight services, services related to Fund expenses and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the amount charged to the Fund by affiliates included on the Statement of Operations under "Pricing and bookkeeping fees" aggregated to $1,952.

Transfer Agent Fee

Columbia Management Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent"), an affiliate of Columbia and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BOA, provides shareholder services to the Fund and has contracted with Boston Financial Data Services ("BFDS") to serve as sub-transfer agent. The Transfer Agent is entitled to receive a fee for its services, paid monthly, at the annual rate of $17.34 per open account plus reimbursement of certain sub-transfer agent fees paid by the Transfer Agent (exclusive of BFDS fees), calculated based on assets held in omnibus accounts and intended to recover the cost of payments to other parties (including affiliates of BOA) for services to those accounts. The Transfer Agent pays the fees of BFDS for services as sub-transfer agent and is not entitled to reimbursement for such fees from the Fund. The Transfer Agent may also retain, as additional compensation for its services, fees for wire, telephone and redemption orders, IRA trustee agent fees and account transcript fees due to the Transfer Agent from shareholders of the Fund and credits (net of bank charges) earned with respect to balances in accounts the Transfer Agent maintains in connection with its services to the Fund. The Transfer Agent also receives reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

An annual minimum account balance fee of $20 may apply to certain accounts with a value below the Fund's initial minimum investment requirements to reduce the impact of small accounts on transfer agent fees. These minimum account balance fees are recorded as part of expense reductions on the Statement of Operations. For the year ended October 31, 2008, these minimum account balance fees reduced total expenses by $920.

Underwriting Discounts, Service and Distribution Fees

Columbia Management Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of Columbia and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BOA, is the principal underwriter of the Fund's shares. For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Distributor has retained net underwriting discounts of $10,095 on sales of the Fund's Class A shares and received net CDSC fees of $13, $14,829 and $1,922 on Class A, Class B and Class C share redemptions, respectively.

The Fund has adopted distribution and shareholder servicing plans (the "Plans") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which require the payment of distribution and service fees. The fees are intended to compensate the Distributor and/or eligible selling and/or servicing agents for selling shares of the Fund and providing services to investors. The service fee is equal to 0.10% annually of the net assets attributable to shares of the Fund issued prior to December 1, 1994 and 0.25% annually of the net assets attributable to shares issued thereafter. This arrangement results in an annual rate of service fee for all shares that is a blend between the 0.10% and 0.25% rates. For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund's effective service fee rate was 0.23% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares.

The Plans also require the payment of a monthly distribution fee to the Distributor equal to 0.75% annually of the average daily net assets attributable to Class B and Class C shares only. The Distributor has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of the Class C shares distribution fee so that it will not exceed 0.45% annually of the average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. This arrangement may be modified or terminated by the Distributor at any time.

Fees Paid to Officers and Trustees

All officers of the Fund are employees of Columbia or its affiliates and, with the exception of the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer, receive no compensation from the Fund. The Board of Trustees has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer to the Fund in accordance with federal securities regulations. The Fund, along with other affiliated funds, pays its pro-rata share of the expenses associated with the Chief Compliance Officer. The Fund's expenses for the Chief Compliance Officer will not exceed $15,000 per year.


23



Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

The Trust's eligible Trustees may participate in a deferred compensation plan which may be terminated at any time. Obligations of the plan will be paid solely out of the Fund's assets.

Note 5. Custody Credits

The Fund has an agreement with its custodian bank under which custody fees may be reduced by balance credits. These credits are recorded as part of expense reductions on the Statement of Operations. The Fund could have invested a portion of the assets utilized in connection with the expense offset arrangement in an income-producing asset if it had not entered into such an agreement.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, these custody credits reduced total expenses by $2,935 for the Fund.

Note 6. Portfolio Information

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities, excluding short-term obligations, were $21,752,586 and $38,241,078, respectively.

During the year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund held Inverse Floaters related to the portfolio securities against which Floating-Rate Notes were issued (see note 2). Interest paid by the Fund on the Floating-Rate Notes during the year was at a weighted average rate of 3.829%, with a weighted average outstanding Floating-Rate Notes par value of $2,653,846. During the year, the Fund disposed of the Inverse Floaters and their related Floating-Rate Notes liabilities. At October 31, 2008, the Fund held no Inverse Floaters.

Note 7. Line of Credit

The Fund and other affiliated funds participate in a $280,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit. The maximum amount that may be borrowed by any fund is limited to the lesser of $200,000,000 and the Fund's borrowing limit set forth in the Fund's registration statement. Borrowings are available for short-term liquidity or temporary or emergency purposes.

Interest is charged to each participating fund based on the fund's borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% and the overnight LIBOR Rate plus 0.50%. In addition, an annual operations agency fee of $20,000, an amendment fee of 0.02% and a commitment fee of 0.12% per annum are accrued and apportioned among the participating funds pro rata based on their relative net assets.

Prior to October 16, 2008, the Fund and other affiliated funds participated in a $350,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit and a $150,000,000 uncommitted, unsecured line of credit, both provided by State Street. Interest on the committed line of credit was charged to each participating fund based on the fund's borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%. In addition, a commitment fee of 0.10% per annum was accrued and apportioned among the participating funds pro rata based on their relative net assets. Interest on the uncommitted line of credit was charged to each participating fund based on the fund's borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.375%. State Street charged an annual operations agency fee of $40,000 for the committed line of credit and was able to charge an annual administration fee of $15,000 for the uncommitted line of credit. The commitment fee, the operations agency fee and the administration fee were accrued and apportioned among the participating funds pro rata based on their relative net assets.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund did not borrow under these arrangements.

Note 8. Significant Risks and Contingencies

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Fund holds investments that are insured by private insurers who guarantee the payment of principal and interest in the event of default or that are supported by a letter of credit. At October 31, 2008, private insurers who insured greater than 5% of the total net assets of the Fund were as follows:

Insurer   % of Total
Net Assets
 
MBIA Insurance Corp.     14.8    
Financial Security Assurance, Inc.     8.2    
AMBAC Assurance Corp.     7.0    
Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.     6.8    

 


24



Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

At November 24, 2008, MBIA Insurance Corp., Financial Guaranty Insurance Co., AMBAC Assurance Corp. and Financial Security Assurance, Inc. were rated by Standard & Poor's AA, CCC, A and AAA, respectively.

Geographic Concentration Risk

The Fund had greater than 5% of its total net assets at October 31, 2008 invested in debt obligations issued by each of Massachusetts and Puerto Rico and their political subdivisions, agencies and public authorities. The Fund is more susceptible to economic and political factors adversely affecting issuers of the state's or territory's municipal securities than are municipal bond funds that are not concentrated to the same extent in these issuers.

Sector Focus Risk

The Fund may focus its investments in certain sectors, subjecting it to greater risk than a fund that is less focused.

Non-Diversified Risk

The Fund is a non-diversified Fund, which generally means that it may invest a greater percentage of its total assets in the securities of fewer issuers than a "diversified" fund. This increases the risk that a change in the value of any one investment held by the Fund could affect the overall value of the Fund more than it would affect that of a diversified fund holding a greater number of investments. Accordingly, the Fund's value will likely be more volatile than the value of more diversified funds. The Fund may not operate as a non-diversified fund at all times.

Tax Development Risk

The Fund purchases municipal securities whose interest, in the opinion of bond counsel, is free from federal income tax. There is no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will agree with this opinion. In the event the IRS determines that an issuer does not comply with relevant tax requirements, interest payments from a security could become federally taxable, possibly retroactively to the date the security was issued. As a shareholder of the Fund, you may be required to file an amended tax return as a result.

Legal Proceedings

On February 9, 2005, Columbia Management Advisors, Inc. (which has since merged into Banc of America Capital Management, LLC (now named Columbia Management Advisors, LLC)) ("Columbia") and Columbia Funds Distributor, Inc. (which has been renamed Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.) (the "Distributor") (collectively, the "Columbia Group") entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance with the New York Attorney General ("NYAG") (the "NYAG Settlement") and consented to the entry of a cease-and-desist order by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") (the "SEC Order") on matters relating to mutual fund trading.

Under the terms of the SEC Order, the Columbia Group agreed, among other things, to: pay $70 million in disgorgement and $70 million in civil money penalties; cease and desist from violations of the antifraud provisions and certain other provisions of the federal securities laws; maintain certain compliance and ethics oversight structures; retain an independent consultant to review the Columbia Group's applicable supervisory, compliance, control and other policies and procedures; and retain an independent distribution consultant (see below). The Columbia Funds have also voluntarily undertaken to implement certain governance measures designed to maintain the independence of their boards of trustees. The NYAG Settlement also, among other things, requires Columbia and its affiliates to reduce management fees for certain Columbia Funds (including the former Nations Funds) and other mutual funds collectively by $32 million per year for five years, for a projected total of $160 million in management fee reductions.

Pursuant to the procedures set forth in the SEC Order, the $140 million in settlement amounts described above is being distributed in accordance with a distribution plan that was developed by an independent distribution consultant and approved by the SEC on April 6, 2007. Distributions under the distribution plan began in late June 2007.

A copy of the SEC Order is available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. A copy of the NYAG Settlement is available as part of the Bank of America Corporation Form 8-K filing on February 10, 2005.

In connection with the events described above, various parties have filed suit against certain funds, the Trustees of the Columbia Funds, FleetBoston Financial Corporation and its affiliated entities and/or Bank of America and its affiliated entities.


25



Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred these cases and cases against other mutual fund companies based on similar allegations to the United States District Court in Maryland for consolidated or coordinated pretrial proceedings (the "MDL"). Subsequently, additional related cases were transferred to the MDL. On September 29, 2004, the plaintiffs in the MDL filed amended and consolidated complaints. One of these amended complaints is a putative class action that includes claims under the federal securities laws and state common law, and that names Columbia, the Distributor, the Trustees of the Columbia Funds, Bank of America Corporation and others as defendants. Another of the amended complaints is a derivative action purportedly on behalf of the Columbia Funds that asserts claims under federal securities laws and state common law.

On February 25, 2005, Columbia and other defendants filed motions to dismiss the claims in the pending cases. On March 1, 2006, for reasons stated in the court's memoranda dated November 3, 2005, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland granted in part and denied in part the defendants' motions to dismiss. The court dismissed all of the class action claims pending against the Columbia Funds Trusts. As to Columbia and the Distributor, the claims under the Securities Act of 1933, the claims under Sections 34(b) and 36(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("ICA") and the state law claims were dismissed. The claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and claims under Section 36(b) of the ICA were not dismissed.

On March 21, 2005, a purported class action was filed in Massachusetts state court alleging that certain conduct, including market timing, entitled Class B shareholders in certain Columbia funds to an exemption from contingent deferred sales charges upon early redemption ("the CDSC Lawsuit"). The CDSC Lawsuit was removed to federal court in Massachusetts and transferred to the MDL.

On September 14, 2007, the plaintiffs and the Columbia defendants named in the MDL, including the Columbia Funds, entered into a stipulation of settlement with respect to all Columbia-related claims in the MDL described above, including the CDSC Lawsuit. The settlement is subject to court approval.

In 2004, the Columbia Funds' adviser and distributor and certain affiliated entities and individuals were named as defendants in certain purported shareholder class and derivative actions making claims, including claims under the Investment Company and the Investment Advisers Acts of 1940 and state law. Certain Columbia Funds were named as nominal defendants. The suits allege, inter alia, that the fees and expenses paid by the funds are excessive and that the advisers and their affiliates inappropriately used fund assets to distribute the funds and for other improper purposes. On March 2, 2005, the actions were consolidated in the Massachusetts federal court as In re Columbia Entities Litigation. The plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint on June 9, 2005. On November 30, 2005, the judge dismissed all claims by plaintiffs and entered final judgment in favor of the defendants. The plaintiffs appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit on December 30, 2005. A stipulation and settlement agreement dated January 19, 2007 was filed in the First Circuit on February 14, 2007, with a joint stipulation of dismissal and motion for remand to obtain district court approval of the settlement. That joint motion was granted and the appeal was dismissed. On March 6, 2007, the case was remanded to the District Court. The settlement, approved by the District Court on September 18, 2007, became effective October 19, 2007. Pursuant to the settlement, the funds' adviser and/or its affiliates made certain payments, including plaintiffs' attorneys' fees and costs of notice to class members.


26




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Trustees of Columbia Funds Series Trust I and the Shareholders of Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund:

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the investment portfolio, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund (the "Fund") (a series of Columbia Funds Series Trust I) at October 31, 2008, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at October 31, 2008 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
December 22, 2008


27



Federal Income Tax Information (Unaudited)

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund designates long-term capital gains of $822,204.

99.9% of the distributions from net investment income will be treated as exempt income for federal income tax purposes.


28



Fund Governance

The Trustees serve terms of indefinite duration. The names, addresses and ages of the Trustees and officers of the Funds in Columbia Funds Series Trust I, the year each was first elected or appointed to office, their principal business occupations during at least the last five years, the number of Funds overseen by each Trustee and other directorships they hold are shown below. Each officer listed below serves as an officer of each Fund in the Columbia Funds Complex.

Independent Trustees

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Funds, Year First
Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Number of Funds in Columbia
Funds Complex Overseen by Trustee, Other Directorships Held
 
John D. Collins (Born 1938)  
c/o Columbia Management
Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee(1) (since 2007)
  Retired. Consultant, KPMG, LLP (accounting and tax firm) from July 1999 to June 2000; Partner, KPMG, LLP from March 1962 to June 1999. Oversees 80, Mrs. Fields Famous Brands LLC (consumer products); Suburban Propane Partners, L.P.; and Montpelier Re (underwriting firm)  
Rodman L. Drake (Born 1943)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee(1) (since 2007)
  Co-Founder of Baringo Capital LLC (private equity) since 2002; President, Continuation Investments Group, Inc. from 1997 to 2001. Oversees 80, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (tax preparation services); Crystal Capital River Inc. (real estate investment trust); Student Loan Corporation (student loan provider); Celgene Corporation (global biotechnology company); Apex Silver Mines Ltd. (mining); and Hyperion Brookfield Total Return Fund, Inc. and Hyperion Brookfield Strategic Mortgage Income Fund, Inc. (exchange-traded funds)  
Douglas A. Hacker (Born 1955)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1996)
  Independent business executive since May 2006; Executive Vice President—Strategy of United Airlines (airline) from December 2002 to May 2006; President of UAL Loyalty Services (airline marketing company) from September 2001 to December 2002; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Airlines from July 1999 to September 2001. Oversees 80, Nash Finch Company (food distributor); Aircastle Limited (aircraft leasing)  
Janet Langford Kelly (Born 1957)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1996)
  Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, ConocoPhillips (integrated energy company) since September 2007; Deputy General Counsel—Corporate Legal Services, ConocoPhillips from August 2006 to August 2007; Partner, Zelle, Hofmann, Voelbel, Mason & Gette LLP (law firm) from March 2005 to July 2006; Adjunct Professor of Law, Northwestern University, from September 2004 to June 2006; Director, UAL Corporation (airline) from February 2006 to July 2006; Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President, Kmart Holding Corporation (consumer goods), from September 2003 to March 2004; Executive Vice President—Corporate Development and Administration, General Counsel and Secretary, Kellogg Company (food manufacturer), from September 1999 to August 2003. Oversees 80, None  

 


29



Fund Governance (continued)

Independent Trustees (continued)

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Funds, Year First
Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Number of Funds in Columbia
Funds Complex Overseen by Trustee, Other Directorships Held
 
Charles R. Nelson (Born 1942)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1981)
  Professor of Economics, University of Washington, since January 1976; Ford and Louisa Van Voorhis Professor of Political Economy, University of Washington, since September 1993; Director, Institute for Economic Research, University of Washington from September 2001 to June 2003; Adjunct Professor of Statistics, University of Washington, since September 1980; Associate Editor, Journal of Money Credit and Banking, since September 1993; Consultant on econometric and statistical matters. Oversees 80, None  
John J. Neuhauser (Born 1943)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1985)
  President, Saint Michael's College, since August 2007; University Professor, Boston College from November 2005 to August 2007; Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculties, Boston College from August 1999 to October 2005. Oversees 80, Liberty All-Star Equity Fund and Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc. (closed-end funds)  
Jonathan Piel (Born 1938)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee(1) (since 2007)
  Cable television producer and website designer; The Editor, Scientific American from 1984 to 1994; Vice President, Scientific American, Inc., from 1984 to 1994; Member, Advisory Board, Stone Age Institute, Bloomington, Indiana (research institute that explores the effect of technology on human evolution); Member, Board of Directors of the National Institute of Social Sciences, New York City; and Member, Board of Trustees of the William Alanson White Institute, New York City (institution for training psychoanalysts). Oversees 80, None  
Patrick J. Simpson (Born 1944)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 2000)
  Partner, Perkins Coie LLP (law firm). Oversees 80, None  
Thomas C. Theobald (Born 1937)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee and
Chairman of the Board (since 1996)
  Partner and Senior Advisor, Chicago Growth Partners (private equity investing) since September 2004; Managing Director, William Blair Capital Partners (private equity investing) from September 1994 to September 2004. Oversees 80, Anixter International (network support equipment distributor); Ventas, Inc. (real estate investment trust); Jones Lang LaSalle (real estate management services); Ambac Financial Group (financial guaranty insurance)  

 


30



Fund Governance (continued)

Independent Trustees (continued)

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Funds, Year First
Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Number of Funds in Columbia
Funds Complex Overseen by Trustee, Other Directorships Held
 
Anne-Lee Verville (Born 1945)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1998)
  Retired since 1997 (formerly General Manager—Global Education Industry (from 1994 to 1997), President—Application Systems Division (from 1991 to 1994), Chief Financial Officer—US Marketing & Services (from 1988 to 1991), and Chief Information Officer (from 1987 to 1988), IBM Corporation (computer and technology)). Oversees 80, None  

 

Interested Trustee

William E. Mayer (Born 1940)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee(2) (since 1994)
  Partner, Park Avenue Equity Partners (private equity) since February 1999; Dean and Professor, College of Business, University of Maryland from 1992 to 1997. Oversees 80, Lee Enterprises (print media), WR Hambrecht + Co. (financial service provider); BlackRock Kelso Capital Corporation (investment company)  

 

1  Messrs. Drake, Piel and Collins have served as directors/trustees of the Excelsior Funds since 1996, 1996 and 2005, respectively. The Excelsior Funds consisted of 27 portfolios managed by affiliates of Columbia Management Advisors, LLC. Effective December 12, 2007, the Board elected Messrs. Drake, Piel and Collins as Trustees of the Trust.

2  Mr. Mayer is an "interested person" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) by reason of his affiliation with WR Hambrecht + Co., a registered broker/dealer that may execute portfolio transactions for or engage in principal transactions with the Funds or other funds or accounts advised/managed by the Advisor or other Bank of America affiliates.

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees of the Funds and is available, without charge, upon request by calling 1-800-345-6611.

Officers

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Columbia Funds,
Year First Elected or
Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years  
Christopher L. Wilson (Born 1957)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
President (since 2004)
  President—Columbia Funds, since October 2004; Managing Director—Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, since September 2005; Senior Vice President—Columbia Management Distributors, Inc., since January 2005; Director—Columbia Management Services, Inc., since January 2005; Director—Bank of America Global Liquidity Funds, plc and Banc of America Capital Management (Ireland), Limited, since May 2005; Director—FIM Funding, Inc., since January 2005; President and Chief Executive Officer—CDC IXIS AM Services, Inc. (investment management), from September 1998 through August 2004; and a senior officer or director of various other Bank of America affiliated entities, including other registered and unregistered funds.  

 


31



Fund Governance (continued)

Officers (continued)

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Columbia Funds,
Year First Elected or
Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years  
James R. Bordewick, Jr. (Born 1959)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (since 2006)
  Associate General Counsel, Bank of America since April 2005; Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel, MFS Investment Management (investment management) prior to April 2005.  
J. Kevin Connaughton (Born 1964)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer (since 2000)
  Managing Director of Columbia Management Advisors, LLC since December 2004; Treasurer—Columbia Funds, from October 2003 to May 2008; Treasurer—the Liberty Funds, Stein Roe Funds and Liberty All-Star Funds, December 2000—December 2006; Senior Vice President—Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, from April 2003 to December 2004; President—Columbia Funds, Liberty Funds and Stein Roe Funds, February 2004 to October 2004; Treasurer—Galaxy Funds, September 2002 to December 2005; Treasurer, December 2002 to December 2004, and President, February 2004 to December 2004—Columbia Management Multi-Strategy Hedge Fund, LLC; and a senior officer of various other Bank of America-affiliated entities, including other registered and unregistered funds.  
Linda J. Wondrack (Born 1964)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Senior Vice President and
Chief Compliance Officer (since 2007)
  Director (Columbia Management Group LLC and Investment Product Group Compliance), Bank of America since June 2005; Director of Corporate Compliance and Conflicts Officer, MFS Investment Management (investment management), August 2004 to May 2005; Managing Director, Deutsche Asset Management (investment management) prior to August 2004.  
Michael G. Clarke (Born 1969)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Treasurer (since 2008)
  Director of Fund Administration of the Advisor since January 2006; Managing Director of the Advisor September 2004 to December 2005; Vice President Fund Administration June 2002 to September 2004.  
Jeffrey R. Coleman (Born 1969)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Deputy Treasurer (since 2006)
  Director of Fund Administration of the Advisor since January 2006; Fund Controller of the Advisor from October 2004 to January 2006; Vice President of CDC IXIS Asset Management Services, Inc. (investment management) from August 2000 to September 2004.  
Joseph F. DiMaria (Born 1968)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Chief Accounting Officer (since 2008)
  Director of Fund Administration of the Advisor since January 2006; Head of Tax/Compliance and Assistant Treasurer of the Advisor from November 2004 to December 2005; Director of Trustee Administration (Sarbanes-Oxley) of the Advisor from May 2003 to October 2004.  

 


32



Fund Governance (continued)

Officers (continued)

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Columbia Funds,
Year First Elected or
Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years  
Julian Quero (Born 1967)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Deputy Treasurer (since 2008)
  Senior Tax Manager of the Advisor since August 2006; Senior Compliance Manager of the Advisor from April 2002 to August 2006.  
Barry S. Vallan (Born 1969)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Controller (since 2006)
  Vice President—Fund Treasury of the Advisor since October 2004; Vice President—Trustee Reporting of the Advisor from April 2002 to October 2004  

 


33



Board Consideration and Approval of Advisory Agreements

The Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee of the Board of Trustees meets several times annually to review the advisory agreements (collectively, the "Agreements") of the funds for which the Trustees serve as trustees (each a "fund") and to determine whether to recommend that the full Board approve the continuation of the Agreements for an additional one-year period. After the Committee has made its recommendation, the full Board, including the Independent Trustees, determines whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements. In addition, the full Board, including the Independent Trustees, considers matters bearing on the Agreements at most of its other meetings throughout the year and meets regularly with senior management of the funds and Columbia, the funds' investment adviser, including the senior manager of each investment area within Columbia. Through the Board's Investment Oversight Committees, Trustees also meet with selected fund portfolio managers, research analysts and traders at various times throughout the year.

The Trustees receive and review all materials that they, their legal counsel or Columbia believe to be reasonably necessary for the Trustees to evaluate the Agreements and to determine whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements. Those materials generally include, among other items, (i) information on the investment performance of each fund relative to the performance of peer groups of mutual funds and the fund's performance benchmarks, and additional information assessing performance on a risk-adjusted basis, (ii) information on each fund's advisory fees and other expenses, including information comparing the fund's expenses to those of peer groups of mutual funds and information about any applicable expense caps and fee "breakpoints," (iii) information about the profitability of the Agreements to Columbia, including potential "fall-out" or ancillary benefits that Columbia and its affiliates may receive as a result of their relationships with the funds and (iv) information obtained through Columbia's response to a questionnaire prepared at the request of the Trustees by counsel to the funds and independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees. The Trustees also consider other information such as (v) Columbia's financial results and financial condition, (vi) each fund's investment objective and strategies and the size, education and experience of Columbia's investment staffs and their use of technology, external research and trading cost measurement tools, (vii) the allocation of the funds' brokerage and the use of "soft" commission dollars to pay for research products and services, (viii) Columbia's resources devoted to, and its record of compliance with, the funds' investment policies and restrictions, policies on personal securities transactions and other compliance policies and legal and regulatory requirements, (ix) Columbia's response to various legal and regulatory proceedings since 2003 and to the recent period of volatility in the securities markets and (x) the economic outlook generally and for the mutual fund industry in particular. In addition, the Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee confers with the funds' independent fee consultant and reviews materials relating to the funds' relationships with Columbia provided by the independent fee consultant. Throughout the process, the Trustees have the opportunity to ask questions of and to request additional materials from Columbia and to consult with the independent fee consultant and independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees.

The Board of Trustees most recently approved the continuation of the Agreements at its October, 2008 meeting, following meetings of the Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee held in February, April, August, September and October, 2008. In considering whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, did not identify any single factor as determinative, and each weighed various factors as he or she deemed appropriate. The Trustees considered the following matters in connection with their approval of the continuation of the Agreements:

The nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the funds under the Agreements. The Trustees considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Columbia and its affiliates to the funds and the resources dedicated to the funds by Columbia and its affiliates. Among other things, the Trustees considered (i) Columbia's ability (including its personnel and other resources, compensation programs for personnel involved in fund management, reputation and other attributes) to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified research, advisory and supervisory investment professionals; (ii) the portfolio management services provided by those investment professionals; and (iii) the trade execution services provided on behalf of the funds. For each fund, the Trustees also considered the benefits to shareholders of investing in a mutual fund that is part of a family of funds offering exposure to a variety of asset classes


34



and investment disciplines and providing a variety of fund and shareholder services. After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the nature, extent and quality of services provided supported the continuation of the Agreements.

Investment performance of the funds and Columbia. The Trustees reviewed information about the performance of each fund over various time periods, including information prepared by an independent third-party data provider that compared the performance of each fund to the performance of peer groups of mutual funds and performance benchmarks. The Trustees also reviewed a description of the third party's methodology for identifying each fund's peer group for purposes of performance and expense comparisons. The Trustees also considered additional information that the Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee requested from Columbia relating to funds that presented relatively weaker performance and/or relatively higher expenses. In the case of each fund whose performance lagged that of a relevant peer group for certain (although not necessarily all) periods, the Trustees concluded that other factors relevant to performance were sufficient, in light of other considerations, to warrant continuation of the fund's Agreements. Those factors varied from fund to fund, but included one or more of the following: (i) that the fund's performance, although lagging in certain recent periods, was stronger over the longer term; (ii) that the underperformance was attributable, to a significant extent, to investment decisions that were reasonable and consistent with the fund's investment strategy and policies and that the fund was performing within a reasonable range of expectations, given those investment decisions, market conditions and the fund's investment strategy; (iii) that the fund's performance was competitive when compared to other relevant performance benchmarks or peer groups; (iv) that Columbia had taken or was taking steps designed to help improve the fund's investment performance, including, but not limited to, replacing portfolio managers or modifying investment strategies; and (v) that Columbia proposed to waive advisory fees or cap the expenses of the fund.

The Trustees noted that, through April 30, 2008, Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund's performance was in the third quintile (where the best performance would be in the first quintile) for the one-year period, in the second quintile for the three- and five-year periods, and in the first quintile for the ten-year period, of the peer group selected by an independent third-party data provider for purposes of performance comparisons.

The Trustees also considered Columbia's performance and reputation generally, the funds' performance as a fund family generally, and Columbia's historical responsiveness to Trustee concerns about performance and Columbia's willingness to take steps intended to improve performance. After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the performance of each fund and Columbia was sufficient, in light of other considerations, to warrant the continuation of the Agreement(s) pertaining to that fund.

The costs of the services provided and profits realized by Columbia and its affiliates from their relationships with the funds. The Trustees considered the fees charged to the funds for advisory services as well as the total expense levels of the funds. That information included comparisons (provided by management and by an independent third-party data provider) of each fund's advisory fees and total expense levels to those of the fund's peer groups and information about the advisory fees charged by Columbia to comparable institutional accounts. In considering the fees charged to those accounts, the Trustees took into account, among other things, management's representations about the differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts, including differences in the services provided, differences in the risk profile of such business for Columbia, and the additional resources required to manage mutual funds effectively. In evaluating each fund's advisory fees, the Trustees also took into account the demands, complexity and quality of the investment management of the fund. The Trustees considered existing advisory fee breakpoints, and Columbia's use of advisory fee waivers and expense caps, which benefited a number of the funds. The Trustees also noted management's stated justification for the fees charged to the funds, which included information about the investment performance of the funds and the services provided to the funds.

The Trustees considered that Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund's total expenses were in the fifth and actual management fees were in the second quintile (where the lowest fees and expenses would be in the first quintile) of


35



the peer group selected by an independent third-party data provider for purposes of expense comparisons.

The Trustees also considered the compensation directly or indirectly received by Columbia and its affiliates from their relationships with the funds. The Trustees reviewed information provided by management as to the profitability to Columbia and its affiliates of their relationships with each fund, and information about the allocation of expenses used to calculate profitability. When reviewing profitability, the Trustees also considered court cases in which adviser profitability was an issue in whole or in part, the performance of the relevant funds, the expense level of each fund, and whether Columbia had implemented breakpoints and/or expense caps with respect to the fund.

After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the advisory fees charged to each fund, and the related profitability to Columbia and its affiliates of their relationships with the fund, supported the continuation of the Agreement(s) pertaining to that fund.

Economies of Scale. The Trustees considered the existence of any economies of scale in the provision by Columbia of services to each fund, to groups of related funds, and to Columbia's investment advisory clients as a whole and whether those economies were shared with the funds through breakpoints in the investment advisory fees or other means, such as fee waivers/expense reductions and additional investments by Columbia in investment, trading and compliance resources. The Trustees noted that many of the funds benefited from breakpoints, fee waivers/expense caps, or both. In considering those issues, the Trustees also took note of the costs of the services provided (both on an absolute and a relative basis) and the profitability to Columbia and its affiliates of their relationships with the funds, as discussed above.

After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the extent to which economies of scale were shared with the funds supported the continuation of the Agreements.

Other Factors. The Trustees also considered other factors, which included but were not limited to the following:

•  the extent to which each fund had operated in accordance with its investment objective and investment restrictions, the nature and scope of the compliance programs of the funds and Columbia and the compliance-related resources that Columbia and its affiliates were providing to the funds;

•  the nature, quality, cost and extent of administrative and shareholder services overseen and performed by Columbia and its affiliates, both under the Agreements and under separate agreements for the provision of transfer agency and administrative services;

•  so-called "fall-out benefits" to Columbia and its affiliates, such as the engagement of its affiliates to provide distribution, brokerage and transfer agency services to the funds, and the benefits of research made available to Columbia by reason of brokerage commissions generated by the funds' securities transactions, as well as possible conflicts of interest associated with those fall-out and other benefits, and the reporting, disclosure and other processes in place to disclose and monitor those possible conflicts of interest; and

•  the report provided by the funds' independent fee consultant, which included information about and analysis of the funds' fees, expenses and performance.

Based on their evaluation of all factors that they deemed to be material, including those factors described above, and assisted by the advice of independent counsel and the independent fee consultant, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of each of the Agreements through October 31, 2009.


36



Summary of Management Fee Evaluation by
Independent Fee Consultant

EXCERPTS FROM REPORT OF INDEPENDENT FEE CONSULTANT TO THE FUNDS SUPERVISED BY THE COLUMBIA ATLANTIC BOARD

Prepared Pursuant to the February 9, 2005
Assurance of Discontinuance among the
Office of Attorney General of New York State,
Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, and
Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.

November 3, 2008

I. Overview

On February 9, 2005, Columbia Management Advisors, LLC ("CMA") and Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.1 ("CMD") agreed to the New York Attorney General's Assurance of Discontinuance ("AOD"). Among other things, the AOD stipulates that CMA may manage or advise a Columbia Fund ("Columbia Fund" and, together with some or all of such funds, the "Columbia Funds") only if the Independent Members of the Columbia Fund's Board of Trustees appoint a Senior Officer or retain an Independent Fee Consultant ("IFC") who is to manage the process by which proposed management fees are negotiated. The AOD further stipulates that the Senior Officer or IFC is to prepare a written annual evaluation of the fee negotiation process.

With effect from January 1, 2007, the Independent Members of the Board of Trustees for certain Columbia Funds known collectively as the "Atlantic Funds" (together with the other members of that Board, the "Trustees") retained me as IFC for the Atlantic Funds.2 In this capacity, I have prepared the fourth annual written evaluation of the fee negotiation process. As was the case with last year's report (the "2007 Report") my immediate predecessor as IFC, John Rea, provided invaluable assistance in the preparation of this year's report.

A. Role of the Independent Fee Consultant

The AOD charges the IFC with "managing the process by which proposed management fees ... to be charged the Columbia Fund are negotiated so that they are negotiated in a manner which is at arms' length and reasonable and consistent with this Assurance of Discontinuance." The AOD also provides that CMA "may manage or advise a Columbia Fund only if the reasonableness of the proposed management fees is determined by the Board of Trustees ... using ... an annual independent written evaluation prepared by or under the direction of ... the Independent Fee Consultant." Therefore, the AOD makes clear that the IFC does not supplant the Trustees in negotiating management fees with CMA, nor does the IFC substitute his or her judgment for that of the Trustees with respect to the reasonableness of proposed fees or any other matter that is committed to the business judgment of the Trustees.

B. Elements Involved in Managing the Fee Negotiation Process

In preparing the report required by the AOD, the IFC must consider at least the following six factors set forth in the AOD:

1.  The nature and quality of CMA's services, including the Fund's performance;

2.  Management fees (including any components thereof) charged by other mutual fund companies for like services;

3.  Possible economies of scale as the Fund grows larger;

4.  Management fees (including any components thereof) charged to institutional and other clients of CMA for like services;

5.  Costs to CMA and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the management fee agreements, excluding any intra-corporate profit; and

6.  Profit margins of CMA and its affiliates from supplying such services.

C. Organization of the Annual Evaluation

This report, like last year's, focuses on the six factors and contains a section for each factor except that CMA's costs and profits from managing the Funds have been combined into a single section. In addition to a discussion of these factors, the report offers recommendations to improve the fee review process in future years. A review of the status of recommendations made in the 2007 Report is being provided separately with the materials for the October meeting.

1  CMA and CMD are subsidiaries of Columbia Management Group, LLC ("CMG"), and are the successors to the entities named in the AOD.

2  I have no material relationship with Bank of America, CMG or any of its affiliates, aside from serving as IFC, and I am aware of no material relationship with any of their affiliates. I retained John Rea, an independent economic consultant, to assist me with this report.

  Unless otherwise stated or required by the context, this report covers only the Atlantic Funds, which are also referred as the "Funds."


37



II. Summary of Findings

A. General

1.  Based upon my examination of the information supplied by CMG in the light of the six factors set forth in the AOD, I conclude that the Trustees have the relevant information necessary to evaluate the reasonableness of the proposed management fees for each Atlantic Fund.

2.  In my view, the process by which the proposed management fees of the Funds have been negotiated in 2008 thus far has been, to the extent practicable, at arms' length and reasonable and consistent with the AOD.

B. Nature and Quality of Services, Including Performance

3.  The performance of the Funds has been relatively strong in recent years. Based upon 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year returns through April 30, 2008, at least half of all the Funds were in the first and second performance quintiles in each of the four performance periods and, at most, only 11% were in the fifth quintile in any one performance period. Both equity and fixed-income funds posted strong performance relative to comparable funds.

4.  Performance rankings were similar in 2007 and 2008, although last year's were slightly stronger. Despite the stability in the distribution of rankings in the two years, at least half the Funds changed quintile rankings between the two years in at least one of the 1-, 3-, and 5-year performance periods.

5.  The performance of the actively managed equity Funds against their benchmarks was very strong. At least 57% and as many as 73% posted net returns exceeding their benchmarks over the 1-, 3-, and 5-year periods. In contrast, gross and net returns of fixed-income Funds typically fell short of their benchmarks.

6.  Atlantic equity Funds' overall performance adjusted for risk also was strong. Based upon 3-year returns, nearly 80% of the equity Funds had a combination of risk-adjusted and unadjusted returns that placed them in the top half of their performance universes. Only about one-fifth of the fixed income Funds posted high returns and low risk relative to comparable funds. About two-thirds of the fixed-income Funds took on more risk than the typical fund in their performance universes.

7.  The industry-standard procedure used by Lipper that includes all share classes in the performance universe tends to bias a Fund's ranking upward within that universe. The bias occurs because either no-12b-1 fee or low-12b-1 fee share classes of the Atlantic Funds are compared with funds in performance universes that include all share classes of multi-class funds with 12b-1 fees of up to 100 basis points. Correcting this bias by limiting the performance universe to classes of comparable funds with low or no 12b-1 fees (a "filtered universe") lowers the relative performance for the Funds, but their performance, on the whole, remains strong. The filtering process, however, did identify two Funds for further review that had not been designated review funds using unfiltered universes.

8.  A small number of Funds have consistently underperformed over the past four years. The exact number depends on the criteria used to evaluate longer-term performance. For example, the one-year returns of one Fund have been in the fourth or fifth performance quintiles in each of the past four years; there are six Funds whose three-year returns have been in the fourth or fifth quintile over the past four years.

9.  The services performed by CMG professionals beyond portfolio management, such as compliance, legal, information technology, risk management, finance and fund administration, are critical to the success of the Funds and appear to be of high quality.

C. Management Fees Charged by Other Mutual Fund Companies

10.  The Funds' management fees and total expenses are generally low relative to those of their peers. Only 21% of the Funds ranked in the two most expensive quintiles for actual management fees, and only 23% in those quintiles for total expenses.

11.  The highest concentration of low-expense Funds is found among the equity and tax-exempt fixed income Funds. The 12 former Excelsior Funds have relatively high fees and expenses, with half of those Funds ranking in either the fourth or fifth quintiles. The higher actual management fee rankings of certain Excelsior Funds are due in part to fee schedules that are higher than standard Columbia Fund fee schedules at current asset levels. After discussion with the Trustees, CMA is proposing to lower the management fees on three of these Funds.


38



12.  The distribution of expense rankings is similar in 2007 and 2008, while management fee rankings improved markedly in 2008. Part of the improvement reflects expense limitations introduced last year for the state intermediate municipal bond Funds.

13.  The management fees of the Atlantic Funds are generally in line with those of Columbia Funds supervised by the Nations Board of Trustees (the "Nations Funds"). In investment categories in which the Atlantic Funds have higher average fees, the difference principally arises out of differences in asset size.

D. Trustees' Fee and Performance Evaluation Process

14.  The Trustees' evaluation process identified 17 Funds in 2008 for further review based upon their relative performance or expenses or both. When compared in filtered universes, two more Funds met the criteria for further review. CMG provided further information about those Funds to assist the Trustees in their evaluation.

E. Potential Economies of Scale

15.  CMG presented to the Trustees its analysis of the sources and sharing of potential economies of scale. CMG views economies of scale as arising at the complex level and would regard estimates of scale economies for individual funds as unreliable. In its analysis, CMG did not identify specific sources of economies of scale or provide any estimates of any economies of scale that might arise from future asset growth. CMG's analysis included measures taken by the Trustees and CMG that seek to share any potential economies of scale through breakpoints in management fee schedules, expense reimbursements, fee waivers, enhanced shareholder services, fund mergers, and operational consolidation.

16.  An examination of the contractual fee schedules for five Atlantic Funds shows that they are generally in line with those of their competitors, in terms of number and extent of fee breakpoints. A similar examination last year of five different Funds led to the same conclusion.

F. Management Fees Charged to Institutional Clients

17.  CMG has provided Trustees with comparisons of mutual fund management fees and institutional fees based upon standardized fee schedules and upon actual fees. The results show that, consistent with industry practice, institutional fees are generally lower than the Funds' management fees. However, because the services provided and risks borne by the manager are more extensive for mutual funds compared to institutional accounts, the differences are of limited value in assisting the Trustees in their review of the reasonableness of the Funds' management fees.

G. Revenues, Expenses, and Profits

18.  The activity-based cost allocation methodology ("ABC") employed by CMG to allocate costs, both direct and indirect, for purposes of calculating Fund profitability is thoughtful and detailed. This year, CMG proposed a change to the method by which indirect expenses are allocated. Under this "hybrid" method, indirect costs relating to fund management are allocated among the Funds 50% by assets and 50% per Fund. Allocating indirect expenses equally to each Fund has an intuitive logic, as each Fund regardless of size has certain expenses, such as preparing and printing prospectuses and financial statements.

19.  The materials provided on CMG's revenues and expenses with respect to the Funds and the methodology underlying their construction form a sufficient basis for Trustees to evaluate the expenses and profitability of the Funds.

20.  In 2007, CMG's complex-wide pre-tax margins on the Atlantic Funds were slightly below industry medians, based on limited data available for publicly held mutual fund managers. However, as is to be expected in a complex now comprising 75 Funds (including former Excelsior Funds), some Atlantic Funds have relatively high pre-tax profit margins, when calculated solely with respect to management revenues and expenses, while other Atlantic Funds operate at a loss. There is a positive relationship between fund size and profitability, with smaller funds generally operating at a loss.


39



21.  CMG pays a fixed percentage of its management fee revenues to an affiliate, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, to compensate it for services it performs with respect to Atlantic Fund assets held for the benefit of its customers. Based on our analysis of the services provided by this affiliate, we have concluded that all payments other than those for sub-transfer agent or sub-accounting services should be treated as a distribution expense.

III. Recommendations

1.  Criteria for review. The Trustees may wish to consider modifying the criteria for classifying a fund as a "Review Fund" to include criteria that focus exclusively on performance without regard to expense or fee levels. For example, a fund whose one-year or three-year performance was median or below for four consecutive years could be treated as a Review Fund. When we applied such criteria to the Funds, several additional Funds would have been added to the list of Review Funds.

2.  Profitability data. CMG should present to the Trustees each year the profitability of each Fund, each investment style and each complex (of which Atlantic is one) calculated as follows:

a.  Management-only profitability should be calculated without reference to any Private Bank expense.

b.  Profitability excluding distribution (which essentially covers the management and transfer agency functions) should be adjusted by removing from the expense calculation any portion of the Private Bank payment not attributable to the performance by the Private Bank of sub-transfer agency or sub-accounting functions.

c.  Total profitability, including distribution: No adjustment for Private Bank expenses should be made, because all such expenses represent legitimate fund expenses to be taken into account in calculating CMG's profit margin including distribution.

d.  Distribution only: This should include all Private Bank expenses other than those attributable to sub-transfer agency services.

Therefore, the following data need not be provided:

1.  Adjusting total profitability data for Private Bank expenses

2.  Adjusting profitability excluding distribution by backing out all Private Bank expenses.

3.  Potential economies of scale. CMG and the IFC should continue to work on methods for more precisely quantifying to the extent possible the sources and magnitude of any economies of scale as CMG's mutual fund assets under management increase, to the extent that the data allows for meaningful year-over-year comparisons. The framework suggested in Section IV.D.4 may prove to be a useful model for such an analysis.

4.  Competitive breakpoint analysis. As part of the annual fee evaluation process, the breakpoints of a select group of Atlantic Funds (which would differ each year) should continue to be compared to those of industry rivals to ensure that the Funds' breakpoint schedules remain within industry norms. As breakpoint schedules change relatively little each year, performing such a comparison for each Atlantic Fund each year would not be an efficient use of Trustee and CMG resources.

5.  Cost allocation methodology. CMG's point that the current ABC system of allocating indirect expenses creates anomalous results in several cases, including sub-advised Funds, is well-taken. We would like to work with CMG over the forthcoming year on alternatives to the current system of allocating indirect expenses that (1) resolve the anomalies, (2) limit the amount of incremental effort on CMG's part and (3) remain faithful to the general principle that expenses should be allocated by time and effort to the extent reasonably possible.

6.  Management fee disparities. CMG and the Atlantic Trustees, as part of any future study of management fees, should analyze the differences in management fee schedules, principally arising out of the reorganization of the former Excelsior Funds as Atlantic Funds. As part of that analysis, CMG should provide an explanation for any significant fee differences among comparable funds across fund families managed by CMA, such as differences in the management styles of different Funds included the same Lipper category. Finally, whenever CMG proposes a management fee change or an expense cap for any mutual fund managed by CMA that is comparable to any Atlantic Fund, CMG should provide the Trustees with sufficient information about the proposal to allow the Trustees to


40



assess the applicability of the proposed change to the relevant Atlantic Fund or Funds.

7.  Tax-exempt Fund expense data. The expense rankings of certain tax-exempt Funds were adversely affected by including certain investment-related interest expenses that Lipper excluded in calculating the expense ratios of competitors. We recommend that CMG follow the Lipper practice and exclude such interest expenses from data submitted to Lipper to avoid unfairly disadvantaging the tax-exempt Funds.

8.  Reduction of volume of paper documents submitted. The effort to rationalize and simplify the data presented to the Trustees and the process by which that data was prepared and organized was regarded as a success by all parties. We should continue to look for opportunities to reduce and simplify the presentation of 15(c) data, especially in the area of Fund profitability. The Fund "Dashboard" volume presents a large volume of Fund data on a single page. If it is continued, the Trustees may wish to consider receiving the underlying Lipper data on CD, rather than the current paper volumes.

Respectfully submitted,
Steven E. Asher


41



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Important Information About This Report

The fund mails one shareholder report to each shareholder address. If you would like more than one report, please call shareholder services at 1-800-345-6611 and additional reports will be sent to you. This report has been prepared for shareholders of Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund.

A description of the policies and procedures that the fund uses to determine how to vote proxies and a copy of the fund's voting records are available (i) at www.columbiamanagement.com; (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov, and (iii) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-368-0346. Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 is available from the SEC's website. Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is also available from the fund's website, www.columbiamanagement.com.

The fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund's Form N-Q is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

An investment in money market mutual funds is not a bank deposit, and is not insured or guaranteed by Bank of America, N.A. or any of its affiliates or by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although money market mutual funds seek to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in money market mutual funds. Please see the prospectuses for a complete discussion of the risks of investing in money market mutual funds.

Please read and consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses for any fund carefully before investing. For a prospectus which contains this and other important information about the fund, contact your Columbia Management representative or financial advisor or go to www.columbiamanagement.com.

Columbia Management Group, LLC ("Columbia Management") is the investment management division of Bank of America Corporation. Columbia Management entities furnish investment management services and products for institutional and individual investors. Columbia Funds are distributed by Columbia Management Distributors, Inc., member of FINRA, SIPC, part of Columbia Management and an affiliate of Bank of America Corporation.

Transfer Agent

Columbia Management Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 8081
Boston, MA 02266-8081
1-800-345-6611

Distributor

Columbia Management
Distributors, Inc.
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111

Investment Advisor

Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
100 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110


45




Columbia Management®

Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

Annual Report, October 31, 2008

PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Holliston, MA
Permit NO. 20

©2008 Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.

One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111-2621

800-345-6611 www.columbiafunds.com

SHC-42/156809-1008 (12/08) 08/65977




Columbia Management®

Annual Report

October 31, 2008

Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

NOT FDIC INSURED   May Lose Value  
NOT BANK ISSUED   No Bank Guarantee  

 



Table of Contents

Fund Profile     1    
Economic Update     2    
Performance Information     3    
Understanding Your Expenses     4    
Portfolio Manager's Report     5    
Investment Portfolio     7    
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities
    11    
Statement of Operations     12    
Statement of Changes in
Net Assets
    13    
Financial Highlights     15    
Notes to Financial Statements     18    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     26    
Federal Income Tax Information     27    
Fund Governance     28    
Board Consideration and
Approval of Advisory Agreements
    32    
Summary of Management
Fee Evaluation by Independent
Fee Consultant
    35    
Important Information About
This Report
    41    

 

The views expressed in this report reflect the current views of the respective parties. These views are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, so actual outcomes and results may differ significantly from the views expressed. These views are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market or other conditions and the respective parties disclaim any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Columbia Fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any particular Columbia Fund. References to specific securities should not be construed as a recommendation or investment advice.

President's Message

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to provide this shareholder report for your Columbia Fund and hope you will find the portfolio management details, discussions and performance information helpful in monitoring your investments. As we've seen this past year, the financial markets can be quite volatile, with significant short-term price fluctuations. It's important to keep these ups and downs in perspective, particularly in light of your long-term investment strategy.

Staying the course with your long-term strategy typically involves riding out short-term price fluctuations, though we recognize that at times this can be tough. To support your efforts and give you the information you need to make prudent decisions, Columbia Management offers several valuable online resources. We encourage you to visit www.columbiamanagement.com/investor, where you can receive the most up-to-date information, including:

g  Daily pricing and performance. View pricing and performance from a link in Fund Tracker on the homepage. This listing of funds is updated nightly with the current net asset value and the amount and percentage change from the prior day.

g  News & Commentary. This tab provides links to quarterly fund commentaries and information from our investment strategies group, including trends in the economy and market impact.

If you would like more details on individual funds, select a fund from the dropdown menu on the top right side of the homepage for access to:

g  Monthly and quarterly performance information.

g  Portfolio holdings. Full holdings are updated monthly for money market funds, except for Columbia Cash Reserves, Columbia Government Plus Reserves, Columbia Government Reserves, Columbia Treasury Reserves and Columbia Money Market Reserves which are updated weekly, monthly for equity funds and quarterly for most other funds.

g  Quarterly fact sheets. Accessible from the Literature tab in each fund page.

By registering on the site, you'll receive secured, 24-hour access to*:

g  Mutual fund account details with balances, dividend and transaction information.

g  Fund Tracker to customize your homepage with current net asset values for the funds that interest you.

g  On-line transactions including purchases, exchanges and redemptions.

g  Account maintenance for updating your address and dividend payment options.

g  Electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports.

I encourage you to visit our website for access to the product information and tools described above. These valuable online resources can help you monitor your investments and provide direct access to your account. All of these tools, and more, can be found on www.columbiamanagement.com/investor.

While your financial advisor is a great resource for investment guidance, you can also access our website or call our service representatives at 800.345.6611 for additional assistance. We thank you for investing with Columbia Management and look forward to helping with your ongoing investment needs.

Sincerely,

Christopher L. Wilson
President, Columbia Funds

*Some restrictions apply. Shareholders who purchase shares through certain third-party organizations may not have the ability to register for online access.




Fund ProfileColumbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

Summary

g  For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares returned negative 7.86% without sales charge.

g  The fund underperformed its benchmark, the Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index1 and its peer group average, the Lipper New York Municipal Debt Funds Classification.2

g  Bonds in the mid-to-lower quality tiers held back performance compared to the benchmark and peer group performance. We believe that longer maturity bonds also hampered performance relative to the peer group average.

Portfolio Management

Gary Swayze has managed the fund since September 1997 and has been with the advisor or its predecessors or affiliate organizations since 1997.

1The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index) is considered representative of the broad market for investment-grade, tax exempt bonds with maturities of at least one year. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Summary

1-year return as of 10/31/08

  –7.86%  
    Class A shares
(without sales charge)
 
  –3.30%  
  Barclays Capital
Municipal Bond Index
 

 

Morningstar Style Box

The Morningstar Style Box reveals a fund's investment strategy. For fixed-income funds the vertical axis shows the average credit quality of the bonds owned, and the horizontal axis shows interest rate sensitivity as measured by a bond's duration (short, intermediate or long). All of these numbers are drawn from the data most recently provided by the fund and entered into Morningstar's database as of quarter-end. Although the data is gathered from reliable sources, Morningstar cannot guarantee its completeness and accuracy. Information shown is as of 06/30/08.


1



Economic UpdateColumbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

Summary

For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008

g  Despite volatility in many segments of the bond market, the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index delivered a modest gain. High-yield bonds lost significant ground, as measured by the Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Index.

Barclays
Index
  Merrill
Lynch Index
 
   

 

g  The broad U.S. stock market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, returned negative 36.10%. Developed stock markets outside the United States returned negative 46.62%, as measured (in U.S. dollars) by the MSCI EAFE Index.

S&P Index   MSCI Index  
   

 

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Bond Index) is a market value-weighted index that tracks the daily price, coupon, pay-downs and total return performance of fixed-rate, publicly placed, dollar-denominated and non-convertible investment grade debt issues with at least $250 million par amount outstanding and with at least one year to final maturity.

The Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Index tracks the performance of non-investment-grade corporate bonds.

The Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index tracks the performance of 500 widely held, large-capitalization US stocks.

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe, Australasia, Far East (EAFE) Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure developed market equity performance, excluding the US and Canada.

Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

The pace of economic growth ground to a halt during the 12-month period that began November 1, 2007 and ended October 31, 2008. Although the economic growth was modestly positive at the beginning of the period, the economy slipped into recession in 2008, with little relief in sight. A host of factors weighed on consumers and businesses alike.

The most severe housing downturn in decades showed no sign of abating as inventories of homes for sale rose, home prices declined and tighter credit standards, a result of continued turmoil in the subprime mortgage market, made it more difficult for homebuyers to qualify for loans.

The labor market contracted for ten consecutive months, driving the unemployment rate to 6.5%, the highest rate since the early 1990s. Nearly 1.2 million jobs have been lost since the beginning of 2008, with announced layoffs likely to drive that number even higher in the months ahead. Manufacturing activity slowed and consumer spending declined, dimming hopes for the holiday season.

A weakening economy and turmoil in the financial markets took a toll on consumer confidence, which plummeted to the lowest point ever in the 40-year history of the Conference Board's monthly survey.

In an effort to inspire confidence in the capital markets, loosen the reins on credit and shore up economic growth, the Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) brought a key short-term rate—the federal funds rate—down from 4.50% to 1.0% during the 12-month period. Despite earlier concerns about inflation, a weak economic outlook has kept the Fed focused on stimulating economic growth through lowering borrowing rates. In fact, the one bright spot during this period of uncertainty has been lower energy and commodity prices. With oil trading near $60 per barrel at the end of the period, gasoline prices are forecasted to come down below $2 per gallon after peaking above $4 per gallon during the summer months.

Bonds eke out a small, positive return

The U.S. bond market seesawed during the 12-month period but managed to eke out a small gain as investors sought the relative safety of the highest quality sectors. After a weak start, bond prices in several sectors rose and yields declined as economic growth slowed and stock market volatility increased. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield ended the period at just under 4.0%, nearly one-half percentage point lower than where it stood one year ago. In this environment, the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index returned 0.30%. High-yield bonds disappointed as economic prospects weakened and default fears rose. The Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Index returned negative 26.43%.

Stocks retreat as economic outlook darkens

Against a shifting economic backdrop, the U.S. stock market lost 36.10% for the 12-month period, as measured by the S&P 500 Index. Losses extended across all market caps and both growth and value, although value stocks held up somewhat better than growth stocks, as measured by their respective Russell indices.1 Stock markets outside the U.S. suffered even greater losses. The MSCI EAFE Index, a broad gauge of stock market performance in foreign developed markets, lost 46.62% (in U.S. dollars) for the period. Emerging stock markets, which have had a strong run over the past several years, were also caught in the downdraft. As investors backed away from risk, emerging markets suffered most of all. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned negative 56.22% (in U.S. dollars).2

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

1The Russell 1000 Index measures the performance of 1,000 of the largest US companies, based on market capitalization. The Russell Midcap Index measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index, as ranked by total market capitalization. The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest of the 3,000 largest US companies based on market capitalization.

2The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index is a widely accepted index composed of a sample of companies from 25 countries representing the global emerging stock markets.

Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.


2



Performance InformationColumbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

Growth of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08

 

 

The chart above shows the growth in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class A shares of Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund during the stated time period, and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index is considered representative of the broad market for investment-grade, tax exempt bonds with maturities of at least one year. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

Performance of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08 ($)

Sales charge   without   with  
Class A     13,986       13,322    
Class B     12,983       12,983    
Class C     13,377       13,377    

 

Average annual total return as of 10/31/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C  
Inception   09/26/86   08/04/92   08/01/97  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with  
1-year   7.86   12.23   8.54   12.91   8.27   9.15  
5-year   1.36   0.38   0.61   0.27   0.91   0.91  
10-year   3.41   2.91   2.64   2.64   2.95   2.95  

 

      

Average annual total return as of 09/30/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with  
1-year   3.99   8.55   4.70   9.26   4.42   5.34  
5-year   1.94   0.95   1.18   0.84   1.48   1.48  
10-year   3.73   3.23   2.96   2.96   3.27   3.27  

 

      

The "with sales charge" returns include the maximum initial sales charge of 4.75% for Class A shares, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 5.00% in the first year, declining to 1.00% in the sixth year, and eliminated thereafter for Class B shares and 1.00% for Class C shares for the first year only. The "without sales charge" returns do not include the effect of sales charges. If they had, returns would be lower.

Performance results reflect any fee waivers or reimbursements of fund expenses by the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates. Absent these fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements, performance results would have been lower.

All results shown assume reinvestment of distributions. Please see the fund's prospectus for details. Performance for different share classes will vary based on differences in sales charges and the fees associated with each class.

The tables do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Annual operating expense ratio (%)*

Class A     1.05    
Class B     1.80    
Class C     1.80    

 

* The annual operating expense ratio is as stated in the fund's prospectus that is current as of the date of this report. Differences in expense ratios disclosed elsewhere in this report may result from including fee waivers and expense reimbursements as well as different time periods used in calculating the ratios.


3



Understanding Your ExpensesColumbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

Estimating your actual expenses

To estimate the expenses that you paid over the period, first you will need your account balance at the end of the period:

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from Columbia Management Services, Inc., your account balance is available online at www.columbiafunds.com or by calling Shareholder Services at 800.345.6611.

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from their financial intermediary, contact your financial intermediary to obtain your account balance.

1.  Divide your ending account balance by $1,000. For example, if an account balance was $8,600 at the end of the period, the result would be 8.6.

2.  In the section of the table below titled "Expenses paid during the period," locate the amount for your share class. You will find this number in the column labeled "Actual." Multiply this number by the result from step 1. Your answer is an estimate of the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

If the value of your account falls below the minimum initial investment requirement applicable to you, your account generally will be subject to a $20 annual fee. This fee is not included in the accompanying table. If you are subject to the fee, keep it in mind when you are estimating the ongoing expenses of investing in the fund and when comparing the expenses of this fund with other funds.

As a fund shareholder, you incur two types of costs. There are transaction costs, which generally include sales charges on purchases and may include redemption fees or exchange fees. There are also ongoing costs, which generally include investment advisory fees, distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees and other fund expenses. The information on this page is intended to help you understand the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

Analyzing your fund's expenses by share class

To illustrate these ongoing costs, we have provided an example and calculated the expenses paid by investors in each share class during the period. The information in the following table is based on an initial investment of $1,000, which is invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period. Expense information is calculated two ways and each method provides you with different information. The amount listed in the "Actual" column is calculated using the fund's actual operating expenses and total return for the period. The amount listed in the "Hypothetical" column for each share class assumes that the return each year is 5% before expenses and is calculated based on the fund's actual operating expenses. You should not use the hypothetical account values and expenses to estimate either your actual account balance at the end of the period or the expenses you paid during this period.

Compare with other funds

Since all mutual funds are required to include the same hypothetical calculations about expenses in shareholder reports, you can use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund with other funds. To do so, compare the 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. As you compare hypothetical examples of other funds, it is important to note that hypothetical examples are meant to highlight the ongoing costs of investing in a fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees.

05/01/08 – 10/31/08

    Account value at the
beginning of the period ($)
  Account value at the
end of the period ($)
  Expenses paid
during the period ($)
  Fund's annualized
expense ratio (%)
 
    Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual  
Class A     1,000.00       1,000.00       920.62       1,020.91       4.06       4.27       0.84    
Class B     1,000.00       1,000.00       917.20       1,017.14       7.66       8.06       1.59    
Class C     1,000.00       1,000.00       918.51       1,018.65       6.22       6.55       1.29    

 

        

Expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the share class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, then multiplied by the number of days in the fund's most recent fiscal half-year and divided by 366.

Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, account value at the end of the period would have been reduced.

It is important to note that the expense amounts shown in the table are meant to highlight only ongoing costs of investing in the fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees. Therefore, the hypothetical examples provided may not help you determine the relative total costs of owning shares of different funds. If these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


4



Portfolio Manager's ReportColumbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares returned negative 7.86% without sales charge. That was worse than the negative 3.30% return of the fund's benchmark, the Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index1, and behind the negative 7.30% average return of its peer group, the Lipper New York Municipal Debt Funds Classification.2 The fund's shortfall to its benchmark was the result of two factors: the index is national in scope and it has less exposure than the fund to longer-term (20 to 30 years) and mid-to-lower quality sectors, which were underperformers during the period. We believe the fund underperformed its peer group average because it had more exposure to bonds with longer maturities and medium quality in the health care industry and bonds issued by assisted living and other retirement facilities.

Economic slowdown has sharp impact

A year ago, we anticipated an economic slowdown and an easing of inflationary pressures fed by high commodity prices and worldwide growth. But the intensity of the slowdown has been unexpectedly sharp. In hopes of reviving the economy, the Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) cut short-term interest rates aggressively while Congress passed a stimulus package to aid middle-class households.

Fallout from a widespread credit crisis caused municipal bonds to underperform Treasuries over this period. Sinking home values and waves of foreclosures began to shrink tax revenues and swell deficits for state and local governments. In addition, downgrades of municipal bond insurers dramatically reduced the number of AAA-rated3 municipal bonds. As a result, investors demanded higher yields for insured issues, which represent over half of the new issue market. Meanwhile, volatile markets forced some institutions to sell off their municipal bond holdings, especially hedge funds.

Amid this economic stress, the yield difference between higher and lower quality municipal bonds widened. The period's worst performance came in lower quality, long-maturity sectors where yields rose substantially. Skittish investors preferred to confine their commitments to better quality issues with maturities of five years or less, causing yields to decline and raising prices modestly for these bonds.

Lower and medium quality fund holdings and those with long maturities hurt results. We achieved better returns among intermediate-term prerefunded bonds, which are backed by escrowed government securities.

A weak recovery possible next year

Wall Street normally generates about 20% of New York State's tax revenues. This year's turmoil, with merged and bankrupt firms eliminating thousands of jobs, has sapped

1The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index is considered representative of the broad market for investment-grade, tax-exempt bonds with maturities of at least one year. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.

3The credit quality ratings represent those of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") credit ratings. The ratings represent their opinions as to the quality of the securities they rate. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The security's credit quality does not eliminate risk.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Net asset value per share

as of 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     6.55    
Class B     6.55    
Class C     6.55    

 

Distributions declared per share

11/01/07 – 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     0.38    
Class B     0.32    
Class C     0.35    

 

A portion of the fund's income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. The fund may at times purchase tax-exempt securities at a discount. Some, or all, of this discount may be included in the fund's ordinary income, and is taxable when distributed.Distributions include $0.08 per share of taxable realized gains.

30-day SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     4.63    
Class B     4.09    
Class C     4.40    

 

The 30-day SEC yields reflect the fund's earning power, net of expenses, expressed as an annualized percentage of the public offering price per share at the end of the period.

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     7.65    
Class B     6.76    
Class C     7.27    

 

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields are based on the combined maximum effective 35.0% federal income tax rate and the applicable state income tax rate. This tax rate does not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of the otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels.


5



Portfolio Manager's Report (continued)Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

Top 5 sectors

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Special Non-Property Tax     19.3    
Education     11.5    
Hospitals     7.0    
Municipal Electric     6.6    
State Appropriated     5.2    

 

Quality breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

AAA     27.9    
AA     36.7    
A     13.3    
BBB     6.4    
BB     0.9    
B     1.7    
Non-Rated     8.0    
Cash & Equivalents     5.1    

 

Maturity breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

1-3 years     1.2    
5-7 years     8.7    
7-10 years     9.9    
10-15 years     25.2    
15-20 years     18.2    
20-25 years     18.5    
25 years and over     13.2    
Cash & Equivalents     5.1    

 

Ratings shown in the quality breakdown represent the rating assigned to a particular bond by one of the following nationally-recognized rating agencies: Standard and Poor's, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch Ratings Ltd. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The fund's credit quality does not remove market risk.

The fund is actively managed and the composition of its portfolio will change over time. Information provided is calculated as a percentage of net assets.

that revenue flow significantly. Job cuts in manufacturing and construction, along with falling prices and weak sales in the housing sector are also pressuring the state's budget, which already faced a multi-billion dollar deficit. Even if New York emerges from recession next year, its reliance on the volatile financial services sector and older manufacturing industries could keep growth in check. On the plus side, IBM's large nanotechnology investment at the University of Albany should brighten that region's job picture modestly.

A cautious, deliberate approach

A widening difference in yield between higher and lower quality securities of comparable maturities offers potential opportunities in bonds in the mid and lower quality tiers. However, we are being selective in our choice of securities because we do not believe that the challenges facing municipal issuers will dissipate quickly in light of the current economic slowdown. In this environment, we believe that short-term interest rates are likely to remain low and further stimulus moves are possible. Eventually, we believe that taxes may rise, making municipal bonds more attractive. However, we believe that continued stimulus programs could also trigger inflation over the longer-term, a potential negative for bond investors.

Portfolio holdings and characteristics are subject to change periodically and may not be representative of current holdings and characteristics. The outlook for the fund may differ from that presented for other Columbia Funds.

Tax-exempt investing offers current tax-exempt income, but it also involves special risks. The value of the fund will be affected by interest rate changes and the creditworthiness of issues held in the fund. When interest rates go up, bond prices generally drop and vice versa.

Interest income from certain tax-exempt bonds may be subject to certain state and local taxes and, if applicable, the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains are not exempt from income taxes.

The fund is non-diversified, which generally means that it may invest a greater percentage of its total assets in the securities of fewer issuers than a "diversified" fund. This increases the risk that a change in the value of any one investment held by the fund could affect the overall value of the fund more than it would affect that of a diversified fund holding a greater number of investments. Accordingly, the fund's value will likely be more volatile than the value of more diversified funds

Single-state municipal bond funds pose additional risks due to limited geographical diversification.


