Happy Wednesday! Megan here.
Weather check: Snow and wind on the way
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This week, you'll get an early look at how the city is bracing for another round of budget cuts as we look to 2027 – as well as a few other big money decisions that came in front of councilors this week. And don't miss a round-up of events happening this week.
And now, news:
CITY
How the city is preparing for another year of budget cuts
Simplified: Planning for next year’s budget is already underway, and based on early projections, the city is going to be looking at another year of belt-tightening. Here what to watch.
Why it matters
- Last year, the common refrain during budget season was “recalibration,” in response to state law (expected to go into effect in 2027) limiting how much money local governments can collect via property taxes. In anticipation of those changes, the city trimmed about $6 million in expenses for 2026.
- That work is expected to continue as the 2027 budget comes together. Finance Director Shawn Pritchett told councilors Tuesday he’s estimating another $4 million in cuts to ongoing expenses will be needed.
- That’s all happening at the same time as the city is seeing sales tax revenue come in lower than projections — which has happened the last three years in a row. That could mean another $1.5 million shortfall this year unless the council decided to temper expectations in the already-approved 2026 budget.
“I think its important for the public to understand sales tax is the single largest revenue source for the city," Pritchett said.
What about property taxes?
SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
How Dakota State University is helping Sioux Falls – and vice versa
This is a paid piece from Dakota State University.
Simplified: Two-thirds of Dakota State University alumni end up in the greater Sioux Falls Area, so it only makes sense that the university and city work together. Here's a closer look at how DSU's presence and partnerships within the city are evolving.
Why it matters
- Dakota State University originally opened as a teacher's college in the early 1880s – a few years before South Dakota became a state – but since the 1980s, the university's mission has included an emphasis on emerging technologies. Today, the school is a hub for cybersecurity as one of 10 universities to have earned all three key designations by the National Security Agency's National Centers of Academic Excellence.
- One of the most physical representations of DSU's partnerships in Sioux Falls is a new Applied Research Lab, an estimated $62.5 million project currently under construction in northwest Sioux Falls. The long-term goal, DSU President José-Marie Griffiths said, is to have that building serve as the core to a broader cyber research park.
- That new facility will help diversify Sioux Falls' workforce, Griffiths noted, bringing in high-paying jobs in cybersecurity and national security – industries that are only going to become more important as technology plays an ever-growing role in people's lives and jobs.
"We are already an importer of talent into the state and about 10% of the young people who come to DSU for a degree from out-of-state are already staying in the state – and that's before we put a single person in that building in Sioux Falls," Griffiths said.
Tell me more
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Council OKs airport loan. That is, if the state ponies up its share. The Sioux Falls City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a $5 million interest-free loan to help fund the expansion of the airport to add more terminals and make room for more flights. The money will only be lent if the state kicks in at least a $5 million loan as well – a plan that's gotten the endorsement of Gov. Larry Rhoden but still needs legislative approval.
- New fire station on the way. Councilors on Tuesday also approved moving some money around to fund the purchase of land for the planned Fire Station 13 in northwest Sioux Falls near Foundation Park. That fund transfer will also set aside money to buy land for a future southeast public safety building (either a fire station, police substation or some combination of the two.)
- Rapid City voters shoot down TIF for Libertyland. Voters in Rapid City overwhelmingly rejected a $125 million tax break for a planned amusement park called "Libertyland." The Dakota Scout has the details.
EVENTS
Stuff to do: Jan. 21-27
- Still Hygge After All These Years.* Midtown Coffee Radio Hour is celebrating five years of bringing a local radio show that's all about coziness. You can be part of that celebration by checking out the group's live show on Friday, Jan. 23 at the Orpheum Theatre. Get your tickets here.
- Get dinner and a show.* The Premiere Playhouse is staging a production of "I and You," a profound play about two teenagers who bond during a homework assignment. This show is part of the Playhouse's Underground Series with edgier shows and a new take on dinner theater. Grab dinner and a show, or snag performance-only tickets. Learn more here.
- Pretend it's warm. The Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department is bringing summer vibes to a winter sport this weekend with an "Aloha Skate" event at Jacobsen Plaza. You've got two chances to join the fun, Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Details here.
- Check out some model trains. The Downtown library is hosting a model railroad exhibition this weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Check out HO and N scale model train layouts in action in this family friendly event.
- Stand with neighbors. Grassroots group Queen City Underground is organizing a solidarity gathering on Friday to support a general strike in Minnesota. The gathering will happen from noon to 3 p.m. at the Oak View Library. Learn more here.
- Drink some whiskey. Best Whiskey Fest is bringing, well, whiskey. It's a tasting event with VIP options available, and it's all going down Friday and Saturday at Monick Yards. Details here.
- Gather for hope. Emily's Hope, a nonprofit working to stop the stigma of addiction and offer life-saving support, is hosting a fundraising gala Saturday evening. You can check out the silent auction items and get tickets to the event here.
*Denotes a paid partnership
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
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Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
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