Happy Friday! Megan here.
Weather check: A snowy Saturday ahead
🍔 Last chance to snag your Local News Burger. With the end of the Downtown Burger Battle, so too ends the "Local News Burger" campaign. And, while we're a pretty far cry from the initial goal of selling 500 of these metaphorical meat patties, we have sold 117.
- That's 117 people who want to see quality, in-depth, reliable, local election coverage in an election year that's likely going to shape what Sioux Falls' priorities are for most of the next decade.
- And, ya know what, there's still time. There's still time to buy in to an informed electorate. There's still time to spend $10 now so you can have all the info in June when it's time to vote for mayor, four new city councilors and three school board members.
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This week, you'll see how Lincoln County is looking at avoiding some of Sioux Falls' data center drama. And speaking of data center drama, you'll find the latest on the petition drive. Plus, you'll also get the latest on the council's efforts to make public meetings more accessible.
And now, news:
COUNTY
How Lincoln County is looking to get out ahead of data center debates
Simplified: The Lincoln County Commission will hold a public hearing next month to discuss a proposed moratorium that would prevent data centers for the next year while the county figures out its planning and zoning requirements.
Why it matters
- The Lincoln County discussion comes in the weeks after a Sioux Falls City Council vote to approve a rezoning request for a new hyperscale data center in northeast Sioux Falls. That vote followed nearly four hours of public input, largely in opposition, and in the weeks since, volunteers have collected signatures to refer that decision to a public vote.
- Commissioner Joel Arends brought the resolution to the county – and this week was the "meeting before the meeting" to set a public hearing on the moratorium. Commissioners voted unanimously to set the hearing for their meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24.
- Arends didn't mince words in asserting that the public should be more involved in the process from the start – in contrast to how the data center debate is playing out in Sioux Falls.
"I want citizens to have a hand in creating the standards and conditions before ny type of zoning application is filed, not at the second reading during the public comment period," he said.
Tell me more
CITY
These draft proposals aim to make public meetings more accessible
Simplified: The Sioux Falls City Council on Tuesday got its first look at draft ordinances that aim to help make it easier for the public to connect with the city's dozens of public boards and commissions. Here's what we know so far.
Why it matters
- Back in December, councilors began reviewing all of the 30-plus city boards (covering everything from public transit to parks to accessible housing). The big takeaway at the time was noting how varied the processes were between different groups. There wasn't much consistency in how agendas were posted, where meetings were held or how public input was handled.
- Councilor Rich Merkouris said he's heard from constituents who showed up to a public meeting only to be met with a locked door. He and Councilor Miranda Basye spent the last several weeks looking at ways to improve access and make board and commission meetings a little more consistent.
- The end goal, councilors said, is civic engagement. Many (if not most) of the decisions that ultimately land in front of the City Council have gone through one of these boards and commissions. The idea is that if folks know how to share their perspective earlier in the process, they'll have a better shot at actually having their voices heard.
- And, as Merkouris notes, the timing is right before a change in administration with a mayoral and council election coming in June.
"Now is a natural time to establish some new policies or patterns that we want to put in place," he said.
Tell me more about the changes
P.S. Here's another way to help you find ways to get involved in local boards and commissions.
Megan Raposa
SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
How to keep your wellness resolution beyond January
This is a paid piece from Barre3 Sioux Falls.
Simplified: Barre3 Sioux Falls' All In challenge is about building consistency and creating habits that last beyond January. Here's what you need to know about how to make taking care of yourself part of your routine.
Why it matters
- The second Friday in January is commonly known as "Quitter's Day," as in the day many people give up on the New Year's resolutions they set for themselves. But at Barre3, the idea is to work on building habits that will stick.
- The "All In" challenge involves taking 36 Barre3 classes over the course of 86 days, which amounts to about three classes per week. The hope is that people get in the habit of scheduling classes each week and building consistency.
- It's also about progress over perfection and momentum over motivation. After three classes, you'll start to feel the benefits. After three weeks of consistent classes, you'll start to notice changes in both your physical and mental health. And after three months, prioritizing time to take care of yourself will become a non-negotiable in your life.
"Resolutions aside, at Barre3 we want to help people find a routine that will maximize their goals," Co-Owner Angela Jones said.
Tell me more about Barre3 Sioux Falls
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- You'll have to wait for final data center petition results. The City Clerk's Office said it'll likely be next week before we know whether or not the "Let Sioux Falls Vote" campaign got enough signatures. The effort sought to let voters decide whether land in northeast Sioux Falls should be rezoned to pave the way for a hyperscale data center, and if at least 6,704 signatures were turned in, voters will get to weigh in on that decision.
- Volunteers were out collecting signatures until the very last minute at 5 p.m. Thursday, and they said this is one of the most bipartisan community-led efforts they've seen.
- Ready to grow your business?* Startup Sioux Falls is now accepting applicants for the Co.Starters Business Accelerator. This 10-week program is designed to help you develop a successful, sustainable business with the help of expert coaching, proven curriculum and industry connections to help your business grow. You can learn more and apply here.
- What's up in Pierre? Lawmakers approved a resolution to ask South Dakotans to "seek the Lord," advanced a bill that would let any registered voter challenge another voter's citizenship status. And Gov. Larry Rhoden signed the first bill into law this session.
*Denotes a paid partnership
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
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