The Sioux Falls Development Foundation Annual Report of Developments is a statistical and narrative summary of developments that have taken place within the community year-to-date. The report highlights activity within the Sioux Empire Development Parks and Startup Sioux Falls, as well as major industrial, office, commercial, healthcare and quality of life developments. The report is published every year in November in conjunction with the Sioux Falls Development Foundation Annual Meeting.
Author: leahb
Moving Sioux Falls Forward: Midco
Midco literally keeps Sioux Falls connected.
From its founding in 1931, the telecommunications leader has redefined connectivity, maintaining market leadership by providing exceptional customer experiences using the region’s most reliable fiber network spanning 17,000 miles. Midco services more than 1 million homes and businesses in more than 400 communities with 1,900 team members across South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Kansas.
“Our mission is to be the best communications company in the country for our neighbors, team members, partners and communities,” said Ben Dold, president and chief operating officer.
For the Sioux Falls area, “a telecommunications leader like Midco is critical,” said Bob Mundt, president and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.
“Increasingly, connectivity and capacity for data drive economic development. We’re fortunate that not only does Midco provide best-in-class products and services but also continually sets an example of how to give back to our community.”
Here’s a closer look at the business, courtesy of Ben Dold.
Business name: Midco
Year founded: 1931
Year operations began in Sioux Falls: 1931, the year our founders opened the Welworth Theaters Company
Total employees in the Sioux Falls area: 750
CEO/lead executive in Sioux Falls: Ben Dold, president and chief operating officer
How would you describe your organization to someone not familiar with it?
We offer best-in-class internet, TV and phone services backed by our award-winning fiber network, and our new mobile product will fully launch next year.
What are the top three reasons you continue to locate in the Sioux Falls area?
- People: We love serving our customers in Sioux Falls and believe in hiring our Midco team members from the communities we serve. Our hardworking, dedicated and professional Sioux Falls team members work in a variety of roles from field technician positions and customer care to analysts and engineers.
- Business climate: Midco has successfully evolved its product offerings across entertainment, radio, television, fiber internet and beyond because of the business-friendly environment in Sioux Falls. A city that encourages innovation, creativity and development is the perfect fit for Midco.
- Legacy: Nearly 100 years ago, Midco’s founders launched a company that dedicated itself to improving the lives of its customers. We believe in honoring that legacy by being a “Force for Good” in everything that we do in Sioux Falls. Our community impact includes more than $6 million in grants from the Midco Foundation, thousands of hours in team-member volunteering through Midco ACTS, community sponsorships, free public service announcements for nonprofits and more.
What are you most proud of within your business in the past year?
We’re incredibly proud of the continued investment in our fiber network, including significant upgrades right here in Sioux Falls. A robust and reliable internet connection is crucial for customers in today’s digital economy, and Midco’s investments aim to provide this for Sioux Falls homes and businesses. But don’t take our word for it — according to Ookla speed tests for Q1 and Q2 2025, Midco has the most responsive internet speeds and fastest upload speeds in Sioux Falls, and we’re confident the Q3-Q4 test results will show the same. We’re also thrilled that Midco Mobile, a cellular service that seamlessly combines reliability, affordability and our friendly customer service, will be available to our Sioux Falls customers soon!
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your business?
We heard from our customers that they want to receive more services from our trusted brand. To answer this call in an era of telecommunications convergence, Midco is launching Midco Mobile, a cellular product that will join our already trusted fiber internet, phone and TV product lineup. Midco Mobile will fully launch in 2026, and we couldn’t be more excited.
How would you describe the culture of your business in three words?
Energetic, friendly, helpful.
Why does your business choose to invest in Forward Sioux Falls?
Just as we have done throughout our history, Midco invests in people. Our participation in Forward Sioux Falls is an investment in the future jobs, infrastructure and technology that will help families in our growing city thrive.
What specific advantages or values have you found to partnering with Forward Sioux Falls and its programs?
The Forward Sioux Falls IX leadership noted that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” When the Sioux Falls economy thrives, Midco shares in that prosperity. The growth championed by Forward Sioux Falls expands our customer base, adds to our talent acquisition pool and improves the quality of life for our team members.
What are your expectations for your business in the year ahead?
Midco is excited to expand and grow its services in the Sioux Falls area by prioritizing:
- Fiber Forward: A $500 million investment in network expansion and upgrades resulting in multi-gigabit internet speeds for Sioux Falls customers.
- Midco Mobile: A straightforward, reliable and affordable mobile product for our internet customers.
- Customer service: Excellence in every customer encounter, from our incredible field team’s construction and installation services to our 24/7 Customer Care support. This priority is backed by our 12-point Midco Customer Commitment that outlines our high standards for network reliability, price transparency and customer service.
