Happy Wednesday! Megan here.

Weather check: Possible storms today but then a hot and sunny weekend

📆 Schedule update: I won't be sending a newsletter Friday this week because I'm hoping you're all either traveling safely somewhere fun or already kicking off the America's 250th festivities. I'm off to visit my new baby niece and experience the auntie joy of giving a newborn back to her parents instead of being the mom in charge. 💕

This week, there's a bonkers amount of Independence Day events happening in town, so get out and have some fun. You'll also catch a look at Mayor TenHaken's final capital spending plan. Plus, a no-updates update on the recount election.

And now, news:

CITY

What's in Mayor TenHaken's final, $1.1B five-year capital spending plan

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.

A road work ahead sign laying on the ground
Photo by Danny Burke / Unsplash

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

TL;DR

Super Simplified Stories

  • Still no updates on the recount. Jamie Smith's team has until Monday to formally request a recount of the mayoral election results (ICYMI: the election was decided by two votes, so, not really decided at all yet – too close to call.) The City Clerk's office said the paperwork hasn't yet been filed, but if/when it is, there'll be another 10 business days for Smith, Christine Erickson and the city to put together the recount board.
    • I asked if there's any scenario where this election is decided before the weekend, and the folks at the City Clerk's office laughed. So...it's gonna be awhile.
  • Traffic calming downtown. Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. is partnering with the city to launch a month-long traffic calming pilot project along 10th Street between 2nd Avenue and the viaduct. That'll mean reconfiguring lanes a bit to encourage cars to move slower. It'll also make space for food trucks and community events near the 10th Street parking ramp and mural. The calming measures will be in place through July 31. Learn more here.

EVENTS

Stuff to do: Independence Day edition

  • Catch the parade. After a couple years off, the 4th of July parade is back in downtown Sioux Falls. The parade will start at 10 a.m. Saturday and run down Phillips Avenue from 13th Street to 6th Street. You can see a full list of the floats entrants here.
  • See some fireworks. What's a 4th of July celebration without some pyrotechnics, amirite? The folks at Sioux Falls Fireworks have us covered. They're going to be a lot more than fireworks at the fairgrounds, too. Doors open at 5:30, and folks can enjoy food trucks, live music, a kids area, a flyover and skydiver, a fireworks show and an after party. See the full lineup here.
  • Party downtown. It's the first Friday of the month, which means Open Streets is back in downtown – this time with the theme of celebrating America's 250th. Phillips Avenue between 6th and 7th Streets will be closed to vehicle traffic and open for folks to walk around, check out vendors, entertainment, food trucks and more. Details here.
  • Eat lots of food. It's "Food Truck Madness" downtown on Saturday with a number of food trucks setting up around 6th and Phillips during and after the parade. There'll also be live music and a chance to vote on your favorite food truck. Details here.
  • Cool down at the pool. The Westside Recreation Center is hosting an Independence Day party on Thursday evening with water games, themed aquatic challenges, yard games, crafts and patriotic music. Details here.
  • Celebrate America with some drinky drinks. Because when you throw all the tea in the harbor, ya gotta switch to something stronger. There's a number of bars and breweries celebrating with drink specials for the 4th – including $2.50 shots at Pave and a $2.50 "Deflation" beer at Woodgrain.
  • Party with The Bard. Listen, I know we're celebrating independence from England, but there's no shame in enjoying a little Shakespeare in the park, too. Bare Bodkins is bringing back live theatre at the Queen Bee Mill with a production of Julius Caesar kicking off tonight and running through July 12. See a full list of dates, times and details here.

THIS AND THAT

What I'm falling for this week:

*Denotes a paid partnership

ICYMI

More Simplified Stories

FAQ: What we know about the mayoral election recount process
It’s historic any way you slice it. In an election with more than 36,000 votes, only two separated the two mayoral candidates, Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith, Tuesday night. So, what happens next?
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa
Most Sioux Fallsians didn’t vote – here’s what we know about those who did
Only about 1 in 4 registered voters in Sioux Falls cast a ballot in Tuesday’s mayoral election, and not one single precinct in the city saw higher turnout in the run-off than it did in the primary election on June 2.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa
Why we still don’t know the next mayor
In a true nail-biter of a race, just two votes separated Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith when the results were reported around midnight Tuesday. It’s too close to call as we await a recount.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

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