6




Investment PortfolioColumbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds – 94.2%  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Education – 12.3%  
Education – 11.5%  
NY Dormitory Authority  
Columbia University,
Series 2008, 
5.000% 07/01/38
    500,000       478,375    
New York University:
Series 1998 A, 
Insured: MBIA
5.750% 07/01/27
    2,000,000       2,098,400    
Series 2001 1,
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 07/01/40
    1,000,000       987,800    
St. John's University,
Series 2007 C, 
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 07/01/30
    1,000,000       908,510    
University of Rochester:
Series 2000 A, 
Insured: MBIA
(a) 07/01/14
(5.700% 07/01/10)
    370,000       352,954    
Series 2007,
5.000% 07/01/27
    1,000,000       945,380    
NY Dutchess County Industrial
Development Agency
 
Bard College,
Series 2007, 
4.500% 08/01/36
    500,000       373,210    
NY St. Lawrence County Industrial
Development Agency
 
Clarkson University,
Series 2007, 
5.000% 07/01/31
    1,000,000       902,060    
Education Total     7,046,689    
Prep School – 0.8%  
NY New York City Industrial
Development Agency
 
Marymount School Academy,
Series 2001, 
Insured: ACA
5.125% 09/01/21
    625,000       505,950    
Prep School Total     505,950    
Education Total     7,552,639    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Health Care – 12.7%  
Continuing Care Retirement – 3.3%  
NY Broome County Industrial
Development Agency
 
Good Shepherd Village Endwell,
Series 2008 A, 
6.750% 07/01/28
    500,000       416,200    
NY Nassau County Industrial
Development Agency
 
Amsterdam at Harborside,
Series 2007 A, 
6.700% 01/01/43
    750,000       596,903    
NY Suffolk County Industrial
Development Agency
 
Active Retirement Community,
Series 2006, 
5.000% 11/01/28
    1,335,000       979,943    
Continuing Care Retirement Total     1,993,046    
Hospitals – 7.0%  
NY Albany Industrial Development Agency  
St. Peter's Hospital,
Series 2008 A, 
5.250% 11/15/32
    750,000       568,695    
NY Dormitory Authority  
Kaleida Health,
Series 2006, 
Insured: FHA
4.700% 02/15/35
    1,000,000       797,180    
North Shore University Hospital,
Series 2007 A, 
5.000% 05/01/32
    1,000,000       786,370    
NYU Hospital Center,
Series 2007 B, 
5.625% 07/01/37
    1,000,000       725,720    
Orange Regional Medical Center,
Series 2008, 
6.125% 12/01/29
    650,000       525,096    
NY Saratoga County Industrial
Development Agency
 
Saratoga Hospital:  
Series 2004 A,
5.000% 12/01/13
    250,000       242,070    
Series 2007 B,
5.250% 12/01/32
    500,000       379,035    
NY Yonkers Industrial Development Agency  
St. John's Riverside Hospital,
Series 2001 A, 
6.800% 07/01/16
    320,000       290,125    
Hospitals Total     4,314,291    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


7



Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Nursing Homes – 2.4%  
NY Amherst Industrial Development Agency  
Beechwood Health Care Center,
Series 2007, 
5.200% 01/01/40
    750,000       458,273    
NY Essex County Industrial
Development Agency
 
Moses Ludington Nursing Home,
Series 2000 A, 
Insured: FHA
6.200% 02/01/30
    1,055,000       1,020,807    
Nursing Homes Total     1,479,080    
Health Care Total     7,786,417    
Housing – 5.6%  
Assisted Living/Senior – 4.3%  
NY Huntington Housing Authority  
Gurwin Jewish Senior Center,
Series 1999 A, 
5.875% 05/01/19
    1,500,000       1,250,325    
NY Mount Vernon Industrial
Development Agency
 
Wartburg Senior Housing, Inc.,
Series 1999: 
6.150% 06/01/19
    1,000,000       878,660    
6.200% 06/01/29     615,000       483,519    
Assisted Living/Senior Total     2,612,504    
Single-Family – 1.3%  
NY Mortgage Agency  
Series 2007 148,
5.200% 10/01/32
    1,000,000       787,570    
Single-Family Total     787,570    
Housing Total     3,400,074    
Other – 9.5%  
Other – 0.8%  
NY Westchester County Industrial
Development Agency
 
Guiding Eyes for the Blind,
Series 2004, 
5.375% 08/01/24
    550,000       459,921    
Other Total     459,921    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Pool/Bond Bank – 4.6%  
NY Environmental Facilities Corp.  
Series 2005 B,
5.500% 04/15/35
    1,000,000       1,019,640    
Series 2006 A,
4.750% 06/15/31
    1,000,000       886,980    
Series 2008 A,
5.000% 06/15/37
    1,000,000       918,840    
Pool/Bond Bank Total     2,825,460    
Refunded/Escrowed (b) – 4.1%  
NY Dormitory Authority  
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center,
Series 2003, 
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA
(c) 07/01/25
    3,000,000       1,222,410    
Series 2000 A,
Pre-refunded 07/01/10, 
Insured: MBIA
(a) 07/01/14
(5.700% 07/01/10)
    630,000       607,585    
NY Greece Central School District  
Series 1992,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
Insured: FGIC
6.000% 06/15/16
    500,000       572,640    
NY Urban Development Corp.  
Series 2002 A,
Pre-refunded 01/01/11, 
5.500% 01/01/17
    105,000       111,393    
Refunded/Escrowed Total     2,514,028    
Other Total     5,799,409    
Other Revenue – 1.1%  
Recreation – 1.1%  
NY Trust Cultural Resources  
Museum of Modern Art,
Series 2008 1A, 
5.000% 04/01/31
    750,000       688,425    
Recreation Total     688,425    
Other Revenue Total     688,425    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


8



Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Tax-Backed – 28.9%  
Local Appropriated – 2.6%  
NY Dormitory Authority  
Series 2001 2-4,
4.750% 01/15/30
    1,000,000       883,860    
Westchester County,
Series 1998, 
(c) 08/01/19
    1,200,000       694,536    
Local Appropriated Total     1,578,396    
Local General Obligations – 1.8%  
NY Mount Sinai School District  
Series 1992,
Insured: AMBAC 
6.200% 02/15/19
    1,005,000       1,133,348    
Local General Obligations Total     1,133,348    
Special Non-Property Tax – 19.3%  
NY Local Government Assistance Corp.  
Series 1993 C,  
5.500% 04/01/17     2,100,000       2,163,651    
Series 1993 E:
5.000% 04/01/21
    5,650,000       5,601,297    
6.000% 04/01/14     2,945,000       3,164,020    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp.  
Series 2007 A,
5.250% 08/01/57
    1,000,000       862,550    
Special Non-Property Tax Total     11,791,518    
State Appropriated – 5.2%  
NY Dormitory Authority  
Series 1993,
6.000% 07/01/20
    2,000,000       2,079,120    
State University,
Series 2000 C, 
Insured: FSA
5.750% 05/15/17
    1,000,000       1,099,540    
State Appropriated Total     3,178,660    
Tax-Backed Total     17,681,922    
Transportation – 10.1%  
Air Transportation – 3.3%  
NY New York City Industrial
Development Agency
 
American Airlines, Inc.,
Series 2005, AMT, 
7.750% 08/01/31
    1,000,000       748,010    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Terminal One Group Association LP,
Series 2005, AMT, 
5.500% 01/01/24
    1,500,000       1,263,150    
Air Transportation Total     2,011,160    
Ports – 3.2%  
NY Port Authority of New York & New Jersey  
Series 1993,
5.375% 03/01/28
    2,000,000       1,961,060    
Ports Total     1,961,060    
Toll Facilities – 1.6%  
NY Thruway Authority  
Series 2007,
Insured: FGIC 
5.000% 01/01/27
    1,000,000       951,770    
Toll Facilities Total     951,770    
Transportation – 2.0%  
NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority  
Series 2005 B,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.250% 11/15/23
    1,250,000       1,240,988    
Transportation Total     1,240,988    
Transportation Total     6,164,978    
Utilities – 14.0%  
Independent Power Producers – 1.3%  
NY Suffolk County Industrial
Development Agency
 
Nissequogue Cogeneration Partners Facilities,
Series 1998, AMT, 
5.500% 01/01/23
    1,000,000       785,340    
Independent Power Producers Total     785,340    
Investor Owned – 3.7%  
NY Energy & Research
Development Authority
 
Brooklyn Union Gas Co.:  
Series 1993, IFRN,
7.838% 04/01/20(d)
    1,500,000       1,514,190    
Series 2005 A, AMT,
Insured: FGIC
4.700% 02/01/24
    1,000,000       782,760    
Investor Owned Total     2,296,950    
Municipal Electric – 6.6%  
NY Long Island Power Authority  
Series 2000,
Insured: FSA 
(c) 06/01/18
    1,000,000       618,260    
Series 2008 A,
6.000% 05/01/33
    1,000,000       998,730    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


9



Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Electric
Power Authority
 
Series 2002 KK,
Insured: MBIA 
5.500% 07/01/15
    1,500,000       1,512,360    
Series 2003 NN,
Insured: MBIA 
5.250% 07/01/21
    1,000,000       930,670    
Municipal Electric Total     4,060,020    
Water & Sewer – 2.4%  
NY Great Neck North Water Authority  
Series 2008,
5.000% 01/01/33
    690,000       642,383    
NY New York City Municipal Water
Finance Authority
 
Series 2008,
4.500% 06/15/38
    1,000,000       801,730    
Water & Sewer Total     1,444,113    
Utilities Total     8,586,423    
Total Municipal Bonds
(cost of $61,610,560)
    57,660,287    
Investment Company – 0.2%  
    Shares      
Dreyfus Cash
Management Plus  
(7 day yield of 2.260%)
    116,043       116,043    
Total Investment Company
(cost of $116,043)
    116,043    
Short-Term Obligation – 0.1%  
    Par ($)      
Variable Rate Demand Note (e) – 0.1%  
NY New York City  
Series 1993 A-8,
LOC: JPMorgan Chase 
0.850% 08/01/18
    100,000       100,000    
Variable Rate Demand Note Total     100,000    
Total Short-Term Obligation
(cost of $100,000)
    100,000    
Total Investments – 94.5%
(cost of $61,826,603) (f)
    57,876,330    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net – 5.5%     3,346,516    
Net Assets – 100.0%     61,222,846    

 

Notes to Investment Portfolio:

(a)  Step bond. This security is currently not paying coupon. Shown parenthetically is the next coupon rate to be paid and the date the security will begin accruing at this rate.

(b)  The Fund has been informed that each issuer has placed direct obligations of the U.S. Government in an irrevocable trust, solely for the payment of principal and interest.

(c)  Zero coupon bond.

(d)  The interest rate shown on floating rate or variable rate securities reflects the rate at October 31, 2008.

(e)  This security is payable upon demand and secured by letters of credit or other credit support agreements from banks. The interest rate changes periodically and the interest rate shown reflect the rate at October 31, 2008.

(f)  Cost for federal income tax purposes is $61,092,341.

At October 31, 2008, the composition of the Fund by revenue source is as follows:

Holdings By Revenue Source (Unaudited)   % of
Net Assets
 
Tax-Backed     28.9    
Utilities     14.0    
Health Care     12.7    
Education     12.3    
Transportation     10.1    
Other     9.5    
Housing     5.6    
Other Revenue     1.1    
      94.2    
Investment Company     0.2    
Short-Term Obligation     0.1    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net     5.5    
      100.0    

 

Acronym   Name  
ACA   ACA Financial Guaranty Corp.  
AMBAC   Ambac Assurance Corp.  
AMT   Alternative Minimum Tax  
FGIC   Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.  
FHA   Federal Housing Administration  
FSA   Financial Security Assurance, Inc.  
IFRN   Inverse Floating Rate Note  
LOC   Letter of Credit  
MBIA   MBIA Insurance Corp.  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


10




Statement of Assets and LiabilitiesColumbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund
October 31, 2008

Assets   Investments, at cost   $ 61,826,603    
    Investments, at value   $ 57,876,330    
    Cash     2,857,930    
    Receivable for:          
    Fund shares sold     18,416    
    Interest     880,349    
    Expense reimbursement due from investment advisor     5,959    
    Trustees' deferred compensation plan     17,686    
    Other assets     152    
    Total Assets     61,656,822    
Liabilities   Payable for:          
    Fund shares repurchased     207,590    
    Distributions     87,622    
    Investment advisory fee     26,535    
    Transfer agent fee     11,300    
    Pricing and bookkeeping fees     5,286    
    Trustees' fees     122    
    Audit fee     34,300    
    Custody fee     938    
    Distribution and service fees     22,452    
    Chief compliance officer expenses     52    
    Trustees' deferred compensation plan     17,686    
    Other liabilities     20,093    
    Total Liabilities     433,976    
    Net Assets     61,222,846    
Net Assets Consist of   Paid-in capital     64,091,180    
    Undistributed net investment income     753,793    
    Accumulated net realized gain     328,146    
    Net unrealized depreciation on investments     (3,950,273 )  
    Net Assets     61,222,846    
Class A   Net assets   $ 42,819,428    
    Shares outstanding     6,539,682    
    Net asset value per share   $ 6.55 (a)  
    Maximum sales charge     4.75 %  
    Maximum offering price per share ($6.55/0.9525)   $ 6.88 (b)  
Class B   Net assets   $ 10,083,967    
    Shares outstanding     1,540,070    
    Net asset value and offering price per share   $ 6.55 (a)  
Class C   Net assets   $ 8,319,451    
    Shares outstanding     1,270,591    
    Net asset value and offering price per share   $ 6.55 (a)  

 

(a)  Redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.

(b)  On sales of $50,000 or more the offering price is reduced.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


11



Statement of OperationsColumbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund
For the Year Ended October 31, 2008

        ($)  
Investment Income   Interest     3,676,355    
    Dividends     13,647    
    Total Investment Income     3,690,002    
Expenses   Investment advisory fee     359,613    
    Distribution fee:          
    Class B     99,265    
    Class C     71,872    
    Service fee:          
    Class A     118,042    
    Class B     31,790    
    Class C     23,053    
    Transfer agent fee     31,437    
    Pricing and bookkeeping fees     57,014    
    Trustees' fees     16,421    
    Custody fee     7,418    
    Chief compliance officer expenses     619    
    Other expenses     130,514    
    Total Expenses     947,058    
    Fees waived or expenses reimbursed by investment advisor     (169,561 )  
    Fees waived by distributor—Class C     (28,793 )  
    Expense reductions     (1,940 )  
    Net Expenses     746,764    
    Net Investment Income     2,943,238    
Net Realized and Unrealized   Net realized gain (loss) on:          
Gain (Loss) on Investments and   Investments     878,415    
Futures Contracts   Futures contracts     (5,516 )  
    Net realized gain     872,899    
    Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:          
    Investments     (9,443,419 )  
    Futures contracts     32,706    
    Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (9,410,713 )  
    Net Loss     (8,537,814 )  
    Net Decrease Resulting from Operations     (5,594,576 )  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


12



Statement of Changes in Net AssetsColumbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

        Year Ended October, 31  
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets       2008 ($)   2007 ($)  
Operations   Net investment income     2,943,238       3,260,992    
    Net realized gain on investments and futures contracts     872,899       858,461    
    Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on investments and futures contracts
    (9,410,713 )     (3,098,578 )  
    Net Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Operations     (5,594,576 )     1,020,875    
Distributions to Shareholders   From net investment income:                  
    Class A     (2,036,977 )     (2,175,017 )  
    Class B     (448,956 )     (644,834 )  
    Class C     (354,557 )     (349,044 )  
    From net realized gains:                  
    Class A     (503,414 )     (176,684 )  
    Class B     (156,300 )     (69,863 )  
    Class C     (97,587 )     (29,654 )  
    Total Distributions to Shareholders     (3,597,791 )     (3,445,096 )  
    Net Capital Share Transactions     (5,256,998 )     (10,197,471 )  
    Total Decrease in Net Assets     (14,449,365 )     (12,621,692 )  
Net Assets   Beginning of period     75,672,211       88,293,903    
    End of period     61,222,846       75,672,211    
    Undistributed net investment income, at end of period     753,793       665,779    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


13



Statement of Changes in Net Assets (continued)Capital Stock Activity

    Year Ended October 31,  
    2008   2007  
    Shares   Dollars ($)   Shares   Dollars ($)  
Class A  
Subscriptions     1,146,528       8,338,652       1,166,791       8,848,362    
Distributions reinvested     226,091       1,630,788       184,427       1,394,070    
Redemptions     (1,476,999 )     (10,519,253 )     (1,989,353 )     (14,997,279 )  
Net Decrease     (104,380 )     (549,813 )     (638,135 )     (4,754,847 )  
Class B  
Subscriptions     60,627       438,310       55,702       421,686    
Distributions reinvested     55,749       403,425       61,502       465,244    
Redemptions     (738,672 )     (5,354,041 )     (914,801 )     (6,878,604 )  
Net Decrease     (622,296 )     (4,512,306 )     (797,597 )     (5,991,674 )  
Class C  
Subscriptions     237,969       1,733,849       316,643       2,412,806    
Distributions reinvested     34,549       249,308       29,905       225,961    
Redemptions     (301,262 )     (2,178,036 )     (276,450 )     (2,089,717 )  
Net Increase (Decrease)     (28,744 )     (194,879 )     70,098       549,050    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


14




Financial HighlightsColumbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class A Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 7.49     $ 7.70     $ 7.61     $ 7.84     $ 7.72    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.31       0.31       0.32       0.31       0.31    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and futures contracts
    (0.87 )     (0.19 )     0.15       (0.22 )     0.16    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.56 )     0.12       0.47       0.09       0.47    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.30 )     (0.31 )     (0.31 )     (0.30 )     (0.31 )  
From net realized gains     (0.08 )     (0.02 )     (0.07 )     (0.02 )     (0.04 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.38 )     (0.33 )     (0.38 )     (0.32 )     (0.35 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 6.55     $ 7.49     $ 7.70     $ 7.61     $ 7.84    
Total return (b)(c)     (7.86 )%     1.59 %     6.31 %     1.19 %     6.26 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     0.84 %     0.84 %     0.84 %     0.84 %     0.83 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.24 %     0.21 %     0.21 %     0.14 %     0.13 %  
Net investment income (d)     4.29 %     4.15 %     4.16 %     4.00 %     4.04 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     17 %     15 %     9 %     7 %     8 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 42,819     $ 49,751     $ 56,050     $ 58,004     $ 65,280    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


15



Financial HighlightsColumbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class B Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 7.49     $ 7.70     $ 7.61     $ 7.84     $ 7.72    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.26       0.26       0.26       0.25       0.25    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and futures contracts
    (0.88 )     (0.20 )     0.15       (0.21 )     0.16    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.62 )     0.06       0.41       0.04       0.41    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.24 )     (0.25 )     (0.25 )     (0.25 )     (0.25 )  
From net realized gains     (0.08 )     (0.02 )     (0.07 )     (0.02 )     (0.04 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.32 )     (0.27 )     (0.32 )     (0.27 )     (0.29 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 6.55     $ 7.49     $ 7.70     $ 7.61     $ 7.84    
Total return (b)(c)     (8.54 )%     0.83 %     5.52 %     0.44 %     5.47 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     1.59 %     1.59 %     1.59 %     1.59 %     1.58 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.24 %     0.21 %     0.21 %     0.14 %     0.13 %  
Net investment income (d)     3.54 %     3.40 %     3.41 %     3.25 %     3.29 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     17 %     15 %     9 %     7 %     8 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 10,084     $ 16,192     $ 22,782     $ 28,278     $ 34,877    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


16



Financial HighlightsColumbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class C Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 7.49     $ 7.70     $ 7.61     $ 7.84     $ 7.72    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.28       0.28       0.28       0.28       0.28    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and futures contracts
    (0.87 )     (0.19 )     0.15       (0.22 )     0.16    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.59 )     0.09       0.43       0.06       0.44    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.27 )     (0.28 )     (0.27 )     (0.27 )     (0.28 )  
From net realized gains     (0.08 )     (0.02 )     (0.07 )     (0.02 )     (0.04 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.35 )     (0.30 )     (0.34 )     (0.29 )     (0.32 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 6.55     $ 7.49     $ 7.70     $ 7.61     $ 7.84    
Total return (b)(c)     (8.27 )%     1.14 %     5.84 %     0.74 %     5.78 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     1.29 %     1.29 %     1.29 %     1.29 %     1.28 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.54 %     0.51 %     0.51 %     0.44 %     0.43 %  
Net investment income (d)     3.84 %     3.69 %     3.71 %     3.55 %     3.59 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     17 %     15 %     9 %     7 %     8 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 8,319     $ 9,729     $ 9,461     $ 9,974     $ 9,774    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


17




Notes to Financial StatementsColumbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund
October 31, 2008

Note 1. Organization

Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund (the "Fund"), a series of Columbia Funds Series Trust I (the "Trust"), is a non-diversified portfolio. The Trust is a Massachusetts business trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company.

Investment Objective

The Fund seeks total return, consisting of current income exempt from federal income tax and New York individual income tax and of capital appreciation, consistent with moderate fluctuation of principal.

Fund Shares

The Trust may issue an unlimited number of shares, and the Fund offers three classes of shares: Class A, Class B and Class C. Each share class has its own expense structure and sales charges, as applicable.

Class A shares are subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of 4.75% based on the amount of initial investment. Class A shares purchased without an initial sales charge in accounts aggregating $1 million to $50 million at the time of purchase are subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") if the shares are sold within one year after purchase. Class B shares are subject to a maximum CDSC of 5.00% based upon the holding period after purchase. Class B shares will convert to Class A shares eight years after purchase. Class C shares are subject to a 1.00% CDSC on shares sold within one year after purchase.

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

Security Valuation

Debt securities generally are valued by pricing services approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, based upon market transactions for normal, institutional-size trading units of similar securities. The services may use various pricing techniques which take into account appropriate factors such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics and other data, as well as broker quotes. Debt securities for which quotations are readily available are valued at an over-the-counter or exchange bid quotation.

Certain debt securities, which tend to be more thinly traded and of lesser quality, are priced based on fundamental analysis of the financial condition of the issuer and the estimated value of any collateral. Valuations developed through pricing techniques may vary from the actual amounts realized upon sale of the securities, and the potential variation may be greater for those securities valued using fundamental analysis.

Short-term debt obligations maturing within 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.

Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value.

Futures contracts are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of trade or exchange on which they are traded.

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available, or that have quotations which management believes are not reliable, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees. If a security is valued at fair value, such value is likely to be different from the last quoted market price for the security.

In September 2006, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements ("SFAS 157"), was issued. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Management is evaluating the impact the application of SFAS 157 will have on the Fund's financial statement disclosures.


18



Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Security Transactions

Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Cost is determined and gains (losses) are based upon the specific identification method for both financial statement and federal income tax purposes.

In March 2008, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 ("SFAS 161"), was issued. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. SFAS 161 requires additional discussion about the reporting entity's derivative instruments and hedging activities, by providing for qualitative disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative data about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative contracts, and details of credit-risk-related contingent features in their hedged positions. Management is evaluating the impact the application of SFAS 161 will have on the Fund's financial statement disclosures.

Futures Contracts

The Fund may invest in futures for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, including, for example, to seek to enhance returns or as a substitute for a position in an underlying asset.

The use of futures contracts involves certain risks, which include: (1) imperfect correlation between the price movement of the instruments and the underlying securities, (2) inability to close out positions due to differing trading hours, or the temporary absence of a liquid market, for either the instruments or the underlying securities, or (3) an inaccurate prediction of the future direction of interest rates by Columbia Management Advisors, LLC ("Columbia"), the Fund's investment advisor. Any of these risks may involve amounts exceeding the variation margin recorded in the Fund's Statement of Assets and Liabilities at any given time.

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund pledges cash or securities with the broker in an amount sufficient to meet the initial margin requirement. Subsequent payments are made or received by the Fund equal to the daily change in the contract value and are recorded as variation margin receivable or payable and offset in unrealized gains or losses. The Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed or expires.

Income Recognition

Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Premium and discount are amortized and accreted, respectively, on all debt securities, unless otherwise noted. Original issue discount is accreted to interest income over the life of the security with a corresponding increase in the cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-date.

Expenses

General expenses of the Trust are allocated to the Fund and the other series of the Trust based upon relative net assets or other expense allocation methodologies determined by the nature of the expense. Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged to the Fund.

Determination of Class Net Asset Value

All income, expenses (other than class-specific expenses, as shown on the Statement of Operations) and realized and unrealized gains (losses) are allocated to each class of the Fund on a daily basis for purposes of determining the net asset value of each class. Income and expenses are allocated to each class based on the settled shares method, while realized and unrealized gains (losses) are allocated based on the relative net assets of each class.

Federal Income Tax Status

The Fund intends to qualify each year as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and will distribute substantially all of its tax exempt or taxable income, if any, for its tax year, and as such will not be subject to federal income taxes. In addition, the Fund intends to distribute in each calendar year substantially all of its net investment income, capital gains and certain other amounts, if any, such that the Fund should not be subject to federal excise tax. Therefore, no federal income or excise tax provision is recorded.

Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions from net investment income are declared daily and distributed monthly. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually. Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP.


19



Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Indemnification

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnities. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown because this would involve future claims against the Fund. Also, under the Trust's organizational documents and by contract, the Trustees and officers of the Trust are indemnified against certain liabilities that may arise out of actions relating to their duties to the Trust. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss due to these representations, warranties and indemnities to be minimal.

Note 3. Federal Tax Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Fund's capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, permanent book and tax basis differences resulting primarily from differing treatments for discount accretion/premium amortization on debt securities were identified and reclassified among the components of the Fund's net assets as follows:

Undistributed
Net Investment
Income
  Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain
  Paid-In Capital  
$ (14,734 )   $ 14,733     $ 1    

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses), as disclosed on the Statement of Operations, and net assets were not affected by this reclassification.

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 was as follows:

    October 31,  
    2008   2007  
Tax-Exempt Income   $ 2,840,490     $ 3,168,895    
Ordinary Income*           38,296    
Long-Term Capital Gains     757,301       237,905    

 

*  For tax purposes short-term capital gain distributions, if any, are considered ordinary income distributions.

As of October 31, 2008, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

Undistributed
Tax-Exempt
Income
  Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
  Net Unrealized
Depreciation*
 
$ 130,305     $ 766,645     $ (3,216,011 )  

 

*  The differences between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized depreciation are primarily due to discount accretion/premium amortization on debt securities.

Unrealized appreciation and depreciation at October 31, 2008, based on cost of investments for federal income tax purposes, were:

Unrealized appreciation   $ 3,008,502    
Unrealized depreciation     (6,224,513 )  
Net unrealized depreciation   $ (3,216,011 )  

 

The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FIN 48"), effective April 30, 2008. FIN 48 requires management to determine whether a tax position of the Fund is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. FIN 48 was applied to all existing tax positions upon initial adoption. Management has evaluated the known implications of FIN 48 on its computation of net assets for the Fund. As a


20



Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

result of this evaluation, management has concluded that FIN 48 did not have any effect on the Fund's financial statements and no cumulative effect adjustments were recorded. However, management's conclusions regarding FIN 48 may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, further implementation guidance from the FASB, new tax laws, regulations, and administrative interpretations (including relevant court decisions). The Fund's federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Fund is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Note 4. Fees and Compensation Paid to Affiliates

Investment Advisory Fee

Columbia, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BOA"), provides investment advisory, administrative and other services to the Fund. Columbia receives a monthly investment advisory fee based on the Fund's pro-rata portion of the combined average daily net assets of the Fund, Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund, Columbia Connecticut Tax-Exempt Fund and Columbia Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund as follows:

Combined Average Daily Net Assets   Annual Fee Rate  
First $1 billion     0.50 %  
$1 billion to $3 billion     0.45 %  
Over $3 billion     0.40 %  

 

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund's effective investment advisory fee rate was 0.50% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Pricing and Bookkeeping Fees

The Fund has entered into a Financial Reporting Services Agreement (the "Financial Reporting Services Agreement") with State Street Bank & Trust Company ("State Street") and Columbia pursuant to which State Street provides financial reporting services to the Fund. The Fund has also entered into an Accounting Services Agreement (collectively with the Financial Reporting Services Agreement, the "State Street Agreements") with State Street and Columbia pursuant to which State Street provides accounting services to the Fund. Under the State Street Agreements, the Fund pays State Street an annual fee of $38,000 paid monthly plus an additional monthly fee based on an annualized percentage rate of average daily net assets of the Fund for the month. The aggregate fee will not exceed $140,000 per year (exclusive of out-of-pocket expenses and charges). The Fund also reimburses State Street for certain out-of-pocket expenses and charges.

The Fund has entered into a Pricing and Bookkeeping Oversight and Services Agreement (the "Services Agreement") with Columbia. Under the Services Agreement, Columbia provides services related to Fund expenses and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and provides oversight of the accounting and financial reporting services provided by State Street. Under the Services Agreement, the Fund reimburses Columbia for out-of-pocket expenses. Prior to January 1, 2008, the Fund also reimbursed Columbia for accounting oversight services, services related to Fund expenses and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the amount charged to the Fund by affiliates included on the Statement of Operations under "Pricing and bookkeeping fees" aggregated to $1,952.

Transfer Agent Fee

Columbia Management Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent"), an affiliate of Columbia and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BOA, provides shareholder services to the Fund and has contracted with Boston Financial Data Services ("BFDS") to serve as sub-transfer agent. The Transfer Agent is entitled to receive a fee for its services, paid monthly, at the annual rate of $17.34 per open account plus reimbursement of certain sub-transfer agent fees paid by the Transfer Agent (exclusive of BFDS fees), calculated based on assets held in omnibus accounts and intended to recover the cost of payments to other parties (including affiliates of BOA) for services to those accounts. The Transfer Agent pays the fees of BFDS for services as sub-transfer agent and is not entitled to reimbursement for such fees from the Fund. The Transfer Agent may also retain, as additional compensation for its services, fees for wire, telephone and redemption orders, IRA trustee agent fees and account transcript fees due to the Transfer Agent from shareholders of the Fund and credits (net


21



Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

of bank charges) earned with respect to balances in accounts the Transfer Agent maintains in connection with its services to the Fund. The Transfer Agent also receives reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

An annual minimum account balance fee of $20 may apply to certain accounts with a value below the Fund's initial minimum investment requirements to reduce the impact of small accounts on transfer agent fees. These minimum account balance fees are recorded as part of expense reductions on the Statement of Operations. For the year ended October 31, 2008, these minimum account balance fees reduced total expenses by $340.

Underwriting Discounts, Service and Distribution Fees

Columbia Management Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of Columbia and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BOA, is the principal underwriter of the Fund's shares. For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Distributor has retained net underwriting discounts of $4,631 on sales of the Fund's Class A shares and received net CDSC fees of $16,938, $18,972 and $321 on Class A, Class B and Class C share redemptions, respectively.

The Fund has adopted distribution and shareholder servicing plans (the "Plans") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which require the payment of distribution and service fees. The fees are intended to compensate the Distributor and/or eligible selling and/or servicing agents for selling shares of the Fund and providing services to investors. The service fee is equal to 0.10% annually of the net assets attributable to shares of the Fund issued prior to December 1, 1994 and 0.25% annually of the net assets attributable to shares issued thereafter. This arrangement results in an annual rate of service fee for all shares that is a blend between the 0.10% and 0.25% rates. For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund's effective service fee rate was 0.24% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares.

The Plans also require the payment of a monthly distribution fee to the Distributor equal to 0.75% annually of the average daily net assets attributable to Class B and Class C shares only. The Distributor has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of the Class C shares distribution fee so that it will not exceed 0.45% annually of the average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. This arrangement may be modified or terminated by the Distributor at any time.

Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements

Columbia and/or some of the Fund's other service providers have voluntarily agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse the Fund for certain expenses so that total expenses (exclusive of distribution and service fees, brokerage commissions, interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses, but inclusive of custodial charges relating to overdrafts, if any), after giving effect to any balance credits from the Fund's custodian, will not exceed 0.60% annually of the Fund's average daily net assets. Columbia, at its discretion, may modify or terminate this arrangement any time.

Fees Paid to Officers and Trustees

All officers of the Fund are employees of Columbia or its affiliates and, with the exception of the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer, receive no compensation from the Fund. The Board of Trustees has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer to the Fund in accordance with federal securities regulations. The Fund, along with other affiliated funds, pays its pro-rata share of the expenses associated with the Chief Compliance Officer. The Fund's expenses for the Chief Compliance Officer will not exceed $15,000 per year.

The Trust's eligible Trustees may participate in a deferred compensation plan which may be terminated at any time. Obligations of the plan will be paid solely out of the Fund's assets.

Note 5. Custody Credits

The Fund has an agreement with its custodian bank under which custody fees may be reduced by balance credits. These credits are recorded as part of expense reductions on the Statement of Operations. The Fund could have invested a portion of the assets utilized in connection with the expense offset arrangement in an income-producing asset if it had not entered into such an agreement.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, these custody credits reduced total expenses by $1,600 for the Fund.


22



Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Note 6. Portfolio Information

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities, excluding short-term obligations, were $11,986,365 and $19,860,046, respectively.

Note 7. Line of Credit

The Fund and other affiliated funds participate in a $280,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit. The maximum amount that may be borrowed by any fund is limited to the lesser of $200,000,000 and the Fund's borrowing limit set forth in the Fund's registration statement. Borrowings are available for short-term liquidity or temporary or emergency purposes.

Interest is charged to each participating fund based on the fund's borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% and the overnight LIBOR Rate plus 0.50%. In addition, an annual operations agency fee of $20,000, an amendment fee of 0.02% and a commitment fee of 0.12% per annum are accrued and apportioned among the participating funds pro rata based on their relative net assets.

Prior to October 16, 2008, the Fund and other affiliated funds participated in a $350,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit and a $150,000,000 uncommitted, unsecured line of credit, both provided by State Street. Interest on the committed line of credit was charged to each participating fund based on the fund's borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%. In addition, a commitment fee of 0.10% per annum was accrued and apportioned among the participating funds pro rata based on their relative net assets. Interest on the uncommitted line of credit was charged to each participating fund based on the fund's borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.375%. State Street charged an annual operations agency fee of $40,000 for the committed line of credit and was able to charge an annual administration fee of $15,000 for the uncommitted line of credit. The commitment fee, the operations agency fee and the administration fee were accrued and apportioned among the participating funds pro rata based on their relative net assets.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund did not borrow under these arrangements.

Note 8. Shares of Beneficial Interest

As of October 31, 2008, two shareholders collectively held 27.8% of the Fund's shares outstanding over which BOA and/or any of its affiliates did not have investment discretion.

Subscription and redemption activity of these accounts may have a significant effect on the operations of the Fund.

Note 9. Significant Risks and Contingencies

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Fund holds investments that are insured by private insurers who guarantee the payment of principal and interest in the event of default or that are supported by a letter of credit. At October 31, 2008, private insurers who insured greater than 5% of the net assets of the Fund were as follows:

Insurer   % of Total Net Assets  
MBIA Insurance Corp.     12.5    
AMBAC Assurance Corp.     5.5    

 

At November 24, 2008, MBIA Insurance Corp. and AMBAC Assurance Corp. were rated by Standard & Poor's AA and A, respectively.

Geographic Concentration

The Fund had greater than 5% of its total net assets at October 31, 2008 invested in debt obligations issued by the state of New York and its political subdivisions, agencies and public authorities. The Fund is more susceptible to economic and political factors adversely affecting issuers of the state's or territory's municipal securities than are municipal bond funds that are not concentrated to the same extent in these issuers.

Non-Diversified Risk

The Fund is a non-diversified Fund, which generally means that it may invest a greater percentage of its total assets in the securities of fewer issuers than a "diversified" fund. This increases the risk that a change in the value of any one investment held by the Fund could affect the overall value of the Fund more than it would affect that of a diversified fund holding a greater number of investments. Accordingly, the Fund's value will likely be more volatile than the value of more


23



Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

diversified funds. The Fund may not operate as a non-diversified fund at all times.

Sector Focus Risk

The Fund may focus its investments in certain sectors, subjecting it to greater risk than a fund that is less focused.

Tax Development Risk

The Fund purchases municipal securities whose interest, in the opinion of bond counsel, is free from federal income tax. There is no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will agree with this opinion. In the event the IRS determines that an issuer does not comply with relevant tax requirements, interest payments from a security could become federally taxable, possibly retroactively to the date the security was issued. As a shareholder of the Fund, you may be required to file an amended tax return as a result.

Legal Proceedings

On February 9, 2005, Columbia Management Advisors, Inc. (which has since merged into Banc of America Capital Management, LLC (now named Columbia Management Advisors, LLC)) ("Columbia") and Columbia Funds Distributor, Inc. (which has been renamed Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.) (the "Distributor") (collectively, the "Columbia Group") entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance with the New York Attorney General ("NYAG") (the "NYAG Settlement") and consented to the entry of a cease-and-desist order by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") (the "SEC Order") on matters relating to mutual fund trading.

Under the terms of the SEC Order, the Columbia Group agreed, among other things, to: pay $70 million in disgorgement and $70 million in civil money penalties; cease and desist from violations of the antifraud provisions and certain other provisions of the federal securities laws; maintain certain compliance and ethics oversight structures; retain an independent consultant to review the Columbia Group's applicable supervisory, compliance, control and other policies and procedures; and retain an independent distribution consultant (see below). The Columbia Funds have also voluntarily undertaken to implement certain governance measures designed to maintain the independence of their boards of trustees. The NYAG Settlement also, among other things, requires Columbia and its affiliates to reduce management fees for certain Columbia Funds (including the former Nations Funds) and other mutual funds collectively by $32 million per year for five years, for a projected total of $160million in management fee reductions.

Pursuant to the procedures set forth in the SEC Order, the $140 million in settlement amounts described above is being distributed in accordance with a distribution plan that was developed by an independent distribution consultant and approved by the SEC on April 6, 2007. Distributions under the distribution plan began in late June 2007.

A copy of the SEC Order is available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. A copy of the NYAG Settlement is available as part of the Bank of America Corporation Form 8-K filing on February 10, 2005.

In connection with the events described above, various parties have filed suit against certain funds, the Trustees of the Columbia Funds, FleetBoston Financial Corporation and its affiliated entities and/or Bank of America and its affiliated entities.

On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred these cases and cases against other mutual fund companies based on similar allegations to the United States District Court in Maryland for consolidated or coordinated pretrial proceedings (the "MDL"). Subsequently, additional related cases were transferred to the MDL. On September 29, 2004, the plaintiffs in the MDL filed amended and consolidated complaints. One of these amended complaints is a putative class action that includes claims under the federal securities laws and state common law, and that names Columbia, the Distributor, the Trustees of the Columbia Funds, Bank of America Corporation and others as defendants. Another of the amended complaints is a derivative action purportedly on behalf of the Columbia Funds that asserts claims under federal securities laws and state common law.

On February 25, 2005, Columbia and other defendants filed motions to dismiss the claims in the pending cases. On March 1, 2006, for reasons stated in the court's memoranda dated November 3, 2005, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland granted in part and denied in part the defendants' motions to dismiss. The court dismissed all of the class action claims pending against the Columbia Funds Trusts. As to


24



Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund, October 31, 2008

Columbia and the Distributor, the claims under the Securities Act of 1933, the claims under Sections 34(b) and 36(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("ICA") and the state law claims were dismissed. The claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and claims under Section 36(b) of the ICA were not dismissed.

On March 21, 2005, a purported class action was filed in Massachusetts state court alleging that certain conduct, including market timing, entitled Class B shareholders in certain Columbia funds to an exemption from contingent deferred sales charges upon early redemption ("the CDSC Lawsuit"). The CDSC Lawsuit was removed to federal court in Massachusetts and transferred to the MDL.

On September 14, 2007, the plaintiffs and the Columbia defendants named in the MDL, including the Columbia Funds, entered into a stipulation of settlement with respect to all Columbia-related claims in the MDL described above, including the CDSC Lawsuit. The settlement is subject to court approval.

In 2004, the Columbia Funds' adviser and distributor and certain affiliated entities and individuals were named as defendants in certain purported shareholder class and derivative actions making claims, including claims under the Investment Company and the Investment Advisers Acts of 1940 and state law. Certain Columbia Funds were named as nominal defendants. The suits allege, inter alia, that the fees and expenses paid by the funds are excessive and that the advisers and their affiliates inappropriately used fund assets to distribute the funds and for other improper purposes. On March 2, 2005, the actions were consolidated in the Massachusetts federal court as In re Columbia Entities Litigation. The plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint on June 9, 2005. On November 30, 2005, the judge dismissed all claims by plaintiffs and entered final judgment in favor of the defendants. The plaintiffs appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit on December 30, 2005. A stipulation and settlement agreement dated January 19, 2007 was filed in the First Circuit on February 14, 2007, with a joint stipulation of dismissal and motion for remand to obtain district court approval of the settlement. That joint motion was granted and the appeal was dismissed. On March 6, 2007, the case was remanded to the District Court. The settlement, approved by the District Court on September 18, 2007, became effective October 19, 2007. Pursuant to the settlement, the funds' adviser and/or its affiliates made certain payments, including plaintiffs' attorneys' fees and costs of notice to class members.


25




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Trustees of Columbia Funds Series Trust I and the Shareholders of Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund:

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the investment portfolio, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund (the "Fund") (a series of Columbia Funds Series Trust I) at October 31, 2008, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at October 31, 2008 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
December 22, 2008


26



Federal Income Tax Information (Unaudited)

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund designates long-term capital gains of $847,496.

100.00% of the distributions from net investment income will be treated as exempt income for federal income tax purposes.


27



Fund Governance

The Trustees serve terms of indefinite duration. The names, addresses and ages of the Trustees and officers of the Funds in Columbia Funds Series Trust I, the year each was first elected or appointed to office, their principal business occupations during at least the last five years, the number of Funds overseen by each Trustee and other directorships they hold are shown below. Each officer listed below serves as an officer of each Fund in the Columbia Funds Complex.

Independent Trustees

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Funds, Year First
Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Number of Funds in Columbia
Funds Complex Overseen by Trustee, Other Directorships Held
 
John D. Collins (Born 1938)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee(1) (since 2007)
  Retired. Consultant, KPMG, LLP (accounting and tax firm) from July 1999 to June 2000; Partner, KPMG, LLP from March 1962 to June 1999. Oversees 80, Mrs. Fields Famous Brands LLC (consumer products); Suburban Propane Partners, L.P.; and Montpelier Re (underwriting firm)  
Rodman L. Drake (Born 1943)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee(1) (since 2007)
  Co-Founder of Baringo Capital LLC (private equity) since 2002; President, Continuation Investments Group, Inc. from 1997 to 2001. Oversees 80, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (tax preparation services); Crystal Capital River Inc. (real estate investment trust); Student Loan Corporation (student loan provider); Celgene Corporation (global biotechnology company); Apex Silver Mines Ltd. (mining); and Hyperion Brookfield Total Return Fund, Inc. and Hyperion Brookfield Strategic Mortgage Income Fund, Inc. (exchange-traded funds)  
Douglas A. Hacker (Born 1955)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1996)
  Independent business executive since May 2006; Executive Vice President—Strategy of United Airlines (airline) from December 2002 to May 2006; President of UAL Loyalty Services (airline marketing company) from September 2001 to December 2002; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Airlines from July 1999 to September 2001. Oversees 80, Nash Finch Company (food distributor); Aircastle Limited (aircraft leasing)  
Janet Langford Kelly (Born 1957)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1996)
  Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, ConocoPhillips (integrated energy company) since September 2007; Deputy General Counsel—Corporate Legal Services, ConocoPhillips from August 2006 to August 2007; Partner, Zelle, Hofmann, Voelbel, Mason & Gette LLP (law firm) from March 2005 to July 2006; Adjunct Professor of Law, Northwestern University, from September 2004 to June 2006; Director, UAL Corporation (airline) from February 2006 to July 2006; Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President, Kmart Holding Corporation (consumer goods), from September 2003 to March 2004; Executive Vice President—Corporate Development and Administration, General Counsel and Secretary, Kellogg Company (food manufacturer), from September 1999 to August 2003. Oversees 80, None  

 


28



Fund Governance (continued)

Independent Trustees (continued)

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Funds, Year First
Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Number of Funds in Columbia
Funds Complex Overseen by Trustee, Other Directorships Held
 
Charles R. Nelson (Born 1942)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1981)
  Professor of Economics, University of Washington, since January 1976; Ford and Louisa Van Voorhis Professor of Political Economy, University of Washington, since September 1993; Director, Institute for Economic Research, University of Washington from September 2001 to June 2003; Adjunct Professor of Statistics, University of Washington, since September 1980; Associate Editor, Journal of Money Credit and Banking, since September 1993; Consultant on econometric and statistical matters. Oversees 80, None  
John J. Neuhauser (Born 1943)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1985)
  President, Saint Michael's College, since August 2007; University Professor, Boston College from November 2005 to August 2007; Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculties, Boston College from August 1999 to October 2005. Oversees 80, Liberty All-Star Equity Fund and Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc. (closed-end funds)  
Jonathan Piel (Born 1938)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee(1) (since 2007)
  Cable television producer and website designer; The Editor, Scientific American from 1984 to 1994; Vice President, Scientific American, Inc., from 1984 to 1994; Member, Advisory Board, Stone Age Institute, Bloomington, Indiana (research institute that explores the effect of technology on human evolution); Member, Board of Directors of the National Institute of Social Sciences, New York City; and Member, Board of Trustees of the William Alanson White Institute, New York City (institution for training psychoanalysts). Oversees 80, None  
Patrick J. Simpson (Born 1944)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 2000)
  Partner, Perkins Coie LLP (law firm). Oversees 80, None  
Thomas C. Theobald (Born 1937)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee and
Chairman of the Board (since 1996)
  Partner and Senior Advisor, Chicago Growth Partners (private equity investing) since September 2004; Managing Director, William Blair Capital Partners (private equity investing) from September 1994 to September 2004. Oversees 80, Anixter International (network support equipment distributor); Ventas, Inc. (real estate investment trust); Jones Lang LaSalle (real estate management services); Ambac Financial Group (financial guaranty insurance)  
Anne-Lee Verville (Born 1945)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1998)
  Retired since 1997 (formerly General Manager—Global Education Industry (from 1994 to 1997), President—Application Systems Division (from 1991 to 1994), Chief Financial Officer—US Marketing & Services (from 1988 to 1991), and Chief Information Officer (from 1987 to 1988), IBM Corporation (computer and technology)). Oversees 80, None  

 


29



Fund Governance (continued)

Interested Trustee

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Funds, Year First
Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Number of Funds in Columbia
Funds Complex Overseen by Trustee, Other Directorships Held
 
William E. Mayer (Born 1940)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee(2) (since 1994)
  Partner, Park Avenue Equity Partners (private equity) since February 1999; Dean and Professor, College of Business, University of Maryland from 1992 to 1997. Oversees 80, Lee Enterprises (print media), WR Hambrecht + Co. (financial service provider); BlackRock Kelso Capital Corporation (investment company)  

 

1  Messrs. Drake, Piel and Collins have served as directors/trustees of the Excelsior Funds since 1996, 1996 and 2005, respectively. The Excelsior Funds consisted of 27 portfolios managed by affiliates of Columbia Management Advisors, LLC. Effective December 12, 2007, the Board elected Messrs. Drake, Piel and Collins as Trustees of the Trust.

2  Mr. Mayer is an "interested person" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) by reason of his affiliation with WR Hambrecht + Co., a registered broker/dealer that may execute portfolio transactions for or engage in principal transactions with the Funds or other funds or accounts advised/managed by the Advisor or other Bank of America affiliates.

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees of the Funds and is available, without charge, upon request by calling 1-800-345-6611.

Officers

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Columbia Funds,
Year First Elected or
Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years


 
Christopher L. Wilson (Born 1957)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
President (since 2004)
  President—Columbia Funds, since October 2004; Managing Director—Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, since September 2005; Senior Vice President—Columbia Management Distributors, Inc., since January 2005; Director—Columbia Management Services, Inc., since January 2005; Director—Bank of America Global Liquidity Funds, plc and Banc of America Capital Management (Ireland), Limited, since May 2005; Director—FIM Funding, Inc., since January 2005; President and Chief Executive Officer—CDC IXIS AM Services, Inc. (investment management), from September 1998 through August 2004; and a senior officer or director of various other Bank of America affiliated entities, including other registered and unregistered funds.  
James R. Bordewick, Jr. (Born 1959)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Senior Vice President, Secretary and
Chief Legal Officer (since 2006)
  Associate General Counsel, Bank of America since April 2005; Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel, MFS Investment Management (investment management) prior to April 2005.  

 


30



Fund Governance (continued)

Officers (continued)

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Columbia Funds,
Year First Elected or
Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years


 
J. Kevin Connaughton (Born 1964)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer (since 2000)
  Managing Director of Columbia Management Advisors, LLC since December 2004; Treasurer—Columbia Funds, from October 2003 to May 2008; Treasurer—the Liberty Funds, Stein Roe Funds and Liberty All-Star Funds, December 2000—December 2006; Senior Vice President—Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, from April 2003 to December 2004; President—Columbia Funds, Liberty Funds and Stein Roe Funds, February 2004 to October 2004; Treasurer—Galaxy Funds, September 2002 to December 2005; Treasurer, December 2002 to December 2004, and President, February 2004 to December 2004—Columbia Management Multi-Strategy Hedge Fund, LLC; and a senior officer of various other Bank of America-affiliated entities, including other registered and unregistered funds.  
Linda J. Wondrack (Born 1964)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Senior Vice President and
Chief Compliance Officer (since 2007)
  Director (Columbia Management Group LLC and Investment Product Group Compliance), Bank of America since June 2005; Director of Corporate Compliance and Conflicts Officer, MFS Investment Management (investment management), August 2004 to May 2005; Managing Director, Deutsche Asset Management (investment management) prior to August 2004.  
Michael G. Clarke (Born 1969)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Treasurer (since 2008)
  Director of Fund Administration of the Advisor since January 2006; Managing Director of the Advisor September 2004 to December 2005; Vice President Fund Administration June 2002 to September 2004.  
Jeffrey R. Coleman (Born 1969)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Deputy Treasurer (since 2006)
  Director of Fund Administration of the Advisor since January 2006; Fund Controller of the Advisor from October 2004 to January 2006; Vice President of CDC IXIS Asset Management Services, Inc. (investment management) from August 2000 to September 2004.  
Joseph F. DiMaria (Born 1968)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Chief Accounting Officer (since 2008)
  Director of Fund Administration of the Advisor since January 2006; Head of Tax/Compliance and Assistant Treasurer of the Advisor from November 2004 to December 2005; Director of Trustee Administration (Sarbanes-Oxley) of the Advisor from May 2003 to October 2004.  
Julian Quero (Born 1967)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Deputy Treasurer (since 2008)
  Senior Tax Manager of the Advisor since August 2006; Senior Compliance Manager of the Advisor from April 2002 to August 2006.  
Barry S. Vallan (Born 1969)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Controller (since 2006)
  Vice President—Fund Treasury of the Advisor since October 2004; Vice President—Trustee Reporting of the Advisor from April 2002 to October 2004  

 


31



Board Consideration and Approval of Advisory Agreements

The Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee of the Board of Trustees meets several times annually to review the advisory agreements (collectively, the "Agreements") of the funds for which the Trustees serve as trustees (each a "fund") and to determine whether to recommend that the full Board approve the continuation of the Agreements for an additional one-year period. After the Committee has made its recommendation, the full Board, including the Independent Trustees, determines whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements. In addition, the full Board, including the Independent Trustees, considers matters bearing on the Agreements at most of its other meetings throughout the year and meets regularly with senior management of the funds and Columbia, the funds' investment adviser, including the senior manager of each investment area within Columbia. Through the Board's Investment Oversight Committees, Trustees also meet with selected fund portfolio managers, research analysts and traders at various times throughout the year.

The Trustees receive and review all materials that they, their legal counsel or Columbia believe to be reasonably necessary for the Trustees to evaluate the Agreements and to determine whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements. Those materials generally include, among other items, (i) information on the investment performance of each fund relative to the performance of peer groups of mutual funds and the fund's performance benchmarks, and additional information assessing performance on a risk-adjusted basis, (ii) information on each fund's advisory fees and other expenses, including information comparing the fund's expenses to those of peer groups of mutual funds and information about any applicable expense caps and fee "breakpoints," (iii) information about the profitability of the Agreements to Columbia, including potential "fall-out" or ancillary benefits that Columbia and its affiliates may receive as a result of their relationships with the funds and (iv) information obtained through Columbia's response to a questionnaire prepared at the request of the Trustees by counsel to the funds and independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees. The Trustees also consider other information such as (v) Columbia's financial results and financial condition, (vi) each fund's investment objective and strategies and the size, education and experience of Columbia's investment staffs and their use of technology, external research and trading cost measurement tools, (vii) the allocation of the funds' brokerage and the use of "soft" commission dollars to pay for research products and services, (viii) Columbia's resources devoted to, and its record of compliance with, the funds' investment policies and restrictions, policies on personal securities transactions and other compliance policies and legal and regulatory requirements, (ix) Columbia's response to various legal and regulatory proceedings since 2003 and to the recent period of volatility in the securities markets and (x) the economic outlook generally and for the mutual fund industry in particular. In addition, the Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee confers with the funds' independent fee consultant and reviews materials relating to the funds' relationships with Columbia provided by the independent fee consultant. Throughout the process, the Trustees have the opportunity to ask questions of and to request additional materials from Columbia and to consult with the independent fee consultant and independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees.

The Board of Trustees most recently approved the continuation of the Agreements at its October, 2008 meeting, following meetings of the Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee held in February, April, August, September and October, 2008. In considering whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, did not identify any single factor as determinative, and each weighed various factors as he or she deemed appropriate. The Trustees considered the following matters in connection with their approval of the continuation of the Agreements:

The nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the funds under the Agreements. The Trustees considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Columbia and its affiliates to the funds and the resources dedicated to the funds by Columbia and its affiliates. Among other things, the Trustees considered (i) Columbia's ability (including its personnel and other resources, compensation programs for personnel involved in fund management, reputation and other attributes) to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified research, advisory and supervisory investment professionals; (ii) the portfolio management services provided by those investment professionals; and (iii) the trade execution services provided on behalf of the funds. For each fund, the Trustees also considered the benefits to shareholders of investing in a mutual fund that is part of a family of funds offering exposure to a variety of asset classes


32



and investment disciplines and providing a variety of fund and shareholder services. After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the nature, extent and quality of services provided supported the continuation of the Agreements.

Investment performance of the funds and Columbia. The Trustees reviewed information about the performance of each fund over various time periods, including information prepared by an independent third-party data provider that compared the performance of each fund to the performance of peer groups of mutual funds and performance benchmarks. The Trustees also reviewed a description of the third party's methodology for identifying each fund's peer group for purposes of performance and expense comparisons. The Trustees also considered additional information that the Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee requested from Columbia relating to funds that presented relatively weaker performance and/or relatively higher expenses. In the case of each fund whose performance lagged that of a relevant peer group for certain (although not necessarily all) periods, the Trustees concluded that other factors relevant to performance were sufficient, in light of other considerations, to warrant continuation of the fund's Agreements. Those factors varied from fund to fund, but included one or more of the following: (i) that the fund's performance, although lagging in certain recent periods, was stronger over the longer term; (ii) that the underperformance was attributable, to a significant extent, to investment decisions that were reasonable and consistent with the fund's investment strategy and policies and that the fund was performing within a reasonable range of expectations, given those investment decisions, market conditions and the fund's investment strategy; (iii) that the fund's performance was competitive when compared to other relevant performance benchmarks or peer groups; (iv) that Columbia had taken or was taking steps designed to help improve the fund's investment performance, including, but not limited to, replacing portfolio managers or modifying investment strategies; and (v) that Columbia proposed to waive advisory fees or cap the expenses of the fund.

The Trustees noted that, through April 30, 2008, Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund's performance was in the fourth quintile (where the best performance would be in the first quintile) for the one-year period, in the third quintile for the three-year period, in the second quintile for the five-year period and in the first quintile for the ten-year period, of the peer group selected by an independent third-party data provider for purposes of performance comparisons.

The Trustees also considered Columbia's performance and reputation generally, the funds' performance as a fund family generally, and Columbia's historical responsiveness to Trustee concerns about performance and Columbia's willingness to take steps intended to improve performance. After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the performance of each fund and Columbia was sufficient, in light of other considerations, to warrant the continuation of the Agreement(s) pertaining to that fund.

The costs of the services provided and profits realized by Columbia and its affiliates from their relationships with the funds. The Trustees considered the fees charged to the funds for advisory services as well as the total expense levels of the funds. That information included comparisons (provided by management and by an independent third-party data provider) of each fund's advisory fees and total expense levels to those of the fund's peer groups and information about the advisory fees charged by Columbia to comparable institutional accounts. In considering the fees charged to those accounts, the Trustees took into account, among other things, management's representations about the differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts, including differences in the services provided, differences in the risk profile of such business for Columbia, and the additional resources required to manage mutual funds effectively. In evaluating each fund's advisory fees, the Trustees also took into account the demands, complexity and quality of the investment management of the fund. The Trustees considered existing advisory fee breakpoints, and Columbia's use of advisory fee waivers and expense caps, which benefited a number of the funds. The Trustees also noted management's stated justification for the fees charged to the funds, which included information about the investment performance of the funds and the services provided to the funds.

The Trustees considered that Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund's total expenses were in the third quintile and actual management fees were in the first quintile (where the lowest fees and expenses would be in the first quintile) of the peer group selected by an independent third-party data provider for purposes of expense comparisons.


33



The Trustees also considered the compensation directly or indirectly received by Columbia and its affiliates from their relationships with the funds. The Trustees reviewed information provided by management as to the profitability to Columbia and its affiliates of their relationships with each fund, and information about the allocation of expenses used to calculate profitability. When reviewing profitability, the Trustees also considered court cases in which adviser profitability was an issue in whole or in part, the performance of the relevant funds, the expense level of each fund, and whether Columbia had implemented breakpoints and/or expense caps with respect to the fund.

After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the advisory fees charged to each fund, and the related profitability to Columbia and its affiliates of their relationships with the fund, supported the continuation of the Agreement(s) pertaining to that fund.

Economies of Scale. The Trustees considered the existence of any economies of scale in the provision by Columbia of services to each fund, to groups of related funds, and to Columbia's investment advisory clients as a whole and whether those economies were shared with the funds through breakpoints in the investment advisory fees or other means, such as fee waivers/expense reductions and additional investments by Columbia in investment, trading and compliance resources. The Trustees noted that many of the funds benefited from breakpoints, fee waivers/expense caps, or both. In considering those issues, the Trustees also took note of the costs of the services provided (both on an absolute and a relative basis) and the profitability to Columbia and its affiliates of their relationships with the funds, as discussed above.

After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the extent to which economies of scale were shared with the funds supported the continuation of the Agreements.

Other Factors. The Trustees also considered other factors, which included but were not limited to the following:

n  the extent to which each fund had operated in accordance with its investment objective and investment restrictions, the nature and scope of the compliance programs of the funds and Columbia and the compliance-related resources that Columbia and its affiliates were providing to the funds;

n  the nature, quality, cost and extent of administrative and shareholder services overseen and performed by Columbia and its affiliates, both under the Agreements and under separate agreements for the provision of transfer agency and administrative services;

n  so-called "fall-out benefits" to Columbia and its affiliates, such as the engagement of its affiliates to provide distribution, brokerage and transfer agency services to the funds, and the benefits of research made available to Columbia by reason of brokerage commissions generated by the funds' securities transactions, as well as possible conflicts of interest associated with those fall-out and other benefits, and the reporting, disclosure and other processes in place to disclose and monitor those possible conflicts of interest; and

n  the report provided by the funds' independent fee consultant, which included information about and analysis of the funds' fees, expenses and performance.

Based on their evaluation of all factors that they deemed to be material, including those factors described above, and assisted by the advice of independent counsel and the independent fee consultant, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of each of the Agreements through October 31, 2009.


34



Summary of Management Fee Evaluation by
Independent Fee Consultant

EXCERPTS FROM REPORT OF INDEPENDENT FEE CONSULTANT TO THE FUNDS SUPERVISED BY THE COLUMBIA ATLANTIC BOARD

Prepared Pursuant to the February 9, 2005
Assurance of Discontinuance among the
Office of Attorney General of New York State,
Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, and
Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.

November 3, 2008

I. Overview

On February 9, 2005, Columbia Management Advisors, LLC ("CMA") and Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.1 ("CMD") agreed to the New York Attorney General's Assurance of Discontinuance ("AOD"). Among other things, the AOD stipulates that CMA may manage or advise a Columbia Fund ("Columbia Fund" and, together with some or all of such funds, the "Columbia Funds") only if the Independent Members of the Columbia Fund's Board of Trustees appoint a Senior Officer or retain an Independent Fee Consultant ("IFC") who is to manage the process by which proposed management fees are negotiated. The AOD further stipulates that the Senior Officer or IFC is to prepare a written annual evaluation of the fee negotiation process.

With effect from January 1, 2007, the Independent Members of the Board of Trustees for certain Columbia Funds known collectively as the "Atlantic Funds" (together with the other members of that Board, the "Trustees") retained me as IFC for the Atlantic Funds.2 In this capacity, I have prepared the fourth annual written evaluation of the fee negotiation process. As was the case with last year's report (the "2007 Report") my immediate predecessor as IFC, John Rea, provided invaluable assistance in the preparation of this year's report.

A. Role of the Independent Fee Consultant

The AOD charges the IFC with "managing the process by which proposed management fees...to be charged the Columbia Fund are negotiated so that they are negotiated in a manner which is at arms' length and reasonable and consistent with this Assurance of Discontinuance." The AOD also provides that CMA "may manage or advise a Columbia Fund only if the reasonableness of the proposed management fees is determined by the Board of Trustees...using...an annual independent written evaluation prepared by or under the direction of...the Independent Fee Consultant." Therefore, the AOD makes clear that the IFC does not supplant the Trustees in negotiating management fees with CMA, nor does the IFC substitute his or her judgment for that of the Trustees with respect to the reasonableness of proposed fees or any other matter that is committed to the business judgment of the Trustees.

B. Elements Involved in Managing the Fee Negotiation Process

In preparing the report required by the AOD, the IFC must consider at least the following six factors set forth in the AOD:

1.  The nature and quality of CMA's services, including the Fund's performance;

2.  Management fees (including any components thereof) charged by other mutual fund companies for like services;

3.  Possible economies of scale as the Fund grows larger;

4.  Management fees (including any components thereof) charged to institutional and other clients of CMA for like services;

5.  Costs to CMA and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the management fee agreements, excluding any intra-corporate profit; and

6.  Profit margins of CMA and its affiliates from supplying such services.

C. Organization of the Annual Evaluation

This report, like last year's, focuses on the six factors and contains a section for each factor except that CMA's costs and profits from managing the Funds have been combined into a single section. In addition to a discussion of these factors, the report offers recommendations to improve the fee review process in future years. A review of the status of recommendations made in the 2007 Report is being provided separately with the materials for the October meeting.

1  CMA and CMD are subsidiaries of Columbia Management Group, LLC ("CMG"), and are the successors to the entities named in the AOD.

2  I have no material relationship with Bank of America, CMG or any of its affiliates, aside from serving as IFC, and I am aware of no material relationship with any of their affiliates. I retained John Rea, an independent economic consultant, to assist me with this report.

  Unless otherwise stated or required by the context, this report covers only the Atlantic Funds, which are also referred as the "Funds."


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II. Summary of Findings

A. General

1.  Based upon my examination of the information supplied by CMG in the light of the six factors set forth in the AOD, I conclude that the Trustees have the relevant information necessary to evaluate the reasonableness of the proposed management fees for each Atlantic Fund.

2.  In my view, the process by which the proposed management fees of the Funds have been negotiated in 2008 thus far has been, to the extent practicable, at arms' length and reasonable and consistent with the AOD.

B. Nature and Quality of Services, Including Performance

3.  The performance of the Funds has been relatively strong in recent years. Based upon 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year returns through April 30, 2008, at least half of all the Funds were in the first and second performance quintiles in each of the four performance periods and, at most, only 11% were in the fifth quintile in any one performance period. Both equity and fixed-income funds posted strong performance relative to comparable funds.

4.  Performance rankings were similar in 2007 and 2008, although last year's were slightly stronger. Despite the stability in the distribution of rankings in the two years, at least half the Funds changed quintile rankings between the two years in at least one of the 1-, 3-, and 5-year performance periods.

5.  The performance of the actively managed equity Funds against their benchmarks was very strong. At least 57% and as many as 73% posted net returns exceeding their benchmarks over the 1-, 3-, and 5-year periods. In contrast, gross and net returns of fixed-income Funds typically fell short of their benchmarks.

6.  Atlantic equity Funds' overall performance adjusted for risk also was strong. Based upon 3-year returns, nearly 80% of the equity Funds had a combination of risk-adjusted and unadjusted returns that placed them in the top half of their performance universes. Only about one-fifth of the fixed income Funds posted high returns and low risk relative to comparable funds. About two-thirds of the fixed-income Funds took on more risk than the typical fund in their performance universes.

7.  The industry-standard procedure used by Lipper that includes all share classes in the performance universe tends to bias a Fund's ranking upward within that universe. The bias occurs because either no-12b-1 fee or low-12b-1 fee share classes of the Atlantic Funds are compared with funds in performance universes that include all share classes of multi-class funds with 12b-1 fees of up to 100 basis points. Correcting this bias by limiting the performance universe to classes of comparable funds with low or no 12b-1 fees (a "filtered universe") lowers the relative performance for the Funds, but their performance, on the whole, remains strong. The filtering process, however, did identify two Funds for further review that had not been designated review funds using unfiltered universes.

8.  A small number of Funds have consistently underperformed over the past four years. The exact number depends on the criteria used to evaluate longer-term performance. For example, the one-year returns of one Fund have been in the fourth or fifth performance quintiles in each of the past four years; there are six Funds whose three-year returns have been in the fourth or fifth quintile over the past four years.

9.  The services performed by CMG professionals beyond portfolio management, such as compliance, legal, information technology, risk management, finance and fund administration, are critical to the success of the Funds and appear to be of high quality.

C. Management Fees Charged by Other Mutual Fund Companies

10.  The Funds' management fees and total expenses are generally low relative to those of their peers. Only 21% of the Funds ranked in the two most expensive quintiles for actual management fees, and only 23% in those quintiles for total expenses.

11.  The highest concentration of low-expense Funds is found among the equity and tax-exempt fixed income Funds. The 12 former Excelsior Funds have relatively high fees and expenses, with half of those Funds ranking in either the


36



fourth or fifth quintiles. The higher actual management fee rankings of certain Excelsior Funds are due in part to fee schedules that are higher than standard Columbia Fund fee schedules at current asset levels. After discussion with the Trustees, CMA is proposing to lower the management fees on three of these Funds.

12.  The distribution of expense rankings is similar in 2007 and 2008, while management fee rankings improved markedly in 2008. Part of the improvement reflects expense limitations introduced last year for the state intermediate municipal bond Funds.

13.  The management fees of the Atlantic Funds are generally in line with those of Columbia Funds supervised by the Nations Board of Trustees (the "Nations Funds"). In investment categories in which the Atlantic Funds have higher average fees, the difference principally arises out of differences in asset size.

D. Trustees' Fee and Performance Evaluation Process

14.  The Trustees' evaluation process identified 17 Funds in 2008 for further review based upon their relative performance or expenses or both. When compared in filtered universes, two more Funds met the criteria for further review. CMG provided further information about those Funds to assist the Trustees in their evaluation.

E. Potential Economies of Scale

15.  CMG presented to the Trustees its analysis of the sources and sharing of potential economies of scale. CMG views economies of scale as arising at the complex level and would regard estimates of scale economies for individual funds as unreliable. In its analysis, CMG did not identify specific sources of economies of scale or provide any estimates of any economies of scale that might arise from future asset growth. CMG's analysis included measures taken by the Trustees and CMG that seek to share any potential economies of scale through breakpoints in management fee schedules, expense reimbursements, fee waivers, enhanced shareholder services, fund mergers, and operational consolidation.

16.  An examination of the contractual fee schedules for five Atlantic Funds shows that they are generally in line with those of their competitors, in terms of number and extent of fee breakpoints. A similar examination last year of five different Funds led to the same conclusion.

F. Management Fees Charged to Institutional Clients

17.  CMG has provided Trustees with comparisons of mutual fund management fees and institutional fees based upon standardized fee schedules and upon actual fees. The results show that, consistent with industry practice, institutional fees are generally lower than the Funds' management fees. However, because the services provided and risks borne by the manager are more extensive for mutual funds compared to institutional accounts, the differences are of limited value in assisting the Trustees in their review of the reasonableness of the Funds' management fees.

G. Revenues, Expenses, and Profits

18.  The activity-based cost allocation methodology ("ABC") employed by CMG to allocate costs, both direct and indirect, for purposes of calculating Fund profitability is thoughtful and detailed. This year, CMG proposed a change to the method by which indirect expenses are allocated. Under this "hybrid" method, indirect costs relating to fund management are allocated among the Funds 50% by assets and 50% per Fund. Allocating indirect expenses equally to each Fund has an intuitive logic, as each Fund regardless of size has certain expenses, such as preparing and printing prospectuses and financial statements.

19.  The materials provided on CMG's revenues and expenses with respect to the Funds and the methodology underlying their construction form a sufficient basis for Trustees to evaluate the expenses and profitability of the Funds.

20.  In 2007, CMG's complex-wide pre-tax margins on the Atlantic Funds were slightly below industry medians, based on limited data available for publicly held mutual fund managers. However, as is to be expected in a complex now comprising 75 Funds (including former Excelsior


37



Funds), some Atlantic Funds have relatively high pre-tax profit margins, when calculated solely with respect to management revenues and expenses, while other Atlantic Funds operate at a loss. There is a positive relationship between fund size and profitability, with smaller funds generally operating at a loss.

21.  CMG pays a fixed percentage of its management fee revenues to an affiliate, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, to compensate it for services it performs with respect to Atlantic Fund assets held for the benefit of its customers. Based on our analysis of the services provided by this affiliate, we have concluded that all payments other than those for sub-transfer agent or sub-accounting services should be treated as a distribution expense.

III. Recommendations

1)  Criteria for review. The Trustees may wish to consider modifying the criteria for classifying a fund as a "Review Fund" to include criteria that focus exclusively on performance without regard to expense or fee levels. For example, a fund whose one-year or three-year performance was median or below for four consecutive years could be treated as a Review Fund. When we applied such criteria to the Funds, several additional Funds would have been added to the list of Review Funds.

2)  Profitability data. CMG should present to the Trustees each year the profitability of each Fund, each investment style and each complex (of which Atlantic is one) calculated as follows:

a.  Management-only profitability should be calculated without reference to any Private Bank expense.

b.  Profitability excluding distribution (which essentially covers the management and transfer agency functions) should be adjusted by removing from the expense calculation any portion of the Private Bank payment not attributable to the performance by the Private Bank of sub-transfer agency or sub-accounting functions.

c.  Total profitability, including distribution: No adjustment for Private Bank expenses should be made, because all such expenses represent legitimate fund expenses to be taken into account in calculating CMG's profit margin including distribution.

d.  Distribution only: This should include all Private Bank expenses other than those attributable to sub-transfer agency services.

Therefore, the following data need not be provided:

1.  Adjusting total profitability data for Private Bank expenses

2.  Adjusting profitability excluding distribution by backing out all Private Bank expenses.

3)  Potential economies of scale. CMG and the IFC should continue to work on methods for more precisely quantifying to the extent possible the sources and magnitude of any economies of scale as CMG's mutual fund assets under management increase, to the extent that the data allows for meaningful year-over-year comparisons. The framework suggested in Section IV.D.4 may prove to be a useful model for such an analysis.

4)  Competitive breakpoint analysis. As part of the annual fee evaluation process, the breakpoints of a select group of Atlantic Funds (which would differ each year) should continue to be compared to those of industry rivals to ensure that the Funds' breakpoint schedules remain within industry norms. As breakpoint schedules change relatively little each year, performing such a comparison for each Atlantic Fund each year would not be an efficient use of Trustee and CMG resources.

5)  Cost allocation methodology. CMG's point that the current ABC system of allocating indirect expenses creates anomalous results in several cases, including sub-advised Funds, is well-taken. We would like to work with CMG over the forthcoming year on alternatives to the current system of allocating indirect expenses that (1) resolve the anomalies, (2) limit the amount of incremental effort on CMG's part and (3) remain faithful to the general principle that expenses should be allocated by time and effort to the extent reasonably possible.

6)  Management fee disparities. CMG and the Atlantic Trustees, as part of any future study of management fees, should analyze the differences in management fee schedules, principally arising out of the reorganization of the former Excelsior Funds as Atlantic Funds. As part of that analysis, CMG should provide an explanation for any significant fee differences among comparable funds across


38



fund families managed by CMA, such as differences in the management styles of different Funds included the same Lipper category. Finally, whenever CMG proposes a management fee change or an expense cap for any mutual fund managed by CMA that is comparable to any Atlantic Fund, CMG should provide the Trustees with sufficient information about the proposal to allow the Trustees to assess the applicability of the proposed change to the relevant Atlantic Fund or Funds.

7)  Tax-exempt Fund expense data. The expense rankings of certain tax-exempt Funds were adversely affected by including certain investment-related interest expenses that Lipper excluded in calculating the expense ratios of competitors. We recommend that CMG follow the Lipper practice and exclude such interest expenses from data submitted to Lipper to avoid unfairly disadvantaging the tax-exempt Funds.

