SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The community engagement period is now open for the City of Sioux Falls sustainability planning process.
The City invites the public to partake in this community-wide planning effort. Activities are open April 1–30, 2021, to coincide with Earth Month.
The City of Sioux Falls has been working on sustainability for over a decade and is in the process of updating its Sustainability Plan with new goals and strategies that will help guide future work. The plan will work in conjunction with other City plans and will serve as a roadmap for a Sioux Falls that is environmentally healthy, economically prosperous, and equitable in opportunity for all.
One of the most important steps in updating the City’s Sustainability Plan is hearing from the community about their concerns, needs, and vision regarding a sustainable Sioux Falls. All feedback received from the community will help shape the City’s next Sustainability Plan, goals, and actions. The engagement process enables the City to develop common goals within the community and local government.
“Hearing from the public is essential to update the Sustainability Master Plan. We want to make sure the plan represents community needs, has broad support, and is effective in the long term. Working with the community in this early stage of the planning process and incorporating their ideas is key in achieving this,” says Holly Meier, Sustainability Coordinator.
Due to COVID-19, engagement is happening primarily online at siouxfalls.org/sustainability. Engagement opportunities include:
- A sustainability survey with the chance to win a $250 Visa gift card.
- For Sioux Falls youth, a sustainability essay contest (Grades 11–12) and an art contest (Grades 6–12). Essay contest winners receive a $250 scholarship, and art contest winners receive a sustainability prize pack.
- Use #SustainableSiouxFalls on Facebook or Twitter to post about what your sustainable Sioux Falls looks like or what actions you’d like to see our community focus on.
More information about the planning process can also be found at siouxfalls.org/sustainability.
For more information, please contact Holly Meier in the Public Works Environmental Division at 367-8280.
(The City of Sioux Falls contributed this report/news release.)
