Happy Wednesday! Megan here.

First things first, this issue is brought to you by The Good Night Theatre Collective.

  • The Good Night Theatre Collective has been bringing professional, local theater to the Sioux Falls area with 10 years of good nights guaranteed. They're celebrating this milestone anniversary with the Decade Gala: 10 Years of Good Night. The cabaret-style performance will feature a live band, and the event also includes a cocktail hour and exclusive retrospective experience. Get your tickets here.

Weather check: Wet

This week, you'll learn about the St. Francis House's big plans to bring more safe, affordable housing to the city's core. Plus, speaking of housing, if you're looking for a new place, you'll wanna check out the upcoming Parade of Apartments. Plus, catch a handful of Super Simplified updates and a round-up of tons of events happening in the week ahead.

And now, news:

COMMUNITY

How St. Francis House plans to meet growing need for housing

Simplified: The St. Francis House is one step closer to an expansion that would create dozens more safe, affordable housing units on its central Sioux Falls campus. Here's what you need to know about the expansion plans.

Why it matters

  • The Sioux Falls City Council on Tuesday advanced a request to rezone a segment of the block to allow for construction of a new, three-story apartment building at the corner of East 8th Street and North Van Eps Avenue.
  • The first step, though, is raising between $9.5 and $10 million to pay for it, Executive Director Julie Becker said, adding that the nonprofit won't put a shovel into the ground until 100% of the funds for the project are either pledged or already in the bank.
  • The apartment building would create housing for people moving from the main St. Francis House shelter that lets them experience a higher level of independence but still receive case management support in a safe, sober setting.
    • But units will also be available for others in need of housing, Becker said, including teens graduating out of the foster care system, individuals with disabilities or veterans.
"I truly believe that we are more successful when we are all together, and we are working together," Becker said. "It’s about sharing those resources."

Tell me more about the building

SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS

Find your next home easily with this one-day event

This is a paid piece from Lloyd Companies.

Simplified: Nearly three dozen properties across all sides of town will be available for self-guided, no-appointment-needed tours as part of the Sept. 27 Parade of Apartments hosted by Lloyd Properties.

Why it matters

  • The Parade of Apartments gives folks a chance to explore new housing options from studio apartments all the way to three-bedroom townhomes. And you can check out all of the properties on your own schedule.
  • The Saturday, Sept. 27 event also coincides with the Downtown Sioux Falls Fall Loft Tour, also sponsored in part by Lloyd Companies. The downtown event features a peek into a curated selection of available and occupied lofts, while the broader Parade features available housing options across the city.
  • Anyone who applies for a new home during the one-day event will also have access to exclusive rent specials, move-in incentives and will be entered for a chance to win either a $100, $250, or $500 visa gift card.
"It also doesn't matter your move-in date," Experience Manager Nikki Johnsen said. "You could have just signed a lease somewhere else and be looking for somewhere to move in a year."

Tell me more about properties to check out

TL;DR

Super Simplified Stories

  • The city wants to hear from you. The Sioux Falls City Council this week launched the National Community Survey to measure how residents rank the 'livability' of Sioux Falls. The survey will be sent to 3,000 randomly selected folks, and in early October, it'll be opened up to the general public online. Questions will focus on quality of life, local policies and satisfaction with city services. Learn more here.
  • Chill at the hill.* It's your last chance to catch Great Bear Ski Valley's summer "Chill at the Hill" event before we pivot to winter vibes. On Wednesday, Sept. 24, you can catch live music from Todd Casilli, enjoy food from Ollie's food truck, and the bar will be open serving drinks for folks to enjoy as they take in the beautiful views. Learn more here.
  • Don't run over the runners. It's the Sioux Falls Marathon this Sunday, which means there will be a number of road closures that morning to accommodate with Sports Authority Director Jerry Palleschi said will be the largest marathon since 2019. Check out the full route here to know what streets will be impacted.
  • Minnehaha County nears final 2026 budget. County Commissioners this week got one last informational briefing on next year's budget. One of the last-minute changes includes a $100,000 increase funding for The Link triage center.
    • What does the proposed budget mean for you? A homeowner with a property worth $300,000 will see an increase in taxes of about $31 in 2026.
    • What happens next? The commission is expected to take a final vote on the 2026 budget next week.
  • Meet the next class of local leaders. The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber this week announced the 38 people who'll make up the 40th class of Leadership Sioux Falls. SiouxFalls.Business has the full list here.

*Denotes paid partnership

EVENTS

Stuff to do: Sept. 17-23

  • Riverfest. Learn about the importance of the Big Sioux River while also enjoying live music, activities, food trucks and local vendors. The fun kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday with interactive fun for all ages. Worth noting: this year's event is entirely on the Cherapa side of the river along the recreation trail. More details here.
  • Catch some films (and make history). Rare By Design is hosting a film festival Thursday night at the State Theatre, and it'll be South Dakota's first-ever film festival ran by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. Snag your tickets here.
  • Eat Girl Scout cookies. Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons is hosting its Cookies, Corks and Brews fundraiser Thursday evening at Monick Yards. You can enjoy cookie-inspired creations from local chefs paired with local wine and beer. Details and tickets here.
  • Go analog. Take a little break from screens and go hang out at Terra Shepherd with a new Analog Tuesdays event. You can bring your knitting, sketchbook, novel, whatever helps you unwind, and make space for connection. Details here.
  • Breakfast & balloons. Fruit of the Coop is inviting folks out to the farm to enjoy a special breakfast, farm tour, wildflower trails and a chance to go up in a tethered hot air balloon as high as 75 feet. Learn more and get tickets here.
  • Shop local. The Second Saturday market is happening Saturday night at 8th and Railroad with vendors featuring vintage clothing, sneakers, baked goods, plants, toys, comics and more. Details here.

THIS AND THAT

What I'm falling for this week:

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ICYMI

More Simplified Stories

TenHaken calls for people to fill ‘leadership gap’ in local politics
Fewer people are stepping up to lead, particularly when it comes to local government, Mayor Paul TenHaken said Thursday.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa
Why it’s time to check your trees
If you’ve got an ash tree in your yard, it’s not a question of if it will be affected by emerald ash borers – it’s a question of when, said Urban Forestry Specialist Bryan Peterson.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa
What’s in Sioux Falls’ final 2026 budget?
The Sioux Falls City Council this week gave final approval to a roughly $776 million budget, but not before dealing with what councilors said was a particularly tough budget year.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

Thank you

Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc., Live on Stage, 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. ❤️

Special thanks to The Good Night Theatre Collective!

Don't miss your chance to celebrate 10 years of good nights guaranteed with Decade Gala: 10 years of Good Night. Performances run Sept. 25 and 26. Tickets available here.