Happy Wednesday! Megan here.
Weather check: A glimpse of clear skies before the fog/clouds return
🍔 Add a side of local news? Local news outlets are good at a lot of things – making burgers isn't one of them. BUT, the energy and excitement around the Burger Battle shows that when Sioux Falls really cares about a cause, people show up in a big way.
- What if we showed up in that same way for trustworthy information about the forces that shape our community? What if we all had access to honest, reliable information about the powers that be? That side of local news sounds pretty darn appealing, right?
This week, holy moly – it's a jump right back into the deep end after a couple weeks off public meetings and reporting. Tuesday marked what's gotta be one of the longest City Council meetings in history clocking in at just shy of six hours after lots and lots of discussion on plans for a new data center in northeast Sioux Falls. I'll have more context on Friday, but for now, the project is moving forward with unanimous council approval.
- Today, you'll find a couple more city-related stories: one on the Shape Sioux Falls 2050 plan and another on a shift in priorities as the city looks to defund the Multi-Cultural Center. Plus, find some events to round out the start of the new year.
And now, news:
CITY
How the city's bringing strategic plans to neighborhoods
Simplified: Sioux Falls' comprehensive plan for the next quarter-century lays out some big goals, from managing continued growth to addressing housing needs to bringing more public art to town. But for the first time, the city's long-range plan is also looking at getting more granular – that is, focusing on neighborhood-level strategic planning for the future. Here's what it means.
Why it matters
- City leaders shared the first public look at the Shape Sioux Falls 2050 comprehensive plan Tuesday afternoon, and the 146-page document (far more concise than the last plan a decade prior) has a more nuanced look at future-planning than in previous iterations.
- In addition to getting more granular, the plan also includes goals under six main focus areas as identified through a two-year process to seek community feedback and put the plan together. Those include housing, transportation, conservation, infrastructure, economic development and community services.
- The plan – which will require City Council approval – emphasizes the need to break the city down into smaller parts and look at the needs for each segment of town individually rather than prescribing the same goals across the board. It also encourages the city to work directly with neighborhood associations to establish neighborhood-level "action plans" for future improvements.
"This is where it could be definitely property owner- or resident-driven with city staff guidance … really setting a strategy on, 'This is a wonderful opportunity in this neighborhood. We want to do this,'" said Chris Shires, principal at Confluence, the company contracted to help the city put the plan together.
Tell me more
COMMUNITY
How defunding the Multi-Cultural Center shows shift in city's priorities
SSimplified: A change in how the city supports local nonprofits is set to bring about the end of a nearly three-decade long partnership bringing welcoming and support to the cultural and ethnic diversity of Sioux Falls. Here's a look at what's next for the Multi-Cultural Center now that it's no longer a city budget priority.
Why it matters
- The city late last month revealed that it would no longer be funding the Multi-Cultural Center, among several other nonprofits, due to budget cuts. Those cuts also came with a new process requiring nonprofits to apply for funding for work fitting specific criteria laid out by the city.
- Through this new process – called the "community partners program" – the city has identified 10 organizations who will split a combined $1.65 million. By contrast, last year the city had 17 separate agreements with various nonprofits, meaning several nonprofits were left on the chopping block.
- The city denied a request from Sioux Falls Simplified to see a list of all applicants for the community partners program. Finance Director Shawn Pritchett said that info will be released once contracts are signed and approved by the City Council.
- Unlike other affected nonprofits, though, the Multi-Cultural Center was founded as a direct result of city actions. The city, in partnership with Minnehaha County, helped form the center nearly 30 years ago as a way to support the city's increasing diversity, welcome immigrants and "build bridges of friendship," as then-Mayor Gary Hanson stated in a 1997 Argus Leader article.
- The center then merged with Lutheran Social Services in 2022. Currently, city funding supports two of the center's full-time employees.
"The work of the Multi-Cultural Center is not work that is easily funded in other places," said Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen, president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services. "It’s not something you can charge fees for. It's the work of welcoming. It's the work of creating a community that everyone wants to live in."
Tell me more about the Multi-Cultural Center
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Council OKs plans for data center amid public opposition. The Sioux Falls City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved a request to rezone a northeast Sioux Falls property to pave the way for a data center. That measure came with vehement opposition (and several hours of testimony) from the public – including outbursts of "shame on you," "f*** you" and "cowards" after councilors approved the rezone request.
- The outbursts were so strong, Mayor Paul TenHaken had to call for a five-minute recess during the meeting, which ultimately ran until about 11:30 p.m.
- Upon re-convening, councilors voted 4-3 to reject the preliminary subdivision plan, but moments later voted to re-consider that vote. Upon reconsideration – and after an amendment from Councilor Rich Merkouris limiting water usage to the center – the preliminary plan also passed unanimously. That essentially means the data center is OK to move forward as planned. Check back in Friday's newsletter for more context.
- Is joining a gym on your 2026 resolution list?* The Sioux Falls Family YMCA has you covered. You can join now and get your first month free with ongoing memberships starting at $45/month. Or you can sign up the whole family starting at $55/month. Membership access includes the fitness rooms, gym, racquetball courts, pickleball courts and locker rooms -- which also include a sauna and steam room. Members also have the option to participate in a boxing program. Learn more here and get started today.
*Denotes a paid partnership
EVENTS
Stuff to do: Jan. 7-13
- Check out some heART. The annual heART of the City art show is happening Friday evening at Whittier Middle School. Artists will use found objects to create 2D, 3D and wearable art for a juried show that's free to attend. Learn more here.
- Junk journal. Learn how to recycle paper items into a junk journal with the Friendly Interactive Senior Hour event Wednesday afternoon at Good Earth State Park. Details here.
- Check out the library. The Oak View Library will host a grand re-opening after a four-month closure for renovations and enhancements. Stop by and check it out during a special open house Wednesday afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m.
- Make some cloud dough. Yakkity Yak Coffee Shack (located inside All American Gymnastics) is hosting a Lattes and Littles event Friday morning where you can sip some coffee, let the kids run around and learn how to make cloud dough. Details here.
- Play some winter games. The city parks and recreation department is hosting a winter games event at Tuthill Park on Saturday afternoon. Join the fun with cardboard toboggan races, putt-putt golf, and whatever "hungry, hungry human" is. Details here.
- Hear the people sing. Catch local singers performing a variety of Broadway hits during the "Do you hear the people sing?" human rights benefit Saturday night at Icon Lounge. Snag your tickets here.
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
WANT TO HELP MORE PEOPLE FEEL THIS SMART?
Support Sioux Falls Simplified
Here are a few ways to ensure this smarter, easier local news outlet is here to stay:
- Forward this to a friend. Sharing is caring, and the best gifts are the ones that make your life easier – like this smarter, easier local news.
- Become a member. Consider buying into a smarter Sioux Falls by becoming a member and offering financial support to the no B.S. journalism you've been reading here.
- Give a one-time gift. Not ready to commit to a membership? That's OK! If you want to help in a smaller way, you can give a one-time gift here.
- Advertise with us. Tell the "simplified" story of your business to your target audience. Want more info? Reach out to megan@sfsimplified.com.
Thank you
Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc., SafeSplash Swim School, Dakota State University, Redmond Prime Cuts, Great Bear Ski Valley, Encompass Mental Health, the Sioux Falls YMCA, EmBe, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Barre3 Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium, the Washington Pavilion and the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. When you support them, you're also supporting Sioux Falls Simplified.
Oh, by the way
Your feedback is extremely helpful – hit the reply button and send any news tips, typos, complaints, compliments or cups of coffee my way. ❤️
