Happy Wednesday! Megan here.
Weather check: Buckle up for some roller coaster temperature swings this week
✅ Ready to help shape our city's future? It's officially election season, and in the coming weeks, I'm planning to sit down with every mayoral and city council candidate. But before that, I want to hear from you. What topics matter most? What do you want to hear from candidates? How can I best help you prepare to make a decision at the ballot box?
- Please take a couple minutes to fill out the survey below and share your thoughts. It'll be instrumental in shaping the questions I ask in my limited time with each candidate.
This week, you'll find a whole bunch of Super Simplified headlines (I do my best to make this easy for ya!). You'll also learn the latest on the Smithfield saga and how the business community showed up to support tax incentives to move the relocation project forward. Plus, find your St. Paddy's Day event guide.
And now, news:
CITY
Business community rallies to support Smithfield tax incentives
Simplified: Were it not for a $90 million tax-increment financing proposal to offset construction costs, a Smithfield executive told councilors Tuesday the company would not be investing in a $1.3 billion pork processing plant in northwest Sioux Falls.
Why it matters
- The City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to advance an ordinance establishing a tax-increment financing district for Smithfield's proposed new site in Foundation Park.
- That TIF would allow the company to use property taxes it pays in over the next 20 years to offset costs to build a new wastewater treatment plant on-site.
- Tuesday's vote came after about a dozen local business leaders turned out to voice support and urge the council to approve the TIF and pave the way for a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redevelop a wide swath of downtown Sioux Falls.
- Since the announcement of the move, city officials – as well as Smithfield execs and economic development professionals – have emphasized that Smithfield choosing to build new in Sioux Falls was never a guarantee. Smithfield Vice President for Corporate Affairs didn't mince words about it in front of the council.
"Were it not for the TIF economic incentive, we would not make this investment," Monroe said.
Tell me more
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Lincoln County Justice Center comes in under budget. Lincoln County Commissioners got some good news this week when they learned the new justice center is currently running about $4 million under budget. The total project cost was estimated at $45.6 million, and as it gets closer and closer to completion, the total price tag is looking like it'll be closer to $41.9 million.
- "It's not a typo," said Kyle Hubers, project manager with Henry Carlson Construction.
- Kuehn Park pool comes in under budget. The City Council on Tuesday approved a $14.4 million contract with Peska Construction to build the new outdoor pool at Kuehn Park. The pool initially was budgeted for $18 million, and the additional savings will mean adding more features to the pool, including another slide, a climbing wall and more.
- All told, after taking into account design and other costs, there's about $1.2 million in wiggle room to address any "unforeseen issues" as Park Development Manager Mike Patton said Tuesday.
- Calling all youth leaders. Applications are now available for the Mayor's Youth Council. While Mayor Paul TenHaken is in the last few months of his term, this program is set to continue on with his successor. The purpose of the council is to give high-schoolers a chance to learn about city government, share their input and participate in community volunteer events. Learn more and apply here.
More Super Simplified Stories
- Jacobson Plaza glow-up gets green light. The City Council on Tuesday night approved a gifting and naming agreement from the Jacobson and Everist families that will fund connective pathways and the new Everist Family Overlook. Find more details here.
- 🍺Pour one out. Sad news for the downtown bar scene: Top Hat announced via Facebook that it will be closing in its current downtown location at the end of the year because its lease was not renewed. The business first opened in 1954, and it sounds like the goal is to continue the community vibes in another location in the future. SiouxFalls.Business has more.
EVENTS
Stuff to do: March 11-17
- Go green. It's the 46th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Sioux Falls this Saturday, including all of the usual festivities like painting the shamrock at 11 a.m. in front of the First National Bank on 9th and Phillips. There's also a fun run that morning, and the parade kicks off at 2 p.m. Find more details here.
- Go emo. It's Emo Night at Icon this Friday with an all-ages show featuring Aliens Do Exist. Slather on some eyeliner and join the party. Details here.
- Get green (beers). As is tradition, there'll be a number of spots for a festive pint – or just to party – this weekend, including at Severance Brewing, Shenanigans, Blarney Stone and the Steel District.
- Dance a jig. There are also a couple of opportunities to catch some Irish music this coming week, including a performance from Téada, a group coming directly from Ireland, on Monday at the Old Courthouse Museum. Then, on Tuesday, come back to the museum for an evening celebration of traditional Irish music from Maggie in the Meantime and Dakota District Pipes & Drums.
- Get empowered. EmBe's annual In Her Shoes empowerment breakfast is happening Thursday morning at the Canopy by Hilton. You can hear from a panel of successful, highly engaged women, and leave feeling ready to embrace leadership, redefine possibilities and embrace the responsibility to lift others along the way. Details and tickets here.
- Circle up. Selah Space is hosting a Circles of Care Giving Circle event Thursday evening. Hear from clients who've been able to find holistic healing with the support of the Circles of Care nonprofit. Details here.
- Shop and give back. Bring some hygiene items to support Journey of Hope when you come check out the various vendors at the Spring Market on Saturday at Falls Overlook Cafe. Details 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 SafeSplash Swim School, Wayne & Mary's Nutrition Center, Startup Sioux Falls, 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, The Premiere Playhouse, The Good Night Theatre Collective 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. ❤️
