Downtown History

Downtowns serve as the lifeblood of communities, embodying vibrant businesses, engaged citizens, cultural events and employment opportunities. Downtown Sioux Falls thrives today thanks to the tireless efforts of past generations in both city government and the...

Prioritize Pedestrians Downtown

Downtown Sioux Falls is increasingly known as a center of fun, festivals, activity and excitement. As the centerpiece of our community, it is the place to go to enjoy outdoor dining, arts, culture and major performances. It is a “must see” destination for...

Does Rapid City’s New Mayor Have a Mandate?

Rapid City elected a new mayor this week from a field of five candidates. I wish incoming Mayor Jason Salamun the best. However, it is important to note that he enters office with only 32% of the vote; two thirds of voters picked someone else. This outcome exposes the...

It’s Not Too Early to Be Thinking of 2026

Sioux Falls and South Dakota have a big election coming up, and I don’t mean the 2024 presidential election. In 2026 we will elect new city and state leaders. While that will undoubtedly be entertaining, it may not actually change much. But before then we have...

Downtown’s Popularity Creates Challenges

Downtown Sioux Falls has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once struggling to attract shoppers and visitors, it is now bustling with activity and has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. However, as more and more people...

Should Sioux Falls Have a City Manager?

For nearly 30 years Sioux Falls has had a mayor-council form of city government. It has generally worked well. But someday community leaders may want to consider switching to the more popular council-manager system. City Commission Had to Go In the 1980s and early...