8)  Reduction of volume of paper documents submitted. The effort to rationalize and simplify the data presented to the Trustees and the process by which that data was prepared and organized was regarded as a success by all parties. We should continue to look for opportunities to reduce and simplify the presentation of 15(c) data, especially in the area of Fund profitability. The Fund "Dashboard" volume presents a large volume of Fund data on a single page. If it is continued, the Trustees may wish to consider receiving the underlying Lipper data on CD, rather than the current paper volumes.

* * *

Respectfully submitted,
Steven E. Asher


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Important Information About This Report

The fund mails one shareholder report to each shareholder address. If you would like more than one report, please call shareholder services at 1-800-345-6611 and additional reports will be sent to you. This report has been prepared for shareholders of Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund.

A description of the policies and procedures that the fund uses to determine how to vote proxies and a copy of the fund's voting records are available (i) at www.columbiamanagement.com; (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov, and (iii) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-368-0346. Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 is available from the SEC's website. Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is also available from the fund's website, www.columbiamanagement.com.

The fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund's Form N-Q is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

An investment in money market mutual funds is not a bank deposit, and is not insured or guaranteed by Bank of America, N.A. or any of its affiliates or by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although money market mutual funds seek to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in money market mutual funds. Please see the prospectuses for a complete discussion of the risks of investing in money market mutual funds.

Please read and consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses for any fund carefully before investing. For a prospectus which contains this and other important information about the fund, contact your Columbia Management representative or financial advisor or go to www.columbiamanagement.com.

Columbia Management Group, LLC ("Columbia Management") is the investment management division of Bank of America Corporation. Columbia Management entities furnish investment management services and products for institutional and individual investors. Columbia Funds are distributed by Columbia Management Distributors, Inc., member of FINRA, SIPC, part of Columbia Management and an affiliate of Bank of America Corporation.

Transfer Agent

Columbia Management Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 8081
Boston, MA 02266-8081
1-800-345-6611

Distributor

Columbia Management
Distributors, Inc.
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111

Investment Advisor

Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
100 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110


41




Columbia Management®

Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund

Annual Report, October 31, 2008

PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Holliston, MA
Permit NO. 20

©2008 Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.

One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111-2621

800-345-6611 www.columbiafunds.com

SHC-42/156909-1008 (12/08) 08/65979




Columbia Management®

Annual Report

October 31, 2008

Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds

g  Columbia Connecticut Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund

g  Columbia Intermediate Municipal
Bond Fund

g  Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund

g  Columbia New Jersey Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund

g  Columbia New York Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund

g  Columbia Rhode Island Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund

NOT FDIC INSURED   May Lose Value  
NOT BANK ISSUED   No Bank Guarantee  

 



Table of Contents

Economic Update     1    
Columbia Connecticut Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund
    2    
Columbia Intermediate Municipal
Bond Fund
    7    
Columbia Massachusetts
Intermediate Municipal
Bond Fund
    12    
Columbia New Jersey Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund
    17    
Columbia New York Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund
    22    
Columbia Rhode Island
Intermediate Municipal
Bond Fund
    27    
Investment Portfolios     32    
Statements of Assets and
Liabilities
    96    
Statements of Operations     100    
Statements of Changes in
Net Assets
    102    
Financial Highlights     108    
Notes to Financial Statements     138    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     151    
Federal Income Tax Information     152    
Fund Governance     153    
Board Consideration and
Approval of Investment
Advisory Agreements
    157    
Summary of Management
Fee Evaluation by Independent
Fee Consultant
    161    
Important Information About
This Report
    169    

 

The views expressed in this report reflect the current views of the respective parties. These views are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, so actual outcomes and results may differ significantly from the views expressed. These views are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market or other conditions and the respective parties disclaim any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Columbia Fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any particular Columbia Fund. References to specific securities should not be construed as a recommendation or investment advice.

President's Message

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to provide this shareholder report for your Columbia Fund and hope you will find the portfolio management details, discussions and performance information helpful in monitoring your investments. As we've seen this past year, the financial markets can be quite volatile, with significant short-term price fluctuations. It's important to keep these ups and downs in perspective, particularly in light of your long-term investment strategy.

Staying the course with your long-term strategy typically involves riding out short-term price fluctuations, though we recognize that at times this can be tough. To support your efforts and give you the information you need to make prudent decisions, Columbia Management offers several valuable online resources. We encourage you to visit www.columbiamanagement.com/investor, where you can receive the most up-to-date information, including:

g   Daily pricing and performance. View pricing and performance from a link in Fund Tracker on the homepage. This listing of funds is updated nightly with the current net asset value and the amount and percentage change from the prior day.

g   News & Commentary. This tab provides links to quarterly fund commentaries and information from our investment strategies group, including trends in the economy and market impact.

If you would like more details on individual funds, select a fund from the dropdown menu on the top right side of the homepage for access to:

g   Monthly and quarterly performance information.

g   Portfolio holdings. Full holdings are updated monthly for money market funds except for Columbia Cash Reserves, Columbia Government Plus Reserves, Columbia Government Reserves, Columbia Treasury Reserves and Columbia Money Market Reserves which are updated weekly, monthly for equity funds and quarterly for most other funds.

g   Quarterly fact sheets. Accessible from the Literature tab in each fund page.

By registering on the site, you'll receive secured, 24-hour access to*:

g   Mutual fund account details with balances, dividend and transaction information.

g   Fund Tracker to customize your homepage with current net asset values for the funds that interest you.

g   On-line transactions including purchases, exchanges and redemptions.

g   Account maintenance for updating your address and dividend payment options.

g   Electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports.

I encourage you to visit our website for access to the product information and tools described above. These valuable online resources can help you monitor your investments and provide direct access to your account. All of these tools, and more, can be found on www.columbiamanagement.com/investor.

While your financial advisor is a great resource for investment guidance, you can also access our website or call our service representatives at 800.345.6611 for additional assistance. We thank you for investing with Columbia Management and look forward to helping with your ongoing investment needs.

Sincerely,

Christopher L. Wilson
President, Columbia Funds

*Some restrictions apply. Shareholders who purchase shares through certain third-party organizations may not have the ability to register for online access.




Economic UpdateColumbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds

The pace of economic growth ground to a halt during the 12-month period that began November 1, 2007 and ended October 31, 2008. Although economic growth was modestly positive at the beginning of the period, the economy slipped into recession in 2008, with little near-term relief in sight. A host of factors weighed on consumers and businesses alike.

The most severe housing downturn in decades showed no sign of abating as inventories of homes for sale rose, home prices declined and tighter credit standards, a result of continued turmoil in the subprime mortgage market, made it more difficult for homebuyers to qualify for loans.

The labor market contracted for ten consecutive months, driving the unemployment rate to 6.5%, the highest rate since the early 1990s. Nearly 1.2 million jobs have been lost since the beginning of 2008, with announced layoffs likely to drive that number even higher in the months ahead. Manufacturing activity slowed and consumer spending declined, dimming hopes for the holiday season.

A weakening economy and turmoil in the financial markets took a toll on consumer confidence, which plummeted to the lowest point ever in the 40-year history of the monthly survey. Consumer confidence is surveyed by The Conference Board.

In an effort to inspire confidence in the capital markets, loosen the reins on credit and shore up economic growth, the Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) brought a key short-term rate—the federal funds rate—down from 4.50% to 1.0% during the 12-month period. Despite earlier concerns about inflation, a weak economic outlook has kept the Fed focused on stimulating economic growth through lowering borrowing rates. In fact, the one bright spot during this period of uncertainty has been lower energy and commodity prices. With oil trading near $60 per barrel at the end of the period, gasoline prices are expected to come down below $2 per gallon after peaking above $4 per gallon during the summer months.

Bonds eke out a small, positive return

The U.S. bond market seesawed during the 12-month period but managed to eke out a small gain as investors sought the relative safety of the highest quality sectors. After a weak start, bond prices in several sectors rose and yields declined as economic growth slowed and stock market volatility increased. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield ended the period at just under 4.0%, nearly one-half percentage point lower than where it stood one year ago. In this environment, the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Bond Index) returned 0.30%.1 High-yield bonds disappointed as economic prospects weakened and default fears rose. The Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Index returned negative 26.43%.2

Stocks retreat as economic outlook darkens

Against a shifting economic backdrop, the U.S. stock market lost 36.10% for the 12-month period, as measured by the S&P 500 Index.3 Losses extended across all market caps and both growth and value, although value stocks held up somewhat better than growth stocks, as measured by their respective Russell indices.4 Stock markets outside the U.S. suffered even greater losses. The MSCI EAFE Index, a broad gauge of stock market performance in foreign developed markets, lost 46.62% (in U.S. dollars) for the period.5 Emerging stock markets, which have had a strong run over the past several years, were also caught in the downdraft. As investors backed away from risk, emerging markets suffered most of all. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned negative 56.22% (in U.S. dollars).6

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

1 The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Bond Index) is a market value-weighted index that tracks the daily price, coupon, pay-downs, and total return performance of fixed-rate, publicly placed, dollar-denominated, and non-convertible investment grade debt with at least $250 million par amount outstanding and with at least one year to final maturity.

2 The Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Index tracks the performance of non-investment-grade corporate bonds.

3 The Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index tracks the performance of 500 widely held, large capitalization US stocks.

4 The Russell 1000 Index measures the performance of 1,000 of the largest U.S. companies, based on market capitalization. The Russell Midcap Index measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index, as ranked by total market capitalization. The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies, based on market capitalization.

5 The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe, Australasia, Far East (EAFE) Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure developed market equity performance, excluding the U.S. and Canada.

6 The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index is a widely accepted index composed of a sample of companies from 25 countries representing the global emerging stock markets.

Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

Summary

For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008

g   Despite volatility in many segments of the bond market, the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index delivered a modest gain. High-yield bonds lost significant ground, as measured by the Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Index.

Barclays
Index
  Merrill
Lynch Index
 
   

 

g   The broad U.S. stock market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, returned negative 36.10%. Developed stock markets outside the United States returned negative 46.62%, as measured (in U.S. dollars) by the MSCI EAFE Index.

S&P Index   MSCI Index  
   

 


1



Fund ProfileColumbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Summary

1-year return as of 10/31/08

  –1.80%  
  Class A shares
(without sales charge)
 
  +0.53%  
  Barclays Capital
3-15 Year Blend
Municipal Bond Index
 

 

Morningstar Style Box

The Morningstar Style Box reveals a fund's investment strategy. For fixed-income funds the vertical axis shows the average credit quality of the bonds owned, and the horizontal axis shows interest rate sensitivity as measured by a bond's duration (short, intermediate or long). All of these numbers are drawn from the data most recently provided by the fund and entered into Morningstar's database as of quarter-end. Although the data is gathered from reliable sources, Morningstar cannot guarantee its completeness and accuracy. Information shown is as of 06/30/08.

Summary

g  For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares returned negative 1.80% without sales charge. Class Z shares returned negative 1.53%.

g  The fund's return trailed both its benchmark, the Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index,1 as well as the average return of its peer group, the Lipper Other States Intermediate Municipal Debt Funds Classification.2

g  The fund had more exposure to longer-term bonds than its benchmark and, we believe, the average fund in its peer group, which hurt performance.

Portfolio Management

Brian McGreevy has managed the fund or its predecessors since September 2002 and has been associated with the advisor or its predecessors or affiliate organizations since 1994.

1The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.


2



Performance InformationColumbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Growth of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08

 

 

The chart above shows the growth in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class A shares of Columbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund during the stated time period, and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index) tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index. The growth of a $10,000 investment with sales charge for Class A is calculated with an initial sales charge of 4.75%, which was the effective sales charge prior to August 22, 2005.

Performance of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08 ($)

Sales charge   without   with  
Class A     13,402       12,762    
Class B     12,664       12,664    
Class C     12,932       12,932    
Class T     13,490       12,845    
Class Z     13,685       n/a    

 

Average annual total return as of 10/31/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C   T   Z  
Inception   11/18/02   11/18/02   11/18/02   06/26/00   08/01/94  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with   without   with   without  
1-year     –1.80       –5.02       –2.52       –5.36       –2.18       –3.12       –1.68       –6.35       –1.53    
5-year     1.63       0.64       0.88       0.88       1.23       1.23       1.74       0.75       1.89    
10-year     2.97       2.47       2.39       2.39       2.60       2.60       3.04       2.54       3.19    

 

          

Average annual total return as of 09/30/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C   T   Z  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with   without   with   without  
1-year     –0.95       –4.19       –1.67       –4.53       –1.32       –2.28       –0.82       –5.53       –0.68    
5-year     1.63       0.65       0.88       0.88       1.23       1.23       1.74       0.76       1.89    
10-year     3.04       2.54       2.47       2.47       2.68       2.68       3.11       2.61       3.26    

 

          

The "with sales charge" returns include the maximum initial sales charge of 3.25% for Class A shares (for the 1-year period), 4.75% for Class A shares (for the 5-year and 10-year periods) and 4.75% for Class T shares, respectively, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 3.00% in the first year, declining to 1.00% in the fourth year and eliminated thereafter for Class B shares and 1.00% for Class C shares for the first year only. The "without sales charge" returns do not include the effect of sales charges. If they had, returns would be lower.

Prior to August 22, 2005, new purchases of Class A shares had a maximum initial sales charge of 4.75%.

Performance results reflect any fee waivers or reimbursements of fund expenses by the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates. Absent these fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements, performance results would have been lower.

All results shown assume reinvestment of distributions. Class Z shares are sold at net asset value with no distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees. Class Z shares have limited eligibility and the investment minimum requirements may vary. Please see the fund's prospectus for details. Performance for different share classes will vary based on differences in sales charges and fees associated with each class.

The tables do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares.

Class A, Class B and Class C shares are newer classes of shares, initially offered on November 18, 2002. Their returns include returns of Retail A shares (for Class A shares) and Retail B shares (for Class B and Class C shares) of the Galaxy Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund (the "Galaxy Connecticut Fund") for periods prior to November 18, 2002 (adjusted, as applicable, to reflect the sales charges applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares). The returns shown for Class B and Class C shares also include the returns for Retail A shares (adjusted, as applicable, to reflect the sales charges applicable to Class B and Class C shares) for periods prior to inception of Retail B shares of the Galaxy Connecticut Fund (March 1, 2001). The returns shown for Class T shares include the returns of Retail A shares of the Galaxy Connecticut Fund for periods prior to November 18, 2002. Retail A share returns include returns of the BKB shares of the Galaxy Connecticut Fund for periods prior to June 26, 2001, the date on which BKB shares were converted to Retail A shares, and returns of shares of the Boston 1784 Connecticut Tax-Exempt Income Fund (the "1784 Connecticut Fund") (whose shares were initially offered on August 1, 1994) for periods prior to June 26, 2000. The returns for Class Z shares include the returns of Trust shares of the Galaxy Connecticut Fund for periods prior to November 18, 2002, and the returns of the 1784 Connecticut Fund for periods prior to June 26, 2000. No returns have been restated to reflect any differences in expenses such as distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees between any predecessor share class and the corresponding newer share class. If differences in expenses had been reflected, the returns shown for periods prior to the inception of the newer share classes would have been lower.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Annual operating expense ratio (%)*

Class A     1.06    
Class B     1.81    
Class C     1.81    
Class T     0.96    
Class Z     0.81    

 

Annual operating expense ratio

after contractual waivers (%)*

Class A     0.75    
Class B     1.50    
Class C     1.50    
Class T     0.65    
Class Z     0.50    

 

* The annual operating expense ratio and annual operating expense ratio after contractual waivers are as stated in the fund's prospectus that is current as of the date of this report. The contractual waiver expires 02/28/09. Differences in expense ratios disclosed elsewhere in this report may result from including fee waivers and expense reimbursements as well as different time periods used in calculating the ratios.


3



Understanding Your ExpensesColumbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Estimating your actual expenses

To estimate the expenses that you paid over the period, first you will need your account balance at the end of the period:

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from Columbia Management Services, Inc., your account balance is available online at www.columbiafunds.com or by calling Shareholder Services at 800.345.6611.

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from their financial intermediary, contact your financial intermediary to obtain your account balance.

1.  Divide your ending account balance by $1,000. For example, if an account balance was $8,600 at the end of the period, the result would be 8.6.

2.  In the section of the table below titled "Expenses paid during the period," locate the amount for your share class. You will find this number in the column labeled "Actual." Multiply this number by the result from step 1. Your answer is an estimate of the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

If the value of your account falls below the minimum initial investment requirement applicable to you, your account generally will be subject to a $20 annual fee. This fee is not included in the accompanying table. If you are subject to the fee, keep it in mind when you are estimating the ongoing expenses of investing in the fund and when comparing the expenses of this fund with other funds.

As a fund shareholder, you incur two types of costs. There are transaction costs, which generally include sales charges on purchases and may include redemption fees or exchange fees. There are also ongoing costs, which generally include investment advisory fees, distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees and other fund expenses. The information on this page is intended to help you understand the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

Analyzing your fund's expenses by share class

To illustrate these ongoing costs, we have provided an example and calculated the expenses paid by investors in each share class during the period. The information in the following table is based on an initial investment of $1,000, which is invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period. Expense information is calculated two ways and each method provides you with different information. The amount listed in the "Actual" column is calculated using the fund's actual operating expenses and total return for the period. The amount listed in the "Hypothetical" column for each share class assumes that the return each year is 5% before expenses and is calculated based on the fund's actual operating expenses. You should not use the hypothetical account values and expenses to estimate either your actual account balance at the end of the period or the expenses you paid during this period.

Compare with other funds

Since all mutual funds are required to include the same hypothetical calculations about expenses in shareholder reports, you can use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund with other funds. To do so, compare the 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. As you compare hypothetical examples of other funds, it is important to note that hypothetical examples are meant to highlight the ongoing costs of investing in a fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees.

05/01/08 - 10/31/08

    Account value at the
beginning of the period ($)
  Account value at the
end of the period ($)
  Expenses paid
during the period ($)
  Fund's annualized
expense ratio (%)
 
    Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual  
Class A     1,000.00       1,000.00       967.32       1,021.37       3.71       3.81       0.75    
Class B     1,000.00       1,000.00       963.70       1,017.60       7.40       7.61       1.50    
Class C     1,000.00       1,000.00       965.41       1,019.36       5.68       5.84       1.15    
Class T     1,000.00       1,000.00       967.77       1,021.87       3.22       3.30       0.65    
Class Z     1,000.00       1,000.00       968.48       1,022.62       2.47       2.54       0.50    

 

        

Expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the share class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, then multiplied by the number of days in the fund's most recent fiscal half-year and divided by 366.

Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, account value at the end of the period would have been reduced.

It is important to note that the expense amounts shown in the table are meant to highlight only ongoing costs of investing in the fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees. Therefore, the hypothetical examples provided may not help you determine the relative total costs of owning shares of different funds. If these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


4



Portfolio Manager's ReportColumbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, Class A shares of Columbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund returned negative 1.80% without sales charge. Class Z shares returned negative 1.53%. By comparison, the Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index1 (formerly the Lehman Brothers 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index) returned positive 0.53%, while the Lipper Other States Intermediate Municipal Debt Funds Classification2 had an average total return of negative 1.30%. We believe the fund underperformed its benchmark and the average fund in its peer group largely because we purchased several bonds with maturities ranging from eight to 15 years, which raised exposure to the weakest performing maturity range of the market. A late purchase of BBB-rated bonds also hurt performance but added to the overall yield in the portfolio, as did exposure to bonds issued by Puerto Rico or its subdivisions. These bonds, which accounted for 12% of the fund's assets, have lower ratings and underperformed as the yield difference between higher and lower quality bonds widened.

On October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares had a 30-day SEC annualized yield of 3.38%. This equaled a taxable equivalent yield of 5.47% for shareholders in the 35.0% federal income tax bracket and taxed at the state's applicable state income tax rate. This tax rate does not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of the otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels.

A year of instability and uncertainty

In an environment of high volatility and low liquidity, investors sought shelter in bonds with the highest quality and shortest maturities. By the end of the period, the number of high quality bonds had fallen dramatically as a widening financial crisis threatened all aspects of the financial markets. The percentage of AAA-rated bonds in the index dropped from 65% in January to 32% in October. In June, MBIA and AMBAC, two large municipal insurers, were downgraded by major credit rating agencies. Against this backdrop, lower quality, longer-term securities were the weakest performers, with the worst performance coming from bonds with maturities of 12 to 17 years. In addition, the municipal market experienced selling pressure from mutual funds and hedge funds as the yield difference between high and low quality bonds widened and arbitrage trades became unprofitable.

Longer-term bonds hampered returns

While the fund benefited from a steady supply of new high quality issues, performance was hurt when we purchased some longer intermediate-term bonds at a time when the market favored shorter-term issues with less price volatility. Some of the new issues grew out of a change in federal law that allowed the state housing authority to issue bonds not subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT). For the past several years, the housing agency has maintained strong underwriting standards, including income

1The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Net asset value per share

as of 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     10.06    
Class B     10.06    
Class C     10.06    
Class T     10.06    
Class Z     10.06    

 

Distributions declared per share

11/01/07 – 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     0.38    
Class B     0.30    
Class C     0.34    
Class T     0.39    
Class Z     0.41    

 

A portion of the fund's income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. The fund may at times purchase tax-exempt securities at a discount. Some, or all, of this discount may be included in the fund's ordinary income, and is taxable when distributed.

30-day SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     3.38    
Class B     2.81    
Class C     3.15    
Class T     3.48    
Class Z     3.80    

 

The 30-day SEC yields reflect the fund's earning power, net of expenses, expressed as an annualized percentage of the public offering price per share at the end of the period.


5



Portfolio Manager's Report (continued)Columbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     5.47    
Class B     4.55    
Class C     5.10    
Class T     5.64    
Class Z     6.15    

 

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields are based on the maximum effective 35.0% federal income tax rate and applicable state income tax rate. This tax rate does not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of the otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels.

Top 5 sectors

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Local General Obligations     20.6    
Refunded/Escrowed     16.6    
State General Obligations     13.7    
Education     11.0    
Special Non-Property Tax     7.5    

 

Sector breakdowns are calculated as a percentage of net assets.

Quality breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

AAA     31.4    
AA     48.7    
A     8.7    
BBB     3.7    
Non-rated     0.7    
Cash and Equivalents     6.8    

 

Maturity breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

0-1 year     4.0    
1-3 years     11.9    
3-5 years     12.1    
5-7 years     12.3    
7-10 years     16.3    
10-15 years     18.1    
15-20 years     14.2    
20-25 years     3.1    
25 years and over     1.2    
Cash and Equivalents     6.8    

 

Quality and maturity breakdowns are calculated as a percentage of net assets. Ratings shown in the quality breakdown represent the highest rating assigned to a particular bond by one of the following nationally recognized rating agencies: Standard and Poor's, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch Ratings Ltd. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The fund's credit quality does not remove market risk.

The fund is actively managed and the composition of its portfolio will change over time.

documentation, minimum down payments and credit checks, so these new bonds offered good quality as well as attractive yields. At the same time, inflows to the fund were strong over the period, and we used the new cash to purchase bonds, including some longer intermediate-term issues, which although they hampered returns during this period, we believe have the potential to do well in a more stable environment. In addition, the fund had no exposure to bonds subject to the AMT, which aided performance because prices on bonds subject to the AMT declined as demand weakened and yields rose more than on other, comparable maturity municipal bonds.

A favorable but cautious economic outlook

We believe that Connecticut's diverse economy is in a good position to retain a stable credit rating for the state and its local municipalities as the state's aerospace and defense industries continue to benefit from strong domestic and international sales. Even so, there are risks going forward. A declining stock market and falling employment in the securities industry will have a negative impact on the state, especially in Fairfield County, where Wall Street employment—and now unemployment—is high. We expect municipal bond issuance to remain strong as the state takes advantage of relatively low interest rates. Credit selection and risk management will be especially important as the state works through this economic downturn.

Portfolio holdings and characteristics are subject to change periodically and may not be representative of current holdings and characteristics. The outlook for this fund may differ from that presented for other Columbia Funds.

Tax-exempt bonds involve special risks. The value of the fund will be affected by interest rate changes and the creditworthiness of issues held in the fund. When interest rates go up, bond prices generally drop and vice versa.

Interest income from certain tax-exempt bonds may be subject to certain state and local taxes and, if applicable, the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains are not exempt from income taxes.

The Fund is non-diversified, which generally means that it may invest a greater percentage of its total assets in the securities of fewer issuers than a "diversified" fund. This increases the risk that a change in the value of any one investment held by the Fund could affect the overall value of the Fund more than it would affect that of a diversified fund holding a greater number of investments. Accordingly, the Fund's value will likely be more volatile than the value of more diversified funds.

Single-state municipal bond funds pose additional risks due to limited geographical diversification.


6



Fund ProfileColumbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Summary

g  For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares returned negative 2.25% without sales charge. Class Z shares returned negative 2.05%.

g  The fund's return trailed both its benchmark, the Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index1, as well as the average return of its peer group, the Lipper Intermediate Municipal Debt Funds Classification2.

g  Investments in non-rated and lower-rated investment grade bonds, as well as bonds with maturities of 10+ years, hampered returns, as these sectors underperformed higher quality and shorter-maturity issues.

Portfolio Management

Susan Sanderson has managed the fund or its predecessors since June 2002 and has been associated with the advisor or its predecessors or affiliate organizations since 1985.

1The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Summary

1-year return as of 10/31/08

  –2.25%  
  Class A shares
(without sales charge)
 
  +0.53%  
  Barclays Capital
3-15 Year Blend
Municipal Bond Index
 

 

Morningstar Style Box

The Morningstar Style Box reveals a fund's investment strategy. For fixed-income funds the vertical axis shows the average credit quality of the bonds owned, and the horizontal axis shows interest rate sensitivity as measured by a bond's duration (short, intermediate or long). All of these numbers are drawn from the data most recently provided by the fund and entered into Morningstar's database as of quarter-end. Although the data gathered is from reliable sources, Morningstar cannot guarantee its completeness and accuracy. Information shown is as of 06/30/08.


7



Performance InformationColumbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Annual operating expense ratio (%)*

Class A     0.72    
Class B     1.37    
Class C     1.37    
Class T     0.67    
Class Z     0.52    

 

Annual operating expense ratio

after contractual waivers (%)*

Class A     0.70    
Class B     1.35    
Class C     1.35    
Class T     0.65    
Class Z     0.50    

 

* The annual operating expense ratio and annual operating expense ratio after contractual waivers are as stated in the fund's prospectus that is current as of the date of this report. The contractual waiver expires 02/28/09. Differences in expense ratios disclosed elsewhere in this report may result from including fee waivers and expense reimbursements as well as different time periods used in calculating the ratios.

Growth of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08

 

 

The chart above shows the growth in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class A shares of Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund during the stated time period, and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index) tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index. The growth of a $10,000 investment with sales charge for Class A shares are calculated with an initial sales charge of 4.75%, which was the effective sales charge prior to August 22, 2005.

Performance of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08 ($)

Sales charge   without   with  
Class A     13,653       13,007    
Class B     13,001       13,001    
Class C     13,349       13,349    
Class T     13,694       13,047    
Class Z     13,897       n/a    

 

Average annual total return as of 10/31/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C   T   Z  
Inception   11/25/02   11/25/02   11/25/02   06/26/00   06/14/93  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with   without   with   without  
1-year     –2.25       –5.40       –2.88       –5.70       –2.45       –3.39       –2.20       –6.85       –2.05    
5-year     1.86       0.88       1.20       1.20       1.66       1.66       1.91       0.93       2.05    
10-year     3.16       2.66       2.66       2.66       2.93       2.93       3.19       2.70       3.35    

 

          

Average annual total return as of 09/30/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C   T   Z  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with   without   with   without  
1-year     –0.94       –4.13       –1.58       –4.44       –1.15       –2.10       –0.89       –5.60       –0.74    
5-year     1.92       0.93       1.26       1.26       1.72       1.72       1.97       0.98       2.13    
10-year     3.27       2.76       2.77       2.77       3.04       3.04       3.30       2.79       3.45    

 

          

The "with sales charge" returns include the maximum initial sales charge of 3.25% for Class A shares (for the 1-year period), 4.75% for Class A shares (for the 5-year and 10-year periods) and 4.75% for Class T shares, respectively, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 3.00% in the first year, declining to 1.00% in the fourth year and eliminated thereafter for Class B shares and 1.00% for Class C shares for the first year only. The "without sales charge" returns do not include the effect of sales charges. If they had, returns would be lower.

Prior to August 22, 2005, new purchases of Class A shares had a maximum initial sales charge of 4.75%.

Performance results reflect any fee waivers or reimbursements of fund expenses by the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates. Absent these fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements, performance results would have been lower.

All results shown assume reinvestment of distributions. Class Z shares are sold at net asset value with no distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees. Class Z shares have limited eligibility and the investment minimum requirements may vary. Please see the fund's prospectus for details. Performance for different share classes will vary based on differences in sales charges and fees associated with each class.

The tables do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares.

Class A, Class B and Class C shares are newer classes of shares, initially offered on November 25, 2002. Their returns include returns of Retail A shares (for Class A shares) and Retail B shares (for Class B and Class C shares) of the Galaxy Intermediate Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (the "Galaxy Intermediate Tax-Exempt Fund") for periods prior to November 25, 2002 (adjusted, as applicable, to reflect the sales charges applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares). The returns shown for Class B and Class C shares also include the returns for Retail A shares (adjusted, as applicable, to reflect the sales charges applicable to Class B and Class C shares) for periods prior to inception of Retail B shares of the Galaxy Intermediate Tax-Exempt Fund (March 1, 2001). The returns shown for Class T shares include the returns of Retail A shares of the Galaxy Intermediate Tax-Exempt Fund for periods prior to November 25, 2002. Class T shares were initially offered on June 26, 2000. Retail A share returns include the returns of BKB shares of the Galaxy Intermediate Tax-Exempt Fund for periods prior to June 26, 2001, the date on which BKB shares were converted to Retail A shares, and the returns of shares of the Boston 1784 Tax-Exempt Medium-Term Income Fund (the "1784 Tax-Exempt Fund") (whose shares were initially offered on June 14, 1993) for periods prior to June 26, 2000. The returns for Class Z shares include the returns of Trust shares of the Galaxy Intermediate Tax-Exempt Fund for periods prior to November 25, 2002, and the returns of the 1784 Tax-Exempt Fund for periods prior to June 26, 2000. No returns have been restated to reflect any differences in expenses such as distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees between any predecessor share class and the corresponding newer share class. If differences in expenses had been reflected, the returns shown for periods prior to the inception of the newer share classes would have been lower.


8



Understanding Your ExpensesColumbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

As a fund shareholder, you incur two types of costs. There are transaction costs, which generally include sales charges on purchases and may include redemption fees or exchange fees. There are also ongoing costs, which generally include investment advisory fees, distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees and other fund expenses. The information on this page is intended to help you understand the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

Analyzing your fund's expenses by share class

To illustrate these ongoing costs, we have provided an example and calculated the expenses paid by investors in each share class during the period. The information in the following table is based on an initial investment of $1,000, which is invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period. Expense information is calculated two ways and each method provides you with different information. The amount listed in the "Actual" column is calculated using the fund's actual operating expenses and total return for the period. The amount listed in the "Hypothetical" column for each share class assumes that the return each year is 5% before expenses and is calculated based on the fund's actual operating expenses. You should not use the hypothetical account values and expenses to estimate either your actual account balance at the end of the period or the expenses you paid during this period.

Compare with other funds

Since all mutual funds are required to include the same hypothetical calculations about expenses in shareholder reports, you can use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund with other funds. To do so, compare the 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. As you compare hypothetical examples of other funds, it is important to note that hypothetical examples are meant to highlight the ongoing costs of investing in a fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees.

Estimating your actual expenses

To estimate the expenses that you paid over the period, first you will need your account balance at the end of the period:

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from Columbia Management Services, Inc., your account balance is available online at www.columbiafunds.com or by calling Shareholder Services at 800.345.6611.

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from their financial intermediary, contact your financial intermediary to obtain your account balance.

1.  Divide your ending account balance by $1,000. For example, if an account balance was $8,600 at the end of the period, the result would be 8.6.

2.  In the section of the table below titled "Expenses paid during the period," locate the amount for your share class. You will find this number in the column labeled "Actual." Multiply this number by the result from step 1. Your answer is an estimate of the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

If the value of your account falls below the minimum initial investment requirement applicable to you, your account generally will be subject to a $20 annual fee. This fee is not included in the accompanying table. If you are subject to the fee, keep it in mind when you are estimating the ongoing expenses of investing in the fund and when comparing the expenses of this fund with other funds.

05/01/08 - 10/31/08

    Account value at the
beginning of the period ($)
  Account value at the
end of the period ($)
  Expenses paid
during the period ($)
  Fund's annualized
expense ratio (%)
 
    Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual  
Class A     1,000.00       1,000.00       962.19       1,021.62       3.45       3.56       0.70    
Class B     1,000.00       1,000.00       958.98       1,018.35       6.65       6.85       1.35    
Class C     1,000.00       1,000.00       961.19       1,020.61       4.44       4.57       0.90    
Class T     1,000.00       1,000.00       962.40       1,021.87       3.21       3.30       0.65    
Class Z     1,000.00       1,000.00       963.10       1,022.62       2.47       2.54       0.50    

 

        

Expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the share class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, then multiplied by the number of days in the fund's most recent fiscal half-year and divided by 366.

Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, account value at the end of the period would have been reduced.

It is important to note that the expense amounts shown in the table are meant to highlight only ongoing costs of investing in the fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees. Therefore, the hypothetical examples provided may not help you determine the relative total costs of owning shares of different funds. If these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


9



Portfolio Manager's ReportColumbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Net asset value per share

as of 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     9.62    
Class B     9.62    
Class C     9.62    
Class T     9.62    
Class Z     9.62    

 

Distributions declared per share

11/01/07 – 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     0.38    
Class B     0.32    
Class C     0.36    
Class T     0.39    
Class Z     0.40    

 

A portion of the fund's income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. The fund may at times purchase tax-exempt securities at a discount. Some, or all, of this discount may be included in the fund's ordinary income, and is taxable when distributed.

30-day SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     3.86    
Class B     3.40    
Class C     3.85    
Class T     3.90    
Class Z     4.25    

 

The 30-day SEC yields reflect the fund's earning power, net of expenses, expressed as an annualized percentage of the public offering price per share at the end of the period.

For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, Class A shares of Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund returned negative 2.25% without sales charge. Class Z shares returned negative 2.05%. By comparison, the Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index1 (formerly the Lehman Brothers 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index) returned positive 0.53%, while the Lipper Intermediate Municipal Debt Funds Classification2 had an average total return of negative 2.07%. Investments in longer-maturity bonds as well as lower-rated investment grade and non-rated issues hampered returns.

On May 5, 2008, Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund acquired Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund, a series of Excelsior Tax-Exempt Funds, Inc. The acquisition added to the fund's holdings of underperforming lower investment-grade and longer-maturity bonds and some shorter-maturity and high-grade names that fared better during the second half of the period.

On October 31, 2008, Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund's Class A shares had a 30-day SEC annualized yield of 3.86%. This equaled a taxable equivalent yield of 5.94% for shareholders in the 35.0% federal income tax bracket. This tax rate does not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels. The fund's yield was higher than the average for its peer group.

Pressure on municipal bonds

Municipal bonds avoided the sharp price declines of stocks and high-yield bonds, but made little headway amid challenging market conditions. Throughout the year, credit ratings agencies downgraded municipal bond insurers because of worries that they might not have adequate capital to cover potential defaults. New issuance slowed as issuers postponed coming to market. In addition, institutions and non-traditional buyers, including hedge funds, were heavy sellers of municipal bonds, pressuring prices. By the fall, an estimated $18 billion in new issuance was scheduled to come to the market. However, a portion of it was postponed as a result of the credit freeze. Uncertainty around this overhang also weighed on municipal bond prices. In a challenging environment, higher quality and shorter-maturity municipal bonds beat lower investment grade bonds, non-rated bonds and longer-maturity bonds.

Longer intermediate-maturity bias

The fund maintained its focus on bonds with maturities between seven and 15 years, which offered a yield advantage over shorter-term issues as well as strong long-term return potential. We locked in yields by focusing on bonds that were non-callable or protected from being redeemed any time soon. However, an overweight versus the Barclays index in bonds with 10- to 15-year maturities and a modest stake in even longer-term issues hindered returns. An underweight in bonds with maturities of two years or less also hurt performance.

1The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.


10



Portfolio Manager's Report (continued)Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Benefit from high-quality exposure

Bonds with the highest credit ratings (AAA or AA)—which accounted for approximately 77% of the fund's assets—aided returns. Among the winners were pre-refunded bonds, which typically have better credit quality and shorter maturities than issues that have not been refunded. Pre-refunding occurs when an issuer goes to market with a new bond and puts the proceeds from that sale into an escrow account to pay off an older, higher interest-rate issue. The fund, however, lost ground on its holdings of lower-rated investment grade (A or BAA), below investment grade and non-rated issues, which accounted for approximately 21% of its assets. Sectors that performed poorly included tobacco, hospital, and Puerto Rico bonds, as well as land secured deals. The fund reduced its exposure to bonds directly subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT) to approximately 1.73%.

Potential for more volatility and weak economic growth

We believe that low short-term interest rates, the federal government bailout's package and easing inflation pressures bode well for the economy's long-term outlook. We believe that near term, however, job layoffs, reduced consumer spending, the slumping housing market and lackluster corporate earnings will likely hurt economic growth. To prepare the fund for this environment, we recently began to shift the portfolio's focus toward intermediate-term bonds with six- to 12-year maturities and increasing positions in higher investment grade issues.

Portfolio holdings and characteristics are subject to change periodically and may not be representative of current holdings and characteristics. The outlook for this fund may differ from that presented for other Columbia Funds.

Tax-exempt bonds involve special risks. The value of the fund will be affected by interest rate changes and the creditworthiness of issues held in the fund. When interest rates go up, bond prices generally drop and vice versa.

Interest income from certain tax-exempt bonds may be subject to certain state and local taxes and, if applicable, the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains are not exempt from income taxes.

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     5.94    
Class B     5.23    
Class C     5.92    
Class T     6.00    
Class Z     6.54    

 

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields are based on the maximum effective 35.0% federal income tax rate. This tax rate does not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of the otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels.

Top 5 sectors

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Local General Obligations     11.9    
State General Obligations     10.6    
Refunded/Escrowed     9.8    
Special Non-Property Tax     8.6    
Hospitals     8.2    

 

Sector breakdowns are calculated as a percentage of net assets.

Quality breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

AAA     33.4    
AA     44.0    
A     8.3    
BBB     8.7    
BB     0.2    
B     0.7    
Non-rated     2.9    
Cash and Equivalents     1.8    

 

Maturity breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

0-1 year     0.1    
1-3 years     10.3    
3-5 years     17.7    
5-7 years     13.4    
7-10 years     24.0    
10-15 years     24.9    
15-20 years     6.3    
20-25 years     1.3    
25 years and over     0.2    
Cash and Equivalents     1.8    

 

Quality and maturity breakdowns are calculated as a percentage of net assets. Ratings shown in the quality breakdown represent the highest rating assigned to a particular bond by one of the following nationally recognized rating agencies: Standard and Poor's, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch Ratings Ltd. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The fund's credit quality does not remove market risk.

The fund is actively managed and the composition of its portfolio will change over time.


11



Fund ProfileColumbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Summary

1-year return as of 10/31/08

  –0.88%  
  Class A shares
(without sales charge)
 
  +0.53%  
  Barclays Capital
3-15 Year Blend
Municipal Bond Index
 

 

Morningstar Style Box

The Morningstar Style Box reveals a fund's investment strategy. For fixed-income funds the vertical axis shows the average credit quality of the bonds owned, and the horizontal axis shows interest rate sensitivity as measured by a bond's duration (short, intermediate or long). All of these numbers are drawn from the data most recently provided by the fund and entered into Morningstar's database as of quarter-end. Although the data gathered is from reliable sources, Morningstar cannot guarantee its completeness and accuracy. Information shown is as of 06/30/08.

Summary

g  For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares returned negative 0.88% without sales charge. Class Z shares returned negative 0.62%.

g  The fund's return trailed its benchmark, the Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index1, but it held up better in a challenging environment than the average return of its peer group, the Lipper Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Debt Funds Classification2.

g  Investments in longer maturity bonds hindered performance versus the benchmark, while we believe that a bias toward shorter-maturity, higher quality bonds helped returns relative to the average fund in its peer group.

Portfolio Management

Susan Sanderson has managed the fund or its predecessors since 1993 and has been associated with the advisor or its predecessors or affiliate organizations since 1985.

1The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.


12



Performance InformationColumbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Growth of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08

 

 

The chart above shows the growth in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class A shares of Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund during the stated time period, and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index) tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index. The growth of a $10,000 investment with sales charges for Class A is calculated with an initial sales charge of 4.75%, which was the effective sales charge prior to August 22, 2005.

Performance of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08 ($)

Sales charge   without   with  
Class A     13,747       13,089    
Class B     12,993       12,993    
Class C     13,264       13,264    
Class T     13,835       13,173    
Class Z     14,012       n/a    

 

Average annual total return as of 10/31/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C   T   Z  
Inception   12/09/02   12/09/02   12/09/02   06/26/00   06/14/93  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with   without   with   without  
1-year     –0.88       –4.12       –1.61       –4.48       –1.27       –2.23       –0.77       –5.52       –0.62    
5-year     1.89       0.90       1.13       1.13       1.48       1.48       1.99       1.00       2.14    
10-year     3.23       2.73       2.65       2.65       2.86       2.86       3.30       2.79       3.43    

 

          

Average annual total return as of 09/30/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C   T   Z  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with   without   with   without  
1-year     –0.49       –3.74       –1.22       –4.10       –0.88       –1.84       –0.38       –5.14       –0.23    
5-year     1.77       0.78       1.02       1.02       1.37       1.37       1.88       0.88       2.03    
10-year     3.23       2.73       2.66       2.66       2.87       2.87       3.30       2.80       3.43    

 

          

The "with sales charge" returns include the maximum initial sales charge of 3.25% for Class A shares (for the 1-year period), 4.75% for Class A shares (for the 5-year and 10-year periods) and 4.75% for Class T shares, respectively, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 3.00% in the first year, declining to 1.00% in the fourth year and eliminated thereafter for Class B shares and 1.00% for Class C shares for the first year only. The "without sales charge" returns do not include the effect of sales charges. If they had, returns would be lower.

Prior to August 22, 2005, new purchases of Class A shares had a maximum initial sales charge of 4.75%.

Performance results reflect any fee waivers or reimbursements of fund expenses by the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates. Absent these fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements, performance results would have been lower.

All results shown assume reinvestment of distributions. Class Z shares are sold at net asset value with no distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees. Class Z shares have limited eligibility and the investment minimum requirements may vary. Please see the fund's prospectus for details. Performance for different share classes will vary based on differences in sales charges and fees associated with each class.

The tables do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares.

Class A, Class B and Class C shares are newer classes of shares, initially offered on December 9, 2002. Their returns include returns of Retail A shares (for Class A shares) and Retail B shares (for Class B and Class C shares) of the Galaxy Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund (the "Galaxy Massachusetts Fund") for periods prior to December 9, 2002 (adjusted, as applicable, to reflect the sales charges applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares). The returns shown for Class B and Class C shares also include the returns for Retail A shares (adjusted, as applicable, to reflect the sales charges applicable to Class B and Class C shares) for periods prior to inception of Retail B shares of the Galaxy Massachusetts Fund (March 1, 2001). The returns shown for Class T shares include the returns of Retail A shares of the Galaxy Massachusetts Fund for periods prior to December 9, 2002. Retail A share returns include the returns of BKB shares of the Galaxy Massachusetts Fund for periods prior to June 26, 2001, the date on which BKB shares were converted to Retail A shares, and returns of the Boston 1784 Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Income Fund (the"1784 Massachusetts Fund") (whose shares were initially offered June 14, 1993) for periods prior to June 26, 2000. The returns for Class Z shares include the returns of Trust shares of the Galaxy Massachusetts Fund for periods prior to December 9, 2002, and the returns of the 1784 Massachusetts Fund for periods prior to June 26, 2000. No returns have been restated to reflect any differences in expenses such as distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees between any predecessor share class and the corresponding newer share class. If differences in expenses had been reflected, the returns shown for periods prior to the inception of the newer share classes would have been lower.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Annual operating expense ratio (%)*

Class A     0.91    
Class B     1.66    
Class C     1.66    
Class T     0.81    
Class Z     0.66    

 

Annual operating expense ratio

after contractual waivers (%)*

Class A     0.75    
Class B     1.50    
Class C     1.50    
Class T     0.65    
Class Z     0.50    

 

* The annual operating expense ratio and annual operating expense ratio after contractual waivers are as stated in the fund's prospectus that is current as of the date of this report. The contractual waiver expires 02/28/09. Differences in expense ratios disclosed elsewhere in this report may result from including fee waivers and expense reimbursements as well as different time periods used in calculating the ratios.


13



Understanding Your ExpensesColumbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Estimating your actual expenses

To estimate the expenses that you paid over the period, first you will need your account balance at the end of the period:

g   For shareholders who receive their account statements from Columbia Management Services, Inc., your account balance is available online at www.columbiafunds.com or by calling Shareholder Services at 800.345.6611.

g   For shareholders who receive their account statements from their financial intermediary, contact your financial intermediary to obtain your account balance.

1.  Divide your ending account balance by $1,000. For example, if an account balance was $8,600 at the end of the period, the result would be 8.6.

2.  In the section of the table below titled "Expenses paid during the period," locate the amount for your share class. You will find this number in the column labeled "Actual." Multiply this number by the result from step 1. Your answer is an estimate of the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

If the value of your account falls below the minimum initial investment requirement applicable to you, your account generally will be subject to a $20 annual fee. This fee is not included in the accompanying table. If you are subject to the fee, keep it in mind when you are estimating the ongoing expenses of investing in the fund and when comparing the expenses of this fund with other funds.

As a fund shareholder, you incur two types of costs. There are transaction costs, which generally include sales charges on purchases and may include redemption fees or exchange fees. There are also ongoing costs, which generally include investment advisory fees, distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees and other fund expenses. The information on this page is intended to help you understand the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

Analyzing your fund's expenses by share class

To illustrate these ongoing costs, we have provided an example and calculated the expenses paid by investors in each share class during the period. The information in the following table is based on an initial investment of $1,000, which is invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period. Expense information is calculated two ways and each method provides you with different information. The amount listed in the "Actual" column is calculated using the fund's actual operating expenses and total return for the period. The amount listed in the "Hypothetical" column for each share class assumes that the return each year is 5% before expenses and is calculated based on the fund's actual operating expenses. You should not use the hypothetical account values and expenses to estimate either your actual account balance at the end of the period or the expenses you paid during this period.

Compare with other funds

Since all mutual funds are required to include the same hypothetical calculations about expenses in shareholder reports, you can use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund with other funds. To do so, compare the 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. As you compare hypothetical examples of other funds, it is important to note that hypothetical examples are meant to highlight the ongoing costs of investing in a fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees.

05/01/08 - 10/31/08

    Account value at the
beginning of the period ($)
  Account value at the
end of the period ($)
  Expenses paid
during the period ($)
  Fund's annualized
expense ratio (%)
 
    Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual  
Class A     1,000.00       1,000.00       969.08       1,021.37       3.71       3.81       0.75    
Class B     1,000.00       1,000.00       965.41       1,017.60       7.41       7.61       1.50    
Class C     1,000.00       1,000.00       967.12       1,019.36       5.69       5.84       1.15    
Class T     1,000.00       1,000.00       969.58       1,021.87       3.22       3.30       0.65    
Class Z     1,000.00       1,000.00       970.29       1,022.62       2.48       2.54       0.50    

 

        

Expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the share class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, then multiplied by the number of days in the fund's most recent fiscal half-year and divided by 366.

Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, account value at the end of the period would have been reduced.

It is important to note that the expense amounts shown in the table are meant to highlight only ongoing costs of investing in the fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees. Therefore, the hypothetical examples provided may not help you determine the relative total costs of owning shares of different funds. If these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


14



Portfolio Manager's ReportColumbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, Class A shares of Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund returned negative 0.88% without sales charge. Class Z shares returned negative 0.62%. By comparison, the Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index1 (formerly the Lehman Brothers 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index) returned positive 0.53%, while the Lipper Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Debt Funds Classification2 had an average total return of negative 1.17%. The fund had more exposure than the index to longer-maturity bonds, which hampered relative returns. We believe that investments in short-maturity, high quality bonds helped the fund hold up better than the average fund in its peer group in a challenging environment.

On October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares had a 30-day SEC annualized yield of 3.50%. This equaled a taxable equivalent yield of 5.69% for shareholders in the 35.0% federal income tax bracket and taxed at the state's applicable state income tax rate. This tax rate does not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of the otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels. The fund maintained an above-average yield throughout the year.

Challenging year for Massachusetts municipal bonds

The Massachusetts economy came under pressure, as both the stock market decline and job losses reduced income tax revenues. In addition, many municipal bond insurers saw their credit ratings fall as credit rating agencies became concerned about whether the insurers had enough capital to cover potential defaults. The value of insured issues fell, and issuers postponed new offerings. Selling by hedge funds and mutual funds further depressed municipal bond prices. By early fall, a credit freeze forced many bond deals to be pulled from the market, creating a worrisome overhang of new issues.

Best returns from short-maturity and high quality bonds

In a difficult market, investors favored the shortest-maturity bonds, which handily beat the declines posted by longer-term issues. We believe the fund had more exposure than the average fund in its peer group to bonds with maturities of four years or less, which benefited performance. Investments in short-maturity pre-refunded bonds did especially well. Pre-refunding occurs when an issuer goes to market with a new bond and puts the proceeds from that sale into an escrow account to pay off an older, higher interest-rate issue. This process shortens the maturity of the bond and boosts its credit quality. An overweight in bonds with 10- to 12-year maturities and exposure to 20-year or longer issues hampered performance versus the index.

The fund benefited from a sizable position in the highest quality (AAA and AA) bonds, while losing some ground from having a small stake in lower investment grade (BAA) and non-rated issues, including some Puerto Rico and hospital bonds. Late in the

1The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Net asset value per share

as of 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     9.90    
Class B     9.90    
Class C     9.90    
Class T     9.90    
Class Z     9.90    

 

Distributions declared per share

11/01/07 – 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     0.37    
Class B     0.29    
Class C     0.33    
Class T     0.38    
Class Z     0.39    

 

A portion of the fund's income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. The fund may at times purchase tax-exempt securities at a discount. Some, or all, of this discount may be included in the fund's ordinary income, and is taxable when distributed.

Distributions include taxable realized gains which round to less than $0.01 per share.

30-day SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     3.50    
Class B     2.94    
Class C     3.28    
Class T     3.60    
Class Z     3.93    

 

The 30-day SEC yields reflect the fund's earning power, net of expenses, expressed as an annualized percentage of the public offering price per share at the end of the period.

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     5.69    
Class B     4.78    
Class C     5.33    
Class T     5.85    
Class Z     6.38    

 

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields are based on the maximum effective 35.0% federal income tax rate and applicable state income tax rate. This tax rate does not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of the otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels.


15



Portfolio Manager's Report (continued)Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Top 5 sectors

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Education     15.6    
State General Obligations     14.6    
Local General Obligations     13.6    
Refunded/Escrowed     11.7    
Special Non-Property Tax     10.3    

 

Sector breakdowns are calculated as a percentage of net assets.

Maturity breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

1-3 years     13.7    
3-5 years     15.8    
5-7 years     11.4    
7-10 years     19.3    
10-15 years     28.2    
15-20 years     5.1    
20-25 years     0.0    
25 years and over     2.9    
Cash & Equivalents     3.4    

 

Quality breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

AAA     31.0    
AA     53.5    
A     7.5    
BBB     3.3    
BB     0.5    
Non-rated     0.8    
Cash & Equivalents     3.4    

 

Quality and maturity breakdowns are calculated as a percentage of net assets. Ratings shown in the quality breakdown represent the highest rating assigned to a particular bond by one of the following nationally recognized rating agencies: Standard & Poor's, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch Ratings Ltd. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The fund's credit quality does not remove market risk.

The fund is actively managed and the composition of its portfolio will change over time.

period, we began shifting the fund's focus toward shorter intermediate bonds with six- to 10-year maturities, and increasing the fund's holdings in higher investment grade issues, which we believe offer good long-term prospects. The fund does not own any bonds that are directly subject to the alternative minimum tax.

Mixed outlook for state economy

We expect the Commonwealth to maintain its AA credit rating, thanks to a relatively sound financial position and quick response to a looming budget gap. And, we expect demand for municipal bonds to remain strong among individual investors. Despite job losses, we believe that Massachusetts's diverse economic base, highly educated work force, and above–average level of personal income should help it weather the economic slowdown. At the same time, we believe that high business and living costs, weak population growth, and a prolonged housing slump will likely hurt long-term growth.

Portfolio holdings and characteristics are subject to change periodically and may not be representative of current holdings and characteristics. The outlook for this fund may differ from that presented for other Columbia Funds.

Tax-exempt bonds involve special risks. The value of the fund will be affected by interest rate changes and the creditworthiness of issues held in the fund. When interest rates go up, bond prices generally drop and vice versa.

Interest income from certain tax-exempt bonds may be subject to certain state and local taxes and, if applicable, the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains are not exempt from income taxes.

The Fund is non-diversified, which generally means that it may invest a greater percentage of its total assets in the securities of fewer issuers than a "diversified" fund. This increases the risk that a change in the value of any one investment held by the Fund could affect the overall value of the Fund more than it would affect that of a diversified fund holding a greater number of investments. Accordingly, the Fund's value will likely be more volatile than the value of more diversified funds.

Single-state municipal bond funds pose additional risks due to limited geographical diversification.


16




Fund ProfileColumbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Summary

g  For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares returned negative 1.64% without sales charge. Class Z shares returned negative 1.38%.

g  The fund's return trailed both its benchmark, the Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index,1 as well as the average return of its peer group, the Lipper Other States Intermediate Municipal Debt Funds Classification.2

g  The fund underperformed its benchmark and peer group because it had more exposure to higher-yielding, lower quality investments and to longer-term bonds, all of which underperformed during the period.

Portfolio Management

Brian M. McGreevy has managed the fund or its predecessors since September 1998 and has been associated with the advisor or its predecessors or affiliate organizations since 1994.

1The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Summary

1-year return as of 10/31/08

  –1.64%  
  Class A shares
(without sales charge)
 
  +0.53%  
  Barclays Capital
3-15 Year Blend
Municipal Bond Index
 

 

Morningstar Style Box

The Morningstar Style Box reveals a fund's investment strategy. For fixed-income funds the vertical axis shows the average credit quality of the bonds owned, and the horizontal axis shows interest rate sensitivity as measured by a bond's duration (short, intermediate or long). All of these numbers are drawn from the data most recently provided by the fund and entered into Morningstar's database as of quarter-end. Although the data gathered is from reliable sources, Morningstar cannot guarantee its completeness and accuracy. Information shown is as of 06/30/08.


17



Performance InformationColumbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Annual operating expense ratio (%)*

Class A     1.18    
Class B     1.93    
Class C     1.93    
Class T     1.08    
Class Z     0.93    

 

Annual operating expense ratio

after contractual waivers (%)*

Class A     0.75    
Class B     1.50    
Class C     1.50    
Class T     0.65    
Class Z     0.50    

 

* The annual operating expense ratio and annual operating expense ratio after contractual waivers are as stated in the fund's prospectus that is current as of the date of this report. The contractual waiver expires 02/28/09. Differences in expense ratios disclosed elsewhere in this report may result from including fee waivers and expense reimbursements as well as different time periods used in calculating the ratios.

Growth of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08

 

 

The chart above shows the growth in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class A shares of Columbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund during the stated time period, and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index) tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index. The growth of a $10,000 investment with sales charge for Class A is calculated with an initial sales charge of 4.75%, which was the effective sales charge prior to August 22, 2005.

Performance of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08 ($)

Sales charge   without   with  
Class A     13,660       13,012    
Class B     12,890       12,890    
Class C     13,163       13,163    
Class T     13,741       13,089    
Class Z     13,956       n/a    

 

Average annual total return as of 10/31/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C   T   Z  
Inception   11/18/02   11/18/02   11/18/02   04/03/98   04/03/98  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with   without   with   without  
1-year     –1.64       –4.85       –2.36       –5.21       –2.02       –2.97       –1.53       –6.18       –1.38    
5-year     1.83       0.85       1.07       1.07       1.42       1.42       1.93       0.95       2.08    
10-year     3.17       2.67       2.57       2.57       2.79       2.79       3.23       2.73       3.39    

 

          

Average annual total return as of 09/30/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C   T   Z  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with   without   with   without  
1-year     –0.85       –4.08       –1.58       –4.45       –1.24       –2.19       –0.74       –5.42       –0.59    
5-year     1.77       0.78       1.01       1.01       1.37       1.37       1.87       0.88       2.03    
10-year     3.24       2.74       2.64       2.64       2.86       2.86       3.30       2.80       3.45    

 

          

The "with sales charge" returns include the maximum initial sales charge of 3.25% for Class A shares (for the 1-year period), 4.75% for Class A shares (for 5-year and 10-year periods) and 4.75% for Class T shares, respectively, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 3.00% in the first year, declining to 1.00% in the fourth year, and eliminated thereafter for Class B shares and 1.00% for Class C shares for the first year only. The "without sales charge" returns do not include the effect of sales charges. If they had, returns would be lower.

Prior to August 22, 2005, new purchases of Class A shares had a maximum initial sales charge of 4.75%.

Performance results reflect any fee waivers or reimbursements of fund expenses by the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates. Absent these fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements, performance results would have been lower.

All results shown assume reinvestment of distributions. Class Z shares are sold at net asset value with no distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees. Class Z shares have limited eligibility and the investment minimum requirements may vary. Please see the fund's prospectus for details. Performance for different share classes will vary based on differences in sales charges and fees associated with each class.

The tables do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares.

Class A, Class B and Class C shares are newer classes of shares, initially offered on November 18, 2002. Their returns include returns of Retail A shares (for Class A shares) and Retail B shares (for Class B and Class C shares) of the Galaxy New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund (the "Galaxy New Jersey Fund") for periods prior to November 18, 2002 (adjusted, as applicable, to reflect the sales charges applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares). The returns shown for Class B and Class C shares also include the returns for Retail A shares (adjusted, as applicable, to reflect the sales charges applicable to Class B and Class C shares) for periods prior to the inception of Retail B shares of the Galaxy New Jersey Fund (March 1, 2001). The returns shown for Class T shares include the returns of Retail A shares of the Galaxy New Jersey Fund for periods prior to November 18, 2002. Retail A shares were initially offered on April 3, 1998. The returns for Class Z shares include the returns of Trust shares of the Galaxy New Jersey Fund for periods prior to November 18, 2002. Trust shares were initially offered by the Galaxy New Jersey Fund on April 3, 1998. No returns have been restated to reflect any differences in expenses, such as distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees between any predecessor share class and the corresponding newer share class. If differences in expenses had been reflected, the returns shown for periods prior to the inception of the newer classes would have been lower.


18



Understanding Your ExpensesColumbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

As a fund shareholder, you incur two types of costs. There are transaction costs, which generally include sales charges on purchases and may include redemption fees or exchange fees. There are also ongoing costs, which generally include investment advisory fees, distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees and other fund expenses. The information on this page is intended to help you understand the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

Analyzing your fund's expenses by share class

To illustrate these ongoing costs, we have provided an example and calculated the expenses paid by investors in each share class during the period. The information in the following table is based on an initial investment of $1,000, which is invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period. Expense information is calculated two ways and each method provides you with different information. The amount listed in the "Actual" column is calculated using the fund's actual operating expenses and total return for the period. The amount listed in the "Hypothetical" column for each share class assumes that the return each year is 5% before expenses and is calculated based on the fund's actual operating expenses. You should not use the hypothetical account values and expenses to estimate either your actual account balance at the end of the period or the expenses you paid during this period.

Compare with other funds

Since all mutual funds are required to include the same hypothetical calculations about expenses in shareholder reports, you can use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund with other funds. To do so, compare the 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. As you compare hypothetical examples of other funds, it is important to note that hypothetical examples are meant to highlight the ongoing costs of investing in a fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees.

Estimating your actual expenses

To estimate the expenses that you paid over the period, first you will need your account balance at the end of the period:

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from Columbia Management Services, Inc., your account balance is available online at www.columbiafunds.com or by calling Shareholder Services at 800.345.6611.

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from their financial intermediary, contact your financial intermediary to obtain your account balance.

1.  Divide your ending account balance by $1,000. For example, if an account balance was $8,600 at the end of the period, the result would be 8.6.

2.  In the section of the table below titled "Expenses paid during the period," locate the amount for your share class. You will find this number in the column labeled "Actual." Multiply this number by the result from step 1. Your answer is an estimate of the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

If the value of your account falls below the minimum initial investment requirement applicable to you, your account generally will be subject to a $20 annual fee. This fee is not included in the accompanying table. If you are subject to the fee, keep it in mind when you are estimating the ongoing expenses of investing in the fund and when comparing the expenses of this fund with other funds.

05/01/08 - 10/31/08

    Account value at the
beginning of the period ($)
  Account value at the
end of the period ($)
  Expenses paid
during the period ($)
  Fund's annualized
expense ratio (%)
 
    Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual  
Class A     1,000.00       1,000.00       969.28       1,021.37       3.71       3.81       0.75    
Class B     1,000.00       1,000.00       965.71       1,017.60       7.41       7.61       1.50    
Class C     1,000.00       1,000.00       967.42       1,019.36       5.69       5.84       1.15    
Class T     1,000.00       1,000.00       969.79       1,021.87       3.22       3.30       0.65    
Class Z     1,000.00       1,000.00       970.49       1,022.62       2.48       2.54       0.50    

 

        

Expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the share class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, then multiplied by the number of days in the fund's most recent fiscal half-year and divided by 366.

Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, account value at the end of the period would have been reduced.

It is important to note that the expense amounts shown in the table are meant to highlight only ongoing costs of investing in the fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees. Therefore, the hypothetical examples provided may not help you determine the relative total costs of owning shares of different funds. If these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


19



Portfolio Manager's ReportColumbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Net asset value per share

as of 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     9.55    
Class B     9.55    
Class C     9.55    
Class T     9.55    
Class Z     9.55    

 

Distribution declared per share

11/01/07 – 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     0.37    
Class B     0.30    
Class C     0.33    
Class T     0.38    
Class Z     0.40    

 

A portion of the fund's income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. The fund may at times purchase tax-exempt securities at a discount. Some, or all, of this discount may be included in the fund's ordinary income, and is taxable when distributed.

30-day SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     3.40    
Class B     2.83    
Class C     3.17    
Class T     3.49    
Class Z     3.82    

 

The 30-day SEC yields reflect the fund's earning power, net of expenses, expressed as an annualized percentage of the public offering price per share at the end of the period.

For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, Class A shares of Columbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund returned negative 1.64% without sales charge. Class Z shares returned negative 1.38%. By comparison, the Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index1 (formerly the Lehman Brothers 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index) returned positive 0.53%, while the Lipper Other States Intermediate Municipal Debt Funds Classification2 had an average total return of negative 1.30%. The fund underperformed its benchmark, in general, because it had more exposure to bonds maturing in nine to 12 years. These positions detracted from returns as investors favored short-term bonds, which had less price volatility. We believe that the fund had slightly more exposure than the average fund in its peer group to lower quality investment-grade bonds, which accounted for its relative underperformance against that measure.

On October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares had a 30-day SEC annualized yield of 3.40%. This equaled a taxable equivalent yield of 5.75% for shareholders in the 35.0% federal income tax bracket and taxed at the state's applicable state income tax rate. This tax rate does not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of the otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels.

Shorter-maturity, higher quality bonds led the municipal market

In an environment of high volatility and low liquidity, investors sought shelter in bonds with the highest quality and shortest maturities. By the end of the period, the number of high-quality bonds had fallen dramatically as a widening financial crisis threatened all aspects of the financial markets. The percentage of AAA-rated bonds in the index dropped from 65% in January to 32% in October, primarily because MBIA and AMBAC, two large municipal bond insurers, were downgraded by major credit agencies in June. Lower quality, longer-term securities were the weakest performers, with the worst performance coming from bonds with maturities of 12 to 17 years. Against this backdrop, the municipal market experienced selling pressure from mutual funds and hedge funds as the yield difference between higher and lower quality bonds widened and arbitrage trades became unprofitable.

While the fund had the vast majority of its assets invested in high quality bonds, we believe that it had more exposure than its peers to higher-yielding, lower rated investment-grade credits, particularly in the hospital sector. The fund's performance was also hurt by an above-average stake in bonds with maturities of nine years or longer. While we also held a significant stake in bonds maturing in two years or less, it was not enough to offset the underperformance of longer-term issues. On the plus side, about 20% of the fund's assets were in pre-refunded bonds, which are high quality issues that performed well. Pre-refunding occurs when an issuer takes advantage of lower interest rates by selling a new bond and investing the proceeds in short-term government

1The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.


20



Portfolio Manager's Report (continued)Columbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

securities to pay off the old, higher-yielding bonds at the earliest opportunity. In addition, the fund had no exposure to bonds subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT), which aided performance because prices on bonds subject to the AMT declined as demand weakened and yields rose more than on other, comparable maturity municipal bonds.

Slowing economic growth undermines credit outlook

In spite of the state's diverse industrial base, we expect economic growth in New Jersey to continue slowing. The state's unemployment rate increased from 4.2% at the end of 2007 to 5.8% as jobs were lost in housing, manufacturing and financial services. These developments have continued to undermine the state's economic, population and tax revenue growth and, ultimately, its credit outlook. At the same time, New Jersey, like other states, is aggressively making adjustments to current spending as revenues fall short of projections. While cuts will be painful in some areas, we believe that timely political action now should help the state weather the downturn over the long term.

Portfolio holdings and characteristics are subject to change periodically and may not be representative of current holdings and characteristics. The outlook for this fund may differ from that presented for other Columbia Funds.

Tax-exempt bonds involve special risks. The value of the fund will be affected by interest rate changes and the creditworthiness of issues held in the fund. When interest rates go up, bond prices generally drop and vice versa.

Interest income from certain tax-exempt bonds may be subject to certain state and local taxes and, if applicable, the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains are not exempt from income taxes.

Single-state municipal bond funds pose additional risks due to limited geographical diversification.

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     5.75    
Class B     4.78    
Class C     5.36    
Class T     5.90    
Class Z     6.46    

 

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields are based on the combined maximum effective 35.0% federal income tax rate and applicable state income tax rate. These tax rates do not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of the otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels.

Top 5 sectors

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Refunded/Escrowed     20.1    
Local General Obligations     17.9    
State Appropriated     14.9    
Water/Sewer     9.3    
Special Non-Property Tax     4.6    

 

Sector breakdowns are calculated as a percentage of net assets.

Maturity breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

0-1 year     4.5    
1-3 years     14.5    
3-5 years     11.1    
5-7 years     10.6    
7-10 years     19.3    
10-15 years     19.8    
15-20 years     12.8    
25+ years     0.5    
Cash and Equivalents     6.9    

 

Quality breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

AAA     29.5    
AA     38.5    
A     11.8    
BBB     11.8    
Cash and Equivalents     6.9    
Non-Rated     1.5    

 

Quality and maturity breakdowns are calculated as a percentage of net assets. Ratings shown in the quality breakdown represent the highest rating assigned to a particular bond by one of the following nationally recognized rating agencies: Standard & Poor's, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch Ratings Ltd. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The fund's credit quality does not remove market risk.

The fund is actively managed and the composition of its portfolio will change over time.


21



Fund ProfileColumbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Summary

1-year return as of 10/31/08

  –1.02%  
  Class A shares
(without sales charge)
 
  +0.53%  
  Barclays Capital
3-15 Year Blend
Municipal Bond Index
 

 

Morningstar Style Box

The Morningstar Style Box reveals a fund's investment strategy. For fixed-income funds the vertical axis shows the average credit quality of the bonds owned, and the horizontal axis shows interest rate sensitivity as measured by a bond's duration (short, intermediate or long). All of these numbers are drawn from the data most recently provided by the fund and entered into Morningstar's database as of quarter-end. Although the data gathered is from reliable sources, Morningstar cannot guarantee its completeness and accuracy. Information shown is as of 06/30/08.

Summary

g  For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares returned negative 1.02% without sales charge. Class Z shares returned negative 0.75%.

g  The fund's return trailed its benchmark, the Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index,1 but was ahead of the average return of its peer group, the Lipper New York Intermediate Municipal Debt Funds Classification.2

g  The fund underperformed its benchmark primarily because it had more exposure to longer-maturity bonds, which were the period's weakest performers. We believe the fund's emphasis on higher quality securities helped it outperform the average fund in its peer group.

Portfolio Management

Brian M. McGreevy has managed the fund or its predecessors since September 1998 and has been associated with the advisor or its predecessors or affiliate organizations since 1994.

1The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.


22



Performance InformationColumbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Growth of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08

 

 

The chart above shows the growth in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class A shares of Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund during the stated time period, and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index) tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index. The growth of a $10,000 investment with sales charge for Class A is calculated with an initial sales charge of 4.75%, which was the effective sales charge prior to August 22, 2005.

