Happy Wednesday! Megan here.
Weather check: Hot, hot, hot
This week, I've got a jam-packed issue for you because, well, summer is busy! You'll get a look at some broader context around the closure of the Eat Well Mobile Market, as well as a look at some fun events coming up – one very much for kids, one just for the grown-ups. Plus, now's the time to let City Council know when you want to vote for Sioux Falls' next mayor. Oh, and don't miss our round-up of local events.
And now, news:
COMMUNITY
What the Mobile Market closure says about the state of nonprofits in Sioux Falls
Simplified: Sioux Falls first and only mobile grocery store set out to make healthy, affordable food accessible to people living in food deserts – and it worked. But as of Tuesday, the market is closed because of a lack of financial support, something local experts say is indicative of how economic uncertainty is impacting nonprofits.
Why it matters
- Sioux Falls Thrive launched the Eat Well Mobile Market in 2023 with the help of a grant from the city to find a way to make food more accessible to people in food deserts, i.e. neighborhoods that don't have a grocery store within walking distance.
- Since then, the market served more than 1,100 people, and 80% of customers said the Mobile Market helped their family eat healthier. But, the biggest challenge, Sioux Falls Thrive President Michelle Erpenbach said, was funding the market operations – including diesel fuel and staff.
- The Mobile Market is far from the only nonprofit facing challenges and financial uncertainty. Sioux Falls Simplified last month reported that local nonprofits are facing shortfalls of more than $9 million.
"To talk bigger picture, I’m telling people that this is the tip of the spear," Erpenbach said. "These are the first dominoes to go down. This is not going to be the only nonprofit you see close in this community over the next several months."
Tell me more
SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
Feed a giraffe, grab a drink, name a penguin – it's all at Zoofari
This is a paid piece from the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium.
Simplified: The zoo's annual summer fundraiser is happening next week with opportunities for exclusive, adults-only, after-hours access to the entire campus. Here's what you need to know about Zoofari.
Why it matters
- Funds raised at Zoofari support the ongoing operations of the zoo including education programs and animal care across the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium (SFZA).
- Zoofari attendees will be the first to hear some big (and very exciting) announcements about SFZA's future. They'll also have a chance to enjoy globally inspired food, chat with zookeepers, feed giraffes and bid on unique silent auction items including a chance to name the new baby penguin.
- This year's event also comes after a highly successful Community Appeals Campaign with the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce that raised $2.3 million to support the zoo's future vision to bring the aquarium and butterfly house to the Great Plains Zoo campus.
"We’re really excited about the momentum that we’ve gathered, and we believe the community is behind us as we work toward the finish line," said Denise DePaolo, director of PR and marketing.
Tell me more about Zoofari
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- When do you want to vote for mayor? The Sioux Falls City Council has to decide soon when the 2026 municipal election will take place. State law changed this year requiring city and school elections to align with either the June primary election or the November general election. So far, councilors have advanced ordinances that would accommodate either option, but they'll have to settle on one or the other when they come to second reading at the July 8 meeting.
- That means the next few weeks is the ideal time to reach out to your councilors and let them know what you prefer. It's also worth noting here that the council is only determining the date for the 2026 municipal election, and for elections moving forward, the public will ultimately have to vote to amend the city charter.
- Not sure how you feel one way or another? I recommend listening to last night's meeting discussion starting at around the 47 minute mark.
- Should Sioux Falls have fewer runoffs? The other big question City Council wrestled with last night was a look at what percentage of the vote should be required for someone to win a council seat. Right now, the requirement is that someone must receive at least 50% of the vote to win, which means when there are more than two candidates in any given race, it can be tricky for one person to earn that much of the vote – which means, often, races are settled in a run-off election three weeks after the initial election.
- Councilors advanced a proposal to reduce the necessary percentage to win from 50% to 35% of the vote. That's essentially what the city ordinance was for decades before it was changed from plurality to majority in 2017.
- What happens next? This proposal now moves to a second reading July 8.
SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
This event gives kids a chance to run their own business
This is a donated piece to promote the work of Acton Academy. Want to donate a story to support your favorite organization? Reach out to megan@sfsimplified.com for more details.
Simplified: Acton Academy's Fifth Annual Children's Business Fair will give dozens of kids a chance to experience entrepreneurship at its June 26 event. Here's what you need to know.
Why it matters
- Acton Academy is a fast-growing private school with a focus on empowering kids with project-based learning, individualized goal-setting and the idea that kids are capable of taking ownership of their own education. The school has 34 learners, and hopes to grow to 50 in the coming year, said Marketing and Recruiting Manager Samantha Johnson.
- The annual Acton Children's Business Fair is open to any child age 6 to 17 – kids don't have to attend Acton Academy to participate. Some of the businesses this year include homemade jewelry, baked goods, 3D printed items, soaps and more.
- Kids also get a chance to win awards for their business, including most original idea, highest business potential and best presentation.
"It's a way for Acton to share what it's all about – empowering the youth to really find their calling," Johnson said.
Tell me more
EVENTS
Stuff to do: June 18-24
- Get a reset.* Need a little break from running your business? Startup Sioux Falls is hosting a one-day Founders Reset on Monday to give founders, entrepreneurs and small business owners a chance to pause, reset and refocus. Spend the day with your peers and experienced facilitators Craig Morris and Melissa Johnson. Details and sign-up here.
- Pour yourself a cup of ambition'.* Dolly Parton – need we say more?? The Premiere Playhouse is closing out its 22nd season with eight chances to catch the hit musical "9 to 5." Experience the ultimate tale of female empowerment, friendship, and triumph in the workplace that will have you dancing in the aisles. Snag your tickets here.
- Run the laziest race. South Dakota's Laziest Race is happening this Saturday. Run a 0.5K to support The Compass Center's services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Plus, you can get $10 off your registration here using the promo code "sfsimplified."
- Celebrate Juneteenth. This Thursday is Juneteenth, the annual federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of slaves in the United States. You can celebrate locally on Saturday with Juneteenth Sioux Falls – more details here.
- Catch a dive-in movie. The parks department is hosting a "dive-in movie" Friday night at Laurel Oak pool. Bring your inflatables, relax and enjoy the movie "Shark Tank." Details here.
- Party like a Teapot. It's Teapot Days – the annual small-town festival celebrating the community of Tea. Find all kinds of events including a community picnic, carnival, live music, fireworks and a street dance. Catch the full lineup of events here.
*Denotes a sponsored event listing.
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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Thank you
Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc., Encompass Sioux Falls, Live on Stage, 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.
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