Top 10 takeaways from State of the City
Growth, the challenges that come with it and the opportunities ahead especially for kids and families.
Those were the key themes of the 30-minute State of the City address delivered today by Mayor Paul TenHaken. You can view the complete address here.
But if you’re looking for a quick-hit version, here are 10 takeaways you might not have heard much about before today’s address.
Sioux Falls had a historic year
You’ve no doubt heard how the city surpassed $1 billion in building permits, but today’s speech also revealed that the city achieved its lowest debt per capita in more than a decade. And sales tax growth exceeded 19 percent— “a high we haven’t seen in 39 years,” TenHaken said
Our community is filled with new residents
The story of our population growth isn’t new, but faces featured in the State of the City speech are. For instance, meet Brian and Katherine Robinson, who moved to Sioux Falls in January after an extensive search across the nation. Brian is a retired diplomat and small-business owner and this couple could live anywhere. So why Sioux Falls?
“A great community spirit. A vibrant downtown. A robust economy. Low crime. Low cost of living. Great health care. An easily accessible airport. And so many opportunities to get involved,” TenHaken said.
Downtown bridges are getting much better
Last year brought the completion of the Eighth Street bridge rehabilitation project — complete with new lighting.
This year will bring the design of something similar for the Sixth Street bridge, which will be worked on next year and is being dubbed the Unity Bridge to honor the diverse people who have made Sioux Falls the city that it is. More on that to come!
And speaking of downtown, check out the latest look at Jacobson Plaza
Remember when we told you about the new ice ribbon and inclusive playground coming downtown? Here’s the latest vision for what it’s going to be. Again, more on that soon. But as you can see, it’s getting bigger than originally envisioned.
Housing is a big issue — but there are strategies coming
The mayor called housing “one of our community’s most pressing needs right now.”
“I’m often asked to provide a silver bullet to solve all our housing problems. I wish it were that easy. This is a multifaceted issue that requires a multifaceted approach. There are many dynamics at play, including supply chain issues, material and labor shortages and significant inflationary pressures.”
Here’s one development: The city partnered with the South Eastern Development Foundation to expand housing opportunities for families by repurposing existing housing inventory, including homes moved from a flood zone to the former Boys & Girls Clubs property at 13th Street and Sneve Avenue.
“We plan to move additional renovated houses to the site this year, along with several governor’s homes for income-qualified individuals and families,” TenHaken said.
The Link has served thousands
Since opening downtown last summer, The Link has already served more than 1,100 people and is approaching 3,000 visits.
“It is a beacon of hope for those in crisis and struggling with mental health challenges and addiction,” the mayor said.
“I hear story after story about how The Link is changing lives. One patient was referred to treatment after struggling with meth. He went through the withdrawal management program and left this note for our staff: ‘Thank you so much for everything. You guys saved my life and I will forever be grateful.'”
Our diverse community is putting its stamp on Sioux Falls
TenHaken highlighted ways the increasingly diverse community is making a mark on Sioux Falls, highlighting Vince Danh, who returned to Sioux Falls after attending Loyola University in Chicago. Danh is an organizer of Lunar Fest, a celebration of the Lunar New Year — the start of the Asian lunar calendar.
“Vince contemplated moving back to Chicago but recently decided he wants to make Sioux Falls his long-term home,” TenHaken said. “Why does he want to stay in Sioux Falls? Our well-connected startup community, great leadership opportunities and strong spirit of mentorship. Vince shared with me that these markers of our community have drawn him to stay and make an impact through mentorship and getting involved with our startup ecosystem.”
Citizens are addressing community gaps
Community advocate Randell Beck was mentoring a student named Roberto at Laura B. Anderson who loved soccer and played at school but wasn’t able to be on a soccer team, so Beck decided to change that.
He partnered with community leader Tamien Dysart and the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation to start a community soccer league fund that brought league soccer to Pioneer Park last fall.
“For many, it was their first chance to play an organized sport,” TenHaken said. “Just look at the joy on their faces. The league has been a huge success. There’s now a goal to organize up to 10 neighborhood soccer leagues in Title neighborhoods across Sioux Falls.”
Kids might be able to ride the bus for free
TenHaken announced he will be proposing to the Public Transit Advisory Board and City Council to make the public transit system free to kids citywide.
“One way we can provide a more family-friendly city is through transportation,” he said.
“What would it be like if we made every decision keeping our children in mind? We would have a stronger and better Sioux Falls for everyone.”
Our city is in good hands
This year’s State of the City started out with a panel representing the Mayor’s Youth Council. The representatives were Morgan Whiting, chair; Maleah Grigsby, vice chair; and Chloe Houwman, whose name you might recognize as a Pigeon605 and SiouxFalls.Business reporter.
“By striving to create a city that’s a great place for kids and families, we continue to create a city that’s great for all,” TenHaken said.
TenHaken talks optimism, challenges ahead of State of the City address
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