Performance of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08 ($)

Sales charge   without   with  
Class A     13,927       13,266    
Class B     13,162       13,162    
Class C     13,441       13,441    
Class T     14,008       13,344    
Class Z     14,246       n/a    

 

Average annual total return as of 10/31/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C   T   Z  
Inception   11/25/02   11/25/02   11/25/02   12/31/91   12/31/91  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with   without   with   without  
1-year     –1.02       –4.25       –1.74       –4.60       –1.40       –2.36       –0.90       –5.64       –0.75    
5-year     1.90       0.92       1.14       1.14       1.49       1.49       2.01       1.02       2.16    
10-year     3.37       2.87       2.79       2.79       3.00       3.00       3.43       2.93       3.60    

 

          

Average annual total return as of 09/30/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C   T   Z  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with   without   with   without  
1-year     –0.60       –3.85       –1.32       –4.20       –0.99       –1.95       –0.48       –5.24       –0.33    
5-year     1.76       0.77       1.00       1.00       1.35       1.35       1.86       0.87       2.01    
10-year     3.37       2.87       2.79       2.79       3.00       3.00       3.42       2.93       3.60    

 

          

The "with sales charge" returns include the maximum initial sales charge of 3.25% for Class A shares (for the 1-year period), 4.75% for Class A shares (for 5-year and 10-year periods) and 4.75% for Class T shares, respectively, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 3.00% in the first year, declining to 1.00% in the fourth year, and eliminated thereafter for Class B shares and 1.00% for Class C shares for the first year only. The "without sales charge" returns do not include the effect of sales charges. If they had, returns would be lower.

Prior to August 22, 2005, new purchases of Class A shares had a maximum initial sales charge of 4.75%.

Performance results reflect any fee waivers or reimbursements of fund expenses by the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates. Absent these fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements, performance results would have been lower.

All results shown assume reinvestment of distributions. Class Z shares are sold at net asset value with no distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees. Class Z shares have limited eligibility and the investment minimum requirements may vary. Please see the fund's prospectus for details. Performance for different share classes will vary based on differences in sales charges and fees associated with each class.

The tables do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares.

Class A, Class B and Class C shares are newer classes of shares, initially offered on November 25, 2002. Their returns include returns of Retail A shares (for Class A shares) and Retail B shares (for Class B and Class C shares) of the Galaxy New York Municipal Bond Fund (the "Galaxy New York Fund") for periods prior to November 25, 2002 (adjusted, as applicable, to reflect the sales charges applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares). The returns shown for Class B and Class C shares also include the returns for Retail A shares (adjusted, as applicable, to reflect the sales charges applicable to Class B and Class C shares) for periods prior to the inception of Retail B shares of the Galaxy New York Fund (March 1, 2001). The returns shown for Class T shares include the returns of Retail A shares of the Galaxy New York Fund for periods prior to November 25, 2002. Retail A shares were initially offered on December 31, 1991. The returns for Class Z shares include the returns of Trust shares of the Galaxy New York Fund for periods prior to November 25, 2002. Trust shares were initially offered by the Galaxy New York Fund on December 31, 1991. No returns have been restated to reflect any differences in expenses, such as distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees between any predecessor share class and the corresponding newer share class. If differences in expenses had been reflected, the returns shown for periods prior to the inception of the newer classes would have been lower.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Annual operating expense ratio (%)*

Class A     0.98    
Class B     1.73    
Class C     1.73    
Class T     0.88    
Class Z     0.73    

 

Annual operating expense ratio

after contractual waivers (%)*

Class A     0.75    
Class B     1.50    
Class C     1.50    
Class T     0.65    
Class Z     0.50    

 

* The annual operating expense ratio and annual operating expense ratio after contractual waivers are as stated in the fund's prospectus that is current as of the date of this report. The contractual waiver expires 02/28/09. Differences in expense ratios disclosed elsewhere in this report may result from including fee waivers and expense reimbursements as well as different time periods used in calculating the ratios.


23



Understanding Your ExpensesColumbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Estimating your actual expenses

To estimate the expenses that you paid over the period, first you will need your account balance at the end of the period:

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from Columbia Management Services, Inc., your account balance is available online at www.columbiafunds.com or by calling Shareholder Services at 800.345.6611.

g  For shareholders who receive their account statements from their financial intermediary, contact your financial intermediary to obtain your account balance.

1.  Divide your ending account balance by $1,000. For example, if an account balance was $8,600 at the end of the period, the result would be 8.6.

2.  In the section of the table below titled "Expenses paid during the period," locate the amount for your share class. You will find this number in the column labeled "Actual." Multiply this number by the result from step 1. Your answer is an estimate of the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

If the value of your account falls below the minimum initial investment requirement applicable to you, your account generally will be subject to a $20 annual fee. This fee is not included in the accompanying table. If you are subject to the fee, keep it in mind when you are estimating the ongoing expenses of investing in the fund and when comparing the expenses of this fund with other funds.

As a fund shareholder, you incur two types of costs. There are transaction costs, which generally include sales charges on purchases and may include redemption fees or exchange fees. There are also ongoing costs, which generally include investment advisory fees, distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees and other fund expenses. The information on this page is intended to help you understand the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

Analyzing your fund's expenses by share class

To illustrate these ongoing costs, we have provided an example and calculated the expenses paid by investors in each share class during the period. The information in the following table is based on an initial investment of $1,000, which is invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period. Expense information is calculated two ways and each method provides you with different information. The amount listed in the "Actual" column is calculated using the fund's actual operating expenses and total return for the period. The amount listed in the "Hypothetical" column for each share class assumes that the return each year is 5% before expenses and is calculated based on the fund's actual operating expenses. You should not use the hypothetical account values and expenses to estimate either your actual account balance at the end of the period or the expenses you paid during this period.

Compare with other funds

Since all mutual funds are required to include the same hypothetical calculations about expenses in shareholder reports, you can use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund with other funds. To do so, compare the 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. As you compare hypothetical examples of other funds, it is important to note that hypothetical examples are meant to highlight the ongoing costs of investing in a fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees.

05/01/08 - 10/31/08

    Account value at the
beginning of the period ($)
  Account value at the
end of the period ($)
  Expenses paid
during the period ($)
  Fund's annualized
expense ratio (%)
 
    Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual  
Class A     1,000.00       1,000.00       972.40       1,021.37       3.72       3.81       0.75    
Class B     1,000.00       1,000.00       968.78       1,017.60       7.42       7.61       1.50    
Class C     1,000.00       1,000.00       970.49       1,019.36       5.70       5.84       1.15    
Class T     1,000.00       1,000.00       972.90       1,021.87       3.22       3.30       0.65    
Class Z     1,000.00       1,000.00       973.71       1,022.62       2.48       2.54       0.50    

 

        

Expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the share class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, then multiplied by the number of days in the fund's most recent fiscal half-year and divided by 366.

Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, account value at the end of the period would have been reduced.

It is important to note that the expense amounts shown in the table are meant to highlight only ongoing costs of investing in the fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees. Therefore, the hypothetical examples provided may not help you determine the relative total costs of owning shares of different funds. If these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


24



Portfolio Manager's ReportColumbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, Class A shares of Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund returned negative 1.02% without sales charge. Class Z shares returned negative 0.75%. By comparison, the Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index1 (formerly the Lehman Brothers 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index) returned positive 0.53%, while the Lipper New York Intermediate Municipal Debt Funds Classification2 had an average total return of negative 1.14%. The fund underperformed its benchmark primarily because it had more exposure to longer-maturity bonds, which were the period's weakest performers. Several purchases of bonds in the 12- to 17-year maturity range were made late in the reporting period. They provided attractive yields; however, the move turned out to be premature as investors favored short-term bonds, with their lower price volatility, against a backdrop of weak economic news and a downward spiraling stock market. We believe that the fund did better than the average fund in its peer group, in part, because it had more exposure to higher quality securities, which performed well in a risk-averse market.

On May 5, 2008, Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund acquired the assets of New York Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund, a series of Excelsior Tax-Exempt Funds, Inc. Because the two funds had similar investment styles and portfolio holdings, the acquisition had minimal impact on the day-to-day operation of the fund.

On October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares had a 30-day SEC annualized yield of 3.51%. This equaled a taxable equivalent yield of 5.80% for shareholders in the 35.0% federal income tax bracket and taxed at the state's applicable state income tax rate. This tax rate does not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of the otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels.

Gains from shorter-maturity and higher quality bonds

In an environment of high volatility and low liquidity, investors sought shelter in bonds with the highest quality and shortest maturities. By the end of the period, the number of high-quality bonds had fallen dramatically as a widening financial crisis threatened all aspects of the financial markets. The percentage of AAA rated bonds in the index dropped from 65% in January to 32% in October, primarily because of the downgrades of MBIA and AMBAC, two large municipal bond insurers. Lower quality, longer-term securities were the weakest performers, with the worst performance coming from bonds with maturities of 12 to 17 years. Against this backdrop, the municipal market experienced significant selling pressure from mutual funds, insurance companies and arbitrage/hedge funds seeking to cover redemptions or to unwind unprofitable hedge trades and margin calls.

Mixed results from fund positioning

At a time of increased concern about the financial strength of many New York municipalities, the fund benefited from its holdings of AA and AAA rated bonds.

1The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Net asset value per share

as of 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     11.03    
Class B     11.03    
Class C     11.03    
Class T     11.03    
Class Z     11.03    

 

Distribution declared per share

11/01/07 – 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     0.40    
Class B     0.32    
Class C     0.36    
Class T     0.41    
Class Z     0.43    

 

A portion of the fund's income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. The fund may at times purchase tax-exempt securities at a discount. Some, or all, of this discount may be included in the fund's ordinary income, and is taxable when distributed.

30-day SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     3.51    
Class B     2.94    
Class C     3.29    
Class T     3.60    
Class Z     3.93    

 

The 30-day SEC yields reflect the fund's earning power, net of expenses, expressed as an annualized percentage of the public offering price per share at the end of the period.


25



Portfolio Manager's Report (continued)Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     5.80    
Class B     4.86    
Class C     5.43    
Class T     5.95    
Class Z     6.49    

 

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields are based on the combined maximum effective 35.0% federal income tax rate and applicable state income tax rate. These tax rates do not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of the otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels.

Top 5 sectors

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Refunded/Escrowed     18.7    
Special Non-Property Tax     14.2    
Local General Obligations     11.6    
State Appropriated     9.4    
Education     8.4    

 

Sector breakdowns are calculated as a percentage of net assets.

Maturity breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

0-1 year     3.8    
1-3 years     14.9    
3-5 years     15.7    
5-7 years     10.6    
7-10 years     12.2    
10-15 years     29.9    
15-20 years     11.9    
20-25 years     0.9    
Cash and Equivalents     0.1    

 

Quality breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

AAA     32.6    
AA     52.4    
A     7.9    
BBB     5.5    
BB     1.3    
Cash and Equivalents     0.1    
Non-Rated     0.2    

 

Quality and maturity breakdowns are calculated as a percentage of net assets. Ratings shown in the quality breakdown represent the highest rating assigned to a particular bond by one of the following nationally recognized rating agencies: Standard & Poor's, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch Ratings Ltd. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The fund's credit quality does not remove market risk.

The fund is actively managed and the composition of its portfolio will change over time.

Exposure to pre-refunded bonds, which accounted for 19% of the fund's assets, also aided performance because these high quality bonds outperformed many other sectors. Pre-refunding occurs when an issuer takes advantage of lower interest rates by selling a new bond and investing the proceeds in short-term government securities in order to pay off the previous, higher-yielding bond at the earliest opportunity. The fund had a relatively small exposure to bonds issued by Puerto Rico, which underperformed. That exposure increased when the fund merged during the period with New York Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund, a fund of approximately equal size to the fund. The fund had no exposure to bonds subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT), which aided performance because prices on bonds subject to the AMT declined as demand weakened and yields rose more than on other, comparable maturity municipal bonds.

A decision to increase exposure to longer intermediate-term securities and to cut back on bonds with maturities in the zero to two-year range hurt performance as longer-term rates rose and short-term interest rates declined. In addition, exposure to the Niagara Indian casino detracted from performance, as legal issues associated with the facility drove yields up and prices down.

Cautious outlook for New York

New York normally accounts for 12% to 15% of new municipal issues nationwide and the state continued to generate a steady supply of new issues during the period. However, New York, like other states, has also experienced tremendous dislocation over the past 12 months. Between November 2007 and October 2008, the state's unemployment rate increased from 4.5% to 5.8% as jobs in housing, manufacturing and, most notably, financial services were lost. We believe that this economic slowdown will continue to put pressure on state and local governments. However, New York is aggressively making adjustments to current spending as revenues fall short of projections. While cuts will be painful in some areas, we believe that timely political action now should help the state weather the downturn over the long term. Going forward, we plan to maintain the fund's overall focus on higher quality bonds, while looking for opportunities in sectors or in maturities where we feel the value is greater than the market perceives.

Portfolio holdings and characteristics are subject to change periodically and may not be representative of current holdings and characteristics. The outlook for this fund may differ from that presented for other Columbia Funds.

Tax-exempt bonds involve special risks. The value of the fund will be affected by interest rate changes and the creditworthiness of issues held in the fund. When interest rates go up, bond prices generally drop and vice versa.

Interest income from certain tax-exempt bonds may be subject to certain state and local taxes and, if applicable, the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains are not exempt from income taxes.

The Fund is non-diversified, which generally means that it may invest a greater percentage of its total assets in the securities of fewer issuers than a "diversified" fund. This increases the risk that a change in the value of any one investment held by the Fund could affect the overall value of the Fund more than it would affect that of a diversified fund holding a greater number of investments. Accordingly, the Fund's value will likely be more volatile than the value of more diversified funds.

Single-state municipal bond funds pose additional risks due to limited geographical diversification.


26



Fund ProfileColumbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Summary

g  For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares returned negative 1.16% without sales charge. Class Z shares returned negative 0.89%.

g  The fund's return trailed its benchmark, the Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index,1 but was ahead of the average return of its peer group, the Lipper Other States Intermediate Municipal Debt Funds Classification.2

g  The fund underperformed its benchmark primarily because it had more exposure to longer-maturity bonds, which were the period's weakest performers. We believe the fund's emphasis on higher quality securities helped it outperform the average fund in its peer group.

Portfolio Management

Brian M. McGreevy has managed the fund or its predecessors since July 1997 and has been associated with the advisor or its predecessors or affiliate organizations since 1994.

1The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Summary

1-year return as of 10/31/08

  –1.16%  
  Class A shares
(without sales charge)
 
  +0.53%  
  Barclays Capital
3-15 Year Blend
Municipal Bond Index
 

 

Morningstar Style Box

The Morningstar Style Box reveals a fund's investment strategy. For fixed-income funds the vertical axis shows the average credit quality of the bonds owned, and the horizontal axis shows interest rate sensitivity as measured by a bond's duration (short, intermediate or long). All of these numbers are drawn from the data most recently provided by the fund and entered into Morningstar's database as of quarter-end. Although the data gathered is from reliable sources, Morningstar cannot guarantee its completeness and accuracy. Information shown is as of 06/30/08.


27



Performance InformationColumbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Annual operating expense ratio (%)*

Class A     1.03    
Class B     1.78    
Class C     1.78    
Class T     0.78    
Class Z     0.78    

 

Annual operating expense ratio

after contractual waivers (%)*

Class A     0.75    
Class B     1.50    
Class C     1.50    
Class T     0.50    
Class Z     0.50    

 

* The annual operating expense ratio and annual operating expense ratio after contractual waivers are as stated in the fund's prospectus that is current as of the date of this report. The contractual waiver expires 02/28/09. Differences in expense ratios disclosed elsewhere in this report may result from including fee waivers and expense reimbursements as well as different time periods used in calculating the ratios.

Growth of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08

 

 

The chart above shows the growth in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class A shares of Columbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund during the stated time period, and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index (formerly the Lehman Brothers 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index) tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index. The growth of a $10,000 investment with sales charge for Class A is calculated with an initial sales charge of 4.75%, which was the effective sales charge prior to August 22, 2005.

Performance of a $10,000 investment 11/01/98 – 10/31/08 ($)

Sales charge   without   with  
Class A     13,927       13,262    
Class B     13,125       13,125    
Class C     13,401       13,401    
Class T     14,133       13,459    
Class Z     14,140       n/a    

 

Average annual total return as of 10/31/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C   T   Z  
Inception   11/18/02   11/18/02   11/18/02   12/20/94   06/19/00  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with   without   with   without  
1-year     –1.16       –4.36       –1.88       –4.74       –1.54       –2.49       –0.89       –5.59       –0.89    
5-year     1.87       0.89       1.12       1.12       1.47       1.47       2.13       1.15       2.13    
10-year     3.37       2.86       2.76       2.76       2.97       2.97       3.52       3.02       3.52    

 

          

Average annual total return as of 09/30/08 (%)

Share class   A   B   C   T   Z  
Sales charge   without   with   without   with   without   with   without   with   without  
1-year     –0.73       –3.95       –1.46       –4.33       –1.12       –2.08       –0.47       –5.19       –0.47    
5-year     1.74       0.75       0.99       0.99       1.34       1.34       2.00       1.01       2.00    
10-year     3.37       2.86       2.76       2.76       2.97       2.97       3.52       3.01       3.52    

 

          

The "with sales charge" returns include the maximum initial sales charge of 3.25% for Class A shares (for the 1-year period), 4.75% for Class A shares (for the 5-year and 10-year periods) and 4.75% for Class T shares, respectively, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 3.00% in the first year, declining to 1.00% in the fourth year and eliminated thereafter for Class B shares and 1.00% for Class C shares for the first year only. The "without sales charge" returns do not include the effect of sales charges. If they had, returns would be lower.

Prior to August 22, 2005, new purchases of Class A shares had a maximum initial sales charge of 4.75%.

Performance results reflect any fee waivers or reimbursements of fund expenses by the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates. Absent these fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements, performance results would have been lower.

All results shown assume reinvestment of distributions. Class Z shares are sold at net asset value with no distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees. Class Z shares have limited eligibility and the investment minimum requirements may vary. Please see the fund's prospectus for details. Performance for different share classes will vary based on differences in sales charges and fees associated with each class.

The tables do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares.

Class A, Class B, and Class C shares are newer classes of shares, initially offered on November 18, 2002. Their returns include returns of Retail A shares (for Class A shares) and Retail B shares (for Class B and Class C shares) of the Galaxy Rhode Island Municipal Bond Fund (the "Galaxy Rhode Island Fund") for periods prior to November 18, 2002 (adjusted, as applicable, to reflect the sales charges applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares). The returns shown for Class B and Class C shares also include the returns for Retail A shares (adjusted, as applicable, to reflect the sales charges applicable to Class B and Class C shares) for periods prior to inception of Retail B shares of the Galaxy Rhode Island Fund (March 1, 2001). The returns shown for Class T shares include the returns of Retail A shares of the Galaxy Rhode Island Fund for periods prior to November 18, 2002. Retail A shares were initially offered on December 20, 1994. The returns for Class Z shares include returns of Trust shares of the Galaxy Rhode Island Fund for periods prior to November 18, 2002, and the returns of Retail A shares of the Galaxy Rhode Island Fund for periods prior to June 19, 2000, the date on which Trust shares were initially offered by the Galaxy Rhode Island Fund. No returns have been restated to reflect any differences in expenses such as distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees between any predecessor share class and the corresponding newer share class. If differences in expenses had been reflected, the returns shown for periods prior to the inception of the newer classes would have been lower.


28



Understanding Your ExpensesColumbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

As a fund shareholder, you incur two types of costs. There are transaction costs, which generally include sales charges on purchases and may include redemption fees or exchange fees. There are also ongoing costs, which generally include investment advisory fees, distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees and other fund expenses. The information on this page is intended to help you understand the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

Analyzing your fund's expenses by share class

To illustrate these ongoing costs, we have provided an example and calculated the expenses paid by investors in each share class during the period. The information in the following table is based on an initial investment of $1,000, which is invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period. Expense information is calculated two ways and each method provides you with different information. The amount listed in the "Actual" column is calculated using the fund's actual operating expenses and total return for the period. The amount listed in the "Hypothetical" column for each share class assumes that the return each year is 5% before expenses and is calculated based on the fund's actual operating expenses. You should not use the hypothetical account values and expenses to estimate either your actual account balance at the end of the period or the expenses you paid during this period.

Compare with other funds

Since all mutual funds are required to include the same hypothetical calculations about expenses in shareholder reports, you can use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund with other funds. To do so, compare the 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. As you compare hypothetical examples of other funds, it is important to note that hypothetical examples are meant to highlight the ongoing costs of investing in a fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees.

Estimating your actual expenses

To estimate the expenses that you paid over the period, first you will need your account balance at the end of the period:

g   For shareholders who receive their account statements from Columbia Management Services, Inc., your account balance is available online at www.columbiafunds.com or by calling Shareholder Services at 800.345.6611.

g   For shareholders who receive their account statements from their financial intermediary, contact your financial intermediary to obtain your account balance.

1.  Divide your ending account balance by $1,000. For example, if an account balance was $8,600 at the end of the period, the result would be 8.6.

2.  In the section of the table below titled "Expenses paid during the period," locate the amount for your share class. You will find this number in the column labeled "Actual." Multiply this number by the result from step 1. Your answer is an estimate of the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

If the value of your account falls below the minimum initial investment requirement applicable to you, your account generally will be subject to a $20 annual fee. This fee is not included in the accompanying table. If you are subject to the fee, keep it in mind when you are estimating the ongoing expenses of investing in the fund and when comparing the expenses of this fund with other funds.

05/01/08 - 10/31/08

    Account value at the
beginning of the period ($)
  Account value at the
end of the period ($)
  Expenses paid
during the period ($)
  Fund's annualized
expense ratio (%)
 
    Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual   Hypothetical   Actual  
Class A     1,000.00       1,000.00       972.80       1,021.37       3.72       3.81       0.75    
Class B     1,000.00       1,000.00       969.08       1,017.60       7.42       7.61       1.50    
Class C     1,000.00       1,000.00       970.79       1,019.36       5.70       5.84       1.15    
Class T     1,000.00       1,000.00       974.01       1,022.62       2.48       2.54       0.50    
Class Z     1,000.00       1,000.00       974.01       1,022.62       2.48       2.54       0.50    

 

        

Expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the share class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, then multiplied by the number of days in the fund's most recent fiscal half-year and divided by 366.

Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, account value at the end of the period would have been reduced.

It is important to note that the expense amounts shown in the table are meant to highlight only ongoing costs of investing in the fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees. Therefore, the hypothetical examples provided may not help you determine the relative total costs of owning shares of different funds. If these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


29



Portfolio Manager's ReportColumbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Please visit www.columbiafunds.com for daily and most recent month-end performance updates.

Net asset value per share

as of 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     10.52    
Class B     10.52    
Class C     10.52    
Class T     10.52    
Class Z     10.52    

 

Distributions declared per share

11/01/07 – 10/31/08 ($)

Class A     0.41    
Class B     0.33    
Class C     0.37    
Class T     0.44    
Class Z     0.44    

 

A portion of the fund's income tax may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. The fund may at times purchase tax-exempt securities at a discount. Some, or all, of this discount may be included in the fund's ordinary income, and is taxable when distributed.

30-day SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     3.61    
Class B     3.05    
Class C     3.40    
Class T     3.85    
Class Z     4.04    

 

The 30-day SEC yields reflect the fund's earning power net of expenses, expressed as an annualized percentage of the public offering price per share at the end of the period.

For the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2008, Class A shares of Columbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund returned negative 1.16% without sales charge. Class Z shares returned negative 0.89%. By comparison, the Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index1 (formerly the Lehman Brothers 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index) returned positive 0.53%, while the Lipper Other States Intermediate Municipal Debt Funds Classification2 had an average total return of negative 1.30%.

The fund underperformed its benchmark primarily because it had more exposure to longer-maturity bonds, which were the period's weakest performers. Several purchases of longer-term bonds were made late in the reporting period. They provided attractive yields; however, the move turned out to be premature as interest rates rose across all maturities in response to the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy and dislocations in the financial markets. The fund was also hurt when Financial Security Assurance, Inc., a large municipal bond insurer, was put on negative credit watch by the major credit rating agencies. We believe that the fund did better than the average fund in its peer group because it had more exposure to higher quality securities, which performed well in a risk-averse market.

On October 31, 2008, the fund's Class A shares had a 30-day SEC annualized yield of 3.61%. This equaled a taxable equivalent yield of 6.16% for shareholders in the 35.0% federal income tax bracket and taxed at the state's applicable state income tax rate. This tax rate does not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of the otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels.

Gains from shorter-maturity and higher quality bonds

In an environment of high volatility and low liquidity, investors sought shelter in bonds with the highest quality and shortest maturities. By the end of the period, the number of high-quality bonds had fallen dramatically as a widening financial crisis threatened all aspects of the financial markets. The percentage of AAA-rated bonds in the index dropped from 65% in January to 32% in October primarily because of the downgrades of MBIA and AMBAC, two large municipal bond insurers. Lower quality, longer-term securities were the weakest performers, with the worst performance coming from bonds with maturities of 12 to 17 years. Against this backdrop, the municipal market experienced significant selling pressure from mutual funds, insurance companies and arbitrage/hedge funds seeking to cover redemptions or to unwind unprofitable hedge trades and margin calls.

Gains from high quality and pre-refunded bonds

At a time when the supply of new issues from Rhode Island was light— not unusual for a small state—the fund benefited from the overall quality of its portfolio, which we

1The Barclays Capital 3-15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued after December 31, 1990 with remaining maturities between 2 and 17 years and at least $7 million in principal amount outstanding. Indices are not investments, do not incur fees or expenses and are not professionally managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Securities in the fund may not match those in an index.

2Lipper Inc., a widely respected data provider in the industry, calculates an average total return (assuming reinvestment of distributions) for mutual funds with investment objectives similar to those of the fund. Lipper makes no adjustment for the effect of sales loads.


30



Portfolio Manager's Report (continued)Columbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

believe was higher than that of its peer group, as well as its 20% stake in pre-refunded bonds. Pre-refunding occurs when an issuer takes advantage of lower interest rates by selling a new bond, then investing the proceeds in short-term U.S. government securities and paying off the old, higher-yielding bonds at the earliest opportunity. The fund had no exposure to bonds subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT), which aided performance because prices on bonds subject to the AMT declined as demand weakened and yields rose more than on other, comparable maturity municipal bonds.

Greater exposure to insured bonds

During the period, we added an insured general-obligation issue from Cranston, Rhode Island, which hampered the fund's return later in the period when the insurer's credit rating was placed on credit watch with negative implications. Many of the bonds issued in Rhode Island come with insurance, and the fund holds a greater percentage of insured bonds than its benchmark or its peer group.

Weak economy calls for cautious approach

We believe that a slowing economy and continued downward pressure by the Federal Reserve Board on short-term lending rates have the potential to bring yields down and prices up on municipal bonds over time. However, the overall health of the Rhode Island economy is weaker than many other states: Unemployment is rising, population growth is zero to declining and the housing sector continues to feel pressures. Given these factors, we do not expect Rhode Island to make a quick recovery. We plan to continue to monitor developments in the state and maintain diversification across sectors and issuers. We will also try to minimize exposure to issuers that we feel may face additional negative credit pressures.

Portfolio holdings and characteristics are subject to change periodically and may not be representative of current holdings and characteristics. The outlook for this fund may differ from that presented for other Columbia Funds.

Tax-exempt bonds involve special risks. The value of the fund will be affected by interest rate changes and the creditworthiness of issues held in the fund. When interest rates go up, bond prices generally drop and vice versa.

Interest income from certain tax-exempt bonds may be subject to certain state and local taxes and, if applicable, the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains are not exempt from income taxes.

The Fund is non-diversified, which generally means that it may invest a greater percentage of its total assets in the securities of fewer issuers than a "diversified" fund. This increases the risk that a change in the value of any one investment held by the Fund could affect the overall value of the Fund more than it would affect that of a diversified fund holding a greater number of investments. Accordingly, the Fund's value will likely be more volatile than the value of more diversified funds.

Single-state municipal bond funds pose additional risks due to limited geographical diversification.

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Class A     6.16    
Class B     5.21    
Class C     5.81    
Class T     6.57    
Class Z     6.90    

 

Taxable-equivalent SEC yields are based on the combined maximum effective 35.0% federal income tax rate and applicable state income tax rate. These tax rates do not reflect the phase out of exemptions or the reduction of the otherwise allowable deductions that occur when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels.

Top 5 sectors

as of 10/31/08 (%)

Refunded/Escrowed     20.5    
Education     15.6    
Local General Obligations     15.4    
Local Appropriated     11.3    
State General Obligations     7.2    

 

Sector breakdowns are calculated as a percentage of net assets.

Maturity breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

0-1 year     3.3    
1-3 years     13.2    
3-5 years     13.0    
5-7 years     13.5    
7-10 years     15.0    
10-15 years     24.9    
15-20 years     13.0    
20-25 years     1.6    
Cash & Equivalents     2.5    

 

Quality breakdown

as of 10/31/08 (%)

AAA     40.0    
AA     44.2    
A     8.3    
BBB     4.4    
Cash & Equivalents     2.5    
Non-Rated     0.6    

 

Quality and maturity breakdowns are calculated as a percentage of net assets. Ratings shown in the quality breakdown represent the highest rating assigned to a particular bond by one of the following nationally recognized rating agencies: Standard & Poor's, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch Ratings Ltd. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The fund's credit quality does not remove market risk.

The fund is actively managed and the composition of its portfolio will change over time.


31




Investment PortfolioColumbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds – 92.1%  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Education – 11.0%  
Education – 9.0%  
CT Health & Educational Facilities Authority  
Connecticut College:  
Series 2002 E,
Insured: MBIA:
5.000% 07/01/14
    500,000       523,810    
5.250% 07/01/22     400,000       396,892    
Series 2007 F,
Insured: MBIA
4.125% 07/01/24
    1,505,000       1,247,193    
Series 2008 N:
5.000% 07/01/18
    2,120,000       2,089,536    
5.000% 07/01/22     2,500,000       2,341,975    
Quinnipiac University:  
Series 2007 I,
Insured: MBIA:
5.000% 07/01/19
    2,000,000       1,952,240    
5.000% 07/01/22     2,000,000       1,882,660    
Series 2007 K2,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 07/01/28
    2,000,000       1,794,120    
Trinity College:  
Series 1998 F,
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 07/01/21
    500,000       513,750    
Series 2004 H,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 07/01/25
    540,000       518,135    
Yale University,  
Series 1997 E,
4.700% 07/01/29
    2,000,000       1,865,000    
CT University of Connecticut  
Student Fee,  
Series 2002 A,
5.250% 05/15/14
    1,185,000       1,244,534    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Industrial,
Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental
Control Facilities
 
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Inc.,  
Series 1998 A,
Insured: MBIA:
5.250% 10/01/12
    725,000       739,921    
5.375% 10/01/13     975,000       997,298    
5.500% 10/01/14     650,000       664,541    
Education Total     18,771,605    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Prep School – 2.0%  
CT Health & Educational Facilities
Authority
 
Greenwich Academy, Inc.,  
Series 2007 E,
Insured: FSA
5.250% 03/01/26
    2,000,000       1,935,480    
Loomis Chaffee School,  
Series 2005 F,
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 07/01/27
    1,670,000       1,656,139    
Miss Porter's School,  
Series 2006 B,
Insured: AMBAC
4.500% 07/01/29
    600,000       514,872    
Prep School Total     4,106,491    
Education Total     22,878,096    
Health Care – 4.3%  
Continuing Care Retirement – 0.2%  
CT Development Authority  
Elim Park Baptist, Inc.,  
Series 2003,
5.750% 12/01/23
    500,000       440,230    
Continuing Care Retirement Total     440,230    
Hospitals – 3.3%  
CT Health & Educational Facilities Authority  
Hospital For Special Care,  
Series 2007 C,
Insured: RAD
5.250% 07/01/27
    750,000       570,735    
Hospital for St. Raphael,  
Series 1993 H,
Insured: AMBAC
5.300% 07/01/10
    2,740,000       2,760,687    
Middlesex Hospital,  
Series 1997 H,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 07/01/12
    1,060,000       1,042,531    
Middlesex Hospital,  
Series 2008 M,
Insured: FSA
4.875% 07/01/27
    500,000       449,965    
William W. Backus Hospital,  
Series 2005 G,
Insured: FSA
5.000% 07/01/24
    2,060,000       1,971,379    
Hospitals Total     6,795,297    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


32



Columbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Intermediate Care Facilities – 0.1%  
CT Health & Educational Facilities Authority  
Village for Families & Children, Inc.,  
Series 2002 A,
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 07/01/23
    260,000       209,290    
Intermediate Care Facilities Total     209,290    
Nursing Homes – 0.7%  
CT Development Authority Health Facility  
Alzheimers Resource Center, Inc.,  
Series 2007,
5.200% 08/15/17
    1,285,000       1,039,256    
5.400% 08/15/21     500,000       376,050    
Nursing Homes Total     1,415,306    
Health Care Total     8,860,123    
Housing – 6.1%  
Multi-Family – 0.7%  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Housing
Finance Authority
 
Series 2008,  
5.000% 12/01/13     1,300,000       1,354,366    
Multi-Family Total     1,354,366    
Single-Family – 5.4%  
CT Housing Finance Authority  
Mortgage Finance Program:  
Series 1996 C-1,
6.000% 11/15/10
    815,000       844,332    
Series 2005 D-1,
4.100% 05/15/17
    2,200,000       2,041,116    
Series 2008 B-1,
4.750% 11/15/23
    3,000,000       2,697,840    
Refunding Housing Mortgage Finance Program,  
Series 2003 D,
4.400% 11/15/15
    2,000,000       1,945,200    
Series 2003 C-1,
4.850% 11/15/23
    4,000,000       3,696,880    
Single-Family Total     11,225,368    
Housing Total     12,579,734    
Industrials – 0.3%  
Oil & Gas – 0.3%  
TN Energy Acquisition Corp.  
Series 2006,  
5.250% 09/01/22     850,000       619,336    
Oil & Gas Total     619,336    
Industrials Total     619,336    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Other – 18.3%  
Other – 0.2%  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Government Development Bank
 
Series 2006 B,  
5.000% 12/01/14     360,000       355,680    
Other Total     355,680    
Pool/Bond Bank – 1.5%  
CT Revolving Fund  
Series 2003 A,  
5.000% 10/01/19     1,000,000       1,018,710    
Series 2003 B:  
5.000% 10/01/12     1,000,000       1,065,360    
5.000% 10/01/15     1,000,000       1,070,790    
Pool/Bond Bank Total     3,154,860    
Refunded/Escrowed (a) – 16.6%  
CT Bridgeport  
Series 2000 A,  
Pre-refunded 07/15/10,
Insured: FGIC
6.000% 07/15/13
    2,000,000       2,143,900    
CT Clean Water Fund  
Series 1993,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
6.000% 10/01/12
    1,200,000       1,277,232    
Series 1999,  
Pre-refunded 07/15/09,
5.250% 07/15/11
    1,500,000       1,552,650    
CT Fairfield  
Series 2002 A,  
Pre-refunded 04/01/12,
5.000% 04/01/22
    2,200,000       2,344,760    
CT Health & Educational Facilities Authority  
Connecticut College,  
Series 2000 D-1,
Pre-refunded 07/01/10,
Insured: MBIA
5.750% 07/01/30
    1,250,000       1,329,338    
Fairfield University,  
Series 1999 I,
Pre-refunded 07/01/09,
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 07/01/25
    2,000,000       2,054,800    
Trinity College,  
Series 2001 G,
Pre-refunded 07/01/11,
Insured: AMBAC:
5.000% 07/01/31
    1,000,000       1,067,270    
5.500% 07/01/15     2,825,000       3,051,113    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


33



Columbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CT New Haven  
Series 2002 B,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: FGIC
5.375% 11/01/12
    5,000       5,447    
Series 2002 C:  
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 11/01/18
    15,000       15,300    
Pre-refunded 11/01/12,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 11/01/18
    1,985,000       2,137,428    
Series 2003 A,  
Pre-refunded 11/01/13,
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 11/01/16
    170,000       187,046    
CT Seymour  
Series 2001 B,  
Pre-refunded 08/01/11,
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 08/01/15
    1,100,000       1,173,304    
CT Special Assessment Second Injury Fund
Revenue
 
Series 2000 A,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: FSA
5.250% 01/01/10
    2,000,000       2,071,240    
CT Stamford  
Series 2002,  
Pre-refunded 08/15/12,
5.000% 08/15/19
    1,000,000       1,071,820    
CT State  
Series 1993 E,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
6.000% 03/15/12
    25,000       27,416    
Series 1999 B,  
Pre-refunded 11/01/09,
5.750% 11/01/11
    1,000,000       1,049,270    
Series 2000 A,  
Pre-refunded 04/15/10,
5.500% 04/15/19
    865,000       908,060    
CT Torrington  
Series 1999,  
Pre-refunded 09/15/09,
Insured: FGIC
5.125% 09/15/12
    1,300,000       1,351,961    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CT University of Connecticut  
Series 2000 A,  
Pre-refunded 03/01/10,
Insured: FGIC
5.375% 03/01/19
    2,000,000       2,101,180    
Series 2002 A,  
Pre-refunded 04/01/12,
5.375% 04/01/13
    1,000,000       1,077,570    
CT Westport  
Series 1999,  
Pre-refunded 07/15/09,
5.000% 07/15/18
    1,890,000       1,953,031    
Series 2000,  
Pre-refunded 08/15/10:
5.375% 08/15/14
    550,000       579,662    
5.375% 08/15/15     1,550,000       1,633,591    
Series 2001,  
Pre-refunded 12/01/11,
5.000% 12/01/16
    1,155,000       1,230,837    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Infrastructure Financing Authority
 
Series 2000 A,  
Economically Defeased to Maturity,
5.500% 10/01/40
    1,000,000       998,450    
Refunded/Escrowed Total     34,393,676    
Other Total     37,904,216    
Other Revenue – 0.7%  
Recreation – 0.7%  
CT Development Authority  
Mystic Marinelife Aquarium,  
Series 2007 A,
LOC: Citibank N.A.
4.625% 05/01/37
    2,000,000       1,550,340    
Recreation Total     1,550,340    
Other Revenue Total     1,550,340    
Resource Recovery – 0.7%  
Disposal – 0.7%  
CT New Haven Solid Waste & Recycling
Authority Revenue
 
Series 2008,  
5.125% 06/01/23     1,520,000       1,428,420    
Disposal Total     1,428,420    
Resource Recovery Total     1,428,420    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


34



Columbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Tax-Backed – 45.3%  
Local General Obligations – 20.6%  
CT Bridgeport  
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: FGIC
5.375% 08/15/14
    1,600,000       1,650,848    
Series 2004 C,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 08/15/17
    1,500,000       1,531,635    
CT Colchester  
Series 1997 A,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.400% 08/15/10
    885,000       931,038    
CT Danbury  
Series 1995,  
5.625% 02/01/13     200,000       220,474    
Series 2004,  
Insured: FGIC
4.750% 08/01/16
    1,270,000       1,328,737    
CT East Haven  
Series 2003,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 09/01/15
    640,000       672,704    
CT Easton  
Series 2001,  
4.750% 10/15/21     855,000       855,308    
CT Fairfield  
Series 2004,  
4.500% 01/01/16     1,690,000       1,737,759    
Series 2008:  
5.000% 01/01/20     1,000,000       1,034,560    
5.000% 01/01/22     500,000       511,605    
CT Farmington  
Series 2002,  
5.000% 09/15/19     820,000       834,555    
CT Hartford County Metropolitan District  
Series 1989,  
6.700% 10/01/09     250,000       261,093    
Series 2002,  
5.000% 04/01/19     1,205,000       1,224,943    
CT Hartford  
Series 2003,  
Insured: FSA
4.750% 12/01/15
    2,065,000       2,172,545    
Series 2005 C,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 09/01/19
    2,085,000       2,113,252    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2006,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 07/15/22
    600,000       591,186    
CT Montville  
Series 1994,  
5.300% 12/01/09     370,000       383,931    
CT New Britain  
Series 2006,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 04/15/17
    1,165,000       1,209,468    
CT New Haven  
Series 2002 B,  
Insured: FGIC
5.375% 11/01/12
    995,000       1,054,013    
Series 2003 A,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 11/01/16
    1,830,000       1,910,557    
Series 2008,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 11/01/18
    4,260,000       4,475,556    
CT New London  
Series 2003 C,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 02/01/17
    1,290,000       1,313,207    
CT New Milford  
Series 2004,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 01/15/16
    1,025,000       1,095,038    
CT North Haven  
Series 2007:  
4.750% 07/15/24     1,150,000       1,126,241    
4.750% 07/15/25     1,150,000       1,120,158    
CT Regional School District No. 15  
Series 2003,  
Insured: FGIC:
5.000% 02/01/15
    1,105,000       1,175,753    
5.000% 02/01/16     1,025,000       1,086,582    
CT Stamford  
Series 2003 B:  
5.250% 08/15/16     1,650,000       1,798,285    
5.250% 08/15/17     1,125,000       1,220,726    
CT Watertown  
Series 2005,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 08/01/17
    1,060,000       1,111,590    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


35



Columbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CT Weston  
Series 2004,  
5.250% 07/15/15     1,300,000       1,412,021    
CT Westport  
Series 2003,  
5.000% 08/15/18     1,200,000       1,244,844    
CT Windham  
Series 2004,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 06/15/15
    785,000       839,377    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Municipal Finance Agency
 
Series 1999 A,  
Insured: FSA
5.750% 08/01/12
    1,500,000       1,532,265    
Local General Obligations Total     42,781,854    
Special Non-Property Tax – 7.5%  
CT Special Tax Obligation Revenue  
Transportation Infrastructure:  
Series 1992 B,
6.125% 09/01/12
    400,000       431,420    
Series 1998 A,
Insured: FGIC:
5.250% 10/01/14
    2,100,000       2,124,402    
5.500% 10/01/12     3,250,000       3,492,645    
Series 2003 B,
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 01/01/23
    800,000       789,560    
NJ Economic Development Authority  
Series 2004 A,  
5.500% 06/15/24     1,000,000       792,730    
OH Hamilton County Sales Tax Revenue  
Series 2000 B,  
Insured: AMBAC
(b) 12/01/28
    3,000,000       858,150    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Highway & Transportation Authority
 
Series 1998,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 07/01/14
    2,615,000       2,643,059    
Series 2002 E,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 07/01/17
    1,870,000       1,930,980    
Series 2006 BB,  
Insured: FSA
5.250% 07/01/22
    2,500,000       2,415,850    
Special Non-Property Tax Total     15,478,796    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
State Appropriated – 3.5%  
CT State Certificates of Participation  
Juvenile Training School,  
Series 2001,
5.250% 12/15/14
    1,565,000       1,637,100    
CT University of Connecticut  
Series 2002 A,  
5.000% 04/01/10     1,085,000       1,122,812    
Series 2004 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 01/15/13
    2,000,000       2,113,540    
Series 2007 A,  
4.000% 04/01/24     2,100,000       1,681,281    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Public
Finance Corp.
 
Series 2004 A,  
LOC: Government Development
Bank for Puerto Rico
5.750% 08/01/27
    700,000       702,590    
State Appropriated Total     7,257,323    
State General Obligations – 13.7%  
CT State  
Refunding:  
Series 2006 E,
5.000% 12/15/20
    3,000,000       3,050,100    
Series 1993 E,
6.000% 03/15/12
    975,000       1,057,895    
Series 2000 C,
5.375% 12/15/10
    1,000,000       1,057,480    
Series 2001,
Insured: FSA
5.500% 12/15/14
    1,500,000       1,648,620    
Series 2003 E,
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 08/15/21
    1,000,000       998,990    
Series 2005 B,
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 06/01/20
    600,000       624,186    
Series 2005 D,
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 11/15/23
    4,000,000       4,025,840    
Series 2008 B,
5.000% 04/15/22
    5,415,000       5,462,381    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico  
Capital Appreciation,  
Series 1998,
Insured: MBIA:
(b) 07/01/14
    4,500,000       3,310,740    
6.000% 07/01/16     1,000,000       1,030,850    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


36



Columbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Public Improvement:  
Series 1998:
Insured: FSA
5.250% 07/01/10
    1,250,000       1,287,925    
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 07/01/15
    3,000,000       2,993,100    
Series 2004 A,  
5.000% 07/01/30     1,000,000       985,480    
Series 2006 A,  
5.250% 07/01/23     1,000,000       911,960    
State General Obligations Total     28,445,547    
Tax-Backed Total     93,963,520    
Utilities – 5.4%  
Investor Owned – 1.6%  
CT Development Authority  
Pollution Control Revenue,  
Connecticut Light & Power Co.,
Series 1993 A,
5.850% 09/01/28
    4,285,000       3,368,781    
Investor Owned Total     3,368,781    
Joint Power Authority – 0.9%  
CT State Municipal Electric Energy
Cooperative Power Supply Systems
 
Series 2006 A,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 01/01/22
    2,000,000       1,982,740    
Joint Power Authority Total     1,982,740    
Municipal Electric – 0.5%  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Electric
Power Authority
 
Series 2003 NN,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 07/01/19
    1,000,000       951,660    
Municipal Electric Total     951,660    
Water & Sewer – 2.4%  
CT Greater New Haven Water Pollution
Control Authority
 
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 11/15/30
    2,500,000       2,329,325    
CT South Central Regional Water Authority  
Series 2007 A,  
Insured: MBIA:
5.250% 08/01/23
    500,000       502,510    
5.250% 08/01/22     1,370,000       1,383,810    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2008 B,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 08/01/29
    750,000       727,800    
Water & Sewer Total     4,943,445    
Utilities Total     11,246,626    
Total Municipal Bonds
(cost of $198,417,755)
    191,030,411    
Investment Company – 2.9%  
    Shares      
Dreyfus Tax-Exempt Cash  
Management Fund
(7 day yield of 2.260%)
    5,980,418       5,980,418    
Total Investment Company
(cost of $5,980,418)
    5,980,418    
Short-Term Obligations – 0.3%  
    Par ($)      
Variable Rate Demand Notes (c) – 0.3%  
MI Higher Education Facilities Authority  
University of Detroit Mercy,  
Series 2007,
LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank
1.250% 11/01/36
    200,000       200,000    
MO Health & Educational Facilities Authority  
Washington University,  
Series 2000 B,
SPA: JPMorgan Chase Bank
1.250% 03/01/40
    200,000       200,000    
WA Housing Finance Commission  
Franke Tobey Jones,  
Series 2003,
LOC: Wells Fargo Bank N.A.
1.150% 09/01/33
    100,000       100,000    
WI University Hospitals & Clinics  
Series 2008 B,  
LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.
1.200% 04/01/34
    200,000       200,000    
Variable Rate Demand Notes Total     700,000    
Total Short-Term Obligations
(cost of $700,000)
    700,000    
Total Investments – 95.3%
(cost of $205,098,173) (d)
    197,710,829    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net – 4.7%     9,669,297    
Net Assets – 100.0%     207,380,126    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


37



Columbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Notes to Investment Portfolio:

(a)  The Fund has been informed that each issuer has placed direct obligations of the U.S. Government in an irrevocable trust, solely for the payment of principal and interest.

(b)  Zero coupon bond.

(c)  Variable rate demand notes. These securities are payable upon demand and are secured by letters of credit or other credit support agreements from banks. The interest rates change periodically and the interest rates shown reflect the rate at October 31, 2008.

(d)  Cost for federal income tax purposes is $205,149,641.

At October 31, 2008, the composition of the Fund by revenue source is as follows:

Holdings By Revenue Source (Unaudited)   % of
Net Assets
 
Tax-Backed     45.3    
Refunded/Escrowed     16.6    
Education     11.0    
Housing     6.1    
Utilities     5.4    
Health Care     4.3    
Other     1.7    
Other Revenue     0.7    
Resource Recovery     0.7    
Industrials     0.3    
      92.1    
Investment Company     2.9    
Short-Term Obligations     0.3    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net     4.7    
      100.0    

 

Acronym   Name  
AMBAC   Ambac Assurance Corp.  
FGIC   Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.  
FSA   Financial Security Assurance, Inc.  
LOC   Letter of Credit  
MBIA   MBIA Insurance Corp.  
RAD   Radian Asset Assurance, Inc.  
SPA   Stand-by Purchase Agreement  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


38




Investment PortfolioColumbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds – 97.1%  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Education – 2.7%  
Education – 2.7%  
CA Municipal Finance Authority  
Biola University,  
Series 2008 A,
5.625% 10/01/23
    3,000,000       2,516,460    
CA University  
Series 2008 A,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 11/01/22
    5,000,000       4,921,900    
CT Health & Educational Facilities
Authority
 
Trinity College,  
Series 1998 F,
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 07/01/21
    1,000,000       1,027,500    
FL Broward County Educational
Facilities Authority
 
Nova Southeastern University,  
Series 2004 B,
5.250% 04/01/17
    610,000       549,683    
FL Volusia County Educational
Facilities Authority
 
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University,  
Series 1999 A,
5.750% 10/15/29
    2,380,000       1,958,431    
IL Finance Authority  
DePaul University,  
Series 2004 A:
5.375% 10/01/17
    1,000,000       986,390    
5.375% 10/01/18     2,000,000       1,946,300    
KS Development Finance Authority  
Board of Regents Scientific Research,  
Series 2003,
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 10/01/19
    2,000,000       2,021,820    
Regents-Wichita University,  
Series 2000 B,
Insured: AMBAC
5.900% 04/01/15
    2,000,000       2,066,560    
KS Washburn University  
Topeka Living Learning,  
Series 2004,
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 07/01/18
    900,000       899,253    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
MA College Building Authority  
Series 1994 A,  
7.500% 05/01/14     500,000       561,900    
MA Health & Educational Facilities
Authority
 
Boston College,  
Series 2008,
5.500% 06/01/24
    2,670,000       2,786,679    
MA Industrial Finance Agency  
Tufts University,  
Series 1998 H,
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 02/15/12
    2,000,000       2,136,280    
MO Health & Educational Facilities
Authority
 
St. Louis University,  
Series 1998,
5.500% 10/01/16
    1,000,000       1,080,460    
Washington University,  
Series 2001 A,
5.500% 06/15/16
    1,000,000       1,097,180    
NY Dormitory Authority  
Series 2005 B,  
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 07/01/21
    6,345,000       6,513,587    
St. John's University,  
Series 2007 C,
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 07/01/23
    5,245,000       5,002,052    
University of Rochester,  
Series 2007 A-1,
5.000% 07/01/22
    4,000,000       3,899,240    
PA Erie Higher Education Building
Authority
 
Mercyhurst College,  
Series 2004 B,
5.000% 03/15/14
    255,000       241,424    
PA Higher Educational Facilities
Authority
 
Bryn Mawr College,  
Series 2002,
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 12/01/12
    1,500,000       1,602,615    
State Systems Higher Education,  
Series 2001 T,
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 06/15/12
    750,000       771,037    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


39



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
University of Sciences,  
Series 2005 A,
Insured: SYNC
5.000% 11/01/16
    360,000       359,132    
Widener University,  
Series 2003,
5.000% 07/15/10
    500,000       506,570    
PA University  
Series 2002,  
5.250% 08/15/11     1,000,000       1,059,890    
RI Health & Educational Building Corp.  
Series 2003,  
Insured: SYNC
5.250% 04/01/15
    1,500,000       1,501,095    
TN Metropolitan Government, Nashville &
Davidson County, Health & Educational
Facilities Board
 
Meharry Medical College,  
Series 1996,
Insured: AMBAC:
6.000% 12/01/09
    595,000       606,495    
6.000% 12/01/16     500,000       534,250    
TX Alamo Community College District  
Series 2001,  
Insured: FSA
5.375% 11/01/16
    540,000       566,822    
TX Houston Community College System  
Series 2001 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.375% 04/15/15
    520,000       538,387    
TX Public Finance Authority  
Stephen F. Austin University,  
Series 2005,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 10/15/19
    2,000,000       1,938,460    
TX University of Texas  
Series 2004 A,  
5.250% 08/15/17     2,000,000       2,142,700    
Series 2006 D,  
5.000% 08/15/18     10,000,000       10,372,200    
Education Total     64,712,752    
Education Total     64,712,752    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Health Care – 10.5%  
Continuing Care Retirement – 2.1%  
CO Health Facilities Authority  
Covenant Retirement Communities, Inc.,  
Series 2005,
5.000% 12/01/18
    1,000,000       854,530    
FL Lakeland  
Carpenters Retirement Community,  
Series 2008,
5.875% 01/01/19
    1,875,000       1,559,456    
FL Lee County Industrial Development
Authority
 
Shell Point,  
Series 2007,
5.000% 11/15/22
    7,650,000       5,380,551    
FL Orange County Health Facilities
Authority
 
Orlando Lutheran Towers,  
Series 2005,
5.000% 07/01/13
    3,670,000       3,382,639    
FL Sarasota County Health Facilities
Authority
 
Village on the Isle,  
Series 2007,
5.500% 01/01/27
    4,000,000       2,791,040    
FL St. John's County Industrial
Development Authority
 
Vicars Landing,  
Series 2007,
5.000% 02/15/17
    1,625,000       1,377,204    
IL Finance Authority  
Monarch Landing, Inc.,  
Series 2007 A:
5.500% 12/01/13
    2,200,000       2,000,614    
6.000% 12/01/17     3,590,000       3,095,298    
Sedgebrook, Inc.,  
Series 2007 A:
5.400% 11/15/16
    2,165,000       1,827,044    
5.875% 11/15/22     8,000,000       6,303,200    
IN Health & Educational Facility
Financing Authority
 
Baptist Homes of Indiana,  
Series 2005,
5.250% 11/15/25
    6,000,000       5,000,880    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


40



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
KS Lenexa  
Lakeview Village, Inc.,  
Series 2007,
5.250% 05/15/22
    2,650,000       1,956,336    
MA Development Finance Agency  
First Mortgage Orchard Cove,  
Series 2007,
5.000% 10/01/17
    1,840,000       1,451,042    
MD Howard County Retirement Authority  
Columbia Vantage House Corp.,  
Series 2007 A,
5.250% 04/01/27
    1,500,000       1,051,350    
MO St. Louis Industrial Development
Authority
 
St. Andrews Resources for Seniors,  
Series 2007 A,
6.250% 12/01/26
    7,000,000       5,536,510    
NC Medical Care Commission  
Givens Estates,  
Series 2007,
5.000% 07/01/27
    3,375,000       2,506,950    
NY Nassau County Industrial
Development Agency
 
Amsterdam Harborside,  
Series 2007 A,
5.875% 01/01/18
    2,375,000       2,061,215    
PA Delaware County Authority  
Dunwoody Village, Inc.,  
Series 2003 A,
5.000% 04/01/09
    500,000       500,450    
TX Tarrant County Cultural Education
Facilities Finance Corp.
 
Air Force Village,  
Series 2007,
5.125% 05/15/27
    3,750,000       2,627,550    
Continuing Care Retirement Total     51,263,859    
Hospitals – 8.2%  
AL Health Care Authority for Baptist
Health
 
Series 2006 D,  
5.000% 11/15/18     2,250,000       2,005,898    
AL University at Birmingham Hospital  
Series 2006 A,  
5.000% 09/01/21     2,200,000       1,918,994    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
AR Washington County Hospital  
Washington Regional Medical Center,  
Series 2005 B:
5.000% 02/01/16
    1,000,000       915,510    
5.000% 02/01/17     2,000,000       1,796,120    
AZ Maricopa County Industrial
Development Authority
 
Catholic Healthcare West,  
Series 2007 A,
5.000% 07/01/18
    3,500,000       3,265,255    
CA Health Facilities Financing Authority  
Catholic Healthcare West,  
Series 2004,
4.450% 07/01/26 (a)
    1,010,000       995,830    
CA Loma Linda Hospital  
Loma Linda University Medical Center,  
Series 2005 A,
5.000% 12/01/19
    10,390,000       9,047,404    
CA Municipal Finance Authority  
Community Hospital Central California,  
Series 2007:
5.000% 02/01/21
    1,070,000       872,071    
5.000% 02/01/22     1,500,000       1,203,435    
CA Rancho Mirage Joint Powers
Financing Authority
 
Series 1997 B,  
Insured: MBIA
4.875% 07/01/22
    1,730,000       1,568,107    
CA Turlock Health Facility  
Emanuel Medical Center, Inc.,  
Series 2007 B,
5.000% 10/15/22
    3,590,000       2,885,427    
FL Escambia County Health Facilities
Authority
 
Ascension Health,  
Series 2003 A:
5.250% 11/15/11
    2,125,000       2,189,515    
5.250% 11/15/14     1,000,000       1,025,860    
FL Highlands County Health Facilities
Authority
 
Adventist Health Systems:  
Series 2005 A,
5.000% 11/15/20 (a)
    1,000,000       880,160    
Series 2005 B:
5.000% 11/15/20
    875,000       770,140    
5.000% 11/15/22     740,000       627,254    
Adventist Hinsdale Hospital,  
Series 2005 A,
5.000% 11/15/22 (a)
    1,000,000       847,640    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


41



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
FL Hillsborough County Industrial
Development Authority
 
Tampa General Hospital,  
Series 2003 A,
5.000% 10/01/18
    1,000,000       862,830    
FL Lee Memorial Health System Hospital
Board
 
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: FSA
5.750% 04/01/15
    1,000,000       1,049,560    
FL Marion County Hospital District  
Munroe Regional Medical Center,  
Series 1999,
5.250% 10/01/11
    1,935,000       1,993,398    
FL Orange County Health Facilities
Authority
 
Series 1996 A,  
Insured: MBIA
6.250% 10/01/16
    1,700,000       1,788,876    
FL Sarasota County Public Hospital Board  
Series 1998 B,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 07/01/11
    1,750,000       1,809,010    
FL South Broward Hospital District  
Series 2003 A,  
Insured: MBIA:
5.250% 05/01/12
    3,955,000       4,020,257    
5.250% 05/01/13     1,500,000       1,520,790    
FL St. Petersburg Health Facilities
Authority
 
All Children's Hospital,  
Series 2002,
Insured: AMBAC:
5.500% 11/15/14
    1,720,000       1,727,551    
5.500% 11/15/15     1,995,000       1,992,646    
5.500% 11/15/16     1,980,000       1,957,190    
FL Tampa Health Systems  
Catholic Health East,  
Series 1998 A-1,
Insured: MBIA:
5.500% 11/15/13
    6,080,000       6,347,094    
5.500% 11/15/14     6,000,000       6,239,460    
GA Fulton DeKalb Hospital Authority  
Series 2003,  
Insured: FSA
5.250% 01/01/16
    1,000,000       1,047,780    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
KS Lawrence Memorial Hospital  
Series 2003,  
5.250% 07/01/11     1,005,000       1,020,145    
KS Manhattan Hospital  
Mercy Health Care Center,  
Series 2001,
Insured: FSA
5.250% 08/15/10
    1,005,000       1,029,703    
KS Wichita Hospital  
Series 2001 III,  
6.250% 11/15/18     5,000,000       5,073,200    
MA Health & Educational Facilities
Authority
 
CareGroup, Inc.,  
Series 2008 E-2:
5.375% 07/01/20
    9,720,000       8,310,600    
5.375% 07/01/22     13,345,000       11,074,615    
Partners HealthCare System, Inc.,  
Series 2001 C:
6.000% 07/01/14
    1,000,000       1,035,900    
6.000% 07/01/17     45,000       47,975    
MD Health & Higher Educational
Facilities Authority
 
University of Maryland Medical System:  
Series 2005,
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 07/01/24
    4,150,000       3,775,877    
Series 2008:
5.250% 07/01/19
    1,635,000       1,538,045    
5.250% 07/01/21     1,750,000       1,659,823    
MI Saginaw Hospital Finance Authority  
Covenant Medical Center,  
Series 2004 G,
5.125% 07/01/22
    10,560,000       9,170,621    
NC Albemarle Hospital Authority  
Series 2007:  
5.250% 10/01/21     3,000,000       2,502,060    
5.250% 10/01/27     3,700,000       2,846,965    
NH Health & Education Facilities Authority  
Southern New Hampshire Medical Center,  
Series 2007,
5.250% 10/01/23
    7,000,000       6,023,640    
NM Farmington Hospital  
San Juan Regional Medical Center, Inc.,  
Series 2004 A,
5.125% 06/01/18
    500,000       456,570    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


42



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NY Albany Industrial Development Agency  
St. Peter's Hospital,  
Series 2008 A:
5.250% 11/15/16
    1,750,000       1,638,053    
5.250% 11/15/17     1,250,000       1,154,313    
NY Monroe County Industrial Development
Agency
 
Highland Hospital of Rochester,  
Series 2005:
5.000% 08/01/14
    730,000       699,763    
5.000% 08/01/15     545,000       513,679    
OH Lakewood  
Lakewood Hospital Association,  
Series 2003,
5.500% 02/15/14
    1,400,000       1,416,114    
OH Lorain County Hospital  
Catholic Healthcare Partnerships,  
Series 2001 A:
5.625% 10/01/14
    6,135,000       6,296,596    
5.625% 10/01/15     3,000,000       3,059,100    
5.625% 10/01/16     3,000,000       3,037,680    
OK Development Finance Authority  
Duncan Regional Hospital, Inc.,  
Series 2003 A,
5.000% 12/01/15
    1,545,000       1,527,542    
PA Higher Educational Facilities Authority  
University of Pennsylvania Health Systems,  
Series 2005 A,
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 08/15/18
    250,000       253,428    
PA Northampton County General Purpose
Authority
 
St. Lukes Hospital Bethlehem,  
Series 2008 A:
5.000% 08/15/20
    3,480,000       2,806,794    
5.125% 08/15/21     3,715,000       2,978,613    
5.250% 08/15/22     1,965,000       1,571,528    
SC Greenville Hospital Systems Board  
Greenville Hospital Systems Partners in Health,  
Series 2008 A:
5.250% 05/01/19
    5,640,000       5,456,192    
5.250% 05/01/20     5,810,000       5,559,996    
TN Knox County Health, Educational &
Housing Facilities Board
 
Fort Sanders Alliance,  
Series 1993,
Insured: MBIA
7.250% 01/01/09
    300,000       301,581    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
TN Sullivan County Health, Educational &
Housing Facilities Board
 
Series 2006 C,  
5.000% 09/01/22     3,750,000       2,782,763    
TX Amarillo Health Facilities Corp.  
Baptist St. Anthony's Hospital Corp.,  
Series 1998,
Insured: FSA
5.500% 01/01/14
    1,000,000       1,047,920    
TX Harris County Health Facilities
Development Corp.
 
Memorial Hospital Systems,  
Series 1997 A,
Insured: MBIA
6.000% 06/01/13
    2,170,000       2,272,250    
TX Jefferson County Health Facilities
Development Corp.
 
Baptist Hospitals,  
Series 2001,
Insured: AMBAC
5.200% 08/15/21
    3,425,000       2,888,439    
TX Tarrant County Cultural Education
Facilities Finance Corp.
 
Texas Health Resources,  
Series 2007 A,
5.000% 02/15/21
    5,000,000       4,568,800    
TX Tarrant County Hospital District  
Series 2002,  
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 08/15/13
    1,355,000       1,402,330    
VA Augusta County Industrial
Development Authority
 
Augusta Health Care, Inc.,  
Series 2003,
5.250% 09/01/18
    1,500,000       1,431,885    
WI Health & Educational Facilities
Authority
 
Aurora Health Care, Inc.,  
Series 1999 A,
5.600% 02/15/29
    7,615,000       6,132,816    
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare,  
Series 2006:
5.125% 08/15/23
    13,065,000       9,108,787    
5.125% 08/15/26     10,000,000       6,678,200    
Hospitals Total     197,321,963    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


43



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Nursing Homes – 0.2%  
IA Finance Authority Health Facilities  
Development Care Initiatives,  
Series 2006 A:
5.250% 07/01/18
    2,695,000       2,260,054    
5.500% 07/01/21     1,530,000       1,232,905    
MN Eveleth Health Care  
Series 2007,  
5.000% 10/01/17     1,000,000       794,500    
MO St. Louis County Industrial
Development Authority
 
Ranken Jordan,  
Series 2007,
5.000% 11/15/27
    1,350,000       984,730    
Nursing Homes Total     5,272,189    
Health Care Total     253,858,011    
Housing – 1.2%  
Assisted Living/Senior – 0.2%  
AZ Maricopa County Industrial
Development Authority Health Facilities
 
Series 1999 A,  
Guarantor: GNMA
6.300% 09/20/38
    3,715,000       3,728,114    
Assisted Living/Senior Total     3,728,114    
Multi-Family – 0.5%  
FL Capital Trust Agency  
Atlantic Housing Foundation,  
Series 2008 B,
7.000% 07/15/32
    1,990,000       1,685,928    
TCB Shadow Run,  
Series 2000 A,
LIQ FAC: FNMA
5.150% 11/01/30 (a)
    4,300,000       4,433,472    
FL Collier County Finance Authority  
Goodlette Arms,  
Series 2002 A-1,
LIQ FAC: FNMA
4.900% 02/15/32 (a)
    3,250,000       3,319,420    
LA Housing Finance Agency  
Series 2006 A,  
4.750% 12/01/31     1,510,000       1,380,412    
NC Medical Care Commission  
ARC/HDS Alamance Housing Corp.,  
Series 2004 A:
4.650% 10/01/14
    480,000       438,917    
5.500% 10/01/24     1,575,000       1,290,066    
Multi-Family Total     12,548,215    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Single-Family – 0.5%  
AZ Tucson & Pima County Industrial
Development Authority
 
Series 2001 A-1, AMT,  
Guarantor: GNMA:
6.000% 07/01/21 (a)
    200,000       201,268    
6.350% 01/01/34 (a)     130,000       130,389    
CA Department of Veteran Affairs  
Series 2006,  
4.500% 12/01/23     5,000,000       4,370,450    
FL Escambia County Housing Finance
Authority
 
Series 1999, AMT,  
Guarantor: GNMA
4.500% 10/01/09
    365,000       368,964    
Series 2000 A, AMT,  
Insured: MBIA
6.300% 10/01/20
    50,000       50,415    
FL Housing Finance Agency  
Series 1997-2, AMT,  
Insured: MBIA
5.750% 07/01/14
    745,000       738,727    
FL Housing Finance Corp.  
Series 1998-1,  
Insured: MBIA:
4.950% 01/01/11
    550,000       553,756    
4.950% 07/01/11     765,000       769,850    
KS Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties  
Mortgage-Backed Securities Program,  
Series 2003, AMT,
Guarantor: GNMA
6.050% 06/01/27 (a)
    435,000       416,391    
NC Housing Finance Agency  
Series 1997 RR, AMT,  
Insured: FHA
5.850% 09/01/28
    625,000       621,650    
NM Mortgage Finance Authority  
Series 1998 B-3,  
Guarantor: GNMA
5.500% 07/01/28
    260,000       240,846    
Series 2001 B-2, AMT,  
Guarantor: GNMA
6.200% 09/01/32 (a)
    1,395,000       1,398,613    
Series 2002 B-2, AMT,  
Guarantor: GNMA
6.350% 03/01/33 (a)
    990,000       972,220    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


44



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2002 PG-A-2, AMT,  
Guarantor: GNMA
6.450% 03/01/33 (a)
    640,000       642,336    
OR Housing & Community Services
Department Mortgage
 
Series 1997 H, AMT,  
5.150% 07/01/09     50,000       50,447    
Series 2000 H,  
Insured: FHA
5.550% 07/01/21
    95,000       92,881    
TN Housing Development Agency  
Home Ownership Program,  
Series 1998, AMT,
4.950% 07/01/10
    1,060,000       1,076,875    
Single-Family Total     12,696,078    
Housing Total     28,972,407    
Industrials – 1.4%  
Forest Products & Paper – 0.7%  
FL Bay County Pollution Control  
International Paper Co.,  
Series 1998 A,
5.100% 09/01/12
    2,375,000       2,236,253    
FL Escambia County Pollution Control  
International Paper Co.,  
Series 2003 A,
4.700% 04/01/15
    500,000       424,000    
LA Morehouse Parish Pollution Control  
International Paper Co.,  
Series 2001 A,
5.250% 11/15/13
    8,525,000       7,802,165    
MS Warren County Environmental
Improvement
 
International Paper Co.,  
Series 2000 A, AMT,
6.700% 08/01/18
    2,600,000       2,280,980    
TX Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority  
International Paper Co.,  
Series 2002 A, AMT,
6.100% 08/01/24
    5,750,000       4,351,485    
Forest Products & Paper Total     17,094,883    
Oil & Gas – 0.7%  
CA Southern California Public Power
Authority
 
Series 2007,  
5.250% 11/01/22     2,500,000       1,817,625    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
GA Main Street Natural Gas, Inc.  
Series 2007 A:  
5.125% 09/15/17     1,000,000       808,660    
5.250% 09/15/18     1,000,000       796,730    
TN Energy Acquisition Corp.  
Series 2006,  
5.250% 09/01/22     5,000,000       3,643,150    
TX Municipal Gas Acquisition &
Supply Corp.
 
Series 2006 A,  
5.000% 12/15/12     5,500,000       4,955,885    
TX SA Energy Acquisition Public
Facility Corp.
 
