SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) — The State of the City is strong, but there are headwinds on the horizon. Sioux Falls Mayor Paul Tenhaken says among the challenges are federal and state budget cuts and a new property tax relief plan that will cost the city about 25-million dollars a year. The Mayor says that will translate into reduced services that city residents will notice. In the meantime, the city is participating in 180-million worth of road projects that are being launched this year, and is continuing work on a 250-million dollar waste water treatment plant – the largest public works project in city history. He says those projects are critical to future city growth.
Also important for continued growth – quality of life investments like parks, swimming pools, recreation centers and convention space. The city pays for those capital projects by issuing bonds. Mayor Tenhaken says the city’s debt levels are the lowest in the region, so Sioux Falls is in a good position. One important item he feels is needed for future development is a larger, state-of-the-art convention center. The city council has approved the purchase of property on the east side of the Big Sioux River in the downtown area for that purpose, but there’s hesitation on moving forward because of the high cost. He doesn’t believe he will be able to push that project through during his remaining time in office, but is encouraging future city leaders to dream big. He says big dreams are what propelled the city’s surge in large developments that have changed the Phillips to the Falls area with the new Steel District development, and it will take big dreams to extend the progress that’s been made.
Despite a record number of homicides last year, Mayor Tenhaken says the city’s per capita crime numbers are the lowest they’ve been since before the pandemic. He also touted progress in helping people dealing with homelessness, addiction and mental illness.
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