Simplified: Mayor Paul TenHaken last week unveiled a $1.1 billion five-year capital spending plan for the city. It's the fourth year in a row the proposed capital plan has exceeded $1 billion in investments. Here's a closer look at what's included.

Why it matters

  • Typically, an outgoing mayor wouldn't be setting the long-range budget priorities, but nothing about this year's election cycle has been typical. The next mayor was initially supposed to be elected in April, but a state law change forced the election to align with the June primary, which then went to a run-off, and is now headed for a recount.
  • Capital spending in the city has doubled during TenHaken's tenure. The 2018 capital spending plan totaled $548 million, compared to this year's $1.1 billion.
  • This year's plan, continuing the trend of recent years, is largely focused on roads, with $440 million in proposed spending oh highways and streets over the next five years.
"This capital program continues our commitment to balance by reinvesting in the assets residents depend on every day while making investments that support smart, strategic long-term growth for our community," TenHaken said in his letter to the City Council, who will ultimately decide what stays and goes within the plan.

Tell me more

In addition to the big spending on highways and streets, the capital plan also proposes spending about $381 million on utilities, just over $100 million on culture and recreation and $40.6 million on public safety.

Here's a closer look at just some of the line items in the capital plan:

  • $42.4 million to get more water from the Lewis & Clark water system,
  • $10 million over the next four years "to ensure the City has a stake in the Sanford District" as we look at what goes downtown when Smithfield moves out,
  • $13.8 million in improvements to the city's public transit system,
  • $6 million to expand the sanitary landfill,
  • $3.5 million for neighborhood park improvements – an increase from $1.1 million proposed last year.
  • $2.5 million for a new fire station #14,
  • $2.5 million to support a new aquarium at the zoo,
  • $3 million for a new east side report to work station for Sioux Falls police,
  • Just shy of $1 million to replace natural grass with turf at the Birdcage,
  • $120,000 for the library's Bookmobile.

What happens next?

The capital spending plan moves to the City Council, who will begin budget hearings for next year in the coming weeks and are expected to take a final vote on next year's budget and the five-year capital plan in September.