Series 2007,  
5.250% 08/01/16     4,450,000       3,730,568    
Oil & Gas Total     15,752,618    
Other Industrial Development Bonds – 0.0%  
MI Strategic Fund Ltd. Obligation  
NSF International,  
Series 2004,
5.000% 08/01/13
    820,000       793,260    
Other Industrial Development Bonds Total     793,260    
Industrials Total     33,640,761    
Other – 14.9%  
Other – 1.6%  
FL Hurricane Catastrophe Fund  
Series 2006 A,  
5.250% 07/01/12     12,000,000       12,623,280    
Series 2008 A,  
5.000% 07/01/14     15,000,000       15,644,850    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Government Development Bank
 
Series 2006 B:  
5.000% 12/01/13     5,000,000       4,988,700    
5.000% 12/01/15     5,000,000       4,905,500    
Other Total     38,162,330    
Pool/Bond Bank – 2.1%  
FL Gulf Breeze  
Series 1985 C,  
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 12/01/15
    1,000,000       1,009,560    
FL Municipal Loan Council  
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 05/01/13
    1,000,000       1,047,230    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


45



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 02/01/19
    1,015,000       984,367    
FL Water Pollution Control Financing  
Series 2001,  
5.500% 01/15/13     1,390,000       1,452,634    
KS Development Finance Authority  
Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund:  
Series 2001 II,
5.500% 05/01/14
    1,000,000       1,091,590    
Series 2002 II,
5.500% 11/01/15
    105,000       111,707    
MA Water Pollution Abatement Trust  
Series 1999 A,  
6.000% 08/01/19     2,500,000       2,815,950    
Series 2004 A,  
5.250% 08/01/17     2,920,000       3,136,839    
MO Environmental Improvement & Energy
Resources Authority
 
Series 2004 B,  
5.250% 01/01/18     7,470,000       7,979,155    
NY Dormitory Authority  
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 10/01/12
    2,420,000       2,559,150    
NY Environmental Facilities Corp.  
Pollution Control,  
Series 1994,
5.750% 06/15/09
    10,000       10,237    
OH Water Development Authority  
Pollution Control,  
Series 2005 B,
(b) 06/01/15
    2,000,000       1,494,880    
PA Delaware Valley Regional Financing
Authority
 
Local Government:  
Series 1997 B,
Insured: AMBAC
5.600% 07/01/17
    2,000,000       2,063,540    
Series 2002:
5.500% 07/01/12
    15,000,000       15,717,750    
5.750% 07/01/17     2,000,000       2,112,940    
PA Finance Authority  
Penn Hills,  
Series 2000 A,
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 12/01/22
    835,000       806,401    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
PA Industrial Development Authority
Economic Development
 
Series 2002,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 07/01/11
    1,000,000       1,037,830    
TX Water Development Board  
Series 1999 B,  
5.625% 07/15/21     1,500,000       1,524,945    
VA Resources Authority  
Series 2007,  
5.000% 10/01/17     3,760,000       3,985,976    
Pool/Bond Bank Total     50,942,681    
Refunded/Escrowed (c) – 9.8%  
AL Birmingham Waterworks & Sewer Board  
Series 2002 B,  
Pre-refunded 01/01/13,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 01/01/37
    15,000,000       16,026,600    
AL Birmingham  
Series 2001 A,  
Pre-refunded 11/01/11,
5.250% 05/01/17
    2,000,000       2,149,640    
AZ School Facilities Board  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2003 A,
Pre-refunded 03/01/13,
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 09/01/14
    10,000,000       10,818,700    
AZ University of Arizona  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2002 A,
Pre-refunded 06/01/12,
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 06/01/15
    455,000       490,472    
CA Department Water Resources  
Series 2002 X,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.500% 12/01/15
    10,000       11,203    
CA Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corp.  
Series 2003 A-1,  
Pre-refunded 06/01/13,
6.250% 06/01/33
    3,265,000       3,486,759    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


46



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA Health Facilities Financing Authority  
Catholic West,  
Series 2004 H,
Pre-refunded 07/01/11,
4.450% 07/01/26 (a)
    90,000       94,023    
CO Douglas County School
District No. RE-1
 
Series 2001,  
Pre-refunded 12/15/11,
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 12/15/13
    7,385,000       7,911,550    
CO Northwest Parkway Public Highway
Authority
 
Series 2001 C,  
Pre-refunded 06/15/16,
Insured: AMBAC
(d) 06/15/21
(5.700% 06/15/11)
    4,000,000       3,780,880    
CT Special Tax Obligation  
Transportation Infrastructure,  
Series 2001 A,
Pre-refunded 10/01/11,
Insured: FSA
5.375% 10/01/17
    1,000,000       1,073,070    
FL Broward County  
Series 2001 A,  
Pre-refunded 01/01/11,
5.250% 01/01/14
    1,025,000       1,089,278    
FL Hillsborough County School Board
District
 
Series 2002,  
Pre-refunded 10/01/11,
Insured: AMBAC
5.375% 10/01/13
    1,060,000       1,134,984    
FL Marion County Hospital District  
Munroe Regional Medical Center,  
Series 1999,
Pre-refunded 10/01/09,
5.250% 10/01/11
    90,000       93,745    
FL Miami-Dade County School Board  
Series 2001 A,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 05/01/10
    2,000,000       2,093,340    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
FL Orange County Health Facilities Authority  
Orlando Regional Health Care System,  
Series 1996 A,
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA
6.250% 10/01/16
    4,705,000       5,353,678    
Series 1996 A,
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA
6.250% 10/01/16
    115,000       129,737    
FL Orlando Utilities Commission Water &
Electric
 
Series 1989 D,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
6.750% 10/01/17
    1,800,000       2,036,790    
FL Orlando Utilities Commission  
Series 2002 C,  
Pre-refunded 10/01/12,
5.250% 10/01/16
    1,290,000       1,385,602    
FL Pinellas County Housing Authority  
Affordable Housing,  
Series 2001,
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: FSA
4.600% 12/01/10
    7,000,000       7,301,700    
FL Port St. Lucie Utilities  
Series 2003,  
Pre-refunded 09/01/13,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 09/01/16
    1,000,000       1,076,580    
FL Reedy Creek Improvement District
Utilities
 
Series 2003 1,  
Pre-refunded 10/01/13,
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 10/01/15
    1,490,000       1,622,237    
FL Seminole County Sales Tax  
Series 2001,  
Pre-refunded 10/01/11,
Insured: FGIC
5.375% 10/01/13
    1,295,000       1,398,548    
FL South Broward Hospital District  
Series 2002,  
Pre-refunded 05/01/12:
5.500% 05/01/22
    1,000,000       1,082,460    
5.600% 05/01/27     4,000,000       4,342,960    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


47



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
FL Highlands County Health Facilities
Authority
 
Adventist Health System,  
Series 2005 B,
Pre-refunded 11/15/15:
5.000% 11/15/20
    125,000       133,652    
5.000% 11/15/22     260,000       277,997    
GA Municipal Electric Authority  
Series 1998 Y:  
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: AMBAC
6.400% 01/01/13
    165,000       179,357    
Pre-refunded 01/01/11,
Insured: AMBAC
6.400% 01/01/13
    45,000       48,479    
HI University of Hawaii  
Series 2002 A,  
Pre-refunded 07/15/12,
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 07/15/14
    1,000,000       1,083,610    
IL Chicago Board of Education  
Series 2000,  
Pre-refunded 12/01/10,
Insured: FGIC
5.600% 12/01/18
    1,300,000       1,383,083    
IL Chicago Housing Authority  
Capital Program,  
Series 2001:
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.250% 07/01/12
    5,975,000       6,418,883    
Pre-refunded 07/01/12,
5.375% 07/01/13
    5,000,000       5,380,400    
IL Health Facilities Authority  
Galesburg Cottage Hospital,  
Series 2000,
Pre-refunded 05/01/10,
Insured: RAD
6.000% 05/01/15
    1,500,000       1,581,000    
IL Kendall & Kane Counties Community
Unit School District No. 115
 
Series 2002,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: FGIC
(b) 01/01/17
    600,000       415,056    
IL State  
Series 2002,  
Pre-refunded 12/01/12,
Insured: FSA
5.375% 12/01/13
    10,000,000       10,856,800    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
IN Toll Road Commission  
Series 1980,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
9.000% 01/01/15
    2,240,000       2,681,325    
KS Department of Transportation  
Series 1998,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.500% 09/01/14
    1,575,000       1,736,595    
KS Development Finance Authority  
Water Pollution Revolving Fund II,  
Series 2002,
Pre-refunded 11/01/12,
5.500% 11/01/15
    895,000       974,977    
KS Labette County Single Family
Mortgage
 
Capital Accumulator Bonds,  
Series 1998 A,
Escrowed to Maturity,
(b) 12/01/14
    2,175,000       1,694,412    
KS Shawnee County Unified School
District No. 501
 
Series 2002,  
Pre-refunded 02/01/12,
5.000% 02/01/14
    1,000,000       1,060,490    
KS Shawnee County  
Series 2002,  
Pre-refunded 09/01/12,
Insured: FSA
5.250% 09/01/17
    1,660,000       1,788,418    
KS Wyandotte County School
District No. 204
 
Series 2000 A,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: FSA
6.375% 09/01/11
    365,000       400,248    
KS Wyandotte County School
District No. 500
 
Series 2002,  
Pre-refunded 09/01/12,
Insured: FSA
5.000% 09/01/20
    1,890,000       2,019,257    
MA Health & Educational Facilities
Authority
 
Partners Healthcare Systems,  
Series 2001 C,
Pre-refunded 07/01/11,
6.000% 07/01/17
    1,205,000       1,314,884    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


48



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
MA State  
Series 2001 C,  
Pre-refunded 12/01/11,
5.375% 12/01/16
    3,000,000       3,224,490    
ME Municipal Bond Bank  
Series 2002 A,  
Pre-refunded 11/01/11,
5.375% 11/01/16
    355,000       380,737    
MI Building Authority  
Series 2003 II,  
Pre-refunded 10/15/13,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 10/15/17
    1,000,000       1,068,860    
MI Detroit Sewage Disposal Revenue  
Series 2003 A,  
Pre-refunded 07/01/13,
Insured: FSA
5.000% 07/01/14
    7,180,000       7,716,490    
NJ Health Care Facilities Financing
Authority
 
Atlantic Health Systems,  
Series 1997 A,
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: AMBAC
6.000% 07/01/12
    1,500,000       1,636,545    
NJ Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp.  
Series 2003,  
Pre-refunded 06/01/13,
6.750% 06/01/39
    4,000,000       4,571,440    
NJ Transportation Trust Fund Authority  
Series 1999 A,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.625% 06/15/14
    2,000,000       2,212,100    
NJ Turnpike Authority  
Series 2000 A,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA:
6.000% 01/01/11
    875,000       935,524    
6.000% 01/01/13     925,000       1,025,233    
NY Dormitory Authority  
Columbia University,  
Series 2001 A,
Pre-refunded 07/01/11,
5.250% 07/01/20
    2,000,000       2,151,060    
NY Environmental Facilities Corp.  
Series 1994,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.750% 06/15/09
    50,000       51,318    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority  
Series 1993 O,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.500% 07/01/17
    3,000,000       3,276,120    
Series 1998 A,  
Pre-refunded 07/01/11,
Insured: FSA
5.500% 07/01/15
    1,530,000       1,640,680    
Series 1998 R,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.500% 07/01/14
    1,740,000       1,761,263    
NY New York City Transitional Finance
Authority
 
Series 1998 A,  
Pre-refunded 11/15/12,
5.500% 11/15/16
    170,000       186,254    
NY New York City  
Series 2002 G,  
Pre-refunded 08/01/12,
5.750% 08/01/18
    380,000       417,533    
OH London City School District  
Series 2001,  
Pre-refunded 12/01/11,
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 12/01/15
    375,000       404,205    
OH Water Development Authority  
Water Pollution Control,  
Series 2002,
Pre-refunded 06/01/12,
5.250% 06/01/18
    5,535,000       5,939,387    
PA Central Dauphin School District  
Series 1998 AA,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 12/01/13
    205,000       221,181    
PA Chambersburg Area School District  
Series 2001,  
Pre-refunded 06/15/11,
Insured: FSA
5.000% 06/15/12
    300,000       316,815    
PA Elizabeth Forward School District  
Series 1994 B,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA
(b) 09/01/21
    2,210,000       1,120,956    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


49



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
PA Ephrata Area School District  
Series 2001 A,  
Pre-refunded 10/15/11,
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 04/15/14
    750,000       795,757    
PA Philadelphia School District  
Series 2000 A,  
Pre-refunded 02/01/11,
Insured: FSA
5.750% 02/01/13
    1,000,000       1,066,030    
Series 2002 A,  
Pre-refunded 02/01/12,
Insured: FSA
5.500% 02/01/15
    1,000,000       1,075,530    
PA State  
Series 2001,  
Pre-refunded 01/15/11,
5.125% 01/15/16
    10,000,000       10,609,300    
PA Warwick School District  
Lancaster County,  
Series 2001,
Pre-refunded 08/15/11,
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 02/15/12
    750,000       798,847    
SC Greenville County School District  
Series 2002,  
Pre-refunded 12/01/12,
5.875% 12/01/17
    1,000,000       1,113,520    
TN Madison County  
Series 2002,  
Pre-refunded 04/01/12,
5.000% 04/01/13
    1,160,000       1,233,614    
TX Alamo Community College District  
Series 2001,  
Pre-refunded 11/01/11,
Insured: FSA
5.375% 11/01/16
    460,000       493,350    
TX Comal Independent School District  
Series 2001,  
Pre-refunded 02/01/11,
Guarantor: PSFG
5.500% 02/01/14
    575,000       609,851    
TX Dallas Waterworks & Sewer Systems  
Series 2001,  
Pre-refunded 04/01/11:
5.000% 10/01/12
    1,300,000       1,369,160    
5.000% 10/01/16     7,300,000       7,688,360    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
TX Harris County Health Facilities
Development Corp.
 
St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital,  
Series 2001,
Pre-refunded 08/15/11,
5.625% 02/15/16
    2,780,000       2,980,327    
TX Harris County  
Series 1992,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
6.000% 12/15/10
    1,000,000       1,073,140    
TX Houston Area Water Corp.  
Series 2002,  
Pre-refunded 03/01/12,
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 03/01/18
    3,000,000       3,228,180    
TX Houston Community College System  
Series 2001 A,  
Pre-refunded 04/15/11,
Insured: MBIA
5.375% 04/15/15
    480,000       510,058    
TX Houston  
Series 1979,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
6.400% 12/01/14
    4,965,000       5,370,194    
TX Lower Colorado River Authority  
Junior Lien,  
Series 1993 5th,
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.375% 01/01/16
    2,100,000       2,300,172    
TX North Central Health Facilities
Development Corp.
 
Presbyterian Healthcare Residential,  
Series 1996 B,
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 06/01/16
    10,000,000       10,796,500    
TX North Harris Montgomery Community
College District
 
Series 2002,  
Pre-refunded 02/15/12,
Insured: FGIC
5.375% 02/15/16
    965,000       1,034,818    
TX Northside Independent School District  
Series 2002 A,  
Pre-refunded 02/15/12,
Guarantor: PSFG
5.250% 02/15/20
    2,485,000       2,655,123    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


50



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
TX San Antonio  
Series 2001,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.250% 08/01/13
    20,000       21,731    
Series 2002,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.000% 02/01/11
    30,000       31,493    
TX Spring Branch Independent School District  
Series 2001,  
Pre-refunded 02/01/11,
Guarantor: PSFG
5.375% 02/01/18
    1,820,000       1,924,159    
TX Tarrant County Health Facilities
Development Corp.
 
Harris Methodist Health Systems,  
Series 1994,
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA
6.000% 09/01/10
    725,000       754,587    
TX University of Texas  
Series 2001 B,  
Pre-refunded 08/15/11,
5.375% 08/15/15
    2,500,000       2,671,150    
Series 2003 A,  
Pre-refunded 08/15/13,
5.375% 08/15/15
    1,000,000       1,092,560    
VA Arlington County Industrial
Development Authority
 
Virginia Hospital Center,  
Series 2001,
Pre-refunded 07/01/11,
5.500% 07/01/14
    4,180,000       4,503,323    
VA Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp.  
Series 2005,  
Refunded to various dates/prices,
5.250% 06/01/19
    2,500,000       2,588,350    
WA King County  
Series 2002,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.500% 12/01/13
    970,000       1,069,085    
WI State  
Series 2000 D,  
Pre-refunded 05/01/11,
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 05/01/16
    2,000,000       2,132,860    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
WV Hospital Finance Authority  
Charleston Area Medical Center:  
Series 1993 A,
Escrowed to Maturity,
6.500% 09/01/23
    3,980,000       4,470,217    
Series 2000,
Pre-refunded 09/01/10,
6.750% 09/01/22
    1,535,000       1,667,409    
Refunded/Escrowed Total     237,400,405    
Tobacco – 1.4%  
AR Development Finance Authority  
Tobacco Settlement,  
Series 2006,
Insured: AMBAC:
(b) 07/01/21
    1,400,000       687,162    
(b) 07/01/23     1,000,000       429,870    
MI Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority  
Series 2007 A,  
6.000% 06/01/34     2,500,000       1,699,350    
NJ Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp.  
Series 2007 1-A:  
4.250% 06/01/11     3,000,000       2,885,550    
4.500% 06/01/23     6,470,000       5,209,644    
4.625% 06/01/26     10,000,000       7,139,500    
5.000% 06/01/29     2,500,000       1,561,950    
OH Buckeye Tobacco Settlement
Financing Authority
 
Series 2007 A-2,  
5.125% 06/01/24     11,650,000       9,086,417    
WI Badger Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp.  
Series 2002,  
6.000% 06/01/17     5,000,000       4,681,100    
Tobacco Total     33,380,543    
Other Total     359,885,959    
Other Revenue – 0.4%  
Recreation – 0.4%  
FL Board of Education  
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: FGIC:
5.250% 07/01/18
    2,675,000       2,735,830    
5.375% 07/01/17     1,450,000       1,493,790    
5.500% 07/01/12     1,000,000       1,057,970    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


51



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
FL Seminole Indian Tribe  
Series 2007 A,  
5.750% 10/01/22 (e)     2,000,000       1,802,920    
OK Chickasaw Nation Health Systems  
Series 2007,  
5.375% 12/01/17     4,500,000       3,807,180    
Recreation Total     10,897,690    
Other Revenue Total     10,897,690    
Resource Recovery – 0.7%  
Disposal – 0.2%  
IL Development Finance Authority  
Waste Management, Inc.,  
Series 1997, AMT,
5.050% 01/01/10 (a)
    4,000,000       3,935,560    
Disposal Total     3,935,560    
Resource Recovery – 0.5%  
FL Palm Beach County Solid Waste
Authority
 
Series 1997 A,  
Insured: AMBAC
6.000% 10/01/10
    5,000,000       5,285,850    
NY Niagara County Industrial
Development Agency
 
Series 2001 B, AMT,  
5.550% 11/15/24 (a)     8,000,000       7,350,000    
Resource Recovery Total     12,635,850    
Resource Recovery Total     16,571,410    
Tax-Backed – 42.2%  
Local Appropriated – 2.1%  
CA Orange County Public Financing
Authority
 
Series 2005,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 07/01/16
    10,000,000       10,412,700    
CA San Bernardino County  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2002 A,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 07/01/15
    1,000,000       1,014,080    
FL Broward County School Board  
Certificates of Paticipation,  
Series 2006,
Insured: FSA
5.000% 07/01/14
    1,580,000       1,637,417    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
FL Broward County  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2004,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 06/01/13
    1,000,000       1,047,440    
FL Collier County School Board  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2002,
Insured: FSA
5.000% 02/15/13
    1,500,000       1,546,875    
FL Flagler County School Board  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2005 A,
Insured: FSA
5.000% 08/01/18
    2,320,000       2,317,866    
FL Hillsborough County School Board  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 1998 A,
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 07/01/14
    2,000,000       2,104,040    
FL Lake County School Board  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2006 C,
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 06/01/18
    1,500,000       1,507,440    
FL Miami-Dade County Public Facilities  
Series 2005 B,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 06/01/19
    2,000,000       1,925,280    
FL Miami-Dade County School Board  
Series 2006,  
Insured: AMBAC
4.750% 11/01/23
    1,000,000       892,990    
FL Orange County School Board  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2005 A,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 08/01/18
    1,000,000       985,000    
KS Johnson County Park & Recreation
District
 
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2003 A,
Insured: MBIA
4.000% 09/01/15
    100,000       97,870    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


52



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
MI Grand Rapids Building Authority  
Series 1998:  
5.000% 04/01/12     1,205,000       1,270,648    
5.000% 04/01/13     1,000,000       1,057,710    
5.000% 04/01/14     1,415,000       1,499,504    
NC Iredell County  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2008,
Insured: FSA
5.250% 06/01/17
    1,710,000       1,782,470    
SC Berkeley County School District  
Series 2003,  
5.250% 12/01/18     1,000,000       1,002,470    
SC Charleston Educational Excellence
Financing Corp.
 
Charleston County School District,  
Series 2005,
5.250% 12/01/24
    10,000,000       9,550,000    
SC Dorchester County School
District No. 2
 
Series 2004,  
5.250% 12/01/17     2,000,000       2,028,680    
SC Greenville County School District  
Series 2005,  
5.500% 12/01/18     5,000,000       5,165,050    
SC Newberry Investing in Children's
Education
 
Series 2005,  
5.250% 12/01/19     1,500,000       1,310,340    
Local Appropriated Total     50,155,870    
Local General Obligations – 11.9%  
AK Anchorage  
Series 2004 B,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 12/01/15
    5,000,000       5,355,600    
AZ Maricopa County Unified High School
District No. 210
 
Series 2003,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 07/01/15
    6,300,000       6,672,708    
AZ Tucson  
Series 1998,  
5.500% 07/01/18     4,760,000       5,176,167    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA Carlsbad Unified School District  
Series 1997,  
Insured: FGIC
(b) 11/01/14
    300,000       228,585    
CA Los Angeles Unified School District  
Series 2007 A-1,  
Insured: FSA
4.500% 07/01/24
    4,000,000       3,646,080    
Series 2007,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 07/01/20
    6,230,000       6,323,699    
CA Manteca Unified School District  
Series 2006,  
Insured: MBIA
(b) 08/01/24
    5,000,000       1,900,800    
CA Monrovia Unified School District  
Series 2005,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 08/01/21
    5,600,000       5,629,568    
CA Natomas Unified School District  
Series 1999,  
Insured: MBIA
5.850% 03/01/15
    250,000       265,868    
CA San Mateo County Community
College
 
Series 2006 A,  
Insured: MBIA
(b) 09/01/20
    9,310,000       4,794,184    
CA Union Elementary School District  
Series 1999 A,  
Insured: FGIC
(b) 09/01/20
    1,000,000       515,840    
CA West Contra Costa Unified School
District
 
Series 2005,  
Insured: FGIC
(b) 08/01/20
    7,285,000       3,558,358    
CO Adams County School District No. 12  
Series 1995 A,  
Insured: MBIA
(b) 12/15/12
    1,300,000       1,106,196    
CO Jefferson County School
Disctrict R-001
 
Series 1997 1,  
Insured: MBIA
6.500% 12/15/11
    10,000,000       10,968,000    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


53



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
FL Palm Beach County  
Series 1998,  
5.500% 12/01/11     2,000,000       2,134,580    
FL Reedy Creek Improvement District  
Series 2004 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 06/01/17
    1,000,000       1,021,640    
IL Chicago Board of Education  
Series 1996,  
Insured: MBIA
6.250% 12/01/12
    2,100,000       2,293,746    
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 12/01/22
    5,000,000       5,184,200    
IL Chicago  
Series 1999,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 01/01/18
    7,540,000       7,738,076    
Series 2000 C,  
Insured: FGIC
5.750% 01/01/13
    190,000       198,962    
Series 2004 A,  
Insured: FSA
5.250% 01/01/17
    1,000,000       1,043,080    
IL Du Page County School District  
Series 1997,  
Insured: FGIC
6.750% 02/01/11
    1,145,000       1,231,585    
IL Kendall & Kane Counties Community
Unit School District No. 115
 
Series 2002,  
Insured: FGIC
(b) 01/01/17
    3,050,000       2,017,849    
KS Johnson County Unified School
District No. 231
 
Series 2001 A,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 10/01/15
    50,000       54,240    
KS Johnson County Unified School
District No. 232
 
Series 2004,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 09/01/15
    150,000       157,880    
KS Leavenworth County Unified School
District No. 464
 
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 09/01/19
    1,030,000       1,045,409    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
KS Montgomery County Unified School
District No. 445
 
Series 2002,  
Insured: FGIC
6.250% 04/01/12
    1,065,000       1,153,331    
KS Reno County Unified School
District No. 313
 
Series 1996 B,  
Insured: FSA
5.900% 09/01/10
    995,000       1,053,038    
KS Shawnee County Unified School
District No. 437
 
Series 2001,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 09/01/13
    1,555,000       1,635,673    
KS Wyandotte County Unified School
District No. 204
 
Series 2000 A,  
Insured: FSA
6.375% 09/01/11
    135,000       147,004    
MI Detroit City School District  
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: FGIC
6.000% 05/01/19
    2,000,000       2,139,400    
Series 2003 B,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 05/01/14
    2,000,000       2,091,380    
MN Elk River Independent School
District No. 728
 
Series 2001 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 02/01/17
    2,000,000       2,084,400    
NC Cary Water & Public Improvement  
Series 2001,  
5.000% 03/01/13     4,300,000       4,479,224    
ND West Fargo Public School
District No. 6
 
Series 2002,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 05/01/17
    3,600,000       3,699,072    
NH Manchester  
Series 2004,  
Insured: MBIA:
5.500% 06/01/18
    4,215,000       4,480,966    
5.500% 06/01/19     4,450,000       4,768,175    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


54



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NV Clark County School District  
Series 2001 C,  
Insured: FGIC
5.375% 06/15/13
    8,895,000       9,513,291    
Series 2003,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 06/15/16
    10,760,000       11,123,903    
NY New York City  
Series 2002 D,  
5.625% 06/01/14     2,500,000       2,631,550    
Series 2002 E,  
Insured: MBIA
5.625% 08/01/15
    1,000,000       1,063,950    
Series 2002 G:  
5.750% 08/01/18     620,000       645,625    
Insured: MBIA:
5.625% 08/01/13
    2,500,000       2,673,050    
5.750% 08/01/11     14,400,000       15,200,928    
Series 2005 D,  
5.000% 08/01/13     4,000,000       4,158,080    
Series 2005,  
5.000% 08/01/20     10,000,000       9,732,500    
Series 2007 D-1,  
5.000% 12/01/21     5,900,000       5,712,616    
OH Cleveland  
Series 2005,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 10/01/16
    7,710,000       8,165,738    
OH Forest Hills Local School District  
Series 1997,  
Insured: MBIA
6.000% 12/01/10
    1,460,000       1,559,163    
OH Marion City School District  
Series 2000,  
Insured: FSA
6.500% 12/01/14
    500,000       572,895    
OH Mason City School District  
Series 2005,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 12/01/19
    2,250,000       2,309,467    
OR Linn County Community School
District No. 9 Lebanon
 
Series 2001,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 06/15/17
    1,120,000       1,165,293    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
OR Yamhill County School
District No. 29J Newberg
 
Series 2005,  
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 06/15/17
    2,500,000       2,718,425    
PA Northampton County  
Series 1999,  
5.000% 08/15/16     345,000       351,234    
PA Oxford Area School District  
Series 2001 A,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 02/15/11
    500,000       522,670    
PA Philadelphia School District  
Series 2004 D,  
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 06/01/15
    250,000       247,328    
PA Philadelphia  
Series 2003 A,  
Insured: SYNC
5.250% 02/15/15
    315,000       322,002    
PA Pittsburgh School District  
Series 2002,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 09/01/12
    500,000       537,900    
PA Pittsburgh  
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 09/01/17
    170,000       165,808    
PA Upper St. Clair Township School
District
 
Series 2002,  
Insured: FSA
5.375% 07/15/13
    1,000,000       1,059,900    
PA Westmoreland County  
Series 1997,  
Insured: FGIC
(b) 12/01/18
    1,000,000       555,510    
SC Charleston County School District  
Series 2001,  
5.000% 02/01/14     850,000       881,833    
TN Anderson County  
Series 2001,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 04/01/13
    1,535,000       1,578,180    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


55



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
TN Blount County Public Building
Authority
 
Local Government Public Improvement,  
Series 2004 B-5-A,
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 06/01/16
    1,075,000       1,063,412    
TN Chattanooga  
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 09/01/14
    4,150,000       4,434,814    
TN Dickson County  
Series 2002,  
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 03/01/14
    1,000,000       1,046,770    
Series 2003,  
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 06/01/14
    1,000,000       1,029,600    
TN Franklin Special School District  
Series 1999,  
Insured: FSA
(b) 06/01/20
    2,000,000       1,076,720    
TN Hamilton County  
Series 1998 B,  
5.100% 08/01/24     500,000       502,115    
TN Kingsport  
Series 2004,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 03/01/14
    1,000,000       1,058,320    
TN Lawrenceburg Public Building Authority  
Series 2001 B,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 07/01/16
    1,330,000       1,389,158    
TN Madison County  
Series 2002,  
5.000% 04/01/13     390,000       407,971    
TN Overton County  
Series 2004,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 04/01/16
    1,000,000       1,040,790    
TX Aldine Independent School District  
Series 2005,  
Guarantor: PSFG
5.250% 02/15/15
    1,655,000       1,762,625    
TX Barbers Hill Independent School District  
Series 2003,  
Guarantor: PSFG
5.000% 02/15/22
    1,030,000       1,030,670    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
TX Brownsville Independent School
District
 
Series 2005,  
Guarantor: PSFG
5.000% 08/15/15
    1,000,000       1,059,000    
TX Brownwood Independent School
District
 
Series 2005,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 02/15/17
    1,310,000       1,343,012    
TX Carrollton-Farmers Branch
Independent School District
 
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 02/15/14
    1,280,000       1,351,642    
TX Cedar Hill Independent School District  
Series 2000,  
Guarantor: PSFG
(b) 08/15/16
    1,460,000       909,828    
TX Comal Independent School District  
Series 2001,  
Guarantor: PSFG
5.500% 02/01/14
    425,000       442,438    
TX Conroe Independent School District  
Series 2005 C,  
Guarantor: PSFG
5.000% 02/15/19
    1,650,000       1,685,129    
TX Corpus Christi  
Series 2002,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 09/01/15
    1,655,000       1,753,787    
TX Dickinson Independent School District  
Series 2006,  
Guarantor: PSFG
5.000% 02/15/20
    2,405,000       2,433,523    
TX Duncanville Independent School
District
 
Series 2005,  
Guarantor: PSFG
(b) 02/15/22
    2,000,000       949,040    
TX El Paso  
Series 2005,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 08/15/14
    2,000,000       2,139,660    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


56



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
TX Fort Bend Independent School District  
Series 2000,  
Guarantor: PSFG
5.250% 08/15/19
    1,000,000       1,010,540    
TX Harris County  
Series 2001,  
5.000% 10/01/12     10,990,000       11,457,624    
TX Houston Independent School District  
Series 2007,  
Insured: PSFG
4.500% 02/15/25
    5,000,000       4,476,100    
TX Houston  
Series 2005 D,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 03/01/17
    1,000,000       1,033,070    
Series 2005 E,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 03/01/20
    2,525,000       2,537,069    
TX Irving  
Series 2005 A,  
5.000% 11/15/18     2,000,000       2,069,240    
TX Johnson City Independent School
District
 
Series 2003,  
Guarantor: PSFG
3.000% 02/15/09
    50,000       50,178    
TX Katy Independent School District  
Series 1992,  
Guarantor: PSFG
(b) 08/15/11
    1,775,000       1,607,973    
TX La Joya Independent School District  
Series 2005,  
Guarantor: PSFG
5.000% 02/15/20
    1,000,000       1,010,460    
TX La Marque Independent School
District
 
Series 2003,  
Guarantor: PSFG
5.000% 02/15/21
    1,740,000       1,745,725    
TX Laredo  
Series 2005,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 08/15/20
    1,065,000       1,059,579    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
TX North Harris Montgomery Community
College District
 
Series 2001,  
Insured: MBIA
5.375% 02/15/16
    420,000       431,773    
Series 2002,  
Insured: FGIC
5.375% 02/15/16
    35,000       36,321    
TX Northside Independent School District  
Series 2002 A,  
Guarantor: PSFG
5.250% 02/15/20
    800,000       811,648    
TX Pearland  
Series 2005,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 03/01/24
    2,525,000       2,440,842    
TX Rio Grande City Consolidated
Independent School District
 
Series 2002,  
Guarantor: PSFG
5.000% 08/15/19
    1,190,000       1,203,614    
TX San Antonio Independent School
District
 
Series 2001 B,  
Guarantor: PSFG
(b) 08/15/11
    3,500,000       3,170,650    
TX San Benito Consolidated Independent
School District
 
Series 2005,  
Guarantor: PSFG
5.000% 02/15/16
    2,260,000       2,365,610    
TX Sherman Independent School District  
Series 2005 A,  
Guarantor: PSFG
5.000% 02/15/16
    1,000,000       1,046,730    
TX Spring Branch Independent School
District
 
Series 2001,  
Guarantor: PSFG
5.375% 02/01/18
    965,000       983,325    
TX Waxahachie Independent School
District
 
Series 2000,  
Guarantor: PSFG:
(b) 08/15/15
    210,000       143,951    
(b) 08/15/17     245,000       146,265    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


57



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
TX Webb County  
Series 2005,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 02/01/17
    1,600,000       1,643,312    
TX West University Place  
Series 2002,  
5.500% 02/01/15     1,440,000       1,514,405    
TX White Settlement Independent
School District
 
Series 2003,  
Guarantor: PSFG
5.375% 08/15/19
    1,910,000       1,965,810    
TX Williamson County  
Series 2005,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 02/15/16
    1,985,000       2,066,603    
WA Clark County School District No. 117  
Series 1998,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 12/01/12
    1,805,000       1,880,124    
WA Clark County School District No. 37  
Series 2001 C,  
Insured: FGIC
(b) 12/01/16
    1,000,000       656,940    
WA King & Snohomish Counties School
District
 
Series 1993,  
Insured: FGIC
5.600% 12/01/10
    6,150,000       6,340,096    
WA Seattle  
Series 1998 A,  
5.500% 03/01/11     1,370,000       1,449,049    
WA Spokane County School
District No. 354
 
Series 1998,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 12/01/11
    1,600,000       1,662,544    
WI Milwaukee County  
Series 2001 A:  
5.000% 10/01/12     2,500,000       2,611,525    
5.000% 10/01/13     2,500,000       2,592,500    
Local General Obligations Total     288,294,621    
Special Non-Property Tax – 8.6%  
AZ Scottsdale Municipal Property Corp.  
Series 2006,  
5.000% 07/01/21     3,000,000       3,067,710    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
CA Los Angeles County Metropolitan
Transportation Authority
 
Series 2003 A,  
Insured: FSA:
5.000% 07/01/17
    6,280,000       6,454,772    
5.000% 07/01/18     7,700,000       7,834,057    
CA San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit
District
 
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 07/01/20
    2,040,000       2,050,200    
CO Department of Transportation  
Series 2002 B,  
Insured: MBIA:
5.500% 06/15/14
    3,000,000       3,243,870    
5.500% 06/15/15     1,000,000       1,081,270    
CT Special Tax Obligation  
Series 2001 B,  
Insured: FSA
5.375% 10/01/12
    1,000,000       1,055,420    
FL Broward County Professional Sports
Facilities
 
Series 2006 A,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 09/01/18
    2,500,000       2,461,150    
FL Division Bond Finance Department  
Series 1998,  
Insured: FSA
6.000% 07/01/13
    10,000,000       10,918,700    
FL Hillsborough County Industrial
Development Authority
 
Series 2002 B,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 09/01/15
    2,335,000       2,453,104    
FL Jacksonville Guaranteed Entitlement
Improvement
 
Series 2002,  
Insured: FGIC:
5.375% 10/01/18
    3,450,000       3,510,064    
5.375% 10/01/19     3,720,000       3,766,277    
FL Jacksonville Sales Tax  
Series 2001,  
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 10/01/12
    2,000,000       2,124,460    
Series 2002,  
Insured: FGIC
5.375% 10/01/18
    1,000,000       1,004,470    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


58



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2003,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 10/01/19
    1,080,000       1,095,347    
FL Jacksonville  
Series 2003 C, AMT,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 10/01/19
    1,750,000       1,564,115    
FL Lee County  
Series 1997 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.750% 10/01/11
    1,000,000       1,047,600    
FL Miami-Dade County Transit Sales Tax  
Series 2006,  
Insured: SYNC
5.000% 07/01/19
    5,040,000       4,968,029    
FL Osceola County Tourist
Development Tax
 
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 10/01/14
    1,555,000       1,604,293    
FL Palm Beach County Public
Improvement
 
Series 2004,  
5.000% 08/01/17     1,000,000       1,022,520    
FL Polk County Transportation
Improvement
 
Series 2004,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 12/01/25 (a)
    1,000,000       1,041,390    
FL Tampa Sports Authority  
Series 1995,  
Insured: MBIA:
5.750% 10/01/15
    2,500,000       2,635,275    
5.750% 10/01/20     1,000,000       1,006,380    
IL Dedicated Tax Capital Appreciation  
Series 1990,  
Insured: AMBAC
(b) 12/15/17
    2,540,000       1,590,497    
IL Regional Transportation Authority  
Series 1994 C,  
Insured: FGIC
7.750% 06/01/11
    1,750,000       1,947,050    
IL State  
Series 2002,  
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 06/15/15
    1,000,000       1,079,460    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
KS Wichita  
Series 2003-772,  
Insured: FGIC
4.250% 09/01/16
    1,260,000       1,262,369    
KS Wyandotte County Unified Government  
Series 2005 B,  
4.750% 12/01/16     2,000,000       1,791,800    
MA Bay Transportation Authority  
Series 2000 A,  
5.750% 07/01/14     250,000       259,470    
MA State  
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 06/01/16
    13,615,000       14,712,505    
MD Department of Transportation  
Series 2002,  
5.500% 02/01/15     3,750,000       4,106,475    
MI Trunk Line  
Series 1998 A,  
5.500% 11/01/16     2,000,000       2,158,620    
Series 2005,  
Insured: FSA
5.250% 11/01/17
    5,050,000       5,335,426    
NJ Economic Development Authority  
Series 2004:  
5.375% 06/15/15     4,000,000       3,565,160    
5.500% 06/15/16     5,500,000       4,852,045    
NM Bernalillo County  
Series 1998,  
5.250% 04/01/27     3,000,000       2,929,770    
NM Dona Ana County  
Series 1998,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 06/01/16
    750,000       775,643    
NV Sparks Tourism Improvement
District No. 1
 
Series 2008 A,  
6.500% 06/15/20     5,000,000       4,397,800    
NY Local Government Assistance Corp.  
Series 1992 C,  
6.000% 04/01/12     150,000       157,391    
NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority  
Series 2004 A,  
Insured: FGIC:
5.250% 11/15/16
    3,000,000       3,071,010    
5.250% 11/15/17     4,000,000       4,048,720    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


59



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NY Nassau County Interim Finance
Authority
 
Series 2003 B,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 11/15/14
    5,720,000       5,961,098    
NY New York City Transitional Finance
Authority
 
Series 1998 A,  
5.500% 11/15/16     1,330,000       1,406,448    
Series 2002 A,  
5.500% 11/01/26 (f)
(14.000% 11/01/11)
    10,000,000       10,428,700    
Series 2004 C,  
5.250% 02/01/18     3,500,000       3,624,600    
Series 2007 C-1,  
5.000% 11/01/20     10,300,000       10,415,360    
NY Urban Development Corp.  
Series 2004 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 03/15/20
    29,450,000       31,275,900    
PA Pittsburgh & Allegheny County  
Series 1999,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 02/01/12
    500,000       511,280    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Highway & Transportation Authority
 
Series 2002 E,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 07/01/12
    1,000,000       1,046,810    
Series 2005 L,  
Insured: CIFG
5.250% 07/01/18
    2,000,000       2,013,420    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Infrastructure Financing Authority
 
Series 2005 C,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 07/01/27
    5,000,000       4,600,050    
TX Corpus Christi Business & Job
Development Corp.
 
Series 2002,  
Insured: AMBAC:
5.500% 09/01/14
    2,065,000       2,149,397    
5.500% 09/01/18     1,250,000       1,261,337    
TX Harris County  
Series 2004 B,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 08/15/32 (a)
    2,000,000       2,089,080    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
TX Houston Hotel Occupancy  
Series 2001 B,  
Insured: AMBAC:
(b) 09/01/17
    2,000,000       1,251,000    
5.250% 09/01/19     1,195,000       1,202,720    
5.250% 09/01/20     1,265,000       1,267,543    
VA Peninsula Town Center Community
Development Authority
 
Series 2007,  
6.250% 09/01/24     2,375,000       1,964,576    
Special Non-Property Tax Total     207,521,003    
Special Property Tax – 1.5%  
CA Oceanside Community Development
Commission Tax Allocation
 
Series 2003,  
5.200% 09/01/17     860,000       775,221    
FL Ave Maria Stewardship Community
Development District
 
Series 2006,  
4.800% 11/01/12     1,000,000       869,900    
FL Oakmont Grove Community Development
District
 
Series 2007 B,  
5.250% 05/01/12     2,000,000       1,781,240    
FL Parker Road Community Development
District
 
Series 2007 B,  
5.350% 05/01/15     2,000,000       1,673,820    
FL Six Mile Creek Community Development
District
 
Series 2007:  
5.500% 05/01/17     2,000,000       1,544,780    
5.650% 05/01/22     3,000,000       2,112,270    
FL Sweetwater Creek Community
Development District
 
Series 2007 B-1,  
5.300% 05/01/17     4,485,000       3,500,946    
Series 2007 B-2,  
5.125% 05/01/13     2,680,000       2,312,197    
FL Tolomato Community Development
District
 
Series 2007,  
6.450% 05/01/23     7,500,000       6,410,175    
FL Viera East Community Development
District
 
Series 2006,  
Insured: MBIA
5.750% 05/01/19
    1,910,000       2,038,314    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


60



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
FL Waterset North Community
Development District
 
Series 2007 B,  
6.550% 11/01/15     10,000,000       8,838,900    
FL West Palm Beach Community
Redevelopment
 
Series 2005 A,  
5.000% 03/01/25     980,000       754,433    
MO Fenton  
Tax Increment Revenue,  
Series 2006,
4.500% 04/01/21
    1,270,000       1,229,589    
NV Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency  
Sub Lien-Fremont Street,  
Series 2003 A,
5.000% 06/15/13
    3,685,000       3,625,929    
Special Property Tax Total     37,467,714    
State Appropriated – 7.5%  
AZ University of Arizona  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2002 A,
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 06/01/15
    45,000       47,151    
CA Public Works Board  
Department of Mental Health,  
Coalinga State Hospital,
Series 2004 A,
5.500% 06/01/19
    2,000,000       2,035,720    
Series 2003 C,
5.500% 06/01/18
    1,500,000       1,536,270    
Series 2006 F,
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 11/01/18
    4,000,000       4,013,280    
FL Department Management Services
Division
 
Series 2003 A,  
Insured: FSA
5.250% 09/01/15
    1,515,000       1,619,687    
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 09/01/21
    3,000,000       2,918,670    
KY Turnpike Authority  
Series 2001 A,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 07/01/13
    1,000,000       1,078,670    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
MI Building Authority  
Series 2003,  
Insured: FSA
5.250% 10/15/14
    10,000,000       10,432,000    
NJ Economic Development Authority  
Series 2001 A,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 06/15/13
    1,000,000       1,065,030    
Series 2005 K,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 12/15/19
    2,500,000       2,625,550    
NJ State Transit Corp.  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2002 A,
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 09/15/15
    6,725,000       7,051,095    
NJ Transportation Trust Fund Authority  
Series 1995,  
Insured: MBIA
6.500% 06/15/10
    1,000,000       1,056,670    
Series 2001 C,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 12/15/18
    2,000,000       2,105,020    
Series 2003 A,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 12/15/15
    3,260,000       3,502,414    
Series 2006 A:  
5.500% 12/15/21     10,030,000       10,420,468    
Insured: FSA
5.250% 12/15/22
    4,000,000       4,051,600    
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 12/15/21
    10,000,000       9,981,500    
NY Dormitory Authority  
City University,  
Series 2002 B,
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 11/15/26 (a)
    1,000,000       1,024,530    
Series 1993 A:
5.250% 05/15/15
    5,850,000       6,167,187    
Insured: FSA
5.250% 05/15/15
    4,000,000       4,184,880    
Series 1993 B,
Insured: FSA
5.250% 05/15/11
    10,000,000       10,550,200    
Series 1995 A:
Insured: AMBAC
5.625% 07/01/16
    1,250,000       1,307,163    
Insured: FGIC
5.625% 07/01/16
    5,000,000       5,284,000    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


61



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Insured: FSA
5.625% 07/01/16
    500,000       525,750    
Series 2005 A:
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 05/15/18
    6,000,000       6,232,980    
Insured: FGIC:
5.500% 05/15/17
    10,000,000       10,608,400    
5.500% 05/15/22     6,730,000       6,895,356    
NY Tollway Authority  
Series 2002,  
5.500% 04/01/13     4,510,000       4,768,919    
NY Urban Development Corp.  
Series 1995,  
5.750% 04/01/11     500,000       528,930    
Series 2002 A,  
5.000% 01/01/17     4,000,000       4,064,560    
Series 2008 B:  
5.000% 01/01/19     4,000,000       4,002,760    
5.000% 01/01/20     10,460,000       10,336,049    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Public
Finance Corp.
 
Series 2004 A:  
5.750% 08/01/27 (a)     4,175,000       4,190,447    
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 08/01/30 (a)
    4,240,000       4,170,803    
UT Building Ownership Authority  
Series 1998,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 05/15/14
    5,000,000       5,410,500    
VA Public School Authority  
Series 2001 A,  
5.000% 08/01/17     3,500,000       3,600,695    
Series 2005 B,  
5.250% 08/01/16     13,995,000       15,093,887    
Series 2005,  
5.000% 08/01/16     6,285,000       6,634,949    
State Appropriated Total     181,123,740    
State General Obligations – 10.6%  
CA Economic Recovery  
Series 2004 A,  
Insured: MBIA:
5.000% 07/01/11
    1,500,000       1,571,565    
5.000% 07/01/15     5,000,000       5,230,350    
CA State  
Series 2002,  
Insured: AMBAC
6.000% 02/01/18
    5,000,000       5,414,350    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2003,  
5.250% 11/01/18     1,000,000       1,011,820    
Series 2004,  
5.000% 02/01/20     750,000       737,723    
Series 2007,  
4.500% 08/01/26     11,500,000       9,853,430    
FL Board of Education  
Series 1998 B,  
5.250% 06/01/11     3,990,000       4,209,211    
Series 2005 B,  
5.000% 01/01/14     17,395,000       18,364,945    
Series 2005 C,  
5.000% 06/01/13     11,830,000       12,508,332    
FL Department of Transportation  
Series 2002,  
5.250% 07/01/13     7,290,000       7,755,539    
FL State  
Series 2004 A,  
5.000% 07/01/30     1,000,000       927,530    
HI State  
Series 2002 CY,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 02/01/12
    10,000,000       10,706,000    
Series 2008 DK,  
5.000% 05/01/22     10,750,000       10,836,537    
MA Bay Transportation Authority  
Series 1991 A,  
Insured: MBIA
7.000% 03/01/21
    5,750,000       6,593,123    
Series 1998 A,  
Insured: MBIA:
5.500% 03/01/12
    1,290,000       1,378,700    
5.500% 03/01/14     750,000       810,120    
MA State  
Series 1998 C,  
5.250% 08/01/17     1,775,000       1,893,428    
Series 2002 D,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 08/01/18
    6,500,000       6,984,055    
Series 2003 D,  
5.500% 10/01/17     5,000,000       5,415,250    
Series 2004 A,  
5.250% 08/01/13     11,605,000       12,439,864    
Series 2004 C,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 12/01/16
    10,000,000       10,946,000    
Series 2007 A,  
2.426% 11/01/25 (a)     10,000,000       6,200,000    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


62



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
MI State  
Series 2001,  
5.500% 12/01/15     1,250,000       1,352,363    
MN State  
Series 2000,  
5.500% 11/01/13     1,000,000       1,043,230    
MS State  
Series 2002 A,  
5.500% 12/01/14     3,000,000       3,258,810    
NJ State  
Series 1992 D,  
6.000% 02/15/11     10,000,000       10,662,900    
Series 2001 H,  
5.250% 07/01/14     5,000,000       5,366,250    
OH State  
Series 2001 A,  
5.000% 06/15/12     5,000,000       5,141,450    
OR State  
Series 1996 B, AMT,  
5.700% 08/01/16     295,000       293,203    
Series 1997 A, AMT,  
5.050% 08/01/11     90,000       90,317    
PA State  
Series 2002,  
5.500% 02/01/15     3,000,000       3,269,490    
Series 2004:  
Insured: FSA
5.375% 07/01/18
    12,000,000       12,853,800    
Insured: MBIA
5.375% 07/01/16
    10,000,000       10,769,600    
Series 2005,  
5.000% 01/01/15     5,500,000       5,850,185    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Public
Buildings Authority
 
Series 2007:  
5.750% 07/01/17     3,000,000       3,022,110    
6.250% 07/01/21     10,000,000       10,042,400    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico  
Series 1997,  
Insured: MBIA
6.500% 07/01/15
    4,190,000       4,454,431    
Series 2001 A,  
5.500% 07/01/13     6,395,000       6,526,161    
Series 2006 B,  
5.250% 07/01/16     5,000,000       4,934,550    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
SC State  
Series 2001,  
5.000% 04/01/16     5,000,000       5,171,450    
TX Water Financial Assistance  
Series 1999,  
5.250% 08/01/21     350,000       350,812    
UT State  
Series 2002 B,  
5.375% 07/01/11     10,000,000       10,648,900    
VI Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority  
Series 2004 A,  
5.000% 10/01/10     200,000       200,716    
WA State  
Series 2002,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 01/01/18
    10,000,000       10,121,900    
State General Obligations Total     257,212,900    
Tax-Backed Total     1,021,775,848    
Transportation – 7.3%  
Air Transportation – 0.3%  
TN Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority  
FedEx Corp.:  
Series 1997,
5.350% 09/01/12
    6,180,000       6,041,630    
Series 2002,
5.050% 09/01/12
    1,000,000       952,440    
Air Transportation Total     6,994,070    
Airports – 2.1%  
CO Denver City & County  
Series 2000 A, AMT,  
Insured: AMBAC
6.000% 11/15/15
    3,075,000       3,043,697    
FL Greater Orlando Aviation Authority  
Series 2003 A,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 10/01/13
    1,500,000       1,577,925    
IL Chicago O'Hare International Airport  
Series 1993 C,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 01/01/11
    5,640,000       5,791,039    
Series 2005,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 01/01/17
    10,000,000       10,192,100    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


63



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
MA Port Authority  
Series 2007 D,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 07/01/17
    8,000,000       8,342,320    
MO St. Louis Airport Revenue  
Series 2007,  
Insured: FSA:
5.000% 07/01/21
    12,150,000       11,648,205    
5.000% 07/01/25     2,000,000       1,856,580    
OK Airport Trust  
Series 2000 B, AMT,  
Insured: FSA
5.375% 07/01/11
    4,670,000       4,717,120    
TX Houston Airport Systems  
Sub-Lien,  
Series 2002,
Insured: FSA
5.000% 07/01/27
    5,000,000       4,699,050    
Airports Total     51,868,036    
Toll Facilities – 3.9%  
CA San Joaquin Hills Transportation
Corridor Agency
 
Series 1997 A,  
Insured: MBIA
(b) 01/15/12
    7,600,000       6,684,276    
CO E-470 Public Highway Authority  
Series 1997 B,  
Insured: MBIA
(b) 09/01/12
    10,000,000       8,344,600    
Series 2000,  
Insured: MBIA
(b) 09/01/18
    1,500,000       828,165    
FL Turnpike Authority  
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 07/01/21
    3,000,000       2,969,280    
IL Toll Highway Authority  
Series 2006 A-1,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 01/01/18
    2,000,000       2,052,360    
KS Turnpike Authority  
Series 2002,  
Insured: FSA:
5.250% 09/01/15
    1,855,000       2,005,700    
5.250% 09/01/16     1,230,000       1,324,993    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NJ Turnpike Authority  
Series 2000 A,  
Insured: MBIA:
6.000% 01/01/11
    2,125,000       2,248,484    
6.000% 01/01/13     275,000       297,434    
NY Thruway Authority  
Second General Highway & Bridge Trust Fund:  
Series 2003 A,
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 04/01/12
    2,145,000       2,269,088    
Series 2005 B,
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 04/01/20
    10,840,000       11,396,309    
Series 2007 B,
5.000% 04/01/19
    5,000,000       5,049,250    
NY Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority  
Series 2002,  
5.000% 11/15/20     6,000,000       6,023,820    
Series 2008 B-1,  
5.000% 11/15/25 (a)     5,000,000       5,197,850    
Series 2008 D,  
5.000% 11/15/22     10,000,000       9,921,200    
OH Turnpike Commission  
Series 1998 A,  
Insured: FGIC:
5.500% 02/15/21
    2,000,000       2,096,080    
5.500% 02/15/24     1,000,000       1,042,030    
PA Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge
Commission
 
Series 2003,  
5.250% 07/01/11     500,000       522,845    
PA Turnpike Commission  
Series 2001 S,  
5.500% 06/01/15     1,000,000       1,051,900    
TX North Tollway Authority  
First Tier:  
Series 2008 A,
6.000% 01/01/22
    14,000,000       14,057,400    
Series 2008 E-3,
5.750% 01/01/38 (a)
    8,650,000       8,775,944    
Toll Facilities Total     94,159,008    
Transportation – 1.0%  
FL Osceola County Transportation  
Series 2004,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 04/01/18
    1,000,000       1,011,780    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


64



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
IN Transportation Finance Authority  
Series 2000,  
5.750% 12/01/14     2,485,000       2,598,366    
KS Department of Transportation  
Series 2004 A,  
5.500% 03/01/18     11,775,000       12,719,473    
MA State  
Series 2000 A,  
5.750% 06/15/13     350,000       366,359    
NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority  
Series 2007 A,  
Insured: FSA:
5.000% 11/15/20
    5,000,000       4,997,200    
5.000% 11/15/21     3,000,000       2,972,460    
Transportation Total     24,665,638    
Transportation Total     177,686,752    
Utilities – 15.8%  
Independent Power Producers – 0.3%  
CA Sacramento Power Authority  
Series 2005,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 07/01/14
    6,680,000       6,900,707    
Independent Power Producers Total     6,900,707    
Investor Owned – 1.7%  
AR Independence County  
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.,  
Series 1999,
Insurer: AMBAC
4.900% 07/01/22
    4,600,000       4,194,740    
CO Adams County Pollution Control  
Public Service Co.,  
Series 2005 A,
Insured: MBIA
4.375% 09/01/17
    11,550,000       10,750,855    
FL Hillsborough County Industrial
Development Authority
 
Tampa Electric Co.,  
Series 2007 B,
5.150% 09/01/25 (a)
    2,000,000       1,980,500    
NH Business Finance Authority  
Series 2001 C,  
Insured: MBIA
5.450% 05/01/21
    1,500,000       1,397,580    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
TX Brazos River Authority  
TXU Energy Co., LLC:  
Series 2001 C, AMT,
5.750% 05/01/36 (a)
    5,195,000       4,570,821    
Series 2003 D,
5.400% 10/01/29 (a)
    6,100,000       4,821,684    
TX Sabine River Authority  
TXU Energy Co. LLC:  
Series 2001 A,
5.500% 05/01/22 (a)
    6,265,000       5,545,841    
Series 2001 B, AMT,
5.750% 05/01/30 (a)
    2,995,000       2,635,151    
WV Economic Development Authority  
Pollution Control Revenue,  
Appalachian Power,
Series 2008 C,
4.850% 05/01/19
    6,500,000       6,195,410    
Investor Owned Total     42,092,582    
Joint Power Authority – 1.9%  
AZ Power Reserves Authority  
Series 2001,  
5.000% 10/01/10     500,000       521,995    
FL Municipal Power Agency  
Series 2002,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 10/01/21
    1,850,000       1,862,191    
GA Municipal Electric Authority  
Series 1998 Y,  
Insured: AMBAC
6.400% 01/01/13
    4,205,000       4,463,523    
MI Public Power Agency  
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 01/01/16
    1,000,000       1,058,630    
NC Eastern Municipal Power Agency  
Series 2008 A,  
Insured: AGO
5.250% 01/01/19
    3,200,000       3,234,560    
OK Grand River Dam Authority  
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 06/01/12
    1,000,000       1,059,520    
SC Public Service Authority  
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 01/01/11
    10,000,000       10,550,400    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


65



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
TX Municipal Power Agency  
Series 1993,  
Insured: MBIA
(b) 09/01/15
    250,000       178,120    
TX Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency  
Series 2002:  
5.500% 10/01/11     8,355,000       8,237,696    
6.000% 10/01/16     3,000,000       2,856,480    
WA Energy Northwest Electric  
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: MBIA:
5.500% 07/01/16
    4,675,000       4,901,130    
5.750% 07/01/18     1,000,000       1,041,290    
WI Sheboygan Pollution Control  
Wisconsin Power,  
Series 2008,
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 09/01/15
    5,000,000       4,852,450    
Joint Power Authority Total     44,817,985    
Municipal Electric – 5.4%  
CA Department of Water Resources  
Series 2002 A:  
5.500% 05/01/11     10,000,000       10,561,000    
6.000% 05/01/13     2,000,000       2,161,840    
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 05/01/14
    6,000,000       6,348,120    
Series 2008 H,  
5.000% 05/01/21     10,000,000       9,920,300    
CA Los Angeles Department of Water &
Power
 
Series 2003,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 07/01/13
    10,000,000       10,600,400    
FL Gainesville Utilities Systems  
Series 1992 B,  
6.500% 10/01/11     3,000,000       3,263,010    
FL JEA St. John's River Power Park
Systems
 
Series 1997,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 10/01/19
    1,000,000       1,005,020    
FL Kissimmee Utilities Authority
Electrical System
 
Series 2003,  
Insured: FSA
5.250% 10/01/15
    2,235,000       2,335,664    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
FL Orlando Utilities Commission
Utility Systems
 
Series 2005 B,  
5.000% 10/01/24     3,000,000       2,894,520    
NY Long Island Power Authority  
Series 2006 A,  
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 12/01/19
    10,000,000       9,657,900    
OH American Municipal Power, Inc.  
Series 2008:  
5.250% 02/15/20     4,060,000       4,063,492    
5.250% 02/15/22     4,810,000       4,741,794    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Electric Power Authority
 
Series 1997 BB,  
Insured: MBIA
6.000% 07/01/12
    3,000,000       3,116,430    
Series 2002 KK,  
Insured: FSA:
5.250% 07/01/12
    1,000,000       1,038,380    
5.500% 07/01/15     10,000,000       10,412,000    
Series 2003 NN,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 07/01/19
    1,000,000       951,660    
Series 2007 VV,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 07/01/26
    10,450,000       9,340,733    
TN Metropolitan Government Nashville &
Davidson County
 
Series 1998 B,  
5.500% 05/15/13     3,000,000       3,237,060    
TX Austin  
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 11/15/13
    2,000,000       2,141,760    
Series 2002,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 11/15/12
    2,410,000       2,594,558    
Subordinated Lien,  
Series 1998,
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 05/15/18
    1,100,000       1,148,466    
TX San Antonio Electric & Gas  
Series 1998 A,  
5.250% 02/01/16     5,190,000       5,272,054    
Series 2002,  
5.375% 02/01/14     2,500,000       2,682,325    
Series 2005,  
5.000% 02/01/18     10,000,000       10,206,300    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


66



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
WA Seattle Municipal Light & Power  
Series 2001,  
Insured: FSA
5.250% 03/01/11
    10,365,000       10,909,784    
Municipal Electric Total     130,604,570    
Water & Sewer – 6.5%  
CA Citrus Heights Water District  
Series 2000,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 10/01/20
    1,800,000       1,784,196    
CA Department Water Resources  
Series 2002 X,  
5.500% 12/01/15     990,000       1,080,456    
CA Fresno Sewer Revenue  
Series 1993 A-1,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 09/01/19
    5,000,000       5,031,700    
CA Pico Rivera Water Authority  
Series 1999 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 05/01/29
    3,000,000       2,905,320    
FL Brevard County Utilities  
Series 2002,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 03/01/14
    2,000,000       2,074,340    
FL Cocoa Water & Sewer  
Series 2003,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 10/01/19
    1,000,000       978,250    
FL Governmental Utility Authority  
Series 2003,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 10/01/17
    1,180,000       1,197,665    
FL Holly Hill Water & Sewer  
Series 2002,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 10/01/15
    745,000       753,888    
FL Hollywood Water & Sewer  
Series 2003,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 10/01/17
    1,070,000       1,088,126    
FL Miami-Dade County Florida
Water & Sewer
 
Series 2008 B,  
Insured: FSA
5.250% 10/01/21
    20,000,000       19,906,400    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
FL Miami-Dade County Stormwater  
Series 2004,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 04/01/24
    2,445,000       2,249,669    
FL Municipal Loan Council  
Series 2002 B,  
Insured: MBIA
5.375% 08/01/16
    1,485,000       1,515,264    
FL Orlando Utilities Commission  
Series 2002 C,  
5.250% 10/01/16     210,000       219,089    
FL Sarasota County Utilities Systems  
Series 2002 C,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 10/01/16
    1,000,000       1,031,630    
FL Sebring Water & Wastewater  
Series 2002,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 01/01/14
    1,030,000       1,053,875    
FL Tallahassee Conservative Utilities
System
 
Series 2001,  
Insured: FGIC:
5.500% 10/01/14
    1,330,000       1,428,340    
5.500% 10/01/18     1,000,000       1,050,490    
FL Tallahassee Consolidated Utility  
Series 2001,  
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 10/01/17
    1,900,000       2,023,842    
FL Tampa Bay Water Utility Systems  
Series 2005,  
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 10/01/19
    1,500,000       1,559,880    
FL Tohopekaliga Water Utilities Authority  
Series 2003 B,  
Insured: FSA
5.250% 10/01/17
    1,110,000       1,147,873    
FL Winter Park Water & Sewer  
Series 2002,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 12/01/14
    1,405,000       1,466,848    
GA Atlanta Water & Wastewater  
Series 1999 A,  
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 11/01/18
    15,305,000       15,425,603    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


67



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
IN Bond Bank  
Series 2001 A,  
5.375% 02/01/13     1,910,000       2,044,025    
KS Wyandotte County Unified
Government Utility System
 
Series 2004 B,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 09/01/32
    2,000,000       1,833,180    
MA Water Resource Authority  
Series 1998 B,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 08/01/15
    1,000,000       1,088,700    
MI Sewage Disposal Revenue  
Series 2003 A,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 07/01/14
    2,820,000       2,935,169    
NY Municipal Water Finance Authority  
Series 2002,  
Insured: FSA
5.375% 06/15/16
    10,000,000       10,464,400    
NY New York City Municipal Water
Finance Authority
 
Series 2000 B,  
5.125% 06/15/31     7,000,000       6,776,490    
OH Cleveland Waterworks  
Series 1993 G,  
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 01/01/13
    750,000       776,813    
OH Hamilton County Sewer System  
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 12/01/15
    5,535,000       5,815,458    
PA Allegheny County  
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 12/01/17
    265,000       261,698    
PA Lancaster Area Sewer Authority  
Series 2004,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 04/01/16
    500,000       504,700    
TX North Harris County Regional Water
Authority
 
Series 2008,  
5.250% 12/15/20     4,415,000       4,311,512    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
TX Colorado River Municipal Water  
Series 2003,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 01/01/12
    4,030,000       4,202,162    
TX Corpus Christi  
Series 2002,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 07/15/14
    1,000,000       1,032,920    
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 07/15/19
    2,000,000       2,005,720    
TX Dallas Waterworks & Sewer Systems  
Series 2003,  
Inured: FSA
5.375% 10/01/12
    10,000,000       10,708,800    
TX Houston Utility System  
Series 2004 A,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 05/15/24
    5,000,000       4,633,800    
TX Houston Water & Sewer System  
Junior Lien:  
Series 1991 C,
Insured: AMBAC
(b) 12/01/11
    4,000,000       3,568,440    
Series 2001 A,
Insured: FSA
5.500% 12/01/17
    4,720,000       4,976,957    
TX McKinney  
Series 2005,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 08/15/17
    1,125,000       1,172,678    
TX Nueces River Authority  
Series 2005,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 07/15/15
    1,000,000       1,041,940    
TX San Antonio  
Series 2005,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 05/15/14
    1,000,000       1,055,330    
TX Trinity River Authority  
Series 2005,  
Insured: MBIA:
5.000% 02/01/17
    1,000,000       1,015,550    
5.000% 02/01/18     1,000,000       1,004,640    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


68



Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
VA Upper Occoquan Sewage Authority
Regional Sewage
 
Series 2005,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 07/01/22
    16,680,000       16,597,267    
Water & Sewer Total     156,801,093    
Utilities Total     381,216,937    
Total Municipal Bonds
(cost of $2,448,889,603)
    2,349,218,527    
Investment Company – 0.4%  
    Shares      
Dreyfus Tax-Exempt Cash  
Management Fund
(7 day yield of 2.260%)
    10,021,328       10,021,328    
Total Investment Company
(cost of $10,021,328)
    10,021,328    
Short-Term Obligations – 0.1%  
    Par ($)      
Variable Rate Demand Notes (g) – 0.1%  
FL Collier County Health Facilities Authority  
Cleveland Clinic Health System,  
Series 2003 C-1,
LOC: JPMorgan Chase & Co.
1.200% 01/01/35
    1,000,000       1,000,000    
MO Health & Educational Facilities
Authority Revenue
 
Washington University,  
Series 2000 C,
LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank
1.250% 03/01/40
    300,000       300,000    
WI University Hospitals & Clinics Authority
Revenue
 
Series 2008 B,  
LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.
1.200% 04/01/34
    100,000       100,000    
Variable Rate Demand Notes Total     1,400,000    
Total Short-Term Obligations
(cost of $1,400,000)
    1,400,000    
Total Investments – 97.6%
(cost of $2,460,310,931) (h)
    2,360,639,855    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net – 2.4%     57,749,973    
Net Assets – 100.0%     2,418,389,828    

 

Notes to Investment Portfolio:

(a)  The interest rate shown on floating rate or variable rate securities reflects the rate at October 31, 2008.

(b)  Zero coupon bond.

(c)  The Fund has been informed that each issuer has placed direct obligations of the U.S. Government in an irrevocable trust, solely for the payment of principal and interest.

(d)  Step bond. This security is currently not paying coupon. Shown parenthetically is the next coupon rate to be paid and the date the security will begin accruing at this rate.

(e)  Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At October 31, 2008, this security, which is illiquid, amounted to $1,802,920, which represents 0.1% of net assets.

Security   Acquisition
Date
  Par   Cost   Value  
FL Seminole
Indian Tribe
Series 2007A,
5.750%
10/01/22
    09/27/07     $ 2,000,000     $ 2,070,434     $ 1,802,920    

 

(f)  Step bond. Shown parenthetically is the next coupon rate to be paid and the date the security will begin accruing at this rate.

(g)  Variable rate demand notes. These securities are payable upon demand and are secured by letters of credit or other credit support agreements from banks. The interest rates change periodically and the interest rates shown reflect the rate at October 31, 2008.

(h)  Cost for federal income tax purposes is $2,460,250,277.

