Happy Wednesday! Megan here.
Weather check: Might get a little rainy today
This week, I've got a look at how federal funding cuts are affecting local schools. Plus, you've still got time (but not much) to weigh in on the city's priorities for the next 25 years as part of a long-range comprehensive plan. Plus, catch up on some Super Simplified headlines and a whole bunch of summer fun in the weekly event guide.
And now, news:
CITY
Now's your chance to shape city priorities for the next 25 years
Simplified: The City of Sioux Falls is nearing its final draft of the Shape Sioux Falls 2050 plan, but there's still time to weigh in on the document that will shape policy decisions over the next 25 years. Here's what you need to know.
Why it matters
- Shape Sioux Falls 2050 is the city's comprehensive plan – so it's overall a pretty big deal. So big of a deal, in fact, that work started last spring, and it'll still be several months before it's completed.
- There's been quite a bit of public input so far already on the plan, and City Council on Tuesday got a detailed look at those priorities, which (broad strokes) include housing, transportation, conservation, infrastructure and community resources.
- The plan also places a special emphasis on regional conversations, and Kevin Smith, assistant director for planning and development services said Sioux Falls is coordinating its long-term plan with Tea, Harrisburg, Brandon, Hartford and Crooks.
- Councilors specifically noted that the community emphasized city support for childcare and education, as well as continued support for folks experiencing homelessness.
"If we hope to avoid building ever more very expensive prisons, we should probably think very, very carefully and very intentionally about how we can provide more support for education and childcare in our community," councilor David Barranco said, referencing recent statewide conversations about a new $650 million men's prison in Sioux Falls.
Tell me more about community's priorities
EDUCATION
How a federal funding freeze is impacting Sioux Falls schools
Simplified: Sioux Falls schools are facing a potential $3.5 million shortfall after the Trump administration late last month announced plans to withhold nearly $7 billion in education funding nationally.
Why it matters
- The withheld funds – which, as Chalkbeat reports, were approved by Congress earlier this year – are intended to support migrant education, English language acquisition, student enrichment, support for teachers and literacy programs, according to Elizabeth Herrboldt, the Sioux Falls School District's director of federal programs.
- These frozen federal funds come at a time when the district is already tightening its belt. The district cut $3 million in expenses for the coming budget, and there are plans to make similar cuts again next year as state funding for education lags behind what's promised by state law.
- If the federal funds aren't unfrozen, it's likely going to result in layoffs, Superintendent Jamie Nold indicated to board members during Monday night's meeting.
- Board Member Dawn Marie Johnson called the federal funding freeze an "attack on public schools," and noted this is yet another setback for the district which educates about four of every five kids in the city.
"It's going to hurt this city if these (cuts) continue to go like this," Johnson said.
Tell me more about the funding freeze
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- What if summer camp was for grown-ups?* Missing the days of making s'mores, kayaking and enjoying a full day outdoors? Fear not. You can experience all of the outdoor camp fun you remember from childhood at the YMCA's third annual Big Vikes Day Camp -- but this time around, you can also enjoy unlimited access to food trucks, adult beverages and make-and-take crafts. This one-day event will take place Saturday, Aug. 23. Avoid some serious summer FOMO and sign up here. Bonus: this week only, you can also enter to win a chance for two free tickets via Instagram.
- School board switch-ups. The Sioux Falls School Board welcomed a new member – Elizabeth Duffy – as well as re-elected Nan Kelly. Kelly was also elected as president of the five-member board, and Marc Murren will serve as the vice president.
- "Public education is about opportunity, economic development and quality of life for all," Kelly said, upon accepting her role as president. "It's foundational to the American dream."
- Share your thoughts on regional transportation. In addition to the "Shape Sioux Falls 2050" plan you read about above, the city is also in the midst of planning a long-range transportation plan (i.e. how folks get around, which for us is mostly roads). You've still got time to weigh in on the "Go Sioux Falls 2050" plan and catch up on what's been discussed so far here.
*Denotes a paid partnership
More Super Simplified Stories
- Credit card fees comin' atcha. Sioux Falls City Council voted unanimously Tuesday evening to pass along the credit card fees the city has been charged – right now cashing in at around $800,000 per year – to the consumers. The idea is that this keeps taxpayers from subsidizing the convenience of those who choose to pay with a credit card.
- No booze at the skate park. The council also voted unanimously to add two more parks to the city's list of parks where there's no booze allowed. Those include the Phillips Avenue plaza and the Barb Iverson Skate Plaza. That brings the total number of "dry" parks to 14 of the city's overall more than 80 parks.
- Councilors also banned alcohol in general in "public places" – including any space owned or managed by the city.
- Some money for the airport. Councilors on Tuesday also approved a $5 million loan to the airport authority to support expansion of the Sioux Falls airport.
EVENTS
Stuff to do: July 16-22
- Shop and stroll.* It's the Downtown Sioux Falls Summer Crazy Days this weekend, and nearly two dozen local businesses will be participating with sidewalk sales, activities, live music and more. This is a great chance to get out, have fun and support the small businesses who make Sioux Falls special. Find a full list of participating businesses here.
- Hit up Second Saturday. The Second Saturday Market returns to 8th and Railroad this weekend. Starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, you can find local vendors, live music, food trucks, family-friendly activities and some beer from Remedy. Get the details here.
- Play carnival games. Stockyards Ag Experience's summer series continues Friday afternoon with a summer carnival event from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. You can play old-school carnival games, learn about local agriculture and find fun photo-ops. Details here.
- Catch a classic. The city parks department is hosting a free community movie night at Lloyd Landing (behind the Steel District). You can come watch The Goonies at 8 p.m. Sunday. Bring your own blanket, lawn chairs, snacks, etc. and enjoy an outdoor movie.
- Swing by the Sunshine Social. Oh My Cupcakes is teaming up with neighbors at The Bridges at 57th and a number of other local businesses for a summertime party Saturday morning. You can find food, drinks, face painting, balloons, sweets and even a mobile book store. Details here.
- It's the Great Cardboard Race, Charlie Brown! The parks department is bringing back the cardboard boat race for the seventh summer in a row. Bring your cardboard/duct tape boats to Kuehn Park pool Saturday morning at 9 a.m. and see how your ferry fares. Details here.
- Race around the park. Good Earth State Park is hosting an "Amazing Race" starting at 10 a.m. Saturday. Teams of two (ages 10 and up) can race around the park, solve tasks and look for clues. Details here.
- Love your city. Tre Ministries is putting on a whole week of volunteering this week, with numerous opportunities to get out and do some good. You can look at all the different ways to help and sign up here.
*Denotes a paid partnership.
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
How folks from other countries make Sioux Falls what it is today
A panel Thursday morning at the State Theatre featured a heartfelt and vulnerable discussion on the importance of immigration and refugee resettlement in our community. Here’s a deeper look.
Megan Raposa
Why Mayor TenHaken now knows his last day in office
Sioux Falls next mayor will be elected in June 2026, and at the same meeting Tuesday, councilors also voted not to lower the threshold needed to win a City Council seat.
Megan Raposa
What City Councilors want state lawmakers to prioritize next year
The Sioux Falls City Council is looking to weigh in on property tax reform discussions in Pierre, as well as voicing support for ensuring water access, airport expansion and more.
Megan Raposa
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