Forward Sioux Falls is a joint venture between the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and is widely respected as the premier economic driver for the Sioux Falls region. To learn more and connect, click here.
WIN in Workforce Summit 2025 recap
The annual WIN in Workforce Summit is produced by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and supported by Forward Sioux Falls.
The goal is “to plan, prioritize, engage and talk about what do we need to do to move the needle forward,” said Denise Guzzetta, vice president of talent and workforce development for the Development Foundation.
“With growth comes a lot of uncertainty, a lot of challenges. This is our time to talk about the things we need to do.”
For a closer look at the day, click below.
WIN in Workforce Summit 2025 Recap
Moving Sioux Falls Forward: Maguire
From a new headquarters campus in Sioux Falls, a family business helps brings clean, safe drinking water to communities nationwide.
Maguire specializes in the construction and maintenance of water tanks and towers. Known for expertise and reliability for more than a century, the company ensures that these vital structures are built to last and stay safe and efficient through expert care.
“This is a business that’s guided by its core values and has proven it will sustain for generations,” said Bob Mundt, president and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. “Maguire brings trusted craftsmanship and long-term dedication to every project while continually looking toward the future, both in its cutting-edge campus as well as investment in its workforce.”
Here’s a closer look at the business, courtesy of CEO Gene Jones Jr.
Business name: Maguire
Year founded: 1915
Year operations began in Sioux Falls: The 1960s
Total employees in the Sioux Falls area: 106
CEO/lead executive in Sioux Falls: Gene Jones Jr., CEO; Scott Jones, president
What are the top three reasons you continue to locate in the Sioux Falls area?
- Exceptional work ethic: Rooted in Midwestern values, the workforce in Sioux Falls brings a strong sense of responsibility, reliability and pride to their work. It’s a culture where showing up, pitching in and going the extra mile isn’t the exception — it’s the norm. This relentless work ethic fuels Maguire’s drive for excellence every day.
- Supportive, connected community: Sioux Falls offers more than just a place to work — it’s a community that rallies around its businesses. From strong local partnerships to a shared sense of purpose, the support we receive from this community helps Maguire thrive both professionally and personally.
- Pro-business environment: With a business-friendly climate, low taxes, streamlined regulations and access to top-tier infrastructure, Sioux Falls creates the ideal setting for innovation and sustainable growth. It’s a city that makes it easier for companies like Maguire to stay focused on what matters most: creating impact and delivering value.
What are you most proud of within your business in the past year?
Over the past year, Maguire is most proud of its new Sioux Falls campus.
It is a bold investment in the future, designed to foster innovation, collaboration and growth. This state-of-the-art space reflects our commitment to our people, our community and our mission to be a force for good in the water industry.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your business?
As Maguire looks to the future, one of our biggest challenges is attracting and developing the next generation of skilled team members and bold leaders. In a rapidly evolving industry, our success depends on empowering talent that’s not only technically capable but driven by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to excellence.
How would you describe the culture of your business in three words?
Team, caring, gratitude.
Why does your business choose to invest in Forward Sioux Falls?
Maguire continues to invest in Forward Sioux Falls because we believe in the power of visionary collaboration to shape a stronger, more vibrant future for our region. By supporting initiatives that drive economic growth, workforce development and innovation, we’re not just investing in Sioux Falls — we’re investing in the long-term success of the communities and industries we serve.
What specific advantages or values have you found in partnering with Forward Sioux Falls and its programs?
Partnering with Forward Sioux Falls has opened valuable opportunities for Maguire to connect with local academic institutions and regional business leaders, creating a strong pipeline of talent and innovation. Through these partnerships, we have been able to support educational programs, promote workforce development and strengthen the regional network that advances both our industry and our community.
What are your expectations for your business in the year ahead?
Looking ahead, Maguire is focused on continued growth and expanding our impact as a force for good in the water industry. We’re committed to advancing solutions, investing in innovation and empowering our team to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the communities and customers we serve. The year ahead holds exciting opportunities, and we’re ready to lead with purpose, drive meaningful change and shape a future where clean, accessible water is a reality for all.
Forward Sioux Falls is a joint venture between the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and is widely respected as the premier economic driver for the Sioux Falls region. To learn more and connect, click here.
From navigating change to workforce strategies, Avera leaders to share insights at upcoming WIN Summit
More than 1,200 team members at Avera Health have earned a title with special significance this year: legacy ambassadors.
Like the health system itself, which marks 25 years in 2025 since the Presentation and Benedictine orders brought their health systems together in a unique co-sponsorship model, the employees have been with Avera at least 25 years.
One of them is Shannon Backstrom, a nurse practitioner who says she has stayed with Avera because she always felt valued.
“I have encountered many different situations from exciting and happy to challenging. During those challenging times, I felt heard, and positive changes were made,” she said.
“The culture is very much a team approach with everyone working toward the same goal: quality care and the health of the patient.”