At October 31, 2008, the composition of the Fund by revenue source is as follows:

Holdings By Revenue Source (Unaudited)   % of
Net Assets
 
Tax-Backed     42.2    
Utilities     15.8    
Health Care     10.5    
Refunded/Escrowed     9.8    
Transportation     7.3    
Other     5.1    
Education     2.7    
Industrials     1.4    
Housing     1.2    
Resource Recovery     0.7    
Other Revenue     0.4    
      97.1    
Investment Company     0.4    
Short-Term Obligations     0.1    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net     2.4    
      100.0    

 

Acronym   Name  
AMBAC   Ambac Assurance Corp.  
AMT   Alternative Minimum Tax  
AGO   Assured Guaranty Corp.  
CIFG   CIFG Assurance North America, Inc.  
FGIC   Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.  
FHA   Federal Housing Administration  
FNMA   Federal National Mortgage Association  
FSA   Financial Security Assurance, Inc.  
GNMA   Government National Mortgage Association  
LIQ FAC   Liquidity Facility  
LOC   Letter of Credit  
MBIA   MBIA Insurance Corp.  
PSFG   Permanent School Fund Guarantee  
RAD   Radian Asset Assurance, Inc.  
SYNC   Syncora Guarantee, Inc.  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


69




Investment PortfolioColumbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds – 95.3%  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Education – 15.6%  
Education – 15.5%  
MA College Building Authority Project
Revenue
 
Series 2004 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 05/01/16
    530,000       545,985    
MA Development Finance Agency  
Boston College,  
Series 2007 P,
5.000% 07/01/20
    3,260,000       3,283,733    
Brandeis University,  
Series 2008,
5.000% 10/01/20
    750,000       755,625    
Clark University,  
Series 1998,
5.250% 07/01/16
    1,445,000       1,447,399    
Emerson College,  
Series 2006:
5.000% 01/01/21
    2,500,000       2,280,050    
5.000% 01/01/23     1,000,000       893,940    
Hampshire College,  
Series 2004,
5.150% 10/01/14
    200,000       204,882    
Mount Holyoke College:  
Series 2001,
5.500% 07/01/13
    1,355,000       1,421,950    
Series 2008,
5.000% 07/01/23
    1,285,000       1,267,832    
Wheelock College,  
Series 2007 C,
5.000% 10/01/17
    1,190,000       1,160,274    
Worcester Polytechnic Institute,  
Series 2007,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 09/01/22
    1,710,000       1,666,566    
MA Health & Educational Facilities Authority  
Amherst College,  
Series 1998 G,
5.375% 11/01/20
    640,000       640,941    
Boston College:  
Series 2003 N,
5.250% 06/01/15
    1,000,000       1,047,230    
Series 2008,
5.500% 06/01/24
    3,000,000       3,131,100    
Brandeis University,  
Series 1999 J,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 10/01/26
    2,000,000       1,827,240    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Harvard University:  
Series 2000 Z,
5.500% 01/15/11
    1,000,000       1,060,980    
Series 2001 DD,
5.000% 07/15/35
    4,500,000       4,351,590    
Massachusetts Institute of Technology:  
Series 2002 K:
5.250% 07/01/12
    1,000,000       1,072,860    
5.375% 07/01/17     2,275,000       2,475,996    
5.500% 07/01/22     1,000,000       1,076,260    
Series 2004 M,
5.250% 07/01/19
    610,000       651,047    
Northeastern University:  
Series 1998 G,
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 10/01/12
    1,110,000       1,159,128    
Series 2008 R,
5.000% 10/01/24
    3,570,000       3,275,618    
Tufts University:  
Series 2001 I,
5.500% 02/15/36
    2,000,000       1,936,720    
Series 2002 J,
5.500% 08/15/16
    1,500,000       1,628,295    
Wellesley College,  
Series 2003,
5.000% 07/01/15
    610,000       631,368    
Williams College,  
Series 2003 H,
5.000% 07/01/16
    1,740,000       1,791,678    
MA Industrial Finance Agency  
Tufts University,  
Series 1998 H,
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 02/15/13
    1,830,000       1,968,293    
MA University of Massachusetts Building
Authority
 
Series 2004 1,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 11/01/12
    500,000       529,640    
Series 2008,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 05/01/21
    1,510,000       1,511,918    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical &
Environmental Control Facilities
 
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Inc.,  
Series 1998 A,
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 10/01/12
    2,000,000       2,041,160    
Education Total     48,737,298    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


70



Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Prep School – 0.1%  
MA Development Finance Agency  
Milton Academy,  
Series 2003 A,
5.000% 09/01/19
    500,000       502,395    
Prep School Total     502,395    
Education Total     49,239,693    
Health Care – 8.4%  
Continuing Care Retirement – 0.5%  
MA Development Finance Agency  
First Mortgage Orchard Cove,  
Series 2007:
5.000% 10/01/17
    1,540,000       1,214,460    
5.000% 10/01/18     515,000       395,293    
Continuing Care Retirement Total     1,609,753    
Hospitals – 7.0%  
MA Health & Educational Facilities
Authority
 
Baystate Medical Center,  
Series 2002 F,
5.750% 07/01/13
    890,000       910,844    
Boston Medical Center,  
Series 1998 A,
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 07/01/15
    2,500,000       2,371,675    
Caregroup, Inc.:  
Series 2004 D,
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 07/01/22
    1,000,000       949,400    
Series 2008 E-2,
5.375% 07/01/19
    3,000,000       2,608,980    
Milford Regional Medical Center Issue,  
Series 2007 E:
5.000% 07/15/17
    1,050,000       901,698    
5.000% 07/15/22     2,500,000       1,911,475    
Partners Healthcare Systems, Inc.:  
Series 1999 B,
5.250% 07/01/10
    4,670,000       4,764,100    
Series 2001 C,
5.750% 07/01/21
    750,000       746,933    
Series 2003 E,
5.000% 07/01/15
    1,140,000       1,136,728    
Series 2005 F,
5.000% 07/01/17
    2,000,000       1,959,260    
Series 2007,
5.000% 07/01/18
    1,950,000       1,886,001    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc.,  
Series 1998 A,
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 07/01/14
    2,000,000       1,927,740    
Hospitals Total     22,074,834    
Intermediate Care Facilities – 0.3%  
MA Development Finance Agency  
Evergreen Center, Inc.,  
Series 2005,
5.500% 01/01/20
    1,355,000       1,146,845    
Intermediate Care Facilities Total     1,146,845    
Nursing Homes – 0.6%  
MA Development Finance Agency  
First Mortgage VOA Concord Assisted Living, Inc.,  
Series 2007:
5.000% 11/01/17
    900,000       740,331    
5.125% 11/01/27     1,500,000       1,053,090    
Nursing Homes Total     1,793,421    
Health Care Total     26,624,853    
Other – 17.5%  
Other – 1.0%  
MA Boston Housing Authority Capital
Program
 
Seies 2008,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 04/01/20
    2,135,000       2,106,263    
MA Development Finance Agency  
Combined Jewish Philanthropies,  
Series 2002 A,
5.250% 02/01/22
    1,000,000       1,007,860    
Other Total     3,114,123    
Pool/Bond Bank – 4.6%  
MA Water Pollution Abatement Revenue  
Series 1995 A,  
5.400% 08/01/11     25,000       25,055    
Series 1999 5,  
5.750% 08/01/16     95,000       98,128    
Series 2001 7,  
5.250% 02/01/10     2,000,000       2,072,120    
Series 2002,  
5.000% 08/01/11     1,000,000       1,054,160    
Series 2004 A,  
5.250% 08/01/15     3,000,000       3,246,090    
Series 2005 11,  
5.250% 08/01/19     4,465,000       4,746,429    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


71



Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2006,  
5.250% 08/01/20     3,000,000       3,159,090    
Pool/Bond Bank Total     14,401,072    
Refunded/Escrowed (a) – 11.7%  
MA Bay Transportation Authority  
Series 2000 A,  
Pre-refunded 07/01/10,
5.750% 07/01/18
    915,000       966,606    
MA College Building Authority Project
Revenue
 
Series 1999 A,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA
(b) 05/01/28
    4,000,000       1,326,800    
MA Consolidated Loan  
Series 2000 A,  
Pre-refunded 02/01/10,
5.800% 02/01/17
    3,520,000       3,709,200    
Series 2001 C,  
Pre-refunded 12/01/11,
5.375% 12/01/18
    3,000,000       3,224,490    
MA Development Finance Agency  
Belmont Hill School,  
Series 1998,
Pre-refunded 09/01/11,
5.000% 09/01/31
    1,000,000       1,068,050    
Higher Education,  
Smith College,
Series 2000,
Pre-refunded 07/01/10,
5.750% 07/01/23
    2,000,000       2,131,720    
MA College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Sciences,  
Series 2003 C,
Pre-refunded 07/01/13,
6.375% 07/01/23
    1,000,000       1,144,720    
Western New England College,  
Series 2002,
Pre-refunded 12/01/12,
5.875% 12/01/22
    600,000       643,794    
MA Health & Educational Facilities Authority  
Simmons College,  
Series 2003 F,
Pre-refunded 10/01/13,
Insured: FGIC:
5.000% 10/01/15
    1,015,000       1,096,048    
5.000% 10/01/17     510,000       550,723    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
University of Massachusetts:  
Series 2000 A,
Pre-refunded 10/01/10,
Insured: FGIC
5.875% 10/01/29
    1,000,000       1,074,830    
Series 2002 C,
Pre-refunded 10/01/12,
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 10/01/13
    1,475,000       1,593,339    
MA Port Authority  
Series 1973,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.625% 07/01/12
    315,000       332,117    
MA Route 3 North Transit Improvement
Association
 
Series 2000,  
Pre-refunded 06/15/10,
Insured: MBIA:
5.375% 06/15/33
    2,500,000       2,622,425    
5.750% 06/15/13     1,000,000       1,054,910    
5.750% 06/15/14     2,000,000       2,109,820    
5.750% 06/15/15     2,000,000       2,109,820    
MA Sandwich  
Series 2000,  
Pre-refunded 08/15/10,
5.750% 08/15/11
    1,050,000       1,122,618    
MA Special Obligation & Revenue  
Consolidated Loan,  
Series 2002 A,
Pre-refunded 06/01/12,
Insured: FGIC
5.375% 06/01/19
    1,125,000       1,196,201    
MA Springfield  
Municipal Purpose Loan,  
Series 2003,
Pre-refunded 01/15/13,
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 01/15/15
    1,500,000       1,622,790    
MA Turnpike Authority  
Series 1993 A,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.000% 01/01/13
    250,000       260,385    
MA University of Massachusetts Building
Authority
 
Series 2003 1,  
Pre-refunded 11/01/13,
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 11/01/15
    2,000,000       2,184,200    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


72



Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
MA Water Pollution Abatement Revenue  
Series 1993 A,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.450% 02/01/13
    935,000       982,489    
Series 1995 A,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.400% 08/01/11
    225,000       240,512    
Series 2001 7,  
Pre-refunded 08/01/11,
5.250% 02/01/13
    250,000       261,783    
MA Water Resources Authority  
Series 1993 C,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
6.000% 12/01/11
    1,220,000       1,298,519    
Series 2000 D,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 08/01/10
    1,000,000       1,053,010    
Refunded/Escrowed Total     36,981,919    
Tobacco – 0.2%  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Children's Trust Fund
 
Tobacco Settlement Revenue,  
Series 2002,
5.000% 05/15/09
    500,000       499,725    
Tobacco Total     499,725    
Other Total     54,996,839    
Tax-Backed – 39.7%  
Local General Obligations – 13.6%  
MA Bellingham  
Series 2001,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 03/01/13
    1,605,000       1,678,589    
MA Boston Special Obligation  
Boston Medical Center,  
Series 2002 A,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 08/01/14
    5,000,000       5,110,150    
MA Boston  
Metropolitan District,  
Series 2002 A,
5.250% 12/01/14
    2,010,000       2,120,148    
Series 2002 B,  
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 02/01/12
    6,000,000       6,350,760    
Series 2004 A,  
5.000% 01/01/14     1,000,000       1,067,850    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
MA Brookline  
Series 2000,  
5.750% 04/01/14     1,905,000       1,989,906    
MA Dudley Charlton Regional School District  
Series 1999 A,  
Insured: FGIC
5.125% 06/15/14
    2,305,000       2,431,337    
MA Everett  
Series 2000,  
Insured: MBIA
6.000% 12/15/11
    2,015,000       2,189,096    
MA Falmouth  
Series 2002,  
5.000% 02/01/11     1,450,000       1,524,182    
MA Groton-Dunstable Regional School District  
Series 2001,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 10/15/21
    1,260,000       1,246,946    
MA Hopedale  
Series 2004,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 11/15/17
    1,000,000       1,026,280    
MA Lawrence  
Series 2006,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 02/01/18
    1,500,000       1,563,180    
MA Lowell  
Series 2002,  
Insured: AMBAC:
5.000% 08/01/10
    1,000,000       1,037,310    
5.000% 02/01/13     1,215,000       1,272,142    
MA Pioneer Valley Regional School District  
Series 2002,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 06/15/12
    1,000,000       1,046,660    
MA Pittsfield  
Series 2002,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 04/15/11
    1,000,000       1,042,750    
MA Plymouth  
Series 2000,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 10/15/18
    1,725,000       1,757,154    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


73



Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
MA Sandwich  
Series 2005,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 07/15/18
    1,575,000       1,619,667    
MA Springfield  
Series 2007,  
Insured: FSA
4.500% 08/01/21
    2,000,000       1,877,300    
MA Westborough  
Series 2003,  
5.000% 11/15/16     1,000,000       1,039,620    
MA Westfield  
Series 2003,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 09/01/18
    500,000       503,380    
MA Worcester  
Series 2004 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 08/15/13
    2,810,000       2,910,092    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Municipal
Finance Agency
 
Series 1997 A,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 07/01/17
    245,000       245,728    
Local General Obligations Total     42,650,227    
Special Non-Property Tax – 10.3%  
MA Bay Transportation Authority  
Series 2000 A:  
5.750% 07/01/14     85,000       88,220    
5.750% 07/01/18     85,000       88,220    
Series 2002 A,  
5.000% 07/01/11     1,000,000       1,053,210    
Series 2003 A:  
5.250% 07/01/11     5,000,000       5,297,900    
5.250% 07/01/17     1,000,000       1,074,060    
5.250% 07/01/19     625,000       661,606    
Series 2004 C,  
5.250% 07/01/18     1,000,000       1,065,470    
Series 2005 B,  
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 07/01/23
    2,890,000       3,066,579    
Series 2005,  
5.000% 07/01/20     2,500,000       2,565,475    
Series 2006 A,  
5.250% 07/01/22     3,500,000       3,643,780    
Series 2008 B,  
5.000% 07/01/23     910,000       921,284    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
MA Boston Special Obligation  
Convention Center,  
Series 2002 A,
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 05/01/19
    1,500,000       1,500,000    
MA School Building Authority Dedicated
Sales Tax Revenue
 
Series 2007 A,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 08/15/18
    5,000,000       5,173,250    
MA Special Obligation & Revenue  
Consolidated Loan:  
Series 1997 A,
5.500% 06/01/13
    1,000,000       1,080,820    
Series 2002 A,
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 06/01/10
    1,500,000       1,555,695    
Series 2004 A,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 01/01/19
    750,000       744,120    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority  
Series 2006 BB,  
Insured: FSA
5.250% 07/01/22
    3,000,000       2,899,020    
Special Non-Property Tax Total     32,478,709    
State Appropriated – 1.2%  
MA Development Finance Agency  
Visual & Performing Arts Project,  
Series 2000:
5.750% 08/01/13
    1,030,000       1,084,878    
6.000% 08/01/17     540,000       569,349    
6.000% 08/01/21     1,750,000       1,761,743    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Public
Finance Corp.
 
Series 2004 A,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 08/01/30 (c)
    500,000       491,840    
State Appropriated Total     3,907,810    
State General Obligations – 14.6%  
MA State  
Series 2002 D,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 08/01/18
    3,500,000       3,760,645    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


74



Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2003 D:  
5.500% 10/01/17     5,000,000       5,415,250    
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 10/01/19
    5,000,000       5,333,900    
Insured: FSA
5.500% 10/01/19
    3,500,000       3,733,730    
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 10/01/20
    2,500,000       2,670,675    
Series 2004 B,  
5.250% 08/01/20     3,000,000       3,145,230    
Series 2004 C:  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 12/01/24
    5,000,000       5,290,850    
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 12/01/19
    3,795,000       4,049,037    
Series 2006 B,  
Insured: FSA
5.250% 09/01/22
    4,000,000       4,164,920    
Series 2008 A,  
5.000% 08/01/16     2,000,000       2,111,820    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Public
Buildings Authority
 
Series 2004 J,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 07/01/36 (c)
    2,000,000       1,945,740    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico  
Series 2004 A,  
5.000% 07/01/30 (c)     1,900,000       1,872,412    
Series 2006 A,  
5.250% 07/01/22     850,000       779,153    
Series 2007 A,  
5.500% 07/01/18     1,750,000       1,707,632    
State General Obligations Total     45,980,994    
Tax-Backed Total     125,017,740    
Transportation – 5.0%  
Airports – 2.9%  
MA Port Authority  
Series 2005 C,  
Insured: AMBAC:
5.000% 07/01/15
    1,500,000       1,582,440    
5.000% 07/01/22     4,500,000       4,464,540    
Series 2007 D,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 07/01/17
    3,000,000       3,128,370    
Airports Total     9,175,350    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Toll Facilities – 0.9%  
MA Turnpike Authority  
Metropolitan Highway Systems Revenue:  
Series 1997 A,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 01/01/37
    2,000,000       1,575,840    
Series 1999 A,
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 01/01/39
    1,500,000       1,171,395    
Toll Facilities Total     2,747,235    
Transportation – 1.2%  
MA Federal Highway Capital Appreciation  
Series 1998 A,  
(b) 06/15/15     4,000,000       2,961,160    
MA Woods Hole Martha's Vineyard &
Nantucket Steamship Authority
 
Series 2004 B,  
5.000% 03/01/18     975,000       996,158    
Transportation Total     3,957,318    
Transportation Total     15,879,903    
Utilities – 9.1%  
Joint Power Authority – 0.8%  
MA Municipal Wholesale Electric Co.  
Series 2001 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 07/01/11
    2,500,000       2,610,525    
Joint Power Authority Total     2,610,525    
Municipal Electric – 1.1%  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Electric
Power Authority
 
Series 1997 BB,  
Insured: MBIA
6.000% 07/01/12
    1,000,000       1,038,810    
Series 2002 LL,  
5.500% 07/01/17     2,400,000       2,389,992    
Municipal Electric Total     3,428,802    
Water & Sewer – 7.2%  
MA Water Resource Authority  
Series 1993 C,  
6.000% 12/01/11     780,000       823,462    
Series 1998 B,  
Insured: FSA
5.500% 08/01/15
    1,165,000       1,268,335    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


75



Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2002 J,  
Insured: FSA:
5.250% 08/01/14
    2,870,000       3,086,484    
5.250% 08/01/15     3,000,000       3,227,640    
5.250% 08/01/18     1,000,000       1,057,380    
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 08/01/17
    6,000,000       6,382,320    
Series 2007 B,  
Insured: FSA
5.250% 08/01/23
    5,500,000       5,682,490    
PR Commonwealth Aqueduct &
Sewer Authority Revenue
 
Refunding Senior Lien,  
Series 2008 A,
Insured: AGO
5.000% 07/01/16
    1,000,000       1,008,170    
Water & Sewer Total     22,536,281    
Utilities Total     28,575,608    
Total Municipal Bonds
(cost of $308,886,695)
    300,334,636    
Investment Company – 0.1%  
    Shares      
Dreyfus Tax-Exempt Cash  
Management Fund
(7 day yield of 2.260%)
    163,102       163,102    
Total Investment Company
(cost of $163,102)
    163,102    
Total Investments – 95.4%
(cost of $309,049,797) (d)
    300,497,738    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net – 4.6%     14,356,208    
Net Assets – 100.0%     314,853,946    

 

Notes to Investment Portfolio:

(a)  The Fund has been informed that each issuer has placed direct obligations of the U.S. Government in an irrevocable trust, solely for the payment of principal and interest.

(b)  Zero coupon bond.

(c)  The interest rate shown on floating rate or variable rate securities reflects the rate at October 31, 2008.

(d)  Cost for federal income tax purposes is $309,004,044.

At October 31, 2008, the composition of the Fund by revenue source is as follows:

Holdings By Revenue Source (Unaudited)   % of
Net Assets
 
Tax-Backed     39.7    
Education     15.6    
Refunded/Escrowed     11.7    
Utilities     9.1    
Health Care     8.4    
Other     5.8    
Transportation     5.0    
      95.3    
Investment Company     0.1    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net     4.6    
      100.0    

 

Acronym   Name  
AGO   Assured Guaranty Corp.  
AMBAC   Ambac Assurance Corp.  
FGIC   Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.  
FSA   Financial Security Assurance, Inc.  
MBIA   MBIA Insurance Corp.  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


76



Investment PortfolioColumbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds – 93.1%  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Education – 4.5%  
Education – 4.5%  
NJ Educational Facilities Authority  
Drew University,  
Series 2003 A,
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 07/01/20
    1,000,000       961,950    
Georgian Court University,  
Series 2007 D,
5.250% 07/01/27
    500,000       431,965    
Rowan University,  
Series 2008 B,
Insured: AGO
5.000% 07/01/23
    750,000       748,402    
Seton Hall University Project,  
Series 2001 A,
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 07/01/16
    200,000       204,852    
Stevens Institute of Technology,  
Series 1998 I,
5.000% 07/01/09
    110,000       110,754    
NJ Rutgers State University  
Series 1997 U,
5.000% 05/01/14
    500,000       505,815    
Education Total     2,963,738    
Education Total     2,963,738    
Health Care – 5.4%  
Continuing Care Retirement – 1.3%  
NJ Economic Development Authority  
Lutheran Social Ministries,  
Series 2005,
5.100% 06/01/27
    675,000       493,769    
Marcus L. Ward Home,  
Series 2004,
5.750% 11/01/24
    400,000       337,704    
Continuing Care Retirement Total     831,473    
Hospitals – 4.1%  
NJ Economic Development Authority  
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey,  
Series 2000,
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 06/01/09
    315,000       319,543    
NJ Health Care Facilities Financing Authority  
Children's Specialized Hospital,  
Series 2005 A,
5.000% 07/01/18
    575,000       507,334    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Hackensack University Medical Center:  
Series 1998 A,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 01/01/18
    500,000       446,535    
Series 2000:
5.700% 01/01/11
    500,000       512,720    
5.875% 01/01/15     500,000       505,260    
South Jersey Hospital,  
Series 2006,
5.000% 07/01/20
    500,000       449,305    
Hospitals Total     2,740,697    
Health Care Total     3,572,170    
Housing – 2.5%  
Multi-Family – 1.7%  
NJ Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency  
Multi-Family Housing:  
Series 2000 B,
Insured: FSA
6.050% 11/01/17
    165,000       166,579    
Series 2000 E-2,
Insured: FSA
5.750% 11/01/25
    135,000       131,294    
NJ Middlesex County Improvement Authority  
Student Housing Urban Renewal,  
Series 2004 A,
5.000% 08/15/18
    500,000       427,395    
PR Housing Finance Authority  
Series 2008,  
5.000% 12/01/13     400,000       416,728    
Multi-Family Total     1,141,996    
Single-Family – 0.8%  
NJ Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency  
Series 2008,  
6.375% 10/01/28 (a)     500,000       508,225    
Single-Family Total     508,225    
Housing Total     1,650,221    
Industrials – 0.3%  
Oil & Gas – 0.3%  
TN Energy Acquisition Corp.  
Series 2006,  
5.250% 09/01/22     300,000       218,589    
Oil & Gas Total     218,589    
Industrials Total     218,589    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


77



Columbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Other – 22.7%  
Pool/Bond Bank – 1.2%  
NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust  
Series 1998,  
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 04/01/12
    500,000       507,080    
NJ Monmouth County Improvement Authority  
Series 1995,  
Insured: FSA
5.450% 07/15/13
    305,000       305,583    
Pool/Bond Bank Total     812,663    
Refunded/Escrowed (b) – 20.1%  
NJ Atlantic County Improvement Authority  
Series 1985,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA
7.375% 07/01/10
    120,000       125,894    
NJ Bayonne Municipal Utilities Authority  
Series 1997,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 01/01/12
    500,000       517,985    
NJ Burlington County Bridge Commissioner  
Series 2002,  
Pre-refunded 08/15/12,
5.250% 08/15/18
    1,130,000       1,216,581    
NJ Cherry Hill Township  
Series 1999,  
Pre-refunded 07/15/09,
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 07/15/19
    500,000       512,580    
NJ Delaware River and Bay Authority  
Series 2000 A,  
Pre-refunded 01/01/10,
Insured: AMBAC
5.400% 01/01/14
    250,000       261,535    
NJ Economic Development Authority  
School Facilities Construction,  
Series 2001 A,
Pre-refunded 06/15/11,
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 06/15/18
    200,000       212,518    
NJ Educational Facilities Authority  
Princeton University,  
Series 1999 B,
Pre-refunded 07/01/09,
5.125% 07/01/19
    1,000,000       1,022,990    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Rowan University,  
Series 2000 B,
Pre-refunded 07/01/10,
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 07/01/19
    250,000       260,812    
Stevens Institute of Technology,  
Series 2002 C,
Escrowed to Maturity
5.000% 07/01/10
    1,120,000       1,166,704    
William Paterson University,  
Series 2000 A,
Pre-refunded 07/01/10,
Insured: FGIC
5.375% 07/01/21
    500,000       524,225    
NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust  
Series 2000 A,  
Pre-refunded 09/01/10,
5.250% 09/01/20
    500,000       530,420    
NJ Essex County Improvement Authority  
Lease Revenue,  
Series 2000,
Pre-refunded 10/01/10,
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 10/01/11
    500,000       525,470    
NJ Highway Authority  
Garden State Parkway:  
Series 1989,
Escrowed to Maturity,
6.000% 01/01/19
    1,000,000       1,104,200    
Series 1999,
Pre-refunded 01/01/10,
Insured: FGIC
5.600% 01/01/17
    300,000       314,136    
NJ Monmouth County Improvement Authority  
Series 2000,  
Pre-refunded 12/01/10,
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 12/01/12
    390,000       410,202    
NJ Sports & Exposition Authority  
Series 2000 C,  
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.000% 03/01/11
    305,000       320,558    
NJ State  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 1998 A,
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 06/15/14
    500,000       537,220    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


78



Columbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NJ Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp.  
Series 2002,  
Pre-refunded 06/01/12,
5.375% 06/01/18
    1,000,000       1,073,760    
NJ Transportation Trust Fund Authority  
Transportation Systems,  
Series 1999 A,
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.750% 06/15/15
    1,000,000       1,123,310    
NJ Trenton  
Series 2000,  
Pre-refunded 03/01/09,
Insured: FGIC
5.700% 03/01/19
    250,000       255,823    
NJ Turnpike Authority  
Series 2000 A,  
Pre-refunded 01/01/10,
Insured: MBIA
5.750% 01/01/19
    295,000       306,918    
NJ Vernon Township Board of Education  
Series 1999,  
Pre-refunded 12/01/09,
Insured: FGIC
5.375% 12/01/19
    300,000       311,790    
NJ West Deptford Township  
Series 2000,  
Pre-refunded 09/01/10,
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 09/01/20
    400,000       422,288    
NJ West Orange Board of Education  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 1999,
Pre-refunded 10/01/09,
Insured: MBIA
5.625% 10/01/29
    250,000       261,250    
Refunded/Escrowed Total     13,319,169    
Tobacco – 1.4%  
NJ Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp.  
Series 2007 1-A:  
4.500% 06/01/23     430,000       346,236    
4.625% 06/01/26     750,000       535,462    
Tobacco Total     881,698    
Other Total     15,013,530    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Other Revenue – 0.9%  
Hotels – 0.9%  
NJ Middlesex County Improvement Authority  
Heldrich Associates,  
Series 2005 A,
5.000% 01/01/20
    815,000       622,138    
Hotels Total     622,138    
Other Revenue Total     622,138    
Tax-Backed – 44.3%  
Local Appropriated – 4.6%  
NJ Bergen County Improvement Authority  
Series 2005,  
5.000% 11/15/23     1,000,000       1,019,080    
NJ Camden County Improvement Authority  
Series 2006,  
Insured: AMBAC
4.000% 09/01/21
    1,140,000       1,018,624    
NJ East Orange Board of Education  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 1998,
Insured: FSA
(c) 02/01/18
    1,000,000       617,840    
NJ Middlesex County  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2001,
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 08/01/17
    250,000       260,567    
NJ Monmouth County Improvement Authority  
Series 2000,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 12/01/12
    110,000       112,373    
Local Appropriated Total     3,028,484    
Local General Obligations – 17.9%  
NJ Atlantic City  
Series 2008,  
5.500% 02/15/18     500,000       509,420    
NJ Board of Education  
Tom Rivers School District,  
Series 2007,
Insured: MBIA
4.500% 01/15/20
    500,000       485,775    
NJ Cherry Hill Township  
Series 1999 B,  
5.250% 07/15/11     500,000       529,525    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


79



Columbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NJ Flemington Raritan Regional School District  
Series 2000,  
Insured: FGIC
5.700% 02/01/15
    400,000       447,896    
NJ Freehold Regional High School District  
Series 2001,  
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 03/01/20
    1,205,000       1,204,397    
NJ Greenwich Township Board of Education  
Series 1998,  
Insured: FSA:
5.000% 01/15/13
    165,000       165,295    
5.000% 01/15/14     250,000       250,448    
NJ Manalapan Englishtown Regional Board
of Education
 
Series 2004,  
Insured: FGIC
5.750% 12/01/20
    1,325,000       1,420,718    
NJ Mercer County Improvement Authority  
Series 1998 B,  
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 02/15/14
    250,000       251,298    
NJ Middlesex County  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2001,
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 08/01/12
    500,000       520,085    
Series 1998,  
5.000% 10/01/09     500,000       514,800    
NJ Parsippany-Troy Hills Township  
Series 1997,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 12/01/15
    500,000       510,865    
NJ Passaic County  
Series 2003,  
Insured: FSA
5.200% 09/01/16
    1,500,000       1,613,355    
NJ Summit  
Series 2001,  
5.250% 06/01/16     1,205,000       1,300,279    
NJ Union County  
General Improvement,  
Series 1999,
5.125% 02/01/16
    250,000       256,463    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NJ Washington Township Board of
Education Mercer County
 
Series 2005,  
Insured: FSA:
5.250% 01/01/26
    1,330,000       1,364,819    
5.250% 01/01/28     500,000       506,620    
Local General Obligations Total     11,852,058    
Special Non-Property Tax – 4.6%  
IL Dedicated Tax Capital Appreciation  
Series 1990,  
Insured: AMBAC
(c) 12/15/17
    3,000,000       1,878,540    
NJ Economic Development Authority  
Series 2004 A,  
5.500% 06/15/24     750,000       594,548    
Series 2004,  
Insured: MBIA
(c) 07/01/21
    1,255,000       597,618    
Special Non-Property Tax Total     3,070,706    
Special Property Tax – 0.4%  
NJ Economic Development Authority  
Series 2007,  
5.125% 06/15/27     400,000       307,436    
Special Property Tax Total     307,436    
State Appropriated – 14.9%  
NJ Economic Development Authority  
Series 2001 C,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 06/15/12
    500,000       531,395    
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 03/01/19
    2,000,000       2,028,040    
NJ Educational Facilities Authority  
Series 2001 A,  
5.000% 03/01/15     1,855,000       1,905,586    
NJ Health Care Facilities Financing Authority  
Series 2005,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.000% 09/15/13
    970,000       1,004,900    
NJ Sports & Exposition Authority  
Series 2000 C,  
5.000% 03/01/11     195,000       201,373    
NJ State  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2008 A,
5.000% 06/15/21
    250,000       241,850    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


80



Columbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NJ Transit Corp.  
Certificates of Participation,  
Series 2002 A,
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 09/15/15
    1,000,000       1,048,490    
NJ Transportation Trust Fund Authority  
Series 1999 A,  
5.625% 06/15/12     400,000       427,216    
Series 2003 A,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 12/15/15
    1,000,000       1,074,360    
Series 2005 B,  
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 12/15/23
    1,000,000       989,660    
Series 2006 C,  
Insured: AMBAC
(c) 12/15/24
    1,000,000       392,360    
State Appropriated Total     9,845,230    
State General Obligations – 1.9%  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico  
Capital Appreciation,  
Series 1998,
Insured: MBIA
6.000% 07/01/16
    250,000       257,713    
Series 2004 A,  
5.000% 07/01/30 (d)     1,000,000       985,480    
State General Obligations Total     1,243,193    
Tax-Backed Total     29,347,107    
Transportation – 2.1%  
Toll Facilities – 2.1%  
NJ Turnpike Authority  
Series 2004 B,  
Insured: AMBAC
(e) 01/01/35
(5.150% 01/01/15)
    500,000       304,850    
PA Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge
Commission
 
Series 2003,  
5.250% 07/01/11     1,000,000       1,045,690    
Toll Facilities Total     1,350,540    
Transportation Total     1,350,540    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Utilities – 10.4%  
Municipal Electric – 1.1%  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Electric
Power Authority
 
Series 2003 NN,  
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 07/01/19
    750,000       713,745    
Municipal Electric Total     713,745    
Water & Sewer – 9.3%  
NJ Bergen County Improvement Authority  
Series 2008,  
5.000% 12/15/26     500,000       496,440    
NJ Cape May County Municipal Utilities
Sewer Authority
 
Series 2002 A,  
Insured: FSA
5.750% 01/01/16
    1,000,000       1,098,900    
NJ Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority  
Series 2007,  
Insured: FGIC
5.250% 01/01/19
    1,000,000       962,570    
NJ North Hudson Sewerage Authority  
Sewer Revenue,  
Series 2006 A,
Insured: MBIA
5.125% 08/01/17
    600,000       628,116    
NJ North Jersey District Water Supply
Commission
 
Series 1997 A,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 11/15/10
    500,000       503,175    
NJ Ocean County Utilities Authority  
Wastewater Revenue,  
Series 2001,
5.250% 01/01/18
    1,000,000       1,023,300    
NJ Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority  
Series 2005 A,  
Insured: MBIA
(c) 09/01/25
    1,000,000       354,530    
NJ Southeast Morris County Municipal
Utilities Authority
 
Series 2001,  
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 01/01/10
    1,055,000       1,084,245    
Water & Sewer Total     6,151,276    
Utilities Total     6,865,021    
Total Municipal Bonds
(cost of $63,537,974)
    61,603,054    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


81



Columbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Investment Company – 3.9%  
    Shares   Value ($)  
Dreyfus Tax-Exempt Cash  
Management Fund
(7 day yield of 2.260%)
    2,611,046       2,611,046    
Total Investment Company
(cost of $2,611,046)
    2,611,046    
Total Investments – 97.0%
(cost of $66,149,020) (f)
    64,214,100    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net – 3.0%     1,985,658    
Net Assets – 100.0%     66,199,758    

 

Notes to Investment Portfolio:

(a)  Security purchased on a delayed delivery basis.

(b)  The Fund has been informed that each issuer has placed direct obligations of the U.S. Government in an irrevocable trust, solely for the payment of principal and interest.

(c)  Zero coupon bond.

(d)  The interest rate shown on floating rate or variable rate securities reflects the rate at October 31, 2008.

(e)  Step bond. This security is currently not paying coupon. Shown parenthetically is the next interest rate to be paid and the date the security will begin accruing at this rate.

(f)  Cost for federal income tax purposes is $66,130,929.

At October 31, 2008, the composition of the Fund by revenue source is as follows:

Holdings By Revenue Source (Unaudited)   % of
Net Assets
 
Tax-Backed     44.3    
Refunded/Escrowed     20.1    
Utilities     10.4    
Health Care     5.4    
Education     4.5    
Other     2.6    
Housing     2.5    
Transportation     2.1    
Other Revenue     0.9    
Industrials     0.3    
      93.1    
Investment Company     3.9    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net     3.0    
      100.0    

 

Acronym   Name  
AGO   Assured Guaranty Corp.  
AMBAC   Ambac Assurance Corp.  
FGIC   Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.  
FSA   Financial Security Assurance, Inc.  
MBIA   MBIA Insurance Corp.  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


82




Investment PortfolioColumbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds – 98.8%  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Education – 8.7%  
Education – 8.4%  
NY Dormitory Authority  
Barnard College,
Series 2007 A, 
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 07/01/18
    1,745,000       1,696,681    
Brooklyn Law School,
Series 2003 A, 
Insured: RAD
5.250% 07/01/10
    500,000       508,415    
Mount Sinai School of Medicine,
Series 1995 B, 
Insured: MBIA
5.700% 07/01/11
    690,000       706,795    
New York University Hospital Center,
Series 2007 A: 
5.000% 07/01/10
    1,000,000       977,030    
5.000% 07/01/12     1,000,000       943,120    
New York University:
Series 1998 A, 
Insured: MBIA:
5.750% 07/01/20
    2,000,000       2,124,860    
6.000% 07/01/17     2,475,000       2,755,739    
Series 2001 1,
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 07/01/15
    1,205,000       1,306,847    
Series 2001 2,
Insured: AMBAC
5.500% 07/01/21
    900,000       905,904    
Series 2001 A,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.750% 07/01/12
    5,000,000       5,410,550    
St. John's University,
Series 2007 C, 
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 07/01/22
    2,000,000       1,920,680    
NY Dutchess County Industrial Development
Agency
 
Bard College,
Series 2007, 
5.000% 08/01/20
    375,000       348,877    
NY Oneida County Industrial Development
Agency
 
Hamilton College,
Series 2007 A, 
Insured: MBIA:
(a) 07/01/18
    1,000,000       634,190    
(a) 07/01/20     1,000,000       555,380    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NY Troy Industrial Development Authority  
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,
Series 2002 E, 
4.050% 04/01/37 (b)
    3,750,000       3,701,662    
Education Total     24,496,730    
Prep School – 0.3%  
NY New York City Industrial Development
Agency
 
Trinity Episcopal School Corp.,
Series 1997, 
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 06/15/17
    1,000,000       1,001,240    
Prep School Total     1,001,240    
Education Total     25,497,970    
Health Care – 5.6%  
Continuing Care Retirement – 0.1%  
NY Nassau County Industrial Development
Agency
 
Amsterdam Harborside,
Series 2007 A, 
5.875% 01/01/18
    250,000       216,970    
NY Suffolk County Industrial Development
Agency
 
Active Retirement Community,
Series 2006, 
5.000% 11/01/28
    335,000       245,904    
Continuing Care Retirement Total     462,874    
Hospitals – 4.9%  
NY Albany Industrial Development Agency  
St. Peter's Hospital:
Series 2008 A: 
5.250% 11/15/27
    1,000,000       803,100    
5.750% 11/15/22     500,000       451,300    
Series 2008 E,
5.250% 11/15/22
    500,000       425,750    
NY Dormitory Authority  
Kaleida Health,
Series 2006, 
Insured: FHA
4.600% 08/15/27
    2,000,000       1,699,680    
Long Island Jewish Medical Center,
Series 2003, 
5.000% 05/01/11
    820,000       845,117    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


83



Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
New York Hospital Medical Center Queens,
Series 2007, 
Insured: FHA
4.650% 08/15/27
    1,000,000       815,670    
New York Methodist Hospital,
Series 2004, 
5.250% 07/01/24
    1,000,000       800,050    
North Shore Long Island Jewish Health:
Series 2006 A, 
5.000% 11/01/19
    1,000,000       902,890    
Series 2007 A,
5.000% 05/01/24
    1,310,000       1,111,889    
Orange Regional Medical Center,
Series 2008, 
6.125% 12/01/29
    1,350,000       1,090,584    
Presbyterian Hospital,
Series 2007, 
Insured: FSA
5.250% 08/15/23
    250,000       246,192    
White Plains Hospital,
Series 2004, 
Insured: FHA
4.625% 02/15/18
    635,000       597,338    
NY Madison County Industrial Development
Agency
 
Oneida Health Systems, Inc.,
Series 2007, 
5.250% 02/01/27
    675,000       523,570    
NY Monroe County Industrial Development
Agency
 
Series 2005,
5.000% 08/01/22
    700,000       578,662    
NY New York City Health & Hospital Corp.  
Series 2003 A,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.000% 02/15/11
    2,000,000       2,059,200    
NY Saratoga County Industrial Development
Agency
 
Saratoga Hospital:
Series 2004 A, 
5.000% 12/01/13
    485,000       469,616    
Series 2007 B:
5.000% 12/01/22
    500,000       412,105    
5.125% 12/01/27     500,000       394,105    
Hospitals Total     14,226,818    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Nursing Homes – 0.6%  
NY Amherst Industrial Development Agency  
Beechwood Health Care Center, Inc.,
Series 2007, 
4.875% 01/01/13
    500,000       449,535    
NY Dormitory Authority  
AIDS Long Term Health Care Facility,
Series 2005, 
Insured: SONYMA
5.000% 11/01/12
    500,000       513,490    
Gurwin Nursing Home,
Series 2005 A, 
Insured: FHA
4.400% 02/15/20
    835,000       756,944    
Nursing Homes Total     1,719,969    
Health Care Total     16,409,661    
Housing – 1.7%  
Multi-Family – 1.2%  
NY Dormitory Authority  
Gateway-Longview Inc.
Series 2008 A-1, 
5.000% 06/01/33
    1,700,000       1,446,496    
PR Housing Finance Authority  
Series 2008,
5.000% 12/01/13
    2,000,000       2,083,640    
Multi-Family Total     3,530,136    
Single-Family – 0.5%  
NY Mortgage Agency Revenue  
Series 2000 96,
5.200% 10/01/14
    345,000       347,349    
Series 2005 128,
4.350% 10/01/16
    1,000,000       1,011,130    
Single-Family Total     1,358,479    
Housing Total     4,888,615    
Industrials – 0.2%  
Oil & Gas – 0.2%  
TN Energy Acquisition Corp.  
Series 2006,
5.250% 09/01/22
    750,000       546,473    
Oil & Gas Total     546,473    
Industrials Total     546,473    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


84



Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Other – 23.4%  
Other – 0.4%  
NY New York City Industrial Development
Agency
 
United Jewish Appeal,
Series 2004 A, 
5.000% 07/01/27
    625,000       607,231    
NY Westchester County Industrial
Development Agency
 
Guiding Eyes for the Blind,
Series 2004, 
5.375% 08/01/24
    500,000       418,110    
Other Total     1,025,341    
Pool/Bond Bank – 4.3%  
NY Dormitory Authority  
Series 2008 A,
Insured: FSA 
5.000% 10/01/23
    3,000,000       2,987,400    
NY Environmental Facilities Corp.  
Series 1994 2,
5.750% 06/15/12
    185,000       200,250    
Series 2002 K,
5.000% 06/15/12
    6,000,000       6,350,580    
Series 2008 B,
5.000% 06/15/21
    3,000,000       3,020,580    
Pool/Bond Bank Total     12,558,810    
Refunded/Escrowed (c) – 18.7%  
NY Dormitory Authority  
City University Systems Consolidated 4th Generation,
Series 2001 A, 
Pre-refunded 07/01/11,
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 07/01/16
    2,280,000       2,444,935    
Columbia University,
Series 2002 B, 
Pre-refunded 07/01/12,
5.375% 07/01/15
    1,000,000       1,078,950    
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center,
Series 2003, 
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA
(a) 07/01/25
    3,750,000       1,528,012    
University Dormitory Facilities:
Series 2000 A, 
Pre-refunded 07/01/10,
6.000% 07/01/30
    1,000,000       1,071,290    
Series 2002,
Pre-refunded 07/01/12,
5.375% 07/01/19
    1,130,000       1,223,711    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NY Environmental Facilities Corp.  
New York City Municipal Water,
Series 1994 A, 
Escrowed to Maturity,
5.750% 06/15/12
    1,815,000       1,987,988    
NY Long Island Power Authority  
Electric Systems,
Series 1998 A, 
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: FSA
5.500% 12/01/13
    2,000,000       2,190,580    
Series 1998 A,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
Insured: FSA
5.250% 12/01/14
    5,000,000       5,490,800    
Series 2003 C,
Pre-refunded 09/01/13, 
5.500% 09/01/21
    1,000,000       1,104,410    
NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority  
Series 1996 A,
Pre-refunded 10/01/10, 
Insured: MBIA
5.500% 04/01/16
    1,000,000       1,059,840    
Series 1997 8,
Pre-refunded 07/01/13, 
Insured: FSA
5.375% 07/01/21
    6,000,000       6,577,620    
Series 1998 A,
Pre-refunded 10/01/15, 
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 04/01/23
    2,000,000       2,165,580    
Series 2000 A,
Pre-refunded 04/01/10, 
Insured: FGIC
5.875% 04/01/21
    3,300,000       3,470,082    
Transportation Facilities,
Series 1999 A, 
Pre-refunded 07/01/09,
6.000% 07/01/19
    2,000,000       2,057,260    
NY New York City Transitional Finance
Authority
 
Series 2000 C,
Pre-refunded 05/01/10, 
5.500% 11/01/29
    3,000,000       3,170,370    
NY New York  
Series 2003 J,
Pre-refunded 06/01/13, 
5.500% 06/01/16
    1,085,000       1,192,654    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


85



Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NY Onondaga County  
Series 1992,
Economically Defeased to Maturity, 
5.875% 02/15/10
    285,000       298,469    
NY Thruway Authority  
Highway & Bridge Trust Fund,
Series 2000 B-1: 
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 04/01/10
    1,535,000       1,606,117    
Pre-refunded 04/01/10,
Insured: FGIC
5.750% 04/01/16
    2,000,000       2,119,000    
Second General Highway & Bridge,
Series 2003 A, 
Pre-refunded 04/01/13,
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 04/01/17
    1,750,000       1,903,387    
NY Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority  
Series 1991 X,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
6.625% 01/01/12
    300,000       327,552    
Series 1992 Y,
Escrowed to Maturity: 
5.500% 01/01/17
    2,000,000       2,179,740    
6.000% 01/01/12     750,000       792,442    
Series 1999 B,
Pre-refunded 01/01/22, 
5.500% 01/01/30
    2,000,000       2,118,000    
NY TSASC, Inc.  
Series 1999-1,
Pre-refunded 07/15/09, 
6.375% 07/15/39
    4,210,000       4,395,198    
PA Elizabeth Forward School District  
Series 1994 B,
Escrowed to Maturity, 
Insured: MBIA
(a) 09/01/20
    2,210,000       1,195,124    
Refunded/Escrowed Total     54,749,111    
Other Total     68,333,262    
Other Revenue – 2.8%  
Recreation – 2.8%  
NY Cultural Resources  
Museum of Modern Art,
Series 2008-1A, 
5.000% 04/01/26
    4,850,000       4,648,386    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NY Industrial Development Agency  
YMCA of Greater New York,
Series 2006, 
5.000% 08/01/26
    1,000,000       885,610    
NY Seneca Nation Indians Capital
Improvements Authority
 
Series 2007 A:
5.000% 12/01/23 (d)
    2,500,000       1,839,175    
5.250% 12/01/16 (d)     1,000,000       877,450    
Recreation Total     8,250,621    
Other Revenue Total     8,250,621    
Resource Recovery – 0.5%  
Disposal – 0.5%  
NY Hempstead Town Industrial
Development Authority
 
America Fuel Co.,
Series 2001, 
5.000% 12/01/10
    1,500,000       1,459,770    
Disposal Total     1,459,770    
Resource Recovery Total     1,459,770    
Tax-Backed – 39.9%  
Local Appropriated – 1.7%  
NY Dormitory Authority  
Court Facilities:
Series 2001 2-2, 
5.000% 01/15/21
    2,500,000       2,404,350    
Series 2003 A,
5.250% 05/15/11
    1,500,000       1,564,035    
NY Erie County Industrial Development
Agency
 
City School District Buffalo Project,
Series 2008 A, 
Insured: FSA
5.000% 05/01/18
    1,000,000       1,009,040    
Local Appropriated Total     4,977,425    
Local General Obligations – 11.6%  
NY Albany County  
Series 2006,
Insured: SYNC 
4.125% 09/15/20
    1,000,000       921,730    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


86



Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NY City of New York  
Series 2004 G,
5.000% 12/01/19
    2,430,000       2,392,140    
Series 2007 C,
5.000% 01/01/15
    4,000,000       4,119,440    
Series 2008 I-1,
5.000% 02/01/23
    2,000,000       1,914,700    
NY City of Yonkers  
Series 2005 B,
Insured: MBIA: 
5.000% 08/01/21
    2,425,000       2,392,675    
5.000% 08/01/22     2,545,000       2,495,245    
NY Monroe County Public Improvement  
Series 1992,
Insured: MBIA 
6.100% 03/01/09
    15,000       15,184    
Series 1996,
Insured: MBIA 
6.000% 03/01/16
    1,210,000       1,351,824    
NY New York City  
Series 2001 F,
5.000% 08/01/09
    1,000,000       1,021,210    
Series 2003 J,
5.500% 06/01/16
    165,000       173,397    
Series 2004 B,
5.250% 08/01/15
    2,000,000       2,072,340    
Series 2005 G,
5.250% 08/01/16
    500,000       517,030    
Series 2006 J,
5.000% 06/01/17
    1,350,000       1,362,744    
Series 2007 C,
4.250% 01/01/27
    800,000       642,528    
Series 2007 D,
5.000% 02/01/24
    2,000,000       1,895,520    
Series 2007 D-1,
5.000% 12/01/21
    2,000,000       1,936,480    
NY Onondaga County  
Series 1992,
5.875% 02/15/10
    215,000       224,481    
NY Orange County  
Series 2005 A,
5.000% 07/15/18
    1,500,000       1,568,925    
NY Red Hook Central School District  
Series 2002,
Insured: FSA 
5.125% 06/15/17
    890,000       913,656    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NY Rensselaer County  
Series 1998 A,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.250% 06/01/11
    545,000       576,436    
NY Sachem Central School District of
Holbrook
 
Series 2006,
Insured: FGIC 
4.250% 10/15/24
    1,000,000       856,220    
NY Somers Central School District  
Series 2006,
Insured: MBIA: 
4.000% 12/01/21
    500,000       438,425    
4.000% 12/01/22     500,000       429,825    
NY Three Village Central School District  
Series 2005,
Insured: FGIC 
5.000% 06/01/18
    1,000,000       1,035,780    
NY Town of Babylon  
Series 2004,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.000% 01/01/13
    2,565,000       2,662,419    
Local General Obligations Total     33,930,354    
Special Non-Property Tax – 14.2%  
NY Dormitory Authority  
Series 2005 B,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.500% 03/15/26
    1,000,000       1,035,140    
NY Environmental Facilities Corp.  
Series 2004 A,
Insured: FGIC 
5.000% 12/15/24
    2,000,000       1,958,720    
NY Housing Finance Agency  
Series 2008 A,
5.000% 09/15/19
    1,400,000       1,432,662    
NY Local Government Assistance Corp.  
Series 1993 E,
6.000% 04/01/14
    3,540,000       3,803,270    
Series 2003 A-1,
Insured: FSA 
5.000% 04/01/12
    5,000,000       5,285,650    
NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority  
Series 2004 A,
Insured: FGIC 
5.250% 11/15/18
    800,000       799,360    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


87



Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NY Nassau County Interim Finance Authority  
Series 2004 I-1H,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.250% 11/15/15
    5,000,000       5,318,500    
NY Sales Tax Asset Receivables Corp.  
Series 2004 A,
Insured: MBIA 
5.000% 10/15/22
    6,500,000       6,500,520    
NY Thruway Authority  
Series 2007,
5.000% 03/15/22
    1,000,000       1,001,220    
NY Transitional Finance Authority  
Series 2003 B,
5.250% 08/01/17
    2,000,000       2,068,020    
Series 2005 A-1,
5.000% 11/01/19
    3,000,000       3,068,460    
Series 2006,
5.000% 07/15/11
    3,000,000       3,138,360    
Series 2007,  
Insured: FGIC
5.000% 01/15/21
    4,300,000       4,218,472    
PR Commonwealth Infrastructure Financing
Authority
 
Series 2005 C,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.500% 07/01/27
    1,000,000       920,010    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority  
Series 2006 BB,
Insured: FSA 
5.250% 07/01/22
    1,000,000       966,340    
Special Non-Property Tax Total     41,514,704    
Special Property Tax – 1.2%  
NY Industrial Development Agency  
Series 2006:
Insured: AMBAC: 
5.000% 01/01/19
    850,000       827,492    
5.000% 01/01/20     1,000,000       957,810    
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 03/01/15
    1,150,000       1,171,597    
NY New York City Industrial Development
Agency
 
Series 2006,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.000% 01/01/23
    625,000       579,944    
Special Property Tax Total     3,536,843    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
State Appropriated – 9.4%  
NY Dormitory Authority  
4201 Schools Program,
Series 2000, 
6.250% 07/01/20
    1,685,000       1,775,754    
City University,
Series 2002 B, 
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 11/15/26 (b)
    1,500,000       1,536,795    
Consolidated 2nd Generation,
Series 2000 A, 
Insured: AMBAC
6.125% 07/01/13
    2,000,000       2,107,380    
Consolidated 3rd Generation,
Series 2003 1, 
5.250% 07/01/11
    1,000,000       1,053,530    
Series 1993 A:
5.250% 05/15/15
    2,000,000       2,108,440    
5.500% 05/15/19     2,500,000       2,595,575    
Series 2005 A,
Insured: FGIC 
5.500% 05/15/21
    1,000,000       1,026,710    
State University,
Series 2000 C, 
Insured: FSA
5.750% 05/15/17
    1,250,000       1,374,425    
NY Housing Finance Agency  
Series 2003 K,
5.000% 03/15/10
    1,485,000       1,528,808    
NY Thruway Authority  
Local Highway & Bridge:
Series 2001, 
5.250% 04/01/11
    2,000,000       2,104,100    
Series 2002,
5.250% 04/01/09
    1,500,000       1,520,280    
NY Urban Development Corp.  
Series 2002 A,
5.000% 01/01/17
    2,000,000       2,032,280    
Series 2008 B,
5.000% 01/01/26
    3,125,000       2,945,969    
Series 2008,
5.000% 01/01/22
    2,000,000       1,925,160    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Public
Finance Corp.
 
Series 2004 A,
5.750% 08/01/27 (b)
    1,675,000       1,681,197    
State Appropriated Total     27,316,403    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


88



Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
State General Obligations – 1.8%  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico  
Series 2004 A,  
5.000% 07/01/30 (b)     1,000,000       985,480    
Series 2006 A,
5.250% 07/01/22
    1,500,000       1,374,975    
PR Public Buildings Authority  
Series 2007,
6.250% 07/01/23
    3,000,000       3,011,130    
State General Obligations Total     5,371,585    
Tax-Backed Total     116,647,314    
Transportation – 7.9%  
Ports – 0.5%  
NY Port Authority of New York & New Jersey  
Series 2004,
Insured: SYNC 
5.000% 09/15/28
    1,500,000       1,423,830    
Ports Total     1,423,830    
Toll Facilities – 3.5%  
NY Thruway Authority  
Second General Highway & Bridge Trust Fund,
Series 2005 A, 
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 04/01/22
    500,000       496,120    
Series 2005 B,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.000% 04/01/19
    2,500,000       2,537,850    
Series 2008 A,
5.000% 04/01/21
    1,000,000       990,390    
NY Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority  
Series 2002,  
5.250% 11/15/13     2,015,000       2,169,148    
Series 2006 A,  
5.000% 11/15/19     2,000,000       2,041,900    
Series 2008 A,
5.000% 11/15/21
    2,000,000       2,012,480    
Toll Facilities Total     10,247,888    
Transportation – 3.9%  
NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority  
Series 2005 B,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.250% 11/15/24
    750,000       740,385    
Series 2005 C,
5.000% 11/15/16
    750,000       767,932    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2006 A,  
Insured: CIFG
5.000% 11/15/22
    2,280,000       2,096,118    
Series 2006 B,
5.000% 11/15/16
    1,500,000       1,535,865    
Series 2007 B,
5.000% 11/15/22
    1,500,000       1,434,330    
Series 2008 C,
6.250% 11/15/23
    3,570,000       3,760,281    
Series 2008,
5.000% 11/15/30
    1,000,000       1,027,490    
Transportation Total     11,362,401    
Transportation Total     23,034,119    
Utilities – 8.1%  
Municipal Electric – 3.0%  
NY Long Island Power Authority  
Series 2003 A,
5.000% 06/01/09
    2,000,000       2,031,860    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Electric
Power Authority
 
Series 1997 BB,
Insured: MBIA 
6.000% 07/01/12
    1,000,000       1,038,810    
Series 2003 NN,
Insured: MBIA 
5.250% 07/01/19
    500,000       475,830    
PR Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority  
Series 1997 BB,
Insured: MBIA 
6.000% 07/01/11
    5,000,000       5,197,100    
Municipal Electric Total     8,743,600    
Water & Sewer – 5.1%  
NY Municipal Water Finance Authority  
Series 2001 D,
5.125% 06/15/19
    4,000,000       4,066,440    
Series 2002,  
Insured: FSA
5.375% 06/15/16
    5,000,000       5,232,200    
NY Onondaga County Water Authority  
Series 2005 A:
Insured: AMBAC: 
5.000% 09/15/22
    895,000       887,876    
5.000% 09/15/23     940,000       930,224    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


89



Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
NY Rensselaer County Water Service &
Sewer Authority
 
Series 2008:
5.100% 09/01/28
    1,155,000       1,021,852    
5.100% 09/01/28     1,060,000       937,803    
NY Western Nassau County Water Authority  
Series 2005,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.000% 05/01/22
    1,765,000       1,721,034    
Water & Sewer Total     14,797,429    
Utilities Total     23,541,029    
Total Municipal Bonds
(cost of $297,374,549)
    288,608,834    
Investment Company – 0.1%  
    Shares      
Dreyfus Tax-Exempt Cash
Management Fund  
(7 day yield of 2.260%)
    172,802       172,802    
Total Investment Company
(cost of $172,802)
    172,802    
Total Investments – 98.9%
(cost of $297,605,917) (e)
    288,781,636    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net – 1.1%     3,229,117    
Net Assets – 100.0%     292,010,753    

 

Notes to Investment Portfolio:

(a)  Zero coupon bond.

(b)  The interest rate shown on floating rate or variable rate securities reflects the rate at October 31, 2008.

(c)  The Fund has been informed that each issuer has placed direct obligations of the U.S. Government in an irrevocable trust, solely for the payment of principal and interest.

(d)  Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At October 31, 2008, these securities, which are not illiquid, amounted to $2,716,625, which represents 0.9% of net assets.

(e)  Cost for federal income tax purposes is $297,547,352.

At October 31, 2008, the composition of the Fund by revenue source is as follows:

Holdings By Revenue Source (Unaudited)   % of
Net Assets
 
Tax-Backed     39.9    
Refunded/Escrowed     18.7    
Education     8.7    
Utilities     8.1    
Transportation     7.9    
Health Care     5.6    
Other     4.7    
Other Revenue     2.8    
Housing     1.7    
Resource Recovery     0.5    
Industrials     0.2    
      98.8    
Investment Company     0.1    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net     1.1    
      100.0    

 

Acronym   Name  
AMBAC   Ambac Assurance Corp.  
CIFG   CIFG Assurance North America, Inc.  
FGIC   Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.  
FHA   Federal Housing Administration  
FSA   Financial Security Assurance, Inc.  
MBIA   MBIA Insurance Corp.  
RAD   Radian Asset Assurance, Inc.  
SONYMA   State of New York Mortgage Agency  
SYNC   Syncora Guarantee, Inc.  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


90



Investment PortfolioColumbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds – 96.7%  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Education – 16.7%  
Education – 15.6%  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical &
Environmental Control Facilities
 
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Inc.,
Series 1998 A, 
Insured: MBIA:
5.250% 10/01/12
    360,000       367,409    
5.375% 10/01/13     1,550,000       1,585,448    
5.500% 10/01/14     350,000       357,829    
RI Health & Educational Building Corp.  
Higher Education Facility:
Brown University: 
Series 2004 D,
Insured: SYNC
5.500% 08/15/16
    1,340,000       1,371,852    
Series 2007,
5.000% 09/01/18
    1,000,000       1,047,190    
Johnson & Wales:
Series 1999, 
Insured: MBIA:
5.500% 04/01/15
    1,000,000       1,039,340    
5.500% 04/01/17     1,000,000       1,025,670    
5.500% 04/01/18     1,420,000       1,439,724    
Series 2003,
Insured: SYNC
5.250% 04/01/16
    1,485,000       1,472,363    
New England Institute,
Series 2007, 
Insured: AMBAC
4.500% 03/01/26
    500,000       409,520    
Providence College,
Series 2003 A, 
Insured: SYNC
5.000% 11/01/24
    2,500,000       2,252,275    
Roger Williams College,
Series 1998, 
Insured: AMBAC
5.125% 11/15/14
    1,000,000       1,021,110    
Series 2003 A,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.000% 09/15/13
    1,040,000       1,090,502    
Series 2004 A,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.250% 09/15/20
    1,020,000       1,025,049    
Series 2004 D,
Insured: SYNC 
5.500% 08/15/17
    1,345,000       1,364,839    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
University of Rhode Island,
Series 1999, 
Insured: FSA
5.000% 11/01/19
    750,000       750,000    
Education Total     17,620,120    
Prep School – 1.1%  
RI Health & Educational Building Corp.  
Educational Institution Revenue,
Times2 Academy, 
Series 2004,
LOC: Citizens Bank
5.000% 12/15/24
    1,500,000       1,293,315    
Prep School Total     1,293,315    
Education Total     18,913,435    
Health Care – 1.8%  
Hospitals – 1.8%  
RI Health & Educational Building Corp.  
Rhode Island Hospital:
Series 2002, 
6.375% 08/15/21
    205,000       201,726    
Series 2006,  
Insured: FSA
5.000% 05/15/26
    2,000,000       1,854,360    
Hospitals Total     2,056,086    
Health Care Total     2,056,086    
Housing – 1.9%  
Assisted Living/Senior – 0.4%  
RI Health & Educational Building Corp.  
The Frassati Residence,
Series 1999 A, 
Pre-refunded 11/15/09,
LOC: Allied Irish Bank PLC
6.125% 11/15/18
    450,000       456,745    
Assisted Living/Senior Total     456,745    
Multi-Family – 1.0%  
PR Housing Finance Authority  
Series 2008,
5.000% 12/01/13
    800,000       833,456    
RI Housing & Mortgage Finance Corp.  
Multi-Family Housing:
Series 1995 A, 
Insured: AMBAC
6.150% 07/01/17
    80,000       80,048    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


91



Columbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 1997 A,
Insured: AMBAC
5.600% 07/01/10
    215,000       217,477    
Multi-Family Total     1,130,981    
Single-Family – 0.5%  
RI Providence Housing Authority  
Series 2008,
5.000% 09/01/24
    565,000       537,643    
Single-Family Total     537,643    
Housing Total     2,125,369    
Industrials – 0.4%  
Oil & Gas – 0.4%  
TN Energy Acquisition Corp.  
Series 2006,
5.250% 09/01/22
    600,000       437,178    
Oil & Gas Total     437,178    
Industrials Total     437,178    
Other – 26.9%  
Other – 1.3%  
RI Providence Housing Authority  
Series 2008:
5.000% 09/01/25
    590,000       558,459    
5.000% 09/01/26     310,000       291,831    
5.000% 09/01/27     690,000       644,425    
Other Total     1,494,715    
Pool/Bond Bank – 3.9%  
RI Clean Water Finance Agency Water
Pollution Control
 
Revolving Fund Pooled Loan:
Series 2006 A, 
4.500% 10/01/22
    1,000,000       929,640    
Series 2007 A,
4.750% 10/01/21
    1,000,000       993,760    
RI Clean Water Protection Finance Agency  
Safe Drinking Water Revolving,
Series 2004 A, 
Insured: MBIA
5.000% 10/01/18
    1,000,000       1,029,350    
Water Pollution Control Revenue, Revolving Fund,
Pooled Loan Association: 
Series 1999 A,
Insured: AMBAC
5.250% 10/01/16
    500,000       509,675    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2004 A,
4.750% 10/01/23
    1,000,000       980,070    
Pool/Bond Bank Total     4,442,495    
Refunded/Escrowed (a) – 20.5%  
RI & Providence Plantations  
Certificates of Participation,
Central Power Plants Project, 
Series 2000 C,
Pre-refunded 10/01/10,
5.375% 10/01/20
    1,000,000       1,055,380    
Series 2001 C,
Economically Defeased to Maturity, 
5.000% 09/01/11
    2,000,000       2,116,500    
RI Consolidated Capital Development Loan  
Series 1999 A,
Pre-refunded 09/01/09, 
Insured: FGIC
5.500% 09/01/15
    2,000,000       2,082,980    
RI Depositors Economic Protection Corp.  
Special Obligation:
Series 1993 A: 
Escrowed to Maturity:
Insured: FSA:
5.750% 08/01/14
    1,000,000       1,088,490    
5.750% 08/01/21     2,165,000       2,370,090    
Insured: MBIA
5.875% 08/01/11
    2,500,000       2,702,200    
Pre-refunded 08/01/13,
Insured: FSA
5.750% 08/01/14
    2,105,000       2,330,193    
Series 1993 B:
Escrowed to Maturity,
Insured: MBIA
5.800% 08/01/12
    1,000,000       1,092,360    
Pre-refunded 02/01/11,
Insured: MBIA
5.250% 08/01/21
    250,000       263,405    
RI Health & Educational Building Corp.  
Higher Education Facility,
University of Rhode Island, 
Series 2000 B,
Pre-refunded 09/15/10,
Insured: AMBAC:
5.500% 09/15/20
    2,000,000       2,131,300    
5.700% 09/15/30     2,250,000       2,405,903    
Hospital Financing Lifespan,
Series 2002, 
Pre-refunded 08/15/12,
6.375% 08/15/21
    1,295,000       1,429,317    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


92



Columbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
RI North Kingstown  
Series 1999,
Pre-refunded 10/01/09, 
Insured: FGIC:
5.600% 10/01/16
    995,000       1,040,213    
5.750% 10/01/19     500,000       523,395    
RI South Kingstown  
Series 2000,
Pre-refunded 06/15/10, 
Insured: FGIC
6.250% 06/15/19
    500,000       536,315    
Refunded/Escrowed Total     23,168,041    
Tobacco – 1.2%  
RI Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp.  
Rhode Island Revenue, Asset Backed,
Series 2002 A, 
6.000% 06/01/23
    1,455,000       1,294,979    
Tobacco Total     1,294,979    
Other Total     30,400,230    
Tax-Backed – 37.2%  
Local Appropriated – 11.3%  
RI Health & Educational Building Corp.  
Series 2006 A,
Insured: FSA 
5.000% 05/15/23
    2,000,000       1,937,700    
Series 2007 A,
Insured: FSA 
5.000% 05/15/22
    2,000,000       1,950,600    
Series 2007 C,
Insured: FSA 
5.000% 05/15/21
    3,000,000       2,954,400    
RI Providence Public Building Authority  
School & Public Facilities Project:
Series 1998 A, 
Insured: FSA
5.250% 12/15/14
    1,500,000       1,533,600    
Series 1999 A,
Insured: AMBAC:
5.125% 12/15/14
    500,000       519,040    
5.375% 12/15/11     2,035,000       2,129,037    
RI Smithfield  
Lease Participation Certificates,
Wastewater Treatment Facility Loan, 
Series 2003 A,
Insured: MBIA:
5.000% 11/15/11
    810,000       848,273    
5.000% 11/15/12     855,000       896,331    
Local Appropriated Total     12,768,981    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Local General Obligations – 15.4%  
IL Will County  
Community Unit School District,
Number 365 U Valley View, 
Series 1999 B,
Insured: FSA
(b) 11/01/10
    2,000,000       1,876,960    
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Municipal
Finance Agency
 
Series 1997 A,
Insured: FSA 
5.500% 07/01/17
    75,000       75,223    
RI City of Cranston  
Series 2005,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.000% 07/15/15
    2,280,000       2,355,468    
Series 2008,
Insured: FSA: 
4.750% 07/01/26
    900,000       844,587    
4.750% 07/01/27     945,000       879,568    
4.750% 07/01/28     990,000       911,424    
RI Coventry  
Series 2002,
Insured: AMBAC: 
5.000% 06/15/21
    750,000       752,910    
5.000% 06/15/22     750,000       750,502    
RI Exeter West Greenwich Regional School
District
 
Series 1997,
Insured: MBIA 
5.400% 11/15/10
    1,000,000       1,002,100    
RI Johnston  
Series 2004,
Insured: SYNC 
5.250% 06/01/19
    525,000       527,520    
Series 2005,
Insured: FSA: 
4.750% 06/01/21
    390,000       394,005    
4.750% 06/01/22     405,000       407,260    
4.750% 06/01/23     425,000       426,173    
4.750% 06/01/24     445,000       444,982    
4.750% 06/01/25     460,000       456,854    
Various Purpose,
Series 2004, 
Insured: SYNC
5.250% 06/01/20
    555,000       552,358    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


93



Columbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
RI Providence  
Series 1997,
Insured: FSA 
5.450% 01/15/10
    500,000       502,760    
Series 2001 C,
Insured: FGIC 
5.500% 01/15/13
    1,890,000       1,995,254    
RI Warwick  
Series 2008,
Insured: FSA 
4.000% 08/01/16
    1,000,000       989,570    
RI Woonsocket  
Series 2005,
Insured: AMBAC 
4.250% 03/01/25
    550,000       456,665    
WA Seattle  
Series 1998 E,  
Insured: FSA
(b) 12/15/12
    1,000,000       850,920    
Local General Obligations Total     17,453,063    
Special Non-Property Tax – 2.5%  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Infrastructure Financing Authority
 
Series 2005 C,
Insured: AMBAC 
5.500% 07/01/23
    1,000,000       935,850    
RI Economic Development Corp.  
Series 2000,
Insured: RAD 
6.125% 07/01/20
    900,000       886,302    
RI Convention Center Authority Revenue  
Series 2005 A,
Insured: FSA 
5.000% 05/15/23
    1,005,000       991,704    
Special Non-Property Tax Total     2,813,856    
State Appropriated – 0.8%  
RI Economic Development Corp.  
Economic Development Revenue,
East Greenwich Free Library Association, 
Series 2004:
4.500% 06/15/09
    100,000       99,352    
4.500% 06/15/14     245,000       232,407    
5.750% 06/15/24     415,000       357,000    
RI Health & Educational Building Corp.  
Series 2007 B,
Insured: AMBAC 
4.250% 05/15/19
    250,000       232,487    
State Appropriated Total     921,246    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
State General Obligations – 7.2%  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico  
Capital Appreciation,
Series 1998, 
Insured: MBIA:
(b) 07/01/14
    3,500,000       2,575,020    
6.000% 07/01/16     250,000       257,713    
Series 2006 A,
5.250% 07/01/23
    250,000       227,990    
RI & Providence Plantations  
Series 2005 A,
Insured: FSA 
5.000% 08/01/17
    2,000,000       2,078,880    
Series 2006 A,
Insured: FSA 
4.500% 08/01/20
    2,000,000       1,920,740    
Series 2006 C,
Isured: MBIA 
5.000% 11/15/18
    1,000,000       1,030,540    
State General Obligations Total     8,090,883    
Tax-Backed Total     42,048,029    
Transportation – 4.7%  
Airports – 2.6%  
RI Economic Development Corp.  
Rhode Island Airport Corp.,
Series 2008 C, 
Insured: AGO
5.000% 07/01/17
    2,245,000       2,282,761    
Series 1998 B,
Insured: FSA 
5.000% 07/01/23
    685,000       658,778    
Airports Total     2,941,539    
Transportation – 2.1%  
RI Economic Development Corp.  
Grant Anticipation Note,
Rhode Island Department Transportation, 
Series 2003 C,
Insured: FSA
5.000% 06/15/14
    2,225,000       2,334,604    
Transportation Total     2,334,604    
Transportation Total     5,276,143    
Utilities – 7.1%  
Municipal Electric – 1.1%  
PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Electric
Power Authority
 
Series 1998 EE,
Insured: MBIA 
5.250% 07/01/15
    500,000       504,300    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


94



Columbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

October 31, 2008

Municipal Bonds (continued)  
    Par ($)   Value ($)  
Series 2003 NN,
Insured: MBIA 
5.250% 07/01/19
    750,000       713,745    
Municipal Electric Total     1,218,045    
Water & Sewer – 6.0%  
RI Bristol County Water Authority Revenue  
Series 1997 A,
Insured: MBIA 
5.000% 07/01/16
    500,000       500,500    
RI Kent County Water Authority  
Series 2002 A,
Insured: MBIA: 
5.000% 07/15/15
    750,000       770,708    
5.000% 07/15/16     1,265,000       1,294,297    
RI Narragansett Bay Commission Wastewater
System Revenue
 
Series 2005 A,
Insured: MBIA 
5.000% 08/01/26
    2,500,000       2,378,300    
RI Narragansett Bay Commission  
Series 2007 A,
5.000% 02/01/32
    2,000,000       1,832,740    
Water & Sewer Total     6,776,545    
Utilities Total     7,994,590    
Total Municipal Bonds
(cost of $111,633,743)
    109,251,060    
Investment Company – 0.5%  
    Shares      
Dreyfus Tax-Exempt Cash
Management Fund  
(7 day yield of 2.260%)
    612,398       612,398    
Total Investment Company
(cost of $612,398)
    612,398    
Short-Term Obligations – 0.3%  
    Par ($)      
Variable Rate Demand Notes (c) – 0.3%  
CT Health & Educational Facilities
Authority
 
Yale University,
Series 2005 Y-2, 
0.700% 07/01/35
    100,000       100,000    

 

    Par ($)   Value ($)  
WI University Hospitals & Clinics Authority  
Series 2008 B,
LOC: U.S. Bank N.A. 
1.200% 04/01/34
    200,000       200,000    
Variable Rate Demand Notes Total     300,000    
Total Short-Term Obligations
(cost of $300,000)
    300,000    
Total Investments – 97.5%
(cost of $112,600,889) (d)
    110,163,458    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net – 2.5%     2,811,678    
Net Assets – 100.0%     112,975,136    

 

Notes to Investment Portfolio:

(a)  The Fund has been informed that each issuer has placed direct obligations of the U.S. Government in an irrevocable trust, solely for the payment of principal and interest.

