Happy Friday! Megan here.
Weather check: Some more thunderstorms on the way
This week, Mayor Paul TenHaken is begging you to zipper merge. Meanwhile, the city is looking to spend less money on supporting nonprofits, as well as changing up the process for how that money gets spent. Plus, you'll get the latest look at how the Sioux Falls School District is preparing for a new after-school program for middle schoolers.
And now, news:
CITY
City looks to switch up how it supports nonprofits – while spending less
Simplified: As the city looks to tighten its belt in the coming years due to declining property tax revenues, one of the possible spots to save is by cutting support for local nonprofits. Along with the cuts, the administration is looking at making the process to get city money more competitive.
Why it matters
- This year the city budgeted about $2.6 million supporting the work of organizations like the Bishop Dudley House, Forward Sioux falls, the Helpline Center, the Sioux Falls Arts Council and more, according to a presentation from Finance Director Shawn Pritchett. That's about 0.3% of the city's overall roughly $800 million budget.
- As it stands now, the city supports these and other organizations through subsidy agreements, which are awarded annually and approved by the City Council.
- Pritchett told councilors on Tuesday about a proposal to shift those agreements from subsidies to contracts for service – which means the city could hold organizations more accountable for achieving their intended outcomes, as well as create a competitive process for organizations to get city money.
- The proposed changes identified three priority areas: at-risk populations; culture, arts and community programming; and economic vitality and growth. Organizations that fall under those priorities would then compete for a recommended total of $1.15 million – though it's worth noting the City Council has final say in approving the city budget.
"Every organization that previously received a subsidy would fit somewhere within this framework going forward," Pritchett said.
Tell me more about the proposed changes
EDUCATION
How new programs – and a new building – will support middle schoolers after class
Simplified: When Sioux Falls middle schoolers head back to class this fall, many of them will have new options for free after-school activities. Sioux Falls Simplified checked in on progress with a pilot project launching this fall on new Community Learning Centers geared toward older kids.
Why it matters
- The Sioux Falls School District rolled out its Community Learning Center (CLC) model in all of its elementary schools in 2023 as a way to help support kids after school, create more connections to local resources and improve academic achievement.
- So far, that appears to be working. Elementary kids who attend CLC programs are showing academic improvements and fewer behavior issues.
- Now, the focus is expanding to middle schoolers. This fall, the district will pilot CLCs at Whittier, Ben Reifel and George McGovern Middle Schools. At McGovern, specifically, kids will have an entirely new facility thanks to a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club. Construction is well under way, and the building is on track to be open the first day of school, CEO Stacy Jones said.
- Middle school is a particularly important age group to focus on, said Paul Keizer, executive director of the CLC program. While they're largely old enough to go home alone after school, kids can gain a lot from exploring new interests, building relationships and just having a safe, structured environment to hang out after class.
- That work is getting some extra support thanks to a $75,000 grant from the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation that was announced this week.
"We know what (extracurricular activities) can do for kids and how they indirectly benefit them academically," Keizer said.
Tell me more
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Zip it, zip it good. Mayor Paul TenHaken is begging you to zipper merge. No, seriously, he made a t-shirt about it. There are several major road projects happening this summer, which means a lot of merging. Zipper merging can decrease backups by 40%, TenHaken said, and while it may feel like you're cutting in line or being rude – it actually helps everyone get where they're going faster because it's using more available road space.
- "We aren't the best drivers in Sioux Falls, I will just say it," TenHaken said. "People see, it's a race, and they almost try to not let people in. Let people in. When they see a lane closed ahead ... slow down, and let people in. That's what a zipper merge is."
- No parade, just vibes. The city has unveiled its planned events for the Fourth of July, and while there won't be a parade (not enough folks signed up), there will be a community lunch, another downtown Open Streets event, live music and a cornhole tournament. Learn more here.
- New art, who dis? The Washington Pavilion this week unveiled a massive new public art display called Cyclicality. It's an immersive art sculpture featuring 11 Dichroic infinity mirrored prisms, ranging from 13 to 21 feet tall. The towers reflect sunlight during the day and light up into color-shifting light when the sun goes down. Here's a photo from the unveiling (but you've really gotta go drive by in person for the full effect):
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 Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc., 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.
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. ❤️