(b)  Zero Coupon Bond.

(c)  Variable rate demand note. These securities are payable upon demand and are secured by letters of credit or other credit support agreements from banks. The interest rates change periodically and the interest rates shown reflect the rate at October 31, 2008.

(d)  Cost for federal income tax purposes is $112,546,141.

At October 31, 2008, the composition of the Fund by revenue source is as follows:

Holdings By Revenue Source (Unaudited)   % of
Net Assets
 
Tax-Backed     37.2    
Refunded/Escrowed     20.5    
Education     16.7    
Utilities     7.1    
Other     6.4    
Transportation     4.7    
Housing     1.9    
Health Care     1.8    
Industrials     0.4    
      96.7    
Investment Company     0.5    
Short-Term Obligations     0.3    
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net     2.5    
      100.0    

 

Acronym   Name  
AMBAC   Ambac Assurance Corp.  
AGO   Assured Guaranty Corp.  
FGIC   Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.  
FSA   Financial Security Assurance, Inc.  
LOC   Letter of Credit  
MBIA   MBIA Insurance Corp.  
RAD   Radian Asset Assurance, Inc.  
SYNC   Syncora Guarantee, Inc.  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


95




Statements of Assets and LiabilitiesColumbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds
October 31, 2008

    ($)   ($)   ($)  
    Columbia
Connecticut
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
  Columbia
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
  Columbia
Massachusetts
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
 
Assets  
Investments, at cost     205,098,173       2,460,310,931       309,049,797    
Investments, at value     197,710,829       2,360,639,855       300,497,738    
Cash     7,354,152       32,180,000       10,388,201    
Receivable for:  
Fund shares sold     439,840       1,609,084       996,868    
Interest     2,709,656       38,117,024       4,242,091    
Trustees' deferred compensation plan     19,670       99,229       28,134    
Expense reimbursement due from investment advisor     71,232       113,714       112,790    
Other assets     409       23,734       695    
Total Assets     208,305,788       2,432,782,640       316,266,517    
Liabilities  
Payable for:  
Investments purchased on a delayed delivery basis                    
Fund shares repurchased     117,737       4,901,359       279,910    
Distributions     607,425       7,898,668       871,646    
Investment advisory fee     82,692       851,804       126,373    
Administration fee     11,542       131,096       17,640    
Transfer agent fee     10,996       34,878       5,095    
Pricing and bookkeeping fees     6,979       28,375       10,856    
Trustees' fees     519       252,454       391    
Distribution and service fees     10,616       24,032       11,101    
Custody fee     2,151       11,744       2,423    
Chief compliance officer expenses     56       89       60    
Trustees' deferred compensation plan     19,670       99,229       28,134    
Other liabilities     55,279       159,084       58,942    
Total Liabilities     925,662       14,392,812       1,412,571    
Net Assets     207,380,126       2,418,389,828       314,853,946    
Net Assets Consist of  
Paid-in capital     215,170,105       2,523,201,113       323,680,545    
Undistributed net investment income     110,661       1,687,001       53,337    
Accumulated net realized loss     (513,296 )     (6,827,210 )     (327,877 )  
Net unrealized depreciation on investments     (7,387,344 )     (99,671,076 )     (8,552,059 )  
Net Assets     207,380,126       2,418,389,828       314,853,946    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


96



    ($)   ($)   ($)  
    Columbia
New Jersey
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
  Columbia
New York
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
  Columbia
Rhode Island
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
 
Assets  
Investments, at cost     66,149,020       297,605,917       112,600,889    
Investments, at value     64,214,100       288,781,636       110,163,458    
Cash     1,919,909       49,898       1,875,239    
Receivable for:  
Fund shares sold     3,835       9,630       1,138    
Interest     909,483       4,497,153       1,515,041    
Trustees' deferred compensation plan     12,770       16,813       16,861    
Expense reimbursement due from investment advisor     32,231       128,868       32,637    
Other assets     138       7,338       248    
Total Assets     67,092,466       293,491,336       113,604,622    
Liabilities  
Payable for:  
Investments purchased on a delayed delivery basis     500,000                
Fund shares repurchased     88,893       333,518       148,551    
Distributions     192,023       875,026       351,713    
Investment advisory fee     26,654       119,544       45,666    
Administration fee     3,720       11,692       6,374    
Transfer agent fee     5,943       2,143       2,642    
Pricing and bookkeeping fees     6,021       11,156       5,825    
Trustees' fees     471             613    
Distribution and service fees     3,698       5,194       1,490    
Custody fee     1,149       2,456       1,782    
Chief compliance officer expenses     55       46       56    
Trustees' deferred compensation plan     12,770       16,813       16,861    
Other liabilities     51,311       102,995       47,913    
Total Liabilities     892,708       1,480,583       629,486    
Net Assets     66,199,758       292,010,753       112,975,136    
Net Assets Consist of  
Paid-in capital     68,228,594       301,657,110       115,543,237    
Undistributed net investment income     12,045       105,523       33,654    
Accumulated net realized loss     (105,961 )     (927,599 )     (164,324 )  
Net unrealized depreciation on investments     (1,934,920 )     (8,824,281 )     (2,437,431 )  
Net Assets     66,199,758       292,010,753       112,975,136    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


97



Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds
October 31, 2008

    Columbia
Connecticut
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
  Columbia
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
  Columbia
Massachusetts
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
 
Class A  
Net assets   $ 12,115,136     $ 78,125,852     $ 11,935,782    
Shares outstanding     1,204,627       8,124,106       1,205,245    
Net asset value per share (a)   $ 10.06     $ 9.62     $ 9.90    
Maximum sales charge     3.25 %     3.25 %     3.25 %  
Maximum offering price per share (b)   $ 10.40     $ 9.94     $ 10.23    
Class B  
Net assets   $ 2,527,914     $ 5,873,828     $ 1,439,786    
Shares outstanding     251,356       610,804       145,382    
Net asset value and offering price per share (a)   $ 10.06     $ 9.62     $ 9.90    
Class C  
Net assets   $ 6,203,245     $ 12,625,355     $ 4,036,418    
Shares outstanding     616,807       1,312,843       407,586    
Net asset value and offering price per share (a)   $ 10.06     $ 9.62     $ 9.90    
Class T  
Net assets   $ 17,461,346     $ 10,786,481     $ 37,689,289    
Shares outstanding     1,736,218       1,121,665       3,805,732    
Net asset value per share (a)   $ 10.06     $ 9.62     $ 9.90    
Maximum sales charge     4.75 %     4.75 %     4.75 %  
Maximum offering price per share (b)   $ 10.56     $ 10.10     $ 10.39    
Class Z  
Net assets   $ 169,072,485     $ 2,310,978,312     $ 259,752,671    
Shares outstanding     16,811,281       240,313,634       26,228,708    
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share   $ 10.06     $ 9.62     $ 9.90    

 

(a)  Redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.

(b)  On sales of $50,000 or more the offering price is reduced.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


98



    Columbia
New Jersey
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
  Columbia
New York
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
  Columbia
Rhode Island
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
 
Class A  
Net assets   $ 3,511,628     $ 4,199,809     $ 3,246,722    
Shares outstanding     367,657       380,894       308,505    
Net asset value per share (a)   $ 9.55     $ 11.03     $ 10.52    
Maximum sales charge     3.25 %     3.25 %     3.25 %  
Maximum offering price per share (b)   $ 9.87     $ 11.40     $ 10.87    
Class B  
Net assets   $ 1,150,045     $ 1,502,896     $ 306,778    
Shares outstanding     120,407       136,308       29,149    
Net asset value and offering price per share (a)   $ 9.55     $ 11.03     $ 10.52    
Class C  
Net assets   $ 2,582,102     $ 2,648,638     $ 917,590    
Shares outstanding     270,341       240,224       87,188    
Net asset value and offering price per share (a)   $ 9.55     $ 11.03     $ 10.52    
Class T  
Net assets   $ 3,847,610     $ 11,520,000     $ 9,011,096    
Shares outstanding     402,837       1,044,803       856,215    
Net asset value per share (a)   $ 9.55     $ 11.03     $ 10.52    
Maximum sales charge     4.75 %     4.75 %     4.75 %  
Maximum offering price per share (b)   $ 10.03     $ 11.58     $ 11.04    
Class Z  
Net assets   $ 55,108,373     $ 272,139,410     $ 99,492,950    
Shares outstanding     5,769,571       24,681,675       9,453,797    
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share   $ 9.55     $ 11.03     $ 10.52    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


99



Statements of OperationsColumbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds
For the Year Ended October 31, 2008

    ($)   ($)   ($)  
    Columbia
Connecticut
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
  Columbia
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
  Columbia
Massachusetts
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
 
Investment Income  
Interest     8,163,191       109,304,909       13,958,095    
Dividends     68,223       310,630       39,679    
Total Investment Income     8,231,414       109,615,539       13,997,774    
Expenses  
Investment advisory fee     906,107       10,098,828       1,570,491    
Administration fee     126,477       1,647,626       219,214    
Distribution fee:  
Class B     20,449       45,999       11,635    
Class C     40,836       73,802       29,860    
Service fee:  
Class A     12,990       170,966       22,309    
Class B     6,816       14,154       3,879    
Class C     13,612       22,708       9,953    
Shareholder service fee—Class T     28,331       18,582       61,598    
Transfer agent fee     35,034       126,083       40,591    
Pricing and bookkeeping fees     84,939       236,697       112,432    
Trustees' fees     19,444       102,010       27,089    
Custody fee     13,329       76,407       16,869    
Audit fee     40,584       44,888       39,765    
Registration fees     44,312       18,617       46,734    
Reports to shareholders     26,775       121,354       54,203    
Chief compliance officer expenses     611       397       679    
Other expenses     41,968       280,353       63,264    
Total Expenses     1,462,614       13,099,471       2,330,565    
Fees waived by Distributor—Class C     (19,057 )     (51,094 )     (13,935 )  
Fees waived or expenses reimbursed by investment advisor     (391,465 )     (438,887 )     (550,364 )  
Expense reductions     (4,254 )     (17,079 )     (5,042 )  
Net Expenses     1,047,838       12,592,411       1,761,224    
Net Investment Income     7,183,576       97,023,128       12,236,550    
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Futures Contracts  
Net realized gain (loss) on:  
Investments     (186,751 )     (2,117,724 )     (286,416 )  
Futures contracts     35,641       509,427       71,114    
Net realized gain (loss)     (151,110 )     (1,608,297 )     (215,302 )  
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments     (11,312,779 )     (152,317,172 )     (14,469,234 )  
Net Loss     (11,463,889 )     (153,925,469 )     (14,684,536 )  
Net Decrease Resulting from Operations     (4,280,313 )     (56,902,341 )     (2,447,986 )  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


100



    ($)   ($)   ($)  
    Columbia
New Jersey
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
  Columbia
New York
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
  Columbia
Rhode Island
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
 
Investment Income  
Interest     2,991,738       9,599,553       5,278,247    
Dividends     21,558       80,589       19,351    
Total Investment Income     3,013,296       9,680,142       5,297,598    
Expenses  
Investment advisory fee     321,252       1,098,000       563,862    
Administration fee     44,841       153,263       78,706    
Distribution fee:  
Class B     8,926       12,570       2,731    
Class C     20,072       16,157       6,673    
Service fee:  
Class A     8,076       9,128       6,607    
Class B     2,975       4,190       910    
Class C     6,691       5,386       2,225    
Shareholder service fee—Class T     6,407       19,158          
Transfer agent fee     10,058       16,904       8,112    
Pricing and bookkeeping fees     68,629       97,902       71,028    
Trustees' fees     16,591       19,970       18,926    
Custody fee     7,332       13,681       8,739    
Audit fee     35,039       37,539       27,692    
Registration fees     50,471       42,049       50,867    
Reports to shareholders     36,631       32,628       37,943    
Chief compliance officer expenses     1,850       637       644    
Other expenses     31,713       43,830       40,234    
Total Expenses     677,554       1,622,992       925,899    
Fees waived by Distributor—Class C     (9,367 )     (7,540 )     (3,114 )  
Fees waived or expenses reimbursed by investment advisor     (287,592 )     (409,913 )     (318,052 )  
Expense reductions     (2,177 )     (2,738 )     (1,351 )  
Net Expenses     378,418       1,202,801       603,382    
Net Investment Income     2,634,878       8,477,341       4,694,216    
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Futures Contracts  
Net realized gain (loss) on:  
Investments     (33,551 )     82,797       35,120    
Futures contracts     7,826       88,584       52,107    
Net realized gain (loss)     (25,725 )     171,381       87,227    
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments     (3,624,737 )     (14,173,089 )     (5,799,586 )  
Net Loss     (3,650,462 )     (14,001,708 )     (5,712,359 )  
Net Decrease Resulting from Operations     (1,015,584 )     (5,524,367 )     (1,018,143 )  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


101



Statements of Changes in Net AssetsColumbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   Columbia
Connecticut Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund
  Columbia
Intermediate Municipal
Bond Fund
  Columbia
Massachusetts Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund
 
    Year Ended October 31,   Year Ended October 31,   Year Ended October 31,  
    2008 ($)   2007 ($)(a)   2008 ($)   2007 ($)(a)   2008 ($)   2007 ($)(a)  
Operations  
Net investment income     7,183,576       6,071,967       97,023,128       93,589,626       12,236,550       10,794,258    
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and futures contracts     (151,110 )     (187,880 )     (1,608,297 )     (2,783,084 )     (215,302 )     (35,730 )  
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on investments and futures contracts
    (11,312,779 )     (2,126,416 )     (152,317,172 )     (37,328,481 )     (14,469,234 )     (4,006,310 )  
Net increase (decrease) resulting from operations     (4,280,313 )     3,757,671       (56,902,341 )     53,478,061       (2,447,986 )     6,752,218    
Distributions to Shareholders  
From net investment income:  
Class A     (185,224 )     (221,167 )     (3,212,569 )     (3,590,205 )     (314,030 )     (239,582 )  
Class B     (77,931 )     (89,048 )     (220,033 )     (311,961 )     (43,078 )     (48,474 )  
Class C     (174,326 )     (161,046 )     (403,945 )     (383,603 )     (124,485 )     (130,631 )  
Class G           (4,699 )           (8,311 )              
Class T     (700,158 )     (719,048 )     (471,517 )     (524,380 )     (1,488,651 )     (1,484,630 )  
Class Z     (6,041,271 )     (4,872,905 )     (92,703,384 )     (88,757,531 )     (10,255,310 )     (8,879,772 )  
From net realized gains:  
Class A                             (2,176 )     (9,667 )  
Class B                             (493 )     (2,997 )  
Class C                             (1,189 )     (6,186 )  
Class G                                      
Class T                             (12,944 )     (60,217 )  
Class Z                             (81,124 )     (315,886 )  
Total distributions to shareholders     (7,178,910 )     (6,067,913 )     (97,011,448 )     (93,575,991 )     (12,323,480 )     (11,178,042 )  
Net Capital Share Transactions     49,942,836       (8,550,319 )     242,880,150       (104,062,727 )     20,163,292       1,020,774    
Net increase (decrease) in net assets     38,483,613       (10,860,561 )     88,966,361       (144,160,657 )     5,391,826       (3,405,050 )  
Net Assets  
Beginning of period     168,896,513       179,757,074       2,329,423,467       2,473,584,124       309,462,120       312,867,170    
End of period     207,380,126       168,896,513       2,418,389,828       2,329,423,467       314,853,946       309,462,120    
Undistributed net investment income at end of period     110,661       105,995       1,687,001       1,685,066       53,337       81,822    

 

(a)  Class G shares reflect activity for the period November 1, 2006 through August 8, 2007.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


102



Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   Columbia
New Jersey Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund
  Columbia
New York Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund
  Columbia
Rhode Island Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund
 
    Year Ended October 31,   Year Ended October 31,   Year Ended October 31,  
    2008 ($)   2007 ($)(a)   2008 ($)   2007 ($)(a)   2008 ($)   2007 ($)(a)  
Operations  
Net investment income     2,634,878       2,191,916       8,477,341       5,103,588       4,694,216       4,310,429    
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and futures contracts     (25,725 )     (27,600 )     171,381       (164,109 )     87,227       (137,368 )  
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on investments and futures contracts
    (3,624,737 )     (941,095 )     (14,173,089 )     (1,546,738 )     (5,799,586 )     (1,435,450 )  
Net increase (decrease) resulting from operations     (1,015,584 )     1,223,221       (5,524,367 )     3,392,741       (1,018,143 )     2,737,611    
Distributions to Shareholders  
From net investment income:  
Class A     (120,967 )     (59,353 )     (125,808 )     (66,446 )     (98,502 )     (36,834 )  
Class B     (35,740 )     (35,800 )     (46,205 )     (63,508 )     (10,936 )     (9,696 )  
Class C     (89,601 )     (93,272 )     (66,602 )     (59,691 )     (29,824 )     (28,953 )  
Class G           (2,832 )           (1,178 )           (5,025 )  
Class T     (164,338 )     (177,311 )     (460,687 )     (475,447 )     (405,504 )     (414,923 )  
Class Z     (2,221,145 )     (1,820,231 )     (7,763,230 )     (4,422,216 )     (4,140,499 )     (3,806,250 )  
From net realized gains:  
Class A           (6,577 )           (424 )           (852 )  
Class B           (5,016 )           (636 )           (322 )  
Class C           (12,375 )           (534 )           (1,056 )  
Class G           (468 )           (13 )           (218 )  
Class T           (17,794 )           (3,130 )           (10,689 )  
Class Z           (168,325 )           (25,713 )           (94,135 )  
Total distributions to shareholders     (2,631,791 )     (2,399,354 )     (8,462,532 )     (5,118,936 )     (4,685,265 )     (4,408,953 )  
Net Capital Share Transactions     4,365,783       2,390,694       156,314,790       9,222,957       2,055,992       (514,528 )  
Net increase (decrease) in net assets     718,408       1,214,561       142,327,891       7,496,762       (3,647,416 )     (2,185,870 )  
Net Assets  
Beginning of period     65,481,350       64,266,789       149,682,862       142,186,100       116,622,552       118,808,422    
End of period     66,199,758       65,481,350       292,010,753       149,682,862       112,975,136       116,622,552    
Undistributed net investment income at end of period     12,045       14,116       105,523       90,714       33,654       34,262    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


103



Statements of Changes in Net AssetsCapital Stock Activity

    Columbia Connecticut Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund
  Columbia Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund
 
    Year Ended
October 31, 2008
  Year Ended
October 31, 2007(a)
  Year Ended
October 31, 2008
  Year Ended
October 31, 2007(a)
 
    Shares   Dollars ($)   Shares   Dollars ($)   Shares   Dollars ($)   Shares   Dollars ($)  
Class A  
Subscriptions     1,185,308       12,291,366       70,687       750,054       762,780       7,762,097       466,598       4,797,538    
Distributions reinvested     4,962       51,874       15,189       161,786       173,229       1,747,705       187,556       1,924,113    
Redemptions     (227,141 )     (2,261,436 )     (549,110 )     (5,827,852 )     (1,610,469 )     (16,315,353 )     (1,761,936 )     (18,107,865 )  
Net increase (decrease)     963,129       10,081,804       (463,234 )     (4,916,012 )     (674,460 )     (6,805,551 )     (1,107,782 )     (11,386,214 )  
Class B  
Subscriptions     21,982       231,632       4,146       44,024       88,019       893,475       65,681       682,730    
Distributions reinvested     3,865       40,566       4,433       47,223       11,362       114,716       15,231       156,440    
Redemptions     (34,946 )     (367,132 )     (114,223 )     (1,214,383 )     (284,480 )     (2,885,009 )     (459,808 )     (4,718,398 )  
Net decrease     (9,099 )     (94,934 )     (105,644 )     (1,123,136 )     (185,099 )     (1,876,818 )     (378,896 )     (3,879,228 )  
Class C  
Subscriptions     180,356       1,891,276       64,598       685,578       449,462       4,531,183       64,354       658,502    
Distributions reinvested     9,221       96,685       9,076       96,626       13,458       135,457       13,262       136,037    
Redemptions     (42,709 )     (452,885 )     (201,639 )     (2,153,612 )     (178,240 )     (1,794,071 )     (185,134 )     (1,902,511 )  
Net increase (decrease)     146,868       1,535,076       (127,965 )     (1,371,408 )     284,680       2,872,569       (107,518 )     (1,107,972 )  
Class G  
Subscriptions                                         88       900    
Distributions reinvested                 172       1,834                   339       3,494    
Redemptions                 (23,711 )     (249,786 )                 (39,766 )     (403,992 )  
Net decrease                 (23,539 )     (247,952 )                 (39,339 )     (399,598 )  
Class T  
Subscriptions     3,148       33,324       23,320       245,334       3,613       36,386       36,584       370,436    
Distributions reinvested     42,273       443,744       42,878       456,660       37,544       379,009       41,340       424,089    
Redemptions     (168,431 )     (1,773,397 )     (313,491 )     (3,337,280 )     (208,373 )     (2,091,503 )     (233,032 )     (2,390,051 )  
Net decrease     (123,010 )     (1,296,329 )     (247,293 )     (2,635,286 )     (167,216 )     (1,676,108 )     (155,108 )     (1,595,526 )  
Class Z  
Subscriptions     5,907,090       62,290,945       2,029,787       21,592,099       33,179,886       336,944,459       31,387,219       322,058,299    
Issued in connection with merger                             36,795,116       374,435,646                
Distributions reinvested     28,221       296,980       24,222       257,615       436,777       4,405,036       373,785       3,833,674    
Redemptions     (2,189,985 )     (22,870,706 )     (1,888,346 )     (20,106,239 )     (46,154,154 )     (465,419,083 )     (40,141,309 )     (411,586,162 )  
Net increase (decrease)     3,745,326       39,717,219       165,663       1,743,475       24,257,625       250,366,058       (8,380,305 )     (85,694,189 )  

 

(a)  Class G shares reflect activity for the period November 1, 2006 through August 8, 2007.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


104



    Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund
 
    Year Ended
October 31, 2008
  Year Ended
October 31, 2007(a)
 
    Shares   Dollars ($)   Shares   Dollars ($)  
Class A  
Subscriptions     746,892       7,714,968       219,378       2,273,585    
Distributions reinvested     23,747       243,505       17,148       177,949    
Redemptions     (233,450 )     (2,432,020 )     (292,570 )     (3,038,288 )  
Net increase (decrease)     537,189       5,526,453       (56,044 )     (586,754 )  
Class B  
Subscriptions     8,569       88,446       124       1,284    
Distributions reinvested     3,201       32,942       3,706       38,482    
Redemptions     (25,799 )     (262,951 )     (82,134 )     (856,265 )  
Net decrease     (14,029 )     (141,563 )     (78,304 )     (816,499 )  
Class C  
Subscriptions     88,218       919,403       66,732       694,335    
Distributions reinvested     6,745       69,379       7,921       82,241    
Redemptions     (53,759 )     (557,837 )     (181,998 )     (1,875,590 )  
Net increase (decrease)     41,204       430,945       (107,345 )     (1,099,014 )  
Class G  
Subscriptions                          
Distributions reinvested                 1,490       15,489    
Redemptions                 (76,064 )     (777,966 )  
Net decrease                 (74,574 )     (762,477 )  
Class T  
Subscriptions     50,579       529,883       118,337       1,217,166    
Distributions reinvested     114,142       1,174,651       115,738       1,200,953    
Redemptions     (462,260 )     (4,732,706 )     (586,906 )     (6,100,434 )  
Net decrease     (297,539 )     (3,028,172 )     (352,831 )     (3,682,315 )  
Class Z  
Subscriptions     5,714,637       59,383,887       4,928,447       51,060,834    
Issued in connection with merger                          
Distributions reinvested     34,748       358,484       32,388       337,150    
Redemptions     (4,124,569 )     (42,366,742 )     (4,188,713 )     (43,430,151 )  
Net increase (decrease)     1,624,816       17,375,629       772,122       7,967,833    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


105



Statements of Changes in Net AssetsCapital Stock Activity

    Columbia New Jersey Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund
  Columbia New York Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund
 
    Year Ended
October 31, 2008
  Year Ended
October 31, 2007(a)
  Year Ended
October 31, 2008
  Year Ended
October 31, 2007(a)
 
    Shares   Dollars ($)   Shares   Dollars ($)   Shares   Dollars ($)   Shares   Dollars ($)  
Class A  
Subscriptions     142,658       1,422,795       174,455       1,765,582       570,779       6,634,385       62,235       723,698    
Distributions reinvested     9,696       96,369       4,873       49,430       5,051       57,658       3,459       40,003    
Redemptions     (83,059 )     (831,945 )     (121,846 )     (1,243,208 )     (357,353 )     (4,064,654 )     (119,718 )     (1,392,066 )  
Net increase (decrease)     69,295       687,219       57,482       571,804       218,477       2,627,389       (54,024 )     (628,365 )  
Class B  
Subscriptions     22,224       224,718       12,325       126,791       8,981       103,898       619       7,201    
Distributions reinvested     2,575       25,611       3,001       30,443       2,402       27,485       3,293       38,110    
Redemptions     (28,859 )     (287,414 )     (38,785 )     (392,918 )     (31,378 )     (359,454 )     (101,384 )     (1,168,474 )  
Net increase (decrease)     (4,060 )     (37,085 )     (23,459 )     (235,684 )     (19,995 )     (228,071 )     (97,472 )     (1,123,163 )  
Class C  
Subscriptions     60,462       598,624       28,402       286,850       110,495       1,263,805       44,996       519,313    
Distributions reinvested     4,178       41,581       4,902       49,711       4,122       47,085       3,585       41,477    
Redemptions     (102,793 )     (1,035,802 )     (133,248 )     (1,361,688 )     (49,371 )     (573,490 )     (91,362 )     (1,057,987 )  
Net increase (decrease)     (38,153 )     (395,597 )     (99,944 )     (1,025,127 )     65,246       737,400       (42,781 )     (497,197 )  
Class G  
Subscriptions                                         86       1,000    
Distributions reinvested                 58       590                   100       1,157    
Redemptions                 (13,854 )     (138,370 )                 (4,985 )     (56,852 )  
Net decrease                 (13,796 )     (137,780 )                 (4,799 )     (54,695 )  
Class T  
Subscriptions     820       8,210       14,906       148,910       3,412       39,214       18,730       215,334    
Distributions reinvested     14,320       142,504       16,041       162,607       31,007       354,764       32,167       372,049    
Redemptions     (112,202 )     (1,133,079 )     (65,896 )     (665,774 )     (166,051 )     (1,898,291 )     (126,888 )     (1,462,098 )  
Net decrease     (97,062 )     (982,365 )     (34,949 )     (354,257 )     (131,632 )     (1,504,313 )     (75,991 )     (874,715 )  
Class Z  
Subscriptions     1,522,626       15,296,862       1,359,644       13,762,992       3,628,383       41,630,556       2,824,975       32,616,630    
Proceeds received in connection with merger                             12,980,728       149,608,565                
Distributions reinvested     9,733       97,004       9,626       97,630       63,950       729,833       28,982       335,240    
Redemptions     (1,030,214 )     (10,300,255 )     (1,017,606 )     (10,288,884 )     (3,292,910 )     (37,286,569 )     (1,775,616 )     (20,550,778 )  
Net increase     502,145       5,093,611       351,664       3,571,738       13,380,151       154,682,385       1,078,341       12,401,092    

 

(a)  Class G shares reflect activity for the period November 1, 2006 through August 8, 2007.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


106



    Columbia Rhode Island Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund
 
    Year Ended
October 31, 2008
  Year Ended
October 31, 2007(a)
 
    Shares   Dollars ($)   Shares   Dollars ($)  
Class A  
Subscriptions     221,465       2,462,390       26,619       296,135    
Distributions reinvested     8,407       91,495       2,945       32,609    
Redemptions     (23,685 )     (254,858 )     (14,590 )     (162,210 )  
Net increase (decrease)     206,187       2,299,027       14,974       166,534    
Class B  
Subscriptions     9,848       108,599       2,800       30,462    
Distributions reinvested     372       4,057       381       4,243    
Redemptions     (8,521 )     (92,835 )     (32,700 )     (366,122 )  
Net increase (decrease)     1,699       19,821       (29,519 )     (331,417 )  
Class C  
Subscriptions     21,192       235,053       1,998       22,237    
Distributions reinvested     1,224       13,350       1,285       14,258    
Redemptions     (9,937 )     (106,856 )     (50,415 )     (562,691 )  
Net increase (decrease)     12,479       141,547       (47,132 )     (526,196 )  
Class G  
Subscriptions                          
Distributions reinvested                 342       3,791    
Redemptions                 (21,641 )     (236,413 )  
Net decrease                 (21,299 )     (232,622 )  
Class T  
Subscriptions     4,397       48,210       32,289       354,246    
Distributions reinvested     26,726       292,153       29,701       329,084    
Redemptions     (157,222 )     (1,730,642 )     (139,784 )     (1,552,516 )  
Net decrease     (126,099 )     (1,390,279 )     (77,794 )     (869,186 )  
Class Z  
Subscriptions     1,061,333       11,690,278       1,058,954       11,730,539    
Proceeds received in connection with merger                          
Distributions reinvested     12,550       137,290       12,739       141,435    
Redemptions     (989,737 )     (10,841,692 )     (956,823 )     (10,593,615 )  
Net increase     84,146       985,876       114,870       1,278,359    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


107




Financial HighlightsColumbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class A Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.62     $ 10.76     $ 10.69     $ 11.04     $ 10.99    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.37       0.36       0.36       0.37       0.34    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.55 )     (0.15 )     0.07       (0.35 )     0.07    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.18 )     0.21       0.43       0.02       0.41    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.38 )     (0.35 )     (0.36 )     (0.37 )     (0.36 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 10.06     $ 10.62     $ 10.76     $ 10.69     $ 11.04    
Total return (b)     (1.80 )%(c)     2.03 %     4.13 %     0.15 %(c)     3.76 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     0.75 %     1.06 %     1.00 %     0.94 %     1.05 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.21 %                 %(e)        
Net investment income (d)     3.55 %     3.35 %     3.41 %     3.38 %     3.13 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     4 %     10 %     10 %     9 %     16 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 12,115     $ 2,566     $ 7,586     $ 10,701     $ 13,173    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


108



Financial HighlightsColumbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class B Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.62     $ 10.76     $ 10.69     $ 11.04     $ 10.99    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.30       0.28       0.28       0.29       0.26    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.56 )     (0.15 )     0.07       (0.35 )     0.06    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.26 )     0.13       0.35       (0.06 )     0.32    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.30 )     (0.27 )     (0.28 )     (0.29 )     (0.27 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 10.06     $ 10.62     $ 10.76     $ 10.69     $ 11.04    
Total return (b)     (2.52 )%(c)     1.27 %     3.35 %     (0.60 )%(c)     2.99 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     1.50 %     1.81 %     1.75 %     1.69 %     1.80 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.21 %                 %(e)        
Net investment income (d)     2.86 %     2.58 %     2.66 %     2.63 %     2.38 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     4 %     10 %     10 %     9 %     16 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 2,528     $ 2,767     $ 3,941     $ 5,039     $ 6,036    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


109



Financial HighlightsColumbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class C Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.62     $ 10.76     $ 10.69     $ 11.04     $ 10.99    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.34       0.31       0.32       0.32       0.30    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.56 )     (0.14 )     0.07       (0.35 )     0.06    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.22 )     0.17       0.39       (0.03 )     0.36    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.34 )     (0.31 )     (0.32 )     (0.32 )     (0.31 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 10.06     $ 10.62     $ 10.76     $ 10.69     $ 11.04    
Total return (b)(c)     (2.18 )%     1.63 %     3.72 %     (0.25 )%     3.35 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     1.15 %     1.46 %     1.40 %     1.34 %     1.45 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.56 %     0.35 %     0.35 %     0.35 %     0.35 %  
Net investment income (d)     3.20 %     2.93 %     3.01 %     2.98 %     2.73 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     4 %     10 %     10 %     9 %     16 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 6,203     $ 4,993     $ 6,436     $ 8,780     $ 11,408    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


110



Financial HighlightsColumbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class T Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.62     $ 10.76     $ 10.69     $ 11.04     $ 10.99    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.39       0.37       0.37       0.38       0.36    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.56 )     (0.15 )     0.07       (0.35 )     0.06    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.17 )     0.22       0.44       0.03       0.42    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.39 )     (0.36 )     (0.37 )     (0.38 )     (0.37 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 10.06     $ 10.62     $ 10.76     $ 10.69     $ 11.04    
Total return (b)     (1.68 )%(c)     2.14 %     4.23 %     0.25 %(c)     3.87 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     0.65 %     0.96 %     0.90 %     0.84 %     0.95 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.21 %                 %(e)        
Net investment income (d)     3.71 %     3.43 %     3.51 %     3.48 %     3.23 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     4 %     10 %     10 %     9 %     16 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 17,461     $ 19,753     $ 22,676     $ 25,418     $ 32,609    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


111



Financial HighlightsColumbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class Z Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.62     $ 10.76     $ 10.69     $ 11.04     $ 10.99    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.41       0.38       0.39       0.39       0.37    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.56 )     (0.14 )     0.07       (0.35 )     0.06    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.15 )     0.24       0.46       0.04       0.43    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.41 )     (0.38 )     (0.39 )     (0.39 )     (0.38 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 10.06     $ 10.62     $ 10.76     $ 10.69     $ 11.04    
Total return (b)     (1.53 )%(c)     2.29 %     4.39 %     0.40 %(c)     4.02 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     0.50 %     0.81 %     0.75 %     0.69 %     0.80 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.21 %                 %(e)        
Net investment income (d)     3.86 %     3.58 %     3.65 %     3.63 %     3.38 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     4 %     10 %     10 %     9 %     16 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 169,072     $ 138,817     $ 138,865     $ 134,144     $ 132,227    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


112



Financial HighlightsColumbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class A Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005 (a)   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.22     $ 10.39     $ 10.31     $ 10.72     $ 10.65    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (b)     0.38       0.38       0.38       0.38       0.38    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.60 )     (0.17 )     0.10       (0.33 )     0.08    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.22 )     0.21       0.48       0.05       0.46    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.38 )     (0.38 )     (0.38 )     (0.39 )     (0.38 )  
From net realized gains                 (0.02 )     (0.07 )     (0.01 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.38 )     (0.38 )     (0.40 )     (0.46 )     (0.39 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 9.62     $ 10.22     $ 10.39     $ 10.31     $ 10.72    
Total return (c)(d)     (2.25 )%     2.08 %     4.76 %     0.45 %     4.44 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (e)     0.70 %     0.70 %     0.70 %     0.81 %     0.93 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.02 %     0.02 %     0.05 %     0.01 %     %(f)  
Net investment income (e)     3.76 %     3.72 %     3.74 %     3.67 %     3.62 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     14 %     25 %     18 %     21 %     16 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 78,126     $ 89,905     $ 102,899     $ 70,711     $ 22,479    

 

(a)  On September 23, 2005, the Columbia Intermediate Tax-Exempt Bond Fund was renamed Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund.

(b)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(d)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(e)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(f)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


113



Financial HighlightsColumbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class B Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005 (a)   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.22     $ 10.39     $ 10.31     $ 10.72     $ 10.65    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (b)     0.32       0.32       0.32       0.32       0.31    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.60 )     (0.18 )     0.09       (0.34 )     0.08    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.28 )     0.14       0.41       (0.02 )     0.39    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.32 )     (0.31 )     (0.31 )     (0.32 )     (0.31 )  
From net realized gains                 (0.02 )     (0.07 )     (0.01 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.32 )     (0.31 )     (0.33 )     (0.39 )     (0.32 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 9.62     $ 10.22     $ 10.39     $ 10.31     $ 10.72    
Total return (c)(d)     (2.88 )%     1.42 %     4.09 %     (0.20 )%     3.76 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (e)     1.35 %     1.35 %     1.35 %     1.46 %     1.58 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.02 %     0.02 %     0.05 %     0.01 %     0.01 %  
Net investment income (e)     3.11 %     3.07 %     3.10 %     3.02 %     2.98 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     14 %     25 %     18 %     21 %     16 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 5,874     $ 8,133     $ 12,203     $ 7,040     $ 2,605    

 

(a)  On September 23, 2005, the Columbia Intermediate Tax-Exempt Bond Fund was renamed Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund.

(b)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(d)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(e)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


114



Financial HighlightsColumbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class C Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005 (a)   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.22     $ 10.39     $ 10.31     $ 10.72     $ 10.65    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (b)     0.36       0.36       0.36       0.36       0.36    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.60 )     (0.17 )     0.10       (0.33 )     0.08    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.24 )     0.19       0.46       0.03       0.44    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.36 )     (0.36 )     (0.36 )     (0.37 )     (0.36 )  
From net realized gains                 (0.02 )     (0.07 )     (0.01 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.36 )     (0.36 )     (0.38 )     (0.44 )     (0.37 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 9.62     $ 10.22     $ 10.39     $ 10.31     $ 10.72    
Total return (c)(d)     (2.45 )%     1.88 %     4.55 %     0.25 %     4.23 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (e)     0.90 %     0.90 %     0.90 %     1.01 %     1.13 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.47 %     0.47 %     0.50 %     0.46 %     0.45 %  
Net investment income (e)     3.56 %     3.52 %     3.55 %     3.47 %     3.42 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     14 %     25 %     18 %     21 %     16 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 12,625     $ 10,506     $ 11,796     $ 8,318     $ 3,034    

 

(a)  On September 23, 2005, the Columbia Intermediate Tax-Exempt Bond Fund was renamed Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund.

(b)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(d)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(e)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


115



Financial HighlightsColumbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class T Shares   2008   2007 (a)   2006   2005 (b)   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.22     $ 10.39     $ 10.31     $ 10.72     $ 10.65    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (c)     0.39       0.39       0.39       0.39       0.39    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.60 )     (0.17 )     0.10       (0.34 )     0.08    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.21 )     0.22       0.49       0.05       0.47    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.39 )     (0.39 )     (0.39 )     (0.39 )     (0.39 )  
From net realized gains                 (0.02 )     (0.07 )     (0.01 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.39 )     (0.39 )     (0.41 )     (0.46 )     (0.40 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 9.62     $ 10.22     $ 10.39     $ 10.31     $ 10.72    
Total return (d)(e)     (2.20 )%     2.14 %     4.81 %     0.50 %     4.49 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (f)     0.65 %     0.65 %     0.65 %     0.76 %     0.88 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.02 %     0.02 %     0.05 %     0.01 %     %(g)  
Net investment income (f)     3.81 %     3.77 %     3.80 %     3.72 %     3.67 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     14 %     25 %     18 %     21 %     16 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 10,786     $ 13,170     $ 14,998     $ 17,261     $ 20,125    

 

(a)  On August 8, 2007, Class G shares were exchanged for Class T shares.

(b)  On September 23, 2005, the Columbia Intermediate Tax-Exempt Bond Fund was renamed Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund.

(c)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(d)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(e)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(f)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(g)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


116



Financial HighlightsColumbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class Z Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005 (a)   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.22     $ 10.39     $ 10.31     $ 10.72     $ 10.66    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (b)     0.40       0.40       0.40       0.40       0.41    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.60 )     (0.17 )     0.10       (0.33 )     0.07    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.20 )     0.23       0.50       0.07       0.48    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.40 )     (0.40 )     (0.40 )     (0.41 )     (0.41 )  
From net realized gains                 (0.02 )     (0.07 )     (0.01 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.40 )     (0.40 )     (0.42 )     (0.48 )     (0.42 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 9.62     $ 10.22     $ 10.39     $ 10.31     $ 10.72    
Total return (c)(d)     (2.05 )%     2.29 %     4.97 %     0.65 %     4.55 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (e)     0.50 %     0.50 %     0.50 %     0.61 %     0.72 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.02 %     0.02 %     0.05 %     0.01 %     %(f)  
Net investment income (e)     3.96 %     3.92 %     3.94 %     3.87 %     3.83 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     14 %     25 %     18 %     21 %     16 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 2,310,978     $ 2,207,710     $ 2,331,279     $ 2,063,124     $ 476,484    

 

(a)  On September 23, 2005, the Columbia Intermediate Tax-Exempt Bond Fund was renamed Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund.

(b)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested.

(d)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(e)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(f)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


117




Financial HighlightsColumbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class A Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.35     $ 10.50     $ 10.49     $ 10.87     $ 10.82    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.36       0.34       0.35       0.37       0.36    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.44 )     (0.14 )     0.09       (0.35 )     0.05    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.08 )     0.20       0.44       0.02       0.41    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.37 )     (0.34 )     (0.35 )     (0.37 )     (0.36 )  
From net realized gains     (b)     (0.01 )     (0.08 )     (0.03 )        
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.37 )     (0.35 )     (0.43 )     (0.40 )     (0.36 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 9.90     $ 10.35     $ 10.50     $ 10.49     $ 10.87    
Total return (c)     (0.88 )%(d)     2.00 %     4.33 %     0.18 %(d)     3.91 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (e)     0.75 %     0.99 %     0.95 %     0.91 %     0.98 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.17 %                 %(f)        
Net investment income (e)     3.51 %     3.29 %     3.39 %     3.43 %     3.37 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     10 %     15 %     18 %     15 %     12 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 11,936     $ 6,914     $ 7,603     $ 8,332     $ 10,460    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

(c)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(d)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(e)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(f)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


118



Financial HighlightsColumbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class B Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.35     $ 10.50     $ 10.49     $ 10.87     $ 10.82    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.29       0.26       0.27       0.29       0.28    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.45 )     (0.13 )     0.09       (0.35 )     0.05    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.16 )     0.13       0.36       (0.06 )     0.33    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.29 )     (0.27 )     (0.27 )     (0.29 )     (0.28 )  
From net realized gains     (b)     (0.01 )     (0.08 )     (0.03 )        
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.29 )     (0.28 )     (0.35 )     (0.32 )     (0.28 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 9.90     $ 10.35     $ 10.50     $ 10.49     $ 10.87    
Total return (c)     (1.61 )%(d)     1.24 %     3.55 %     (0.57 )%(d)     3.13 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (e)     1.50 %     1.74 %     1.70 %     1.66 %     1.73 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.17 %                 %(f)        
Net investment income (e)     2.78 %     2.55 %     2.64 %     2.67 %     2.62 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     10 %     15 %     18 %     15 %     12 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 1,440     $ 1,650     $ 2,496     $ 3,220     $ 3,790    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

(c)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(d)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(e)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(f)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


119



Financial HighlightsColumbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class C Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.35     $ 10.50     $ 10.49     $ 10.87     $ 10.82    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.32       0.30       0.31       0.32       0.32    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.44 )     (0.14 )     0.09       (0.34 )     0.05    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.12 )     0.16       0.40       (0.02 )     0.37    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.33 )     (0.30 )     (0.31 )     (0.33 )     (0.32 )  
From net realized gains     (b)     (0.01 )     (0.08 )     (0.03 )        
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.33 )     (0.31 )     (0.39 )     (0.36 )     (0.32 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 9.90     $ 10.35     $ 10.50     $ 10.49     $ 10.87    
Total return (c)(d)     (1.27 )%     1.59 %     3.91 %     (0.22 )%     3.49 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (e)     1.15 %     1.39 %     1.35 %     1.31 %     1.38 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.52 %     0.35 %     0.35 %     0.35 %     0.35 %  
Net investment income (e)     3.13 %     2.89 %     2.99 %     3.02 %     2.97 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     10 %     15 %     18 %     15 %     12 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 4,036     $ 3,792     $ 4,974     $ 6,866     $ 7,666    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

(c)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(d)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(e)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


120



Financial HighlightsColumbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class T Shares   2008   2007 (a)   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.35     $ 10.50     $ 10.49     $ 10.87     $ 10.82    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (b)     0.38       0.35       0.36       0.38       0.38    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.45 )     (0.13 )     0.09       (0.35 )     0.05    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.07 )     0.22       0.45       0.03       0.43    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.38 )     (0.36 )     (0.36 )     (0.38 )     (0.38 )  
From net realized gains     (c)     (0.01 )     (0.08 )     (0.03 )        
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.38 )     (0.37 )     (0.44 )     (0.41 )     (0.38 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 9.90     $ 10.35     $ 10.50     $ 10.49     $ 10.87    
Total return (d)     (0.77 )%(e)     2.10 %     4.43 %     0.28 %(e)     4.01 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (f)     0.65 %     0.89 %     0.85 %     0.81 %     0.88 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.17 %                 %(g)        
Net investment income (f)     3.63 %     3.40 %     3.49 %     3.52 %     3.47 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     10 %     15 %     18 %     15 %     12 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 37,689     $ 42,468     $ 46,787     $ 54,474     $ 64,229    

 

(a)  On August 8, 2007, the Class G shares were exchanged for Class T shares.

(b)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

(d)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(e)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(f)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(g)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


121



Financial HighlightsColumbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class Z Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.35     $ 10.50     $ 10.49     $ 10.87     $ 10.82    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.39       0.37       0.38       0.39       0.39    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.45 )     (0.14 )     0.09       (0.34 )     0.05    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.06 )     0.23       0.47       0.05       0.44    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.39 )     (0.37 )     (0.38 )     (0.40 )     (0.39 )  
From net realized gains     (b)     (0.01 )     (0.08 )     (0.03 )        
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.39 )     (0.38 )     (0.46 )     (0.43 )     (0.39 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 9.90     $ 10.35     $ 10.50     $ 10.49     $ 10.87    
Total return (c)     (0.62 )%(d)     2.25 %     4.59 %     0.43 %(d)     4.17 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (e)     0.50 %     0.74 %     0.70 %     0.66 %     0.73 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.17 %                 %(f)        
Net investment income (e)     3.78 %     3.55 %     3.64 %     3.67 %     3.62 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     10 %     15 %     18 %     15 %     12 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 259,753     $ 254,639     $ 250,224     $ 247,122     $ 252,741    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

(c)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested.

(d)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(e)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(f)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


122



Financial HighlightsColumbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class A Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.08     $ 10.26     $ 10.23     $ 10.57     $ 10.50    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.37       0.33       0.34       0.35       0.33    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.53 )     (0.15 )     0.10       (0.30 )     0.10    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.16 )     0.18       0.44       0.05       0.43    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.37 )     (0.33 )     (0.34 )     (0.35 )     (0.33 )  
From net realized gains           (0.03 )     (0.07 )     (0.04 )     (0.03 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.37 )     (0.36 )     (0.41 )     (0.39 )     (0.36 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 9.55     $ 10.08     $ 10.26     $ 10.23     $ 10.57    
Total return (b)     (1.64 )%(c)     1.84 %     4.41 %     0.44 %(c)     4.20 %(c)  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     0.75 %     1.25 %     1.18 %     1.06 %     1.13 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.43 %                 %(e)     %(e)  
Net investment income (d)     3.75 %     3.28 %     3.36 %     3.33 %     3.17 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     6 %     6 %     3 %     14 %     12 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 3,512     $ 3,007     $ 2,472     $ 3,909     $ 3,819    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


123



Financial HighlightsColumbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class B Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.08     $ 10.26     $ 10.23     $ 10.57     $ 10.50    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.30       0.26       0.27       0.27       0.25    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.53 )     (0.15 )     0.09       (0.30 )     0.10    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.23 )     0.11       0.36       (0.03 )     0.35    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.30 )     (0.26 )     (0.26 )     (0.27 )     (0.25 )  
From net realized gains           (0.03 )     (0.07 )     (0.04 )     (0.03 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.30 )     (0.29 )     (0.33 )     (0.31 )     (0.28 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 9.55     $ 10.08     $ 10.26     $ 10.23     $ 10.57    
Total return (b)     (2.36 )%(c)     1.08 %     3.63 %     (0.30 )%(c)     3.41 %(c)  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     1.50 %     2.00 %     1.93 %     1.81 %     1.89 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.43 %                 %(e)     %(e)  
Net investment income (d)     3.01 %     2.53 %     2.62 %     2.58 %     2.41 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     6 %     6 %     3 %     14 %     12 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 1,150     $ 1,254     $ 1,518     $ 1,873     $ 1,998    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


124



Financial HighlightsColumbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class C Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.08     $ 10.26     $ 10.23     $ 10.57     $ 10.50    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.34       0.29       0.30       0.30       0.29    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.54 )     (0.15 )     0.10       (0.29 )     0.10    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.20 )     0.14       0.40       0.01       0.39    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.33 )     (0.29 )     (0.30 )     (0.31 )     (0.29 )  
From net realized gains           (0.03 )     (0.07 )     (0.04 )     (0.03 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.33 )     (0.32 )     (0.37 )     (0.35 )     (0.32 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 9.55     $ 10.08     $ 10.26     $ 10.23     $ 10.57    
Total return (b)(c)     (2.02 )%     1.44 %     3.99 %     0.04 %     3.79 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     1.15 %     1.65 %     1.58 %     1.46 %     1.53 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.78 %     0.35 %     0.35 %     0.35 %     0.35 %  
Net investment income (d)     3.36 %     2.88 %     2.96 %     2.92 %     2.77 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     6 %     6 %     3 %     14 %     12 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 2,582     $ 3,108     $ 4,192     $ 4,590     $ 4,389    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


125



Financial HighlightsColumbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class T Shares   2008   2007 (a)   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.08     $ 10.26     $ 10.23     $ 10.57     $ 10.50    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (b)     0.39       0.34       0.35       0.36       0.34    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.54 )     (0.14 )     0.10       (0.30 )     0.10    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.15 )     0.20       0.45       0.06       0.44    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.38 )     (0.35 )     (0.35 )     (0.36 )     (0.34 )  
From net realized gains           (0.03 )     (0.07 )     (0.04 )     (0.03 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.38 )     (0.38 )     (0.42 )     (0.40 )     (0.37 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 9.55     $ 10.08     $ 10.26     $ 10.23     $ 10.57    
Total return (c)     (1.53 )%(d)     1.94 %     4.51 %     0.55 %(d)     4.30 %(d)  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (e)     0.65 %     1.15 %     1.08 %     0.96 %     1.04 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.43 %                 %(f)     %(f)  
Net investment income (e)     3.85 %     3.38 %     3.46 %     3.43 %     3.26 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     6 %     6 %     3 %     14 %     12 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 3,848     $ 5,037     $ 5,489     $ 6,484     $ 7,192    

 

(a)  On August 8,2007 Class G shares were exchanged for Class T shares.

(b)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(d)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(e)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(f)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


126



Financial HighlightsColumbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class Z Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 10.08     $ 10.26     $ 10.23     $ 10.57     $ 10.50    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.40       0.36       0.37       0.37       0.36    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.53 )     (0.15 )     0.09       (0.30 )     0.10    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.13 )     0.21       0.46       0.07       0.46    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.40 )     (0.36 )     (0.36 )     (0.37 )     (0.36 )  
From net realized gains           (0.03 )     (0.07 )     (0.04 )     (0.03 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.40 )     (0.39 )     (0.43 )     (0.41 )     (0.39 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 9.55     $ 10.08     $ 10.26     $ 10.23     $ 10.57    
Total return (b)     (1.38 )%(c)     2.10 %     4.67 %     0.70 %(c)     4.47 %(c)  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     0.50 %     1.00 %     0.93 %     0.81 %     0.88 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.43 %                 %(e)     %(e)  
Net investment income (d)     4.00 %     3.52 %     3.61 %     3.58 %     3.42 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     6 %     6 %     3 %     14 %     12 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 55,108     $ 53,075     $ 50,453     $ 58,181     $ 66,764    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested.

(c)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


127




Financial HighlightsColumbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class A Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 11.54     $ 11.68     $ 11.61     $ 11.98     $ 11.87    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.40       0.38       0.38       0.39       0.37    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.51 )     (0.14 )     0.08       (0.36 )     0.13    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.11 )     0.24       0.46       0.03       0.50    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.40 )     (0.38 )     (0.38 )     (0.39 )     (0.37 )  
From net realized gains           (b)     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.02 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.40 )     (0.38 )     (0.39 )     (0.40 )     (0.39 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 11.03     $ 11.54     $ 11.68     $ 11.61     $ 11.98    
Total return (c)     (1.02 )%(d)     2.12 %     4.04 %     0.22 %(d)     4.24 %(d)  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (e)     0.75 %     1.07 %     1.06 %     0.97 %     1.11 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.18 %                 %(f)     %(f)  
Net investment income (e)     3.44 %     3.30 %     3.30 %     3.26 %     3.06 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     9 %     9 %     4 %     4 %     11 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 4,200     $ 1,874     $ 2,529     $ 2,858     $ 5,836    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

(c)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(d)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(e)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(f)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


128



Financial HighlightsColumbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class B Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 11.54     $ 11.68     $ 11.61     $ 11.98     $ 11.87    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.32       0.30       0.30       0.30       0.28    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.51 )     (0.14 )     0.07       (0.36 )     0.13    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.19 )     0.16       0.37       (0.06 )     0.41    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.32 )     (0.30 )     (0.29 )     (0.30 )     (0.28 )  
From net realized gains           (b)     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.02 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.32 )     (0.30 )     (0.30 )     (0.31 )     (0.30 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 11.03     $ 11.54     $ 11.68     $ 11.61     $ 11.98    
Total return (c)     (1.74 )%(d)     1.36 %     3.27 %     (0.53 )%(d)     3.46 %(d)  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (e)     1.50 %     1.82 %     1.81 %     1.72 %     1.86 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.18 %                 %(f)     %(f)  
Net investment income (e)     2.77 %     2.55 %     2.55 %     2.52 %     2.31 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     9 %     9 %     4 %     4 %     11 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 1,503     $ 1,804     $ 2,965     $ 3,586     $ 4,295    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

(c)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(d)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(e)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(f)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


129



Financial HighlightsColumbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class C Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 11.54     $ 11.68     $ 11.61     $ 11.98     $ 11.87    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.36       0.33       0.34       0.34       0.32    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.51 )     (0.13 )     0.07       (0.36 )     0.13    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.15 )     0.20       0.41       (0.02 )     0.45    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.36 )     (0.34 )     (0.33 )     (0.34 )     (0.32 )  
From net realized gains           (b)     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.02 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.36 )     (0.34 )     (0.34 )     (0.35 )     (0.34 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 11.03     $ 11.54     $ 11.68     $ 11.61     $ 11.98    
Total return (c)(d)     (1.40 )%     1.71 %     3.63 %     (0.18 )%     3.82 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (e)     1.15 %     1.47 %     1.46 %     1.37 %     1.51 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.53 %     0.35 %     0.35 %     0.35 %     0.35 %  
Net investment income (e)     3.09 %     2.89 %     2.91 %     2.84 %     2.66 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     9 %     9 %     4 %     4 %     11 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 2,649     $ 2,019     $ 2,544     $ 3,360     $ 2,790    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

(c)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(d)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(e)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


130



Financial HighlightsColumbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class T Shares   2008   2007 (a)   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 11.54     $ 11.68     $ 11.61     $ 11.98     $ 11.87    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (b)     0.42       0.39       0.39       0.40       0.38    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.52 )     (0.14 )     0.08       (0.36 )     0.13    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.10 )     0.25       0.47       0.04       0.51    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.41 )     (0.39 )     (0.39 )     (0.40 )     (0.38 )  
From net realized gains           (c)     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.02 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.41 )     (0.39 )     (0.40 )     (0.41 )     (0.40 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 11.03     $ 11.54     $ 11.68     $ 11.61     $ 11.98    
Total return (d)     (0.90 )%(e)     2.22 %     4.15 %     0.32 %(e)     4.34 %(e)  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (f)     0.65 %     0.97 %     0.96 %     0.87 %     1.01 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.18 %                 %(g)     %(g)  
Net investment income (f)     3.62 %     3.40 %     3.41 %     3.36 %     3.16 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     9 %     9 %     4 %     4 %     11 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 11,520     $ 13,575     $ 14,634     $ 17,943     $ 21,584    

 

(a)  On August 8, 2007 Class G shares were exchanged for Class T shares.

(b)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

(d)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(e)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(f)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(g)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


131



Financial HighlightsColumbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class Z Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 11.54     $ 11.68     $ 11.61     $ 11.98     $ 11.87    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.42       0.41       0.41       0.42       0.40    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.50 )     (0.14 )     0.08       (0.36 )     0.13    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.08 )     0.27       0.49       0.06       0.53    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.43 )     (0.41 )     (0.41 )     (0.42 )     (0.40 )  
From net realized gains           (b)     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.02 )  
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.43 )     (0.41 )     (0.42 )     (0.43 )     (0.42 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 11.03     $ 11.54     $ 11.68     $ 11.61     $ 11.98    
Total return (c)     (0.75 )%(d)     2.37 %     4.30 %     0.47 %(d)     4.51 %(d)  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (e)     0.50 %     0.82 %     0.81 %     0.72 %     0.85 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.18 %                 %(f)     %(f)  
Net investment income (e)     3.73 %     3.55 %     3.55 %     3.51 %     3.32 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     9 %     9 %     4 %     4 %     11 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 272,139     $ 130,411     $ 119,457     $ 105,300     $ 91,408    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

(c)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested.

(d)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(e)  The benefits derived from expense reductions had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(f)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


132



Financial HighlightsColumbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class A Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 11.05     $ 11.21     $ 11.20     $ 11.54     $ 11.48    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.41       0.38       0.40       0.40       0.38    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.53 )     (0.15 )     0.04       (0.33 )     0.06    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.12 )     0.23       0.44       0.07       0.44    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.41 )     (0.38 )     (0.40 )     (0.40 )     (0.38 )  
From net realized gains           (0.01 )     (0.03 )     (0.01 )        
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.41 )     (0.39 )     (0.43 )     (0.41 )     (0.38 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 10.52     $ 11.05     $ 11.21     $ 11.20     $ 11.54    
Total return (b)     (1.16 )%(c)     2.11 %     3.98 %     0.63 %(c)     3.90 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     0.75 %     1.11 %     1.02 %     0.97 %     1.06 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.27 %                 %(e)        
Net investment income (d)     3.71 %     3.44 %     3.57 %     3.50 %     3.33 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     14 %     11 %     10 %     12 %     11 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 3,247     $ 1,130     $ 979     $ 1,544     $ 865    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(c) Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions has an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


133



Financial HighlightsColumbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class B Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 11.05     $ 11.21     $ 11.20     $ 11.54     $ 11.48    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.33       0.30       0.31       0.31       0.29    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.53 )     (0.15 )     0.04       (0.32 )     0.06    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.20 )     0.15       0.35       (0.01 )     0.35    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.33 )     (0.30 )     (0.31 )     (0.32 )     (0.29 )  
From net realized gains           (0.01 )     (0.03 )     (0.01 )        
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.33 )     (0.31 )     (0.34 )     (0.33 )     (0.29 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 10.52     $ 11.05     $ 11.21     $ 11.20     $ 11.54    
Total return (b)     (1.88 )%(c)     1.35 %     3.21 %     (0.12 )%(c)     3.13 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     1.50 %     1.86 %     1.77 %     1.72 %     1.81 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.27 %                 %(e)        
Net investment income (d)     3.00 %     2.73 %     2.82 %     2.75 %     2.58 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     14 %     11 %     10 %     12 %     11 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 307     $ 303     $ 638     $ 899     $ 981    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(c) Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions has an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


134



Financial HighlightsColumbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class C Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 11.05     $ 11.21     $ 11.20     $ 11.54     $ 11.48    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.37       0.34       0.35       0.35       0.33    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.53 )     (0.15 )     0.04       (0.32 )     0.06    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.16 )     0.19       0.39       0.03       0.39    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.37 )     (0.34 )     (0.35 )     (0.36 )     (0.33 )  
From net realized gains           (0.01 )     (0.03 )     (0.01 )        
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.37 )     (0.35 )     (0.38 )     (0.37 )     (0.33 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 10.52     $ 11.05     $ 11.21     $ 11.20     $ 11.54    
Total return (b)(c)     (1.54 )%     1.70 %     3.57 %     0.23 %     3.49 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     1.15 %     1.51 %     1.42 %     1.37 %     1.46 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.62 %     0.35 %     0.35 %     0.35 %     0.35 %  
Net investment income (d)     3.35 %     3.06 %     3.17 %     3.10 %     2.92 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     14 %     11 %     10 %     12 %     11 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 918     $ 825     $ 1,365     $ 1,487     $ 1,695    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no contingent deferred sales charge.

(c) Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions has an impact of less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


135



Financial HighlightsColumbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class T Shares   2008   2007 (a)   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 11.05     $ 11.21     $ 11.20     $ 11.54     $ 11.48    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (b)     0.44       0.41       0.42       0.43       0.41    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.53 )     (0.15 )     0.04       (0.33 )     0.06    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.09 )     0.26       0.46       0.10       0.47    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.44 )     (0.41 )     (0.42 )     (0.43 )     (0.41 )  
From net realized gains           (0.01 )     (0.03 )     (0.01 )        
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.44 )     (0.42 )     (0.45 )     (0.44 )     (0.41 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 10.52     $ 11.05     $ 11.21     $ 11.20     $ 11.54    
Total return (c)     (0.89 )%(d)     2.36 %     4.25 %     0.88 %(d)     4.17 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (e)     0.50 %     0.86 %     0.77 %     0.72 %     0.81 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.27 %                 %(f)        
Net investment income (e)     4.00 %     3.69 %     3.81 %     3.75 %     3.58 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     14 %     11 %     10 %     12 %     11 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 9,011     $ 10,852     $ 11,879     $ 12,284     $ 14,479    

 

(a)  On August 8, 2007, Class G shares were exchanged for Class T shares.

(b)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

(d)  Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(e)  The benefits derived from expense reductions has an impact of less than 0.01%.

(f)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


136



Financial HighlightsColumbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:

    Year Ended October 31,  
Class Z Shares   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 11.05     $ 11.21     $ 11.20     $ 11.54     $ 11.48    
Income from Investment Operations:  
Net investment income (a)     0.44       0.41       0.42       0.43       0.41    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and futures contracts
    (0.53 )     (0.15 )     0.04       (0.33 )     0.06    
Total from Investment Operations     (0.09 )     0.26       0.46       0.10       0.47    
Less Distributions to Shareholders:  
From net investment income     (0.44 )     (0.41 )     (0.42 )     (0.43 )     (0.41 )  
From net realized gains           (0.01 )     (0.03 )     (0.01 )        
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (0.44 )     (0.42 )     (0.45 )     (0.44 )     (0.41 )  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 10.52     $ 11.05     $ 11.21     $ 11.20     $ 11.54    
Total return (b)     (0.89 )%(c)     2.36 %     4.25 %     0.88 %(c)     4.17 %  
Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data:  
Net expenses (d)     0.50 %     0.86 %     0.77 %     0.72 %     0.81 %  
Waiver/Reimbursement     0.27 %                 %(e)        
Net investment income (d)     4.01 %     3.69 %     3.81 %     3.75 %     3.58 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     14 %     11 %     10 %     12 %     11 %  
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 99,493     $ 103,512     $ 103,708     $ 104,062     $ 109,050    

 

(a)  Per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested.

(c) Had the investment advisor and/or any of its affiliates not waived fees or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(d)  The benefits derived from expense reductions has an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Rounds to less than 0.01%.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


137




Notes to Financial StatementsColumbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds
October 31, 2008

Note 1. Organization

Columbia Funds Series Trust I (the "Trust") is a Massachusetts business trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company. Information presented in these financial statements pertains to the following series of the Trust (individually referred to as a "Fund", and collectively referred to as the "Funds"):

Columbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund ("Connecticut")

Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund ("Intermediate Municipal")

Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund ("Massachusetts")

Columbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund ("New Jersey")

Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund ("New York")

Columbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund ("Rhode Island")

On May 5, 2008, Intermediate Municipal and New York acquired all the assets and liabilities of Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund and New York Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund (collectively, the "Acquired Funds"), respectively. The Acquired Funds were each a series of Excelsior Tax-Exempt Funds, Inc.

Investment Objectives

Each Fund, with the exception of Intermediate Municipal, seeks as high a level of current interest income exempt from federal income tax and, to the extent possible, from the individual income tax of its state, as is consistent with relative stability of principal. Intermediate Municipal seeks current income exempt from federal income tax, consistent with preservation of principal. All Funds are non-diversified investment companies, except for Intermediate Municipal and New Jersey which are diversified investment companies.

Fund Shares

The Trust may issue an unlimited number of shares, and each Fund offers five classes of shares: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class T and Class Z. Each share class has its own expense structure and sales charges, as applicable.

Class A and Class T shares are subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of 3.25% and 4.75%, respectively, based on the amount of initial investment. Class A and Class T shares purchased without an initial sales charge in accounts aggregating $1 million to $50 million at the time of purchase are subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") if the shares are sold within one year after purchase. Class B shares are subject to a maximum CDSC of 3.00% based upon the holding period after purchase. Class B shares will convert to Class A shares eight years after purchase. Class C shares are subject to a 1.00% CDSC on shares sold within one year after purchase. Class Z shares are offered continuously at net asset value. There are certain restrictions on the purchase of Class T and Class Z shares, as described in each Fund's prospectus.

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements.

Security Valuation

Debt securities generally are valued by pricing services approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, based upon market transactions for normal, institutional-size trading units of similar securities. The services may use various pricing techniques which take into account appropriate factors such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics and other data, as well as broker quotes. Debt securities for which quotations are readily available are valued at an over-the-counter or exchange bid quotation. Certain debt securities, which tend to be more thinly traded and of lesser quality, are priced based on fundamental analysis of the financial condition of the issuer and the estimated value of any collateral. Valuations developed through pricing techniques may vary from the actual amounts realized upon sale of the


138



Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds, October 31, 2008 (continued)

securities, and the potential variation may be greater for those securities valued using fundamental analysis.

Short-term debt obligations maturing within 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.

Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value.

Futures contracts are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of trade or exchange on which they are traded.

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available, or that have quotations which management believes are not reliable, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees. If a security is valued at fair value, such value is likely to be different from the last quoted market price for the security.

In September 2006, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements ("SFAS 157"), was issued. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Management is evaluating the impact the application of SFAS 157 will have on each Fund's financial statement disclosures.

Security Transactions

Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Cost is determined and gains (losses) are based upon the specific identification method for both financial statement and federal income tax purposes.

In March 2008, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 ("SFAS 161"), was issued. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. SFAS 161 requires additional discussion about the reporting entity's derivative instruments and hedging activities, by providing for qualitative disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative data about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative contracts, and details of credit-risk-related contingent features in their hedged positions. Management is evaluating the impact the application of SFAS 161 will have on the Funds' financial statement disclosures.

In September 2008, FASB Staff Position 133-1 and FIN 45-4, Disclosures about Credit Derivatives and Certain Guarantees: An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and FASB Interpretation No. 45 and Clarification of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 161 ( "Amendment"), was issued and is effective for annual and interim reporting periods ending after November 15, 2008. The Amendment requires enhanced disclosures regarding a fund's credit derivatives and hybrid financial instruments containing embedded credit derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the Amendment will have on the Funds' financial statement disclosures.

Futures Contracts

The Funds may invest in futures for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, including, for example, to seek enhanced returns or as a substitute for a position in an underlying asset.

The use of futures contracts involves certain risks, which include: (1) imperfect correlation between the price movement of the instruments and the underlying securities, (2) inability to close out positions due to differing trading hours, or the temporary absence of a liquid market, for either the instruments or the underlying securities, or (3) an inaccurate prediction of the future direction of interest rates by Columbia Management Advisors, LLC ("Columbia"), the Funds' investment advisor. Any of these risks may involve amounts exceeding the variation margin recorded in the Funds' Statements of Assets and Liabilities at any given time.

Upon entering into a futures contract, a Fund pledges cash or securities with the broker in an amount sufficient to meet the initial margin requirement. Subsequent payments are made or received by a Fund equal to the daily change in the contract value and are recorded as variation margin receivable or payable and offset in unrealized gains or losses. A Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed or expires.

Delayed Delivery Securities

Each Fund may trade securities on other than normal settlement terms, including securities purchased or sold on a "when-issued" basis. This may increase the risk if the other party to the transaction fails to deliver and causes the Funds to subsequently invest at less advantageous prices. Each Fund


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Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds, October 31, 2008 (continued)

holds until the settlement date, in a segregated account, cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to the delayed delivery commitment.

Income Recognition

Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Premium and discount are amortized and accreted, respectively, on all debt securities, unless otherwise noted. Original issue discount is accreted to interest income over the life of the security with a corresponding increase in the cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-date.

Expenses

General expenses of the Trust are allocated to the Funds and other series of the Trust based upon relative net assets or other expense allocation methodologies determined by the nature of the expense. Expenses directly attributable to a Fund are charged to such Fund.

Determination of Class Net Asset Value

All income, expenses (other than class-specific expenses, as shown on the Statements of Operations) and realized and unrealized gains (losses) are allocated to each class of a Fund on a daily basis for purposes of determining the net asset value of each class. Income and expenses are allocated to each class based on the settled shares method, while realized and unrealized gains (losses) are allocated based on the relative net assets of each class.

Federal Income Tax Status

Each Fund intends to qualify each year as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and will distribute substantially all of its tax-exempt or taxable income, if any, for its tax year, and as such will not be subject to federal income taxes. In addition, each Fund intends to distribute in each calendar year substantially all of its net investment income, capital gains and certain other amounts, if any, such that each Fund should not be subject to federal excise tax. Therefore, no federal income or excise tax provision is recorded.

Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions from net investment income are declared daily and distributed monthly. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually. Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP.

Indemnification

In the normal course of business, each Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnities. A Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown because this would involve future claims against a Fund. Also, under the Trust's organizational documents and by contract, the Trustees and officers of the Trust are indemnified against certain liabilities that may arise out of actions relating to their duties to the Trust. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss due to these representations, warranties and indemnities to be minimal.

Note 3. Federal Tax Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. Reclassifications are made to each Fund's capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, permanent book and tax basis differences resulting primarily from differing treatments for distributions and amortization/accretion adjustments on debt securities were identified and reclassified among the components of each Fund's net assets as follows:

    Undistributed
Net Investment
Income
  Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
  Paid-In Capital  
Connecticut   $     $ 227,161     $ (227,161 )  
Intermediate Municipal     (9,745 )     (786,996 )     796,741    
Massachusetts     (39,481 )     39,481          

 


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Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds, October 31, 2008 (continued)

    Undistributed
Net Investment
Income
  Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
  Paid-In Capital  
New Jersey   $ (5,158 )   $ 5,157     $ 1    
New York           (864,305 )     864,305    
Rhode Island     (9,559 )     9,559          

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses), as disclosed on the Statements of Operations, and net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 was as follows:

    October 31, 2008  
    Tax-Exempt
Income
  Ordinary
Income*
  Long-Term
Capital Gains
 
Connecticut   $ 7,178,910     $     $    
Intermediate Municipal     96,828,789       182,659          
Massachusetts     12,237,125             86,355    
New Jersey     2,631,791                
New York     8,426,813       35,719          
Rhode Island     4,685,265                
    October 31, 2007  
    Tax-Exempt
Income
  Ordinary
Income*
  Long-Term
Capital Gains
 
Connecticut   $ 6,067,913     $     $    
Intermediate Municipal     93,013,255       562,736          
Massachusetts     10,783,089             394,953    
New Jersey     2,204,043             195,311    
New York     5,096,434             22,502    
Rhode Island     4,322,177             86,776    

 

*  For tax purposes short-term capital gain distributions, if any, are considered ordinary income distributions.

As of October 31, 2008, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

    Undistributed
Tax-Exempt
Income
  Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
  Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
  Net Unrealized
Depreciation*
 
Connecticut   $ 720,385     $     $     $ (7,438,812 )  
Intermediate Municipal     9,292,781                   (99,610,422 )  
Massachusetts     910,091                   (8,506,306 )  

 


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Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds, October 31, 2008 (continued)

    Undistributed
Tax-Exempt
Income
  Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
  Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
  Net Unrealized
Depreciation*
 
New Jersey   $ 201,363     $     $     $ (1,916,829 )  
New York     941,453                   (8,765,716 )  
Rhode Island     349,484                   (2,382,683 )  

 

*  The differences between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized appreciation/depreciation are primarily due to discount accretion/premium amortization on debt securities.

Unrealized appreciation and depreciation at October 31, 2008, based on cost of investments for federal income tax purposes, were:

    Unrealized
Appreciation
  Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net
Unrealized
Depreciation
 
Connecticut   $ 2,542,389     $ (9,981,201 )   $ (7,438,812 )  
Intermediate Municipal     29,087,924       (128,698,346 )     (99,610,422 )  
Massachusetts     3,609,958       (12,116,264 )     (8,506,306 )  
New Jersey     1,090,204       (3,007,033 )     (1,916,829 )  
New York     3,999,513       (12,765,229 )     (8,765,716 )  
Rhode Island     1,724,326       (4,107,009 )     (2,382,683 )  

 

The following capital loss carryforwards, determined as of October 31, 2008, may be available to reduce taxable income arising from future net realized gains on investments, if any, to the extent permitted by the Internal Revenue Code:

    Year of Expiration  
    2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   Total  
Connecticut   $     $     $     $ 160,577     $ 254,849     $ 415,426    
Intermediate Municipal           1,549,704       183,686       1,157,101       3,404,128       6,294,619    
Massachusetts                             327,878       327,878    
New Jersey                       16,265       57,516       73,781    
New York     92,115       580,517       131,725       89,191             893,548    
Rhode Island                       129,446             129,446    

 

Of the capital loss carryforwards attributable to Intermediate Municipal, $1,733,390 ($1,549,704 and $183,686 will expire on October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2014, respectively) was acquired from fund mergers, all of which remains. The availability of a portion of the remaining capital loss carryforwards acquired as a part of a fund merger may be limited in a given year.

Of the capital loss carryforwards attributable to (referenced in Note 1 above and Note 10 below) New York, $804,357 ($92,115, $580,517 and $131,725 will expire on October 31, 2012, October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2014, respectively) were acquired from the merger with New York Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund.

Capital loss carryforwards utilized/expired during the year ended October 31, 2008 were:

Connecticut   $ 227,160    
Intermediate Municipal     176,491    
New York     122,240    
Rhode Island     6,445    

 


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Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds, October 31, 2008 (continued)

The availability of a portion of the capital loss carryforwards acquired by the Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund and New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund as a result of the merger with Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund and New York Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund, respectively, may be limited in a given year.

Any capital loss carryforwards acquired as part of a merger that are permanently lost due to provisions under the Internal Revenue Code are included as being expired. Expired capital loss carryforwards are recorded as a reduction of paid-in capital.

The Funds adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FIN 48"), effective April 30, 2008. FIN 48 requires management to determine whether a tax position of the Funds is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. FIN 48 was applied to all existing tax positions upon initial adoption. Management has evaluated the known implications of FIN 48 on its computation of net assets for each Fund. As a result of this evaluation, management has concluded that FIN 48 did not have any effect on the Funds' financial statements and no cumulative effect adjustments were recorded. However, management's conclusions regarding FIN 48 may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, further implementation guidance from the FASB, new tax laws, regulations, and administrative interpretations (including relevant court decisions). The Funds' federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Funds are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Note 4. Fees and Compensation Paid to Affiliates

Investment Advisory Fee

Columbia, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BOA"), provides investment advisory services to the Funds. Columbia receives a monthly investment advisory fee based on each Fund's average daily net assets as follows:

Average Daily Net Assets   Annual Fee Rate  
First $500 million     0.48 %  
$500 million to $1 billion     0.43 %  
$1 billion to $1.5 billion     0.40 %  
$1.5 billion to $3 billion     0.37 %  
$3 billion to $6 billion     0.36 %  
Over $6 billion     0.35 %  

 

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the effective investment advisory fee rates for each Fund, as a percentage of each Fund's average daily net assets, were as follows:

    Effective
Fee Rate
 
Connecticut     0.48 %  
Intermediate Municipal     0.41 %  
Massachusetts     0.48 %  
New Jersey     0.48 %  
New York     0.48 %  
Rhode Island     0.48 %  

 

Administration Fee

Columbia provides administrative and other services to the Funds for a monthly administration fee at the annual rate of 0.067% of each Fund's average daily net assets.

Pricing and Bookkeeping Fees

The Funds have entered into a Financial Reporting Services Agreement (the "Financial Reporting Services Agreement") with State Street Bank & Trust Company ("State Street") and Columbia pursuant to which State Street provides financial reporting services to the Funds. The Funds have also entered into an Accounting Services Agreement (collectively with the Financial Reporting Services Agreement, the "State Street Agreements") with State Street and Columbia pursuant to which State Street provides accounting services to the Funds. Under the State Street Agreements, each Fund pays


143



Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds, October 31, 2008 (continued)

State Street an annual fee of $38,000 paid monthly plus an additional monthly fee based on an annualized percentage rate of average daily net assets of each Fund for the month. The aggregate fee per Fund will not exceed $140,000 per year (exclusive of out-of-pocket expenses and charges). The Funds also reimburse State Street for certain out-of-pocket expenses and charges.

The Funds have entered into a Pricing and Bookkeeping Oversight and Services Agreement (the "Services Agreement") with Columbia. Under the Services Agreement, Columbia provides services related to Fund expenses and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and provides oversight of the accounting and financial reporting services provided by State Street. Under the Services Agreement, the Funds reimburse Columbia for out-of-pocket expenses.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the amounts charged to the Funds by affiliates included in the Statements of Operations under "Pricing and bookkeeping fees" were as follows:

    Amounts
Charged
by Affiliates
 
Connecticut   $ 1,952    
Intermediate Municipal     1,952    
Massachusetts     1,952    
New Jersey     1,952    
New York     1,952    
Rhode Island     1,952    

 

Transfer Agent Fee

Columbia Management Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent"), an affiliate of Columbia and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BOA, provides shareholder services to the Funds and has contracted with Boston Financial Data Services ("BFDS") to serve as sub-transfer agent. The Transfer Agent is entitled to receive a fee for its services, paid monthly, at the annual rate of $17.34 per open account plus reimbursement of certain sub-transfer agent fees paid by the Transfer Agent (exclusive of BFDS fees), calculated based on assets held in omnibus accounts and intended to recover the cost of payments to other parties (including affiliates of BOA) for services to those accounts. The Transfer Agent pays the fees of BFDS for services as sub-transfer agent and is not entitled to reimbursement for such fees from the Funds. The Transfer Agent may also retain, as additional compensation for its services, fees for wire, telephone and redemption orders, Individual Retirement Account ("IRA") trustee agent fees and account transcript fees due to the Transfer Agent from shareholders of the Funds and credits (net of bank charges) earned with respect to balances in accounts the Transfer Agent maintains in connection with its services to the Funds. The Transfer Agent also receives reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

An annual minimum account balance fee of $20 may apply to certain accounts with a value below each Fund's initial minimum investment requirements to reduce the impact of small accounts on transfer agent fees. These minimum account balance fees are recorded as part of expense reductions on the Statements of Operations. For the year ended October 31, 2008, these minimum account balance fees reduced total expenses of the Funds as follows:

    Minimum
Account
Balance Fees
 
Connecticut   $ 200    
Intermediate Municipal     1,680    
Massachusetts     489    
New Jersey     180    
New York     540    
Rhode Island     80    

 

Underwriting Discounts, Service and Distribution Fees

Columbia Management Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of Columbia and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BOA, is the principal underwriter of the Funds' shares. For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Distributor has retained net


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Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds, October 31, 2008 (continued)

underwriting discounts on the sales of the Funds' Class A and Class T shares, and received net CDSC fees on Class A, Class B and Class C share redemptions as follows:

    Front-End Sales Charge   CDSC  
    Class A   Class T   Class A   Class B   Class C  
Connecticut   $ 1,521     $ 24     $     $ 2,628     $ 757    
Intermediate Municipal     2,714       22       250       11,713       1,149    
Massachusetts     1,532       418             2,432       291    
New Jersey     613       59             4,129       100    
New York     860       9             995       417    
Rhode Island     81       2             1,653          

 

The Funds have adopted distribution and shareholder servicing plans (the "Plans") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which require the payment of distribution and service fees. The fees are intended to compensate the Distributor and/or eligible selling and/or servicing agents for selling shares of the Funds and providing services to investors. Payments under the Plans, which are calculated daily and paid monthly, are based on the average daily net assets of each Fund at the following annual rates:

    Distribution Fee   Service Fee  
    Class B   Class C   Class A   Class B   Class C  
Connecticut1     0.75 %     0.75 %     0.25 %     0.25 %     0.25 %  
Intermediate Municipal2     0.65 %     0.65 %     0.20 %     0.20 %     0.20 %  
Massachusetts1     0.75 %     0.75 %     0.25 %     0.25 %     0.25 %  
New Jersey1     0.75 %     0.75 %     0.25 %     0.25 %     0.25 %  
New York1     0.75 %     0.75 %     0.25 %     0.25 %     0.25 %  
Rhode Island1     0.75 %     0.75 %     0.25 %     0.25 %     0.25 %  

 

1  The Distributor has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of Class C shares distribution fee so that the combined distribution and service fees will not exceed 0.65% annually of average net assets. This arrangement can be modified or terminated by the Distributor at any time.

2  The Distributor has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of Intermediate Municipal's Class C share distribution fee so that the combined distribution and service fees will not exceed 0.40% annually of average net assets. This arrangement can be modified or terminated by the Distributor at any time.

Shareholder Services Fee

Each Fund has adopted shareholder services plans that permit them to pay for certain services provided to Class T shareholders by their financial advisors. The Funds may pay shareholder service fees up to a maximum of 0.50% of each Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class T shares (comprised of up to 0.25% for shareholder liaison services and up to 0.25% for administrative support services) but such fees will not exceed each Fund's net investment income attributable to Class T shares. Connecticut, Intermediate Municipal, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York do not intend to pay more than 0.15% annually during the current fiscal year for Class T shareholder services fees. No fees were charged during the year ended October 31, 2008 under the Class T service plan with respect to Rhode Island.

Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements

Columbia has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse each Fund for certain expenses through February 28, 2009, so that total expenses (exclusive of distribution and service fees, brokerage commissions, interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses, but inclusive of custodial charges relating to overdrafts, if any), after giving effect to any balance credits from the Funds' custodian, will not exceed 0.50% annually of each


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Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds, October 31, 2008 (continued)

Fund's average daily net assets. There is no guarantee that these arrangements will continue after February 28, 2009.

Fees Paid to Officers and Trustees

All officers of the Funds are employees of Columbia or its affiliates and, with the exception of the Funds' Chief Compliance Officer, receive no compensation from the Funds. The Board of Trustees has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer to the Funds in accordance with federal securities regulations. The Funds, along with other affiliated funds, pay their pro-rata share of the expenses associated with the Chief Compliance Officer. Each Fund's expenses for the Chief Compliance Officer will not exceed $15,000 per year.

The Trust's eligible Trustees may participate in a deferred compensation plan which may be terminated at any time. Obligations of the plan will be paid solely out of the Funds' assets.

As a result of fund mergers, certain Funds assumed the liabilities of the deferred compensation plan of the acquired fund. The deferred compensation plan of the Acquired Funds may be terminated at any time. Any payments to plan participants are paid solely out of the Funds' assets.

Note 5. Custody Credits

Each Fund has an agreement with its custodian bank under which custody fees may be reduced by balance credits. These credits are recorded as part of expense reductions on the Statements of Operations. The Funds could have invested a portion of the assets utilized in connection with the expense offset arrangement in an income-producing asset if they had not entered into such an agreement.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, these custody credits reduced total expenses for the Funds as follows:

    Custody
Credits
 
Connecticut   $ 4,054    
Intermediate Municipal     15,399    
Massachusetts     4,553    
New Jersey     1,997    
New York     2,198    
Rhode Island     1,271    

 

Note 6. Portfolio Information

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities, excluding short-term obligations, for the Funds were as follows:

    Purchases   Sales  
Connecticut   $ 45,814,315     $ 7,562,225    
Intermediate Municipal     338,542,620       473,825,401    
Massachusetts     42,847,367       30,705,085    
New Jersey     6,065,814       4,140,848    
New York     38,799,273       20,415,904    
Rhode Island     15,950,780       16,384,606    

 

Note 7. Line of Credit

The Funds and other affiliated funds participate in a $280,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit. The maximum amount that may be borrowed by any fund is limited to the lesser of $200,000,000 and the Fund's borrowing limit set forth in the Fund's registration statement. Borrowings are available for short-term liquidity or temporary or emergency purposes.

Interest is charged to each participating fund based on the fund's borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% and the overnight LIBOR Rate plus 0.50%. In addition, an annual operations agency fee of $20,000, an amendment fee of 0.02% and a commitment fee of 0.12% per annum are accrued and apportioned among the participating funds pro rata based on their relative net assets.

Prior to October 16, 2008, the Funds and other affiliated funds participated in a $350,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit and a $150,000,000 uncommitted, unsecured line of credit, both provided by State Street. Interest on the committed line of credit was charged to each participating fund based on the fund's borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%. In addition, a commitment fee of 0.10% per annum was accrued and apportioned among the participating funds pro rata based on their relative net assets. Interest on the uncommitted line of credit was charged to each participating fund based on the fund's borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.375%. State Street charged an annual


146



Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds, October 31, 2008 (continued)

operations agency fee of $40,000 for the committed line of credit and was able to charge an annual administration fee of $15,000 for the uncommitted line of credit. The commitment fee, the operations agency fee and the administration fee were accrued and apportioned among the participating funds pro rata based on their relative net assets.

For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Funds did not borrow under these arrangements.

Note 8. Shares of Beneficial Interest

As of October 31, 2008, the Funds had shareholders whose shares were beneficially owned by participant accounts over which BOA and/or any of its affiliates had either sole or joint investment discretion. The percentages of shares of beneficial interest outstanding held therein are as follows:

    % of Shares
Outstanding
Held
 
Connecticut     79.6    
Intermediate Municipal     90.0    
Massachusetts     80.6    
New Jersey     78.5    
New York     87.7    
Rhode Island     84.6    

 

As of October 31, 2008, Connecticut had one account that held 5.6% of the shares outstanding over which BOA and/or any of its affiliates did not have investment discretion.

Subscription and redemption activity of these accounts may have a significant effect on the operations of the Funds.

Note 9. Significant Risks and Contingencies

Non-Diversified Risk

Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island are non-diversified funds, which generally mean that they may invest a greater percentage of their total assets in the securities of fewer issuers than a "diversified" fund. This increases the risk that a change in the value of any one investment held by a Fund could affect the overall value of the Fund more than it would affect that of a diversified fund holding a greater number of investments. Accordingly, the Funds' value will likely be more volatile than the value of more diversified funds. The Funds may not operate as non-diversified funds at all times.

Geographic Concentration Risk

Each of Connecticut, Intermediate Municipal, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island had greater than 5% of its total net assets on October 31, 2008, invested in debt obligations issued by its respective states and political subdivisions, agencies and public authorities, as well as in such obligations of Puerto Rico. The Funds are more susceptible to economic and political factors adversely affecting issuers of their respective state's and Puerto Rico's municipal securities than are municipal bond funds that are not concentrated to the same extent in these issuers.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Each of the Funds holds investments that are insured by private insurers who guarantee the payment of principal and interest in the event of default or that are supported by a letter of credit. At October 31, 2008, private insurers who insured greater than 5% of the total net assets of the Funds were as follows:

Connecticut

Insurer   % of Total
Net Assets
 
MBIA Insurance Corp.     20.8    
Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.     12.3    
Financial Security Assurance, Inc.     10.6    
AMBAC Assurance Corp.     8.6    

 

Intermediate Municipal

Insurer   % of Total
Net Assets
 
MBIA Insurance Corp.     17.1    
Financial Security Assurance, Inc.     14.9    
AMBAC Assurance Corp.     8.2    
Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.     7.5    

 


147



Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds, October 31, 2008 (continued)

Massachusetts

Insurer   % of Total
Net Assets
 
MBIA Insurance Corp.     19.9    
AMBAC Assurance Corp     13.2    
Financial Security Assurance, Inc.     11.7    

 

New Jersey

Insurer   % of Total
Net Assets
 
AMBAC Assurance Corp.     15.6    
Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.     13.4    
Financial Security Assurance, Inc.     12.5    
MBIA Insurance Corp.     11.4    

 

New York

Insurer   % of Total
Net Assets
 
MBIA Insurance Corp.     13.0    
AMBAC Assurance Corp.     11.5    
Financial Security Assurance, Inc.     11.2    
Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.     8.1    

 

Rhode Island

Insurer   % of Total
Net Assets
 
Financial Security Assurance, Inc.     29.2    
MBIA Insurance Corp.     22.6    
AMBAC Assurance Corp.     15.1    
Syncora Guarantee, Inc.     6.7    
Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.     5.5    

 

At November 24, 2008, MBIA Insurance Corp., Financial Guaranty Insurance Co., AMBAC Assurance Corp., Financial Security Assurance, Inc. and Syncora Guarantee, Inc. were rated by Standard & Poor's AA, CCC, A, AAA and B, respectively.

Tax Development Risk

Each Fund purchases municipal securities whose interest, in the opinion of bond counsel, is free from federal income tax. There is no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will agree with this opinion. In the event the IRS determines that an issuer does not comply with relevant tax requirements, interest payments from a security could become federally taxable, possibly retroactively to the date the security was issued. As a shareholder of the Fund, you may be required to file an amended tax return as a result.

Legal Proceedings

On February 9, 2005, Columbia Management Advisors, Inc. (which has since merged into Banc of America Capital Management, LLC (now named Columbia Management Advisors, LLC)) ("Columbia") and Columbia Funds Distributor, Inc. (which has been renamed Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.) (the "Distributor") (collectively, the "Columbia Group") entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance with the New York Attorney General ("NYAG") (the "NYAG Settlement") and consented to the entry of a cease-and-desist order by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") (the "SEC Order") on matters relating to mutual fund trading.

Under the terms of the SEC Order, the Columbia Group agreed, among other things, to: pay $70 million in disgorgement and $70 million in civil money penalties; cease and desist from violations of the antifraud provisions and certain other provisions of the federal securities laws; maintain certain compliance and ethics oversight structures; retain an independent consultant to review the Columbia Group's applicable supervisory, compliance, control and other policies and procedures; and retain an independent distribution consultant (see below). The Columbia Funds have also voluntarily undertaken to implement certain governance measures designed to maintain the independence of their boards of trustees. The NYAG Settlement also, among other things, requires Columbia and its affiliates to reduce management fees for certain Columbia Funds (including the former Nations Funds) and other mutual funds collectively by $32 million per year for five years, for a projected total of $160 million in management fee reductions.

Pursuant to the procedures set forth in the SEC Order, the $140 million in settlement amounts described above is being distributed in accordance with a distribution plan that was developed by an independent distribution consultant and approved by the SEC on April 6, 2007. Distributions under the distribution plan began in late June 2007.


148



Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds, October 31, 2008 (continued)

A copy of the SEC Order is available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. A copy of the NYAG Settlement is available as part of the Bank of America Corporation Form 8-K filing on February 10, 2005.

In connection with the events described above, various parties have filed suit against certain funds, the Trustees of the Columbia Funds, FleetBoston Financial Corporation and its affiliated entities and/or Bank of America and its affiliated entities.

On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred these cases and cases against other mutual fund companies based on similar allegations to the United States District Court in Maryland for consolidated or coordinated pretrial proceedings (the "MDL"). Subsequently, additional related cases were transferred to the MDL. On September 29, 2004, the plaintiffs in the MDL filed amended and consolidated complaints. One of these amended complaints is a putative class action that includes claims under the federal securities laws and state common law, and that names Columbia, the Distributor, the Trustees of the Columbia Funds, Bank of America Corporation and others as defendants. Another of the amended complaints is a derivative action purportedly on behalf of the Columbia Funds that asserts claims under federal securities laws and state common law.

On February 25, 2005, Columbia and other defendants filed motions to dismiss the claims in the pending cases. On March 1, 2006, for reasons stated in the court's memoranda dated November 3, 2005, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland granted in part and denied in part the defendants' motions to dismiss. The court dismissed all of the class action claims pending against the Columbia Funds Trusts. As to Columbia and the Distributor, the claims under the Securities Act of 1933, the claims under Sections 34(b) and 36(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("ICA") and the state law claims were dismissed. The claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and claims under Section 36(b) of the ICA were not dismissed.

On March 21, 2005, a purported class action was filed in Massachusetts state court alleging that certain conduct, including market timing, entitled Class B shareholders in certain Columbia funds to an exemption from contingent deferred sales charges upon early redemption ("the CDSC Lawsuit"). The CDSC Lawsuit was removed to federal court in Massachusetts and transferred to the MDL.

On September 14, 2007, the plaintiffs and the Columbia defendants named in the MDL, including the Columbia Funds, entered into a stipulation of settlement with respect to all Columbia-related claims in the MDL described above, including the CDSC Lawsuit. The settlement is subject to court approval.

In 2004, the Columbia Funds' adviser and distributor and certain affiliated entities and individuals were named as defendants in certain purported shareholder class and derivative actions making claims, including claims under the Investment Company and the Investment Advisers Acts of 1940 and state law. Certain Columbia Funds were named as nominal defendants. The suits allege, inter alia, that the fees and expenses paid by the funds are excessive and that the advisers and their affiliates inappropriately used fund assets to distribute the funds and for other improper purposes. On March 2, 2005, the actions were consolidated in the Massachusetts federal court as In re Columbia Entities Litigation. The plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint on June 9, 2005. On November 30, 2005, the judge dismissed all claims by plaintiffs and entered final judgment in favor of the defendants. The plaintiffs appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit on December 30, 2005. A stipulation and settlement agreement dated January 19, 2007 was filed in the First Circuit on February 14, 2007, with a joint stipulation of dismissal and motion for remand to obtain district court approval of the settlement. That joint motion was granted and the appeal was dismissed. On March 6, 2007, the case was remanded to the District Court. The settlement, approved by the District Court on September 18, 2007, became effective October 19, 2007. Pursuant to the settlement, the funds' adviser and/or its affiliates made certain payments, including plaintiffs' attorneys' fees and costs of notice to class members.


149



Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds, October 31, 2008 (continued)

Note 10. Business Combinations and Mergers

On May 5, 2008, Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund, a series of Excelsior Tax-Exempt Funds, Inc., merged into Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund. Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund received a tax-free transfer of assets from Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund as follows:

Class Z Shares
Issued
  Net Assets
Received
  Unrealized
Appreciation*
 
  36,795,116     $ 374,435,646     $ 1,901,189    

 

Net Assets
of Columbia
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
Prior to
Combination
  Net Assets
of Intermediate-
Term Tax-Exempt
Fund Immediately
Prior to Combination
  Net Assets
of Columbia
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
Immediately
After Combination
 
$ 2,308,865,838     $ 374,435,646     $ 2,683,301,484    

 

On May 5, 2008, New York Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund, a series of Excelsior Tax-Exempt Funds, Inc., merged into Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund. Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund received a tax-free transfer of assets from New York Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund as follows:

Class Z Shares
Issued
  Net Assets
Received
  Unrealized
Appreciation*
 
  12,980,728     $ 149,608,565     $ 1,194,768    

 

Net Assets
of Columbia
New York
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
Prior to
Combination
  Net Assets
of New York
Intermediate-
Term Tax-Exempt
Fund Immediately
Prior to Combination
  Net Assets
of Columbia
New York
Intermediate
Municipal
Bond Fund
Immediately
After Combination
 
$ 157,874,795     $ 149,608,565     $ 307,483,360    

 

*  Unrealized appreciation is included in the Net Assets Received.


150




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Trustees and the Shareholders of Columbia Funds Series Trust I

In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the investment portfolios, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Columbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Columbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund and Columbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund (constituting part of Columbia Funds Series Trust I, hereafter collectively referred to as the "Funds") at October 31, 2008, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial statements") are the responsibility of the Funds' management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at October 31, 2008 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
December 22, 2008


151



Federal Income Tax Information (Unaudited)

Columbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

100.0% of the distributions from net investment income will be treated as exempt income for federal income tax purposes.

Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

99.9% of the distributions from net investment income will be treated as exempt income for federal income tax purposes.

Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

100.0% of the distributions from net investment income will be treated as exempt income for federal income tax purposes.

Columbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

100.0% of the distributions from net investment income will be treated as exempt income for federal income tax purposes.

Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

99.58% of the distributions from net investment income will be treated as exempt income for federal income tax purposes.

Columbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

100.0% of the distributions from net investment income will be treated as exempt income for federal income tax purposes.


152



Fund Governance

The Trustees serve terms of indefinite duration. The names, addresses and ages of the Trustees and officers of the Funds in Columbia Funds Series Trust I, the year each was first elected or appointed to office, their principal business occupations during at least the last five years, the number of Funds overseen by each Trustee and other directorships they hold are shown below. Each officer listed below serves as an officer of each Fund in the Columbia Funds Complex.

Independent Trustees

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Funds, Year First
Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Number of Funds in Columbia
Funds Complex Overseen by Trustee, Other Directorships Held
 
John D. Collins (Born 1938)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee1 (since 2007)
  Retired. Consultant, KPMG, LLP (accounting and tax firm) from July 1999 to June 2000; Partner, KPMG, LLP from March 1962 to June 1999. Oversees 80, Mrs. Fields Famous Brands LLC (consumer products); Suburban Propane Partners, L.P.; and Montpelier Re (underwriting firm)  
Rodman L. Drake (Born 1943)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee1 (since 2007)
  Co-Founder of Baringo Capital LLC (private equity) since 2002; President, Continuation Investments Group, Inc. from 1997 to 2001. Oversees 80, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (tax preparation services); Crystal Capital River Inc. (real estate investment trust); Student Loan Corporation (student loan provider); Celgene Corporation (global biotechnology company); Apex Silver Mines Ltd. (mining); and Hyperion Brookfield Total Return Fund, Inc. and Hyperion Brookfield Strategic Mortgage Income Fund, Inc. (exchange-traded funds)  
Douglas A. Hacker (Born 1955)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1996)
  Independent business executive since May 2006; Executive Vice President—Strategy of United Airlines (airline) from December 2002 to May 2006; President of UAL Loyalty Services (airline marketing company) from September 2001 to December 2002; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Airlines from July 1999 to September 2001. Oversees 80, Nash Finch Company (food distributor); Aircastle Limited (aircraft leasing)  
Janet Langford Kelly (Born 1957)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1996)
  Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, ConocoPhillips (integrated energy company) since September 2007; Deputy General Counsel—Corporate Legal Services, ConocoPhillips from August 2006 to August 2007; Partner, Zelle, Hofmann, Voelbel, Mason & Gette LLP (law firm) from March 2005 to July 2006; Adjunct Professor of Law, Northwestern University, from September 2004 to June 2006; Director, UAL Corporation (airline) from February 2006 to July 2006; Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President, Kmart Holding Corporation (consumer goods), from September 2003 to March 2004; Executive Vice President—Corporate Development and Administration, General Counsel and Secretary, Kellogg Company (food manufacturer), from September 1999 to August 2003. Oversees 80, None  

 


153



Fund Governance (continued)

Independent Trustees (continued)

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Funds, Year First
Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Number of Funds in Columbia
Funds Complex Overseen by Trustee, Other Directorships Held
 
Charles R. Nelson (Born 1942)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1981)
  Professor of Economics, University of Washington, since January 1976; Ford and Louisa Van Voorhis Professor of Political Economy, University of Washington, since September 1993; Director, Institute for Economic Research, University of Washington from September 2001 to June 2003; Adjunct Professor of Statistics, University of Washington, since September 1980; Associate Editor, Journal of Money Credit and Banking, since September 1993; Consultant on econometric and statistical matters. Oversees 80, None  
John J. Neuhauser (Born 1943)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1985)
  President, Saint Michael's College, since August 2007; University Professor, Boston College from November 2005 to August 2007; Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculties, Boston College from August 1999 to October 2005. Oversees 80, Liberty All-Star Equity Fund and Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc. (closed-end funds)  
Jonathan Piel (Born 1938)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee1 (since 2007)
  Cable television producer and website designer; The Editor, Scientific American from 1984 to 1994; Vice President, Scientific American, Inc., from 1984 to 1994; Member, Advisory Board, Stone Age Institute, Bloomington, Indiana (research institute that explores the effect of technology on human evolution); Member, Board of Directors of the National Institute of Social Sciences, New York City; and Member, Board of Trustees of the William Alanson White Institute, New York City (institution for training psychoanalysts). Oversees 80, None  
Patrick J. Simpson (Born 1944)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 2000)
  Partner, Perkins Coie LLP (law firm). Oversees 80, None  
Thomas C. Theobald (Born 1937)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee and
Chairman of the Board (since 1996)
  Partner and Senior Advisor, Chicago Growth Partners (private equity investing) since September 2004; Managing Director, William Blair Capital Partners (private equity investing) from September 1994 to September 2004. Oversees 80, Anixter International (network support equipment distributor); Ventas, Inc. (real estate investment trust); Jones Lang LaSalle (real estate management services); Ambac Financial Group (financial guaranty insurance)  
Anne-Lee Verville (Born 1945)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee (since 1998)
  Retired since 1997 (formerly General Manager—Global Education Industry (from 1994 to 1997), President—Application Systems Division (from 1991 to 1994), Chief Financial Officer—US Marketing & Services (from 1988 to 1991), and Chief Information Officer (from 1987 to 1988), IBM Corporation (computer and technology)). Oversees 80, None  

 


154



Fund Governance (continued)

Interested Trustee

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Funds, Year First
Elected or Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Number of Funds in Columbia
Funds Complex Overseen by Trustee, Other Directorships Held
 
William E. Mayer (Born 1940)  
c/o Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Trustee2 (since 1994)
  Partner, Park Avenue Equity Partners (private equity) since February 1999; Dean and Professor, College of Business, University of Maryland from 1992 to 1997. Oversees 80, Lee Enterprises (print media), WR Hambrecht + Co. (financial service provider); BlackRock Kelso Capital Corporation (investment company)  

 

1  Messrs. Drake, Piel and Collins have served as directors/trustees of the Excelsior Funds since 1996, 1996 and 2005, respectively. The Excelsior Funds consisted of 27 portfolios managed by affiliates of Columbia Management Advisors, LLC. Effective December 12, 2007, the Board elected Messrs. Drake, Piel and Collins as Trustees of the Trust.

2  Mr. Mayer is an "interested person" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) by reason of his affiliation with WR Hambrecht + Co., a registered broker/dealer that may execute portfolio transactions for or engage in principal transactions with the Funds or other funds or accounts advised/managed by the Advisor or other Bank of America affiliates.

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees of the Funds and is available, without charge, upon request by calling 1-800-345-6611.

Officers

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Columbia Funds,
Year First Elected or
Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years


 
Christopher L. Wilson (Born 1957)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
President (since 2004)
  President—Columbia Funds, since October 2004; Managing Director—Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, since September 2005; Senior Vice President—Columbia Management Distributors, Inc., since January 2005; Director—Columbia Management Services, Inc., since January 2005; Director—Bank of America Global Liquidity Funds, plc and Banc of America Capital Management (Ireland), Limited, since May 2005; Director—FIM Funding, Inc., since January 2005; President and Chief Executive Officer—CDC IXIS AM Services, Inc. (investment management), from September 1998 through August 2004; and a senior officer or director of various other Bank of America affiliated entities, including other registered and unregistered funds.  
James R. Bordewick, Jr. (Born 1959)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Senior Vice President, Secretary and
Chief Legal Officer (since 2006)
  Associate General Counsel, Bank of America since April 2005; Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel, MFS Investment Management (investment management) prior to April 2005.  

 


155



Fund Governance (continued)

Officers (continued)

Name, Address and Year of Birth,
Position with Columbia Funds,
Year First Elected or
Appointed to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years


 
J. Kevin Connaughton (Born 1964)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer (since 2000)
  Managing Director of Columbia Management Advisors, LLC since December 2004; Treasurer—Columbia Funds, from October 2003 to May 2008; Treasurer—the Liberty Funds, Stein Roe Funds and Liberty All-Star Funds, December 2000—December 2006; Senior Vice President—Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, from April 2003 to December 2004; President—Columbia Funds, Liberty Funds and Stein Roe Funds, February 2004 to October 2004; Treasurer—Galaxy Funds, September 2002 to December 2005; Treasurer, December 2002 to December 2004, and President, February 2004 to December 2004—Columbia Management Multi-Strategy Hedge Fund, LLC; and a senior officer of various other Bank of America-affiliated entities, including other registered and unregistered funds.  
Linda J. Wondrack (Born 1964)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Senior Vice President and
Chief Compliance Officer (since 2007)
  Director (Columbia Management Group LLC and Investment Product Group Compliance), Bank of America since June 2005; Director of Corporate Compliance and Conflicts Officer, MFS Investment Management (investment management), August 2004 to May 2005; Managing Director, Deutsche Asset Management (investment management) prior to August 2004.  
Michael G. Clarke (Born 1969)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Treasurer (since 2008)
  Director of Fund Administration of the Advisor since January 2006; Managing Director of the Advisor September 2004 to December 2005; Vice President Fund Administration June 2002 to September 2004.  
Jeffrey R. Coleman (Born 1969)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Deputy Treasurer (since 2006)
  Director of Fund Administration of the Advisor since January 2006; Fund Controller of the Advisor from October 2004 to January 2006; Vice President of CDC IXIS Asset Management Services, Inc. (investment management) from August 2000 to September 2004.  
Joseph F. DiMaria (Born 1968)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Chief Accounting Officer (since 2008)
  Director of Fund Administration of the Advisor since January 2006; Head of Tax/Compliance and Assistant Treasurer of the Advisor from November 2004 to December 2005; Director of Trustee Administration (Sarbanes-Oxley) of the Advisor from May 2003 to October 2004.  
Julian Quero (Born 1967)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Deputy Treasurer (since 2008)
  Senior Tax Manager of the Advisor since August 2006; Senior Compliance Manager of the Advisor from April 2002 to August 2006.  
Barry S. Vallan (Born 1969)  
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Controller (since 2006)
  Vice President—Fund Treasury of the Advisor since October 2004; Vice President—Trustee Reporting of the Advisor from April 2002 to October 2004  

 


156



Board Consideration and Approval of Advisory Agreements

The Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee of the Board of Trustees meets several times annually to review the advisory agreements (collectively, the "Agreements") of the funds for which the Trustees serve as trustees (each a "fund") and to determine whether to recommend that the full Board approve the continuation of the Agreements for an additional one-year period. After the Committee has made its recommendation, the full Board, including the Independent Trustees, determines whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements. In addition, the full Board, including the Independent Trustees, considers matters bearing on the Agreements at most of its other meetings throughout the year and meets regularly with senior management of the funds and Columbia, the funds' investment adviser, including the senior manager of each investment area within Columbia. Through the Board's Investment Oversight Committees, Trustees also meet with selected fund portfolio managers, research analysts and traders at various times throughout the year.

The Trustees receive and review all materials that they, their legal counsel or Columbia believe to be reasonably necessary for the Trustees to evaluate the Agreements and to determine whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements. Those materials generally include, among other items, (i) information on the investment performance of each fund relative to the performance of peer groups of mutual funds and the fund's performance benchmarks, and additional information assessing performance on a risk adjusted basis, (ii) information on each fund's advisory fees and other expenses, including information comparing the fund's expenses to those of peer groups of mutual funds and information about any applicable expense caps and fee "breakpoints," (iii) information about the profitability of the Agreements to Columbia, including potential "fall-out" or ancillary benefits that Columbia and its affiliates may receive as a result of their relationships with the funds and (iv) information obtained through Columbia's response to a questionnaire prepared at the request of the Trustees by counsel to the funds and independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees. The Trustees also consider other information such as (v) Columbia's financial results and financial condition, (vi) each fund's investment objective and strategies and the size, education and experience of Columbia's investment staffs and their use of technology, external research and trading cost measurement tools, (vii) the allocation of the funds' brokerage and the use of "soft" commission dollars to pay for research products and services, (viii) Columbia's resources devoted to, and its record of compliance with, the funds' investment policies and restrictions, policies on personal securities transactions and other compliance policies and legal and regulatory requirements, (ix) Columbia's response to various legal and regulatory proceedings since 2003 and to the recent period of volatility in the securities markets and (x) the economic outlook generally and for the mutual fund industry in particular. In addition, the Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee confers with the funds' independent fee consultant and reviews materials relating to the funds' relationships with Columbia provided by the independent fee consultant. Throughout the process, the Trustees have the opportunity to ask questions of and to request additional materials from Columbia and to consult with the independent fee consultant and independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees.

The Board of Trustees most recently approved the continuation of the Agreements at its October, 2008 meeting, following meetings of the Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee held in February, April, August, September and October, 2008. In considering whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, did not identify any single factor as determinative, and each weighed various factors as he or she deemed appropriate. The Trustees considered the following matters in connection with their approval of the continuation of the Agreements:

The nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the funds under the Agreements. The Trustees considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Columbia and its affiliates to the funds and the resources dedicated to the funds by Columbia and its affiliates. Among other things, the Trustees considered (i) Columbia's ability (including its personnel and other resources, compensation programs for personnel involved in fund management, reputation and other attributes) to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified research, advisory and supervisory investment professionals; (ii) the portfolio management services provided by those investment professionals; and (iii) the trade execution services provided on behalf of the funds. For each fund, the Trustees also considered the benefits to shareholders of investing in a mutual fund that is part of a family of funds offering exposure to a variety of asset classes


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and investment disciplines and providing a variety of fund and shareholder services. After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the nature, extent and quality of services provided supported the continuation of the Agreements.

Investment performance of the funds and Columbia. The Trustees reviewed information about the performance of each fund over various time periods, including information prepared by an independent third-party data provider that compared the performance of each fund to the performance of peer groups of mutual funds and performance benchmarks. The Trustees also reviewed a description of the third party's methodology for identifying each fund's peer group for purposes of performance and expense comparisons. The Trustees also considered additional information that the Advisory Fees and Expenses Committee requested from Columbia relating to funds that presented relatively weaker performance and/or relatively higher expenses. In the case of each fund whose performance lagged that of a relevant peer group for certain (although not necessarily all) periods, the Trustees concluded that other factors relevant to performance were sufficient, in light of other considerations, to warrant continuation of the fund's Agreements. Those factors varied from fund to fund, but included one or more of the following: (i) that the fund's performance, although lagging in certain recent periods, was stronger over the longer term; (ii) that the underperformance was attributable, to a significant extent, to investment decisions that were reasonable and consistent with the fund's investment strategy and policies and that the fund was performing within a reasonable range of expectations, given those investment decisions, market conditions and the fund's investment strategy; (iii) that the fund's performance was competitive when compared to other relevant performance benchmarks or peer groups; (iv) that Columbia had taken or was taking steps designed to help improve the fund's investment performance, including, but not limited to, replacing portfolio managers or modifying investment strategies; and (v) that Columbia proposed to waive advisory fees or cap the expenses of the fund.

The Trustees noted the performance of each Fund through April 30, 2008 relative to that of a peer group selected by an independent third-party data provider for the purposes of performance comparisons. Specifically, Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund's performance was in the fourth quintile (where the best performance would be in the first quintile) for the one-year period and in the third quintile for the three,- five- and ten-year periods; Columbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund's performance was in the third quintile for the one-year period and in the fourth quintile for the three,- five- and ten-year periods; Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund's performance was in the third quintile for the one-, three-, and ten-year periods, and in the fourth quintile for the five-year period; Columbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund's performance was in the fourth quintile for the one-year period and in the third quintile for the three-, five- and ten-year periods; Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund's performance was in the fourth quintile for the one-year period, and in the third quintile for the three-, five- and ten-year periods; and Columbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund's performance was in the third quintile for the one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods.

The Trustees also considered Columbia's performance and reputation generally, the funds' performance as a fund family generally, and Columbia's historical responsiveness to Trustee concerns about performance and Columbia's willingness to take steps intended to improve performance. After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the performance of each fund and Columbia was sufficient, in light of other considerations, to warrant the continuation of the Agreement(s) pertaining to that fund.

The costs of the services provided and profits realized by Columbia and its affiliates from their relationships with the funds. The Trustees considered the fees charged to the funds for advisory services as well as the total expense levels of the funds. That information included comparisons (provided by management and by an independent third-party data provider) of each fund's advisory fees and total expense levels to those of the fund's peer groups and information about the advisory fees charged by Columbia to comparable institutional accounts. In considering the fees charged to those accounts, the Trustees took into account, among other things, management's representations about the differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts, including differences in the services provided, differences in the risk profile of such business for Columbia,


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and the additional resources required to manage mutual funds effectively. In evaluating each fund's advisory fees, the Trustees also took into account the demands, complexity and quality of the investment management of the fund. The Trustees considered existing advisory fee breakpoints, and Columbia's use of advisory fee waivers and expense caps, which benefited a number of the funds. The Trustees also noted management's stated justification for the fees charged to the funds, which included information about the investment performance of the funds and the services provided to the funds.

The Trustees considered each fund's total expenses and actual management fees relative to those of a peer group selected by an independent third-party data provider for purposes of expense comparisons. Specifically, Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund's total expenses were in the first quintile and actual management fees were in the third quintile (where the lowest fees and expenses would be in the first quintile); Columbia Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund's total expenses and actual management fees were in the first quintile; Columbia Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund's total expenses and actual management fees were in the first quintile; Columbia New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund's total expenses and actual management fees were in the first quintile; Columbia New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund's total expenses and actual management fees were in the first quintile; and Columbia Rhode Island Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund's total expenses and actual management fees were in the first quintile.

The Trustees also considered the compensation directly or indirectly received by Columbia and its affiliates from their relationships with the funds. The Trustees reviewed information provided by management as to the profitability to Columbia and its affiliates of their relationships with each fund, and information about the allocation of expenses used to calculate profitability. When reviewing profitability, the Trustees also considered court cases in which adviser profitability was an issue in whole or in part, the performance of the relevant funds, the expense level of each fund, and whether Columbia had implemented breakpoints and/or expense caps with respect to the fund.

After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the advisory fees charged to each fund, and the related profitability to Columbia and its affiliates of their relationships with the fund, supported the continuation of the Agreement(s) pertaining to that fund.

Economies of Scale. The Trustees considered the existence of any economies of scale in the provision by Columbia of services to each fund, to groups of related funds, and to Columbia's investment advisory clients as a whole and whether those economies were shared with the funds through breakpoints in the investment advisory fees or other means, such as fee waivers/expense reductions and additional investments by Columbia in investment, trading and compliance resources. The Trustees noted that many of the funds benefited from breakpoints, fee waivers/expense caps, or both. In considering those issues, the Trustees also took note of the costs of the services provided (both on an absolute and a relative basis) and the profitability to Columbia and its affiliates of their relationships with the funds, as discussed above.

After reviewing those and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding each of the Agreements, that the extent to which economies of scale were shared with the funds supported the continuation of the Agreements.

Other Factors. The Trustees also considered other factors, which included but were not limited to the following:

n  the extent to which each fund had operated in accordance with its investment objective and investment restrictions, the nature and scope of the compliance programs of the funds and Columbia and the compliance-related resources that Columbia and its affiliates were providing to the funds;

n  the nature, quality, cost and extent of administrative and shareholder services overseen and performed by Columbia and its affiliates, both under the Agreements and under separate agreements for the provision of transfer agency and administrative services;

n  so-called "fall-out benefits" to Columbia and its affiliates, such as the engagement of its affiliates to provide distribution, brokerage and transfer agency services to the funds, and the benefits of research made available to


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Columbia by reason of brokerage commissions generated by the funds' securities transactions, as well as possible conflicts of interest associated with those fall-out and other benefits, and the reporting, disclosure and other processes in place to disclose and monitor those possible conflicts of interest; and

n  the report provided by the funds' independent fee consultant, which included information about and analysis of the funds' fees, expenses and performance.

Based on their evaluation of all factors that they deemed to be material, including those factors described above, and assisted by the advice of independent counsel and the independent fee consultant, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of each of the Agreements through October 31, 2009.


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Summary of Management Fee Evaluation by
Independent Fee Consultant

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT FEE CONSULTANT TO THE FUNDS SUPERVISED BY THE COLUMBIA ATLANTIC BOARD

Prepared Pursuant to the February 9, 2005
Assurance of Discontinuance among the
Office of Attorney General of New York State,
Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, and
Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.

November 3, 2008

I. Overview

On February 9, 2005, Columbia Management Advisors, LLC ("CMA") and Columbia Management Distributors, Inc.1 ("CMD") agreed to the New York Attorney General's Assurance of Discontinuance ("AOD"). Among other things, the AOD stipulates that CMA may manage or advise a Columbia Fund ("Columbia Fund" and, together with some or all of such funds, the "Columbia Funds") only if the Independent Members of the Columbia Fund's Board of Trustees appoint a Senior Officer or retain an Independent Fee Consultant ("IFC") who is to manage the process by which proposed management fees are negotiated. The AOD further stipulates that the Senior Officer or IFC is to prepare a written annual evaluation of the fee negotiation process.

With effect from January 1, 2007, the Independent Members of the Board of Trustees for certain Columbia Funds known collectively as the "Atlantic Funds" (together with the other members of that Board, the "Trustees") retained me as IFC for the Atlantic Funds.2 In this capacity, I have prepared the fourth annual written evaluation of the fee negotiation process. As was the case with last year's report (the "2007 Report") my immediate predecessor as IFC, John Rea, provided invaluable assistance in the preparation of this year's report.

A. Role of the Independent Fee Consultant

The AOD charges the IFC with "managing the process by which proposed management fees ... to be charged the Columbia Fund are negotiated so that they are negotiated in a manner which is at arms' length and reasonable and consistent with this Assurance of Discontinuance." The AOD also provides that CMA "may manage or advise a Columbia Fund only if the reasonableness of the proposed management fees is determined by the Board of Trustees ... using ... an annual independent written evaluation prepared by or under the direction of ... the Independent Fee Consultant." Therefore, the AOD makes clear that the IFC does not supplant the Trustees in negotiating management fees with CMA, nor does the IFC substitute his or her judgment for that of the Trustees with respect to the reasonableness of proposed fees or any other matter that is committed to the business judgment of the Trustees.

B. Elements Involved in Managing the Fee Negotiation Process

In preparing the report required by the AOD, the IFC must consider at least the following six factors set forth in the AOD:

1.  The nature and quality of CMA's services, including the Fund's performance;

2.  Management fees (including any components thereof) charged by other mutual fund companies for like services;

3.  Possible economies of scale as the Fund grows larger;

4.  Management fees (including any components thereof) charged to institutional and other clients of CMA for like services;

5.  Costs to CMA and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the management fee agreements, excluding any intra-corporate profit; and

6.  Profit margins of CMA and its affiliates from supplying such services.

C. Organization of the Annual Evaluation

This report, like last year's, focuses on the six factors and contains a section for each factor except that CMA's costs and profits from managing the Funds have been combined into a single section. In addition to a discussion of these factors, the report offers recommendations to improve the fee review process in future years. A review of the status of

1  CMA and CMD are subsidiaries of Columbia Management Group, LLC ("CMG"), and are the successors to the entities named in the AOD.

2  I have no material relationship with Bank of America, CMG or any of its affiliates, aside from serving as IFC, and I am aware of no material relationship with any of their affiliates. I retained John Rea, an independent economic consultant, to assist me with this report.

  Unless otherwise stated or required by the context, this report covers only the Atlantic Funds, which are also referred as the "Funds."


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recommendations made in the 2007 Report is being provided separately with the materials for the October meeting.

II. Summary of Findings

A. General

1.  Based upon my examination of the information supplied by CMG in the light of the six factors set forth in the AOD, I conclude that the Trustees have the relevant information necessary to evaluate the reasonableness of the proposed management fees for each Atlantic Fund.

2.  In my view, the process by which the proposed management fees of the Funds have been negotiated in 2008 thus far has been, to the extent practicable, at arms' length and reasonable and consistent with the AOD.

B. Nature and Quality of Services, Including Performance

3.  The performance of the Funds has been relatively strong in recent years. Based upon 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year returns through April 30, 2008, at least half of all the Funds were in the first and second performance quintiles in each of the four performance periods and, at most, only 11% were in the fifth quintile in any one performance period. Both equity and fixed-income funds posted strong performance relative to comparable funds.

4.  Performance rankings were similar in 2007 and 2008, although last year's were slightly stronger. Despite the stability in the distribution of rankings in the two years, at least half the Funds changed quintile rankings between the two years in at least one of the 1-, 3-, and 5-year performance periods.

5.  The performance of the actively managed equity Funds against their benchmarks was very strong. At least 57% and as many as 73% posted net returns exceeding their benchmarks over the 1-, 3-, and 5-year periods. In contrast, gross and net returns of fixed-income Funds typically fell short of their benchmarks.

6.  Atlantic equity Funds' overall performance adjusted for risk also was strong. Based upon 3-year returns, nearly 80% of the equity Funds had a combination of risk-adjusted and unadjusted returns that placed them in the top half of their performance universes. Only about one-fifth of the fixed income Funds posted high returns and low risk relative to comparable funds. About two-thirds of the fixed-income Funds took on more risk than the typical fund in their performance universes.

7.  The industry-standard procedure used by Lipper that includes all share classes in the performance universe tends to bias a Fund's ranking upward within that universe. The bias occurs because either no-12b-1 fee or low-12b-1 fee share classes of the Atlantic Funds are compared with funds in performance universes that include all share classes of multi-class funds with 12b-1 fees of up to 100 basis points. Correcting this bias by limiting the performance universe to classes of comparable funds with low or no 12b-1 fees (a "filtered universe") lowers the relative performance for the Funds, but their performance, on the whole, remains strong. The filtering process, however, did identify two Funds for further review that had not been designated review funds using unfiltered universes.

8.  A small number of Funds have consistently underperformed over the past four years. The exact number depends on the criteria used to evaluate longer-term performance. For example, the one-year returns of one Fund have been in the fourth or fifth performance quintiles in each of the past four years; there are six Funds whose three-year returns have been in the fourth or fifth quintile over the past four years.

9.  The services performed by CMG professionals beyond portfolio management, such as compliance, legal, information technology, risk management, finance and fund administration, are critical to the success of the Funds and appear to be of high quality.

C. Management Fees Charged by Other Mutual Fund Companies

10.  The Funds' management fees and total expenses are generally low relative to those of their peers. Only 21% of the Funds ranked in the two most expensive quintiles for actual management fees, and only 23% in those quintiles for total expenses.

11.  The highest concentration of low-expense Funds is found among the equity and tax-exempt fixed income Funds. The 12 former Excelsior Funds have relatively high fees and expenses, with half of those Funds ranking in either the


162



fourth or fifth quintiles. The higher actual management fee rankings of certain Excelsior Funds are due in part to fee schedules that are higher than standard Columbia Fund fee schedules at current asset levels. After discussion with the Trustees, CMA is proposing to lower the management fees on three of these Funds.

12.  The distribution of expense rankings is similar in 2007 and 2008, while management fee rankings improved markedly in 2008. Part of the improvement reflects expense limitations introduced last year for the state intermediate municipal bond Funds.

13.  The management fees of the Atlantic Funds are generally in line with those of Columbia Funds supervised by the Nations Board of Trustees (the "Nations Funds"). In investment categories in which the Atlantic Funds have higher average fees, the difference principally arises out of differences in asset size.

D. Trustees' Fee and Performance Evaluation Process

14.  The Trustees' evaluation process identified 17 Funds in 2008 for further review based upon their relative performance or expenses or both. When compared in filtered universes, two more Funds met the criteria for further review. CMG provided further information about those Funds to assist the Trustees in their evaluation.

E. Potential Economies of Scale

15.  CMG presented to the Trustees its analysis of the sources and sharing of potential economies of scale. CMG views economies of scale as arising at the complex level and would regard estimates of scale economies for individual funds as unreliable. In its analysis, CMG did not identify specific sources of economies of scale or provide any estimates of any economies of scale that might arise from future asset growth. CMG's analysis included measures taken by the Trustees and CMG that seek to share any potential economies of scale through breakpoints in management fee schedules, expense reimbursements, fee waivers, enhanced shareholder services, fund mergers, and operational consolidation.

16.  An examination of the contractual fee schedules for five Atlantic Funds shows that they are generally in line with those of their competitors, in terms of number and extent of fee breakpoints. A similar examination last year of five different Funds led to the same conclusion.

F. Management Fees Charged to Institutional Clients

17.  CMG has provided Trustees with comparisons of mutual fund management fees and institutional fees based upon standardized fee schedules and upon actual fees. The results show that, consistent with industry practice, institutional fees are generally lower than the Funds' management fees. However, because the services provided and risks borne by the manager are more extensive for mutual funds compared to institutional accounts, the differences are of limited value in assisting the Trustees in their review of the reasonableness of the Funds' management fees.

G. Revenues, Expenses, and Profits

18.  The activity-based cost allocation methodology ("ABC") employed by CMG to allocate costs, both direct and indirect, for purposes of calculating Fund profitability is thoughtful and detailed. This year, CMG proposed a change to the method by which indirect expenses are allocated. Under this "hybrid" method, indirect costs relating to fund management are allocated among the Funds 50% by assets and 50% per Fund. Allocating indirect expenses equally to each Fund has an intuitive logic, as each Fund regardless of size has certain expenses, such as preparing and printing prospectuses and financial statements.

19.  The materials provided on CMG's revenues and expenses with respect to the Funds and the methodology underlying their construction form a sufficient basis for Trustees to evaluate the expenses and profitability of the Funds.

20.  In 2007, CMG's complex-wide pre-tax margins on the Atlantic Funds were slightly below industry medians, based on limited data available for publicly held mutual fund managers. However, as is to be expected in a complex now comprising 75 Funds (including former Excelsior Funds), some Atlantic Funds have relatively high pre-tax profit margins, when calculated solely with respect to management revenues and expenses, while other Atlantic Funds operate at a loss. There is a positive relationship


163



between fund size and profitability, with smaller funds generally operating at a loss.

21.  CMG pays a fixed percentage of its management fee revenues to an affiliate, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, to compensate it for services it performs with respect to Atlantic Fund assets held for the benefit of its customers. Based on our analysis of the services provided by this affiliate, we have concluded that all payments other than those for sub-transfer agent or sub-accounting services should be treated as a distribution expense.

III. Recommendations

1.  Criteria for review. The Trustees may wish to consider modifying the criteria for classifying a fund as a "Review Fund" to include criteria that focus exclusively on performance without regard to expense or fee levels. For example, a fund whose one-year or three-year performance was median or below for four consecutive years could be treated as a Review Fund. When we applied such criteria to the Funds, several additional Funds would have been added to the list of Review Funds.

2.  Profitability data. CMG should present to the Trustees each year the profitability of each Fund, each investment style and each complex (of which Atlantic is one) calculated as follows:

a.  Management-only profitability should be calculated without reference to any Private Bank expense.

b.  Profitability excluding distribution (which essentially covers the management and transfer agency functions) should be adjusted by removing from the expense calculation any portion of the Private Bank payment not attributable to the performance by the Private Bank of sub-transfer agency or sub-accounting functions.

c.  Total profitability, including distribution: No adjustment for Private Bank expenses should be made, because all such expenses represent legitimate fund expenses to be taken into account in calculating CMG's profit margin including distribution.

d.  Distribution only: This should include all Private Bank expenses other than those attributable to sub-transfer agency services.

Therefore, the following data need not be provided:

1.  Adjusting total profitability data for Private Bank expenses

2.  Adjusting profitability excluding distribution by backing out all Private Bank expenses.

3.  Potential economies of scale. CMG and the IFC should continue to work on methods for more precisely quantifying to the extent possible the sources and magnitude of any economies of scale as CMG's mutual fund assets under management increase, to the extent that the data allows for meaningful year-over-year comparisons. The framework suggested in Section IV.D.4 may prove to be a useful model for such an analysis.

4.  Competitive breakpoint analysis. As part of the annual fee evaluation process, the breakpoints of a select group of Atlantic Funds (which would differ each year) should continue to be compared to those of industry rivals to ensure that the Funds' breakpoint schedules remain within industry norms. As breakpoint schedules change relatively little each year, performing such a comparison for each Atlantic Fund each year would not be an efficient use of Trustee and CMG resources.

5.  Cost allocation methodology. CMG's point that the current ABC system of allocating indirect expenses creates anomalous results in several cases, including sub-advised Funds, is well-taken. We would like to work with CMG over the forthcoming year on alternatives to the current system of allocating indirect expenses that (1) resolve the anomalies, (2) limit the amount of incremental effort on CMG's part and (3) remain faithful to the general principle that expenses should be allocated by time and effort to the extent reasonably possible.

6.  Management fee disparities. CMG and the Atlantic Trustees, as part of any future study of management fees, should analyze the differences in management fee schedules, principally arising out of the reorganization of the former Excelsior Funds as Atlantic Funds. As part of that analysis, CMG should provide an explanation for any significant fee differences among comparable funds across fund families managed by CMA, such as differences in the management styles of different Funds included the same Lipper category. Finally, whenever CMG proposes a


164



management fee change or an expense cap for any mutual fund managed by CMA that is comparable to any Atlantic Fund, CMG should provide the Trustees with sufficient information about the proposal to allow the Trustees to assess the applicability of the proposed change to the relevant Atlantic Fund or Funds.

7.  Tax-exempt Fund expense data. The expense rankings of certain tax-exempt Funds were adversely affected by including certain investment-related interest expenses that Lipper excluded in calculating the expense ratios of competitors. We recommend that CMG follow the Lipper practice and exclude such interest expenses from data submitted to Lipper to avoid unfairly disadvantaging the tax-exempt Funds.

8.  Reduction of volume of paper documents submitted. The effort to rationalize and simplify the data presented to the Trustees and the process by which that data was prepared and organized was regarded as a success by all parties. We should continue to look for opportunities to reduce and simplify the presentation of 15(c) data, especially in the area of Fund profitability. The Fund "Dashboard" volume presents a large volume of Fund data on a single page. If it is continued, the Trustees may wish to consider receiving the underlying Lipper data on CD, rather than the current paper volumes.

* * *

Respectfully submitted,
Steven E. Asher


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Important Information About This Report

The funds mail one shareholder report to each shareholder address. If you would like more than one report, please call shareholder services at 1-800-345-6611 and additional reports will be sent to you. This report has been prepared for shareholders of the Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds listed on the front cover.

A description of the policies and procedures that each fund uses to determine how to vote proxies and a copy of each fund's voting records are available (i) at www.columbiamanagement.com; (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov; and (iii) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-368-0346. Information regarding how each fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 is available from the SEC's website. Information regarding how each fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is also available from the fund's website, www.columbiamanagement.com.

Each fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Each fund's Form N-Q is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

An investment in money market mutual funds is not a bank deposit, and is not insured or guaranteed by Bank of America, N.A. or any of its affiliates or by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although money market mutual funds seek to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in money market mutual funds. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of investments in money market funds.

Please read and consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses for any fund carefully before investing. For a prospectus which contains this and other important information about the fund, contact your Columbia Management representative or financial advisor or go to www.columbiamanagement.com.

Columbia Management Group, LLC ("Columbia Management") is the investment management division of Bank of America Corporation. Columbia Management entities furnish investment management services and products for institutional and individual investors. Columbia Funds are distributed by Columbia Management Distributors, Inc., member of FINRA, SIPC, part of Columbia Management and an affiliate of Bank of America Corporation.

Transfer Agent

Columbia Management Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 8081
Boston, MA 02266-8081
1-800-345-6611

Distributor

Columbia Management
Distributors, Inc.
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111

Investment Advisor

Columbia Management Advisors, LLC
100 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110


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Columbia Management®

Columbia Tax-Exempt Bond Funds

Annual Report, October 31, 2008

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Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

(a)          The registrant has, as of the end of the period covered by this report, adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.

 

(b)         During the period covered by this report, there were not any amendments to a provision of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above.

 

(c)          During the period covered by this report, there were no waivers, including any implicit waivers, from a provision of the code of ethics described in 2(a) above that relates to one or more of the items set forth in paragraph (b) of this item’s instructions.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

The registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that Douglas A. Hacker, John D. Collins and Anne-Lee Verville, each of whom are members of the registrant’s Board of Trustees and Audit Committee, each qualify as an audit committee financial expert.  Mr. Hacker, Mr. Collins and Ms. Verville are each independent trustees, as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this item’s instructions.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Fee information below is disclosed for the ten series of the registrant whose reports to stockholders are included in this annual filing.  Fee information for fiscal year ended October 31, 2008 also includes fees for two series that were merged into the registrant during the period.

 

(a) Audit Fees. Aggregate Audit Fees billed by the principal accountant for professional services rendered during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 are approximately as follows:

 

2008

 

2007

 

$

308,200

 

$

288,900

 

 

Audit Fees include amounts related to the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.

 



 

(b) Audit-Related Fees. Aggregate Audit-Related Fees billed to the registrant by the principal accountant for professional services rendered during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 are approximately as follows:

 

2008

 

2007

 

$

64,100

 

$

44,000

 

 

Audit-Related Fees include amounts for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported in Audit Fees above.  In both fiscal years 2008 and 2007, Audit-Related Fees consist of agreed-upon procedures performed for semi-annual shareholder reports. Fiscal year 2008 also includes Audit-Related Fees for agreed-upon procedures related to fund mergers.

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, there were no Audit-Related Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser) and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for an engagement that related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant.

 

(c) Tax Fees. Aggregate Tax Fees billed by the principal accountant to the registrant for professional services rendered during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 are approximately as follows:

 

2008

 

2007

 

$

65,400

 

$

62,000

 

 

Tax Fees include amounts for the review of annual tax returns, the review of required shareholder distribution calculations and typically include amounts for professional services by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.  Fiscal year 2008 also includes tax fees for agreed-upon procedures related to fund mergers and the review of final tax returns.

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, there were no Tax Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser) and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for an engagement that related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant.

 



 

(d) All Other Fees. Aggregate All Other Fees billed by the principal accountant to the registrant for professional services rendered during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 are approximately as follows:

 

2008

 

2007

 

$

0

 

$

0

 

 

All Other Fees include amounts for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) above.

 

Aggregate All Other Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser) and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for an engagement that related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 are approximately as follows:

 

2008

 

2007

 

$

916,300

 

$

847,400

 

 

In both fiscal years 2008 and 2007, All Other Fees consist of fees billed for internal control examinations of the registrant’s transfer agent and investment advisor.

 

(e)(1) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

The registrant’s Audit Committee is required to pre-approve the engagement of the registrant’s independent accountants to provide audit and non-audit services to the registrant and non-audit services to its investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser) or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with such investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant (“Adviser Affiliates”), if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant.

 

The Audit Committee has adopted a Policy for Engagement of Independent Accountants for Audit and Non-Audit Services (“Policy”). The Policy sets forth the understanding of the Audit Committee regarding the engagement of the registrant’s independent accountants to provide (i) audit and permissible audit-related, tax and other services to the registrant (collectively “Fund Services”); (ii) non-audit services to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser) and Adviser Affiliates, if the engagement relates directly to the operations or financial reporting of a Fund (collectively “Fund-related Adviser Services”); and (iii) certain other audit and non-audit services to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is

 



 

subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser) and Adviser Affiliates. Unless a type of service receives general pre-approval under the Policy, it requires specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee if it is to be provided by the independent accountants.  Pre-approval of non-audit services to the registrant, the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser) and Adviser Affiliates may be waived provided that the “de minimis” requirements set forth under paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X are met.

 

Under the Policy, the Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to any pre-designated member or members who are Independent Trustees/Directors.  The member(s) to whom such authority is delegated must report, for informational purposes only, any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next regular meeting. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities with respect to the pre-approval of services performed by the independent accountants may not be delegated to management.

 

The Policy requires the Fund Treasurer and/or Director of Board Administration to submit to the Audit Committee, on an annual basis, a schedule of the types of services that are subject to general pre-approval. The schedule(s) provide a description of each type of service that is subject to general pre-approval and, where possible, will provide estimated fee caps for each instance of providing each service. The Audit Committees will review and approve the types of services and review the projected fees for the next fiscal year and may add to, or subtract from, the list of general pre-approved services from time to time based on subsequent determinations.  That approval acknowledges that the Audit Committee is in agreement with the specific types of services that the independent accountants will be permitted to perform.

 

The Fund Treasurer and/or Director of Board Administration shall report to the Audit Committee at each of its regular meetings regarding all Fund Services or Fund-related Adviser Services initiated since the last such report was rendered, including a general description of the services, actual billed and projected fees, and the means by which such Fund Services or Fund-related Adviser Services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

 

*****

 

(e)(2) The percentage of services described in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item approved pursuant to the “de minimis” exception under paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X during both fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 was zero.

 

(f) Not applicable.

 

(g) The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is

 



 

subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 are approximately as follows:

 

2008

 

2007

 

$

1,045,800

 

$

953,400

 

 

(h) The registrant’s Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Investments

 

(a)          The registrant’s “Schedule I – Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers” (as set forth in 17 CFR 210.12-12) is included in Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

 

(b)         Not applicable.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 8.  Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not applicable.

 



 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

There have not been any material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors, since those procedures were last disclosed in response to requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A) or this Item.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)          The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officers, based on their evaluation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, have concluded that such controls and procedures are adequately designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in Form N-CSR is accumulated and communicated to the registrant’s management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

(b)         There was no change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Code of ethics required to be disclosed under Item 2 of Form N-CSR attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CODE ETH.

 

(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT.

 

(a)(3) Not applicable.

 

(b) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906CERT.

 



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(registrant)

 

Columbia Funds Series Trust I

 

 

 

 

By (Signature and Title)

 

/s/ Christopher L. Wilson

 

Christopher L. Wilson, President

 

 

 

 

Date

 

December 22, 2008

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

By (Signature and Title)

 

/s/ Christopher L. Wilson

 

Christopher L. Wilson, President

 

 

 

 

Date

 

December 22, 2008

 

 

 

 

By (Signature and Title)

 

/s/ J. Kevin Connaughton

 

J. Kevin Connaughton, Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

Date

 

December 22, 2008