Backstrom’s experience likely is reflected in workplaces across Sioux Falls, and, as Avera has established, culture helps navigate change.
“Our culture is strong; we have a workplace culture that emphasizes mission and the opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself to help others and contribute to the greater good,” said Dave Flicek, chief operating officer of Avera Health.
“In past generations, people were willing to put other things in life on hold for their career. Now, they are looking for life balance and well-being, which is important because if you pour yourself out completely trying to be competitive in the workplace, you have nothing else to give. Meaningful work is an important and satisfying part of life, but we as employers must recognize that our employees have families and outside interests, and need to practice self-care. So we encourage this balance.”
Flicek will share more insights from Avera as he helps lead off the annual WIN in Workforce Summit as part of a panel discussion titled “Bridging the Gap: What Inspires Leaders Now & Next.”
The annual event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 23, with networking events before and after the event, at a new venue: the Canopy by Hilton in downtown Sioux Falls.
For a full agenda and to register, visit here.
The day will feature 10 impactful sessions highlighting local leadership, businesses and best practices.
One of them, “Navigating What’s Next in Healthcare and Higher Ed,” will feature Avera Health chief financial officer Julie Lautt.
Change is a constant in health care, but one that also makes people better and leads to new possibilities, she said.
“For a mission-based organization like Avera, it is important to me to always make sure my decision-making is consistent and aligned with the mission and values,” Lautt said.
“It is important to help people understand the ‘why.’ For me, putting the numbers into stories for nonfinancial leaders helps convey the reasoning behind the decisions.”
She also has developed best practices to share with other leaders.
“I think leaders need to develop and strongly support their teams,” Lautt said. “Surround yourself with people who share the same values with the ability to move the organization’s mission forward. Allow for development opportunities while coaching them and be willing to let them go so they can thrive. Only with a good, strong, committed team can you achieve the set goals.”
As a faith-based organization, Avera “has some practices that may seem uncommon to others,” Flicek added.
“For example, we pray at the beginning of each meeting. People of all faith backgrounds remark all the time that they value the fact that faith is considered important at Avera. We’re constantly talking about how we live out our values of compassion, hospitality and stewardship.”
It fosters a culture “where people truly care about each other,” he added. “People feel like they belong at Avera. As they care about our patients, co-workers care about each other. The stories are so numerous how employees help each other out in times of hardship or even covering for someone on busy days when they haven’t had the chance to grab lunch.”
This year’s Avera Cares employee giving campaign raised $7.5 million. Among other things, this fund helps Avera patients and colleagues with just-in-time needs.
Both Avera leaders point to an environment that encourages personal and professional development, along with a commitment to mutual understanding and communication.
“We rely on each other,” Lautt said. “One principle of a learning organization is deference to expertise. This means yielding to the person who knows the most about a given situation. At times, this is the front-line caregiver or the food service worker or the maintenance crew.”
As a people-centered industry, workforce development has always been important to Avera, Flicek said.
“Shortages in health care workforce are not new, but they are becoming more concerning,” he said. “One thing that’s been successful is helping to map out a career path that begins at the entry level and then helping people see how they can progress to a registered nurse, a lab tech or a surgical tech. These are just a few examples of many career paths one could take at Avera.”
The health system also has invested in scholarships as well as sponsorships, which is when someone receives tuition funds in exchange for agreeing to work for Avera for a certain period of time.
For example, someone can graduate from high school and get hired on as a certified nursing assistant, get training on the job and receive tuition reimbursement or perhaps a sponsorship/scholarship to get a four-year nursing degree.
“Giving people a workable plan toward a promising career path and partnering with them to achieve their goals is something any business could apply,” Flicek said.
That’s the whole goal of the WIN Summit, said Denise Guzzetta, vice president of talent and workforce development for the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.
“You don’t have to be an employer with the size and scope of Avera to learn from the incredible best practices this organization employs,” she said. “Dave, Julie and their team will offer insights you can immediately take back to your workplace and put into practice.”
From Seattle to Sioux Falls, engineer brings nationwide experience with recent move
Jeremy Feist is only 30, but already his structural engineering career has taken him to some impressive heights.
As a lead structural design engineer, he worked on the 44-story Mutual of Omaha headquarters tower in downtown Omaha.
His role also allowed him to work on the tallest building in Richmond, Virginia and the tallest in Bellevue, Washington, in the Seattle metro area, in addition to the convention center in Austin, Texas.
“I had a range of cool experiences,” said Feist, whose first job was as a structural design engineer at Seattle-based Magnusson Klemencic Associates.
“That really motivated me to move to Seattle, and I’m so glad I did.”
But as a Wyoming native who grew up near the South Dakota border and earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees from School of Mines, Feist “always had in the back of my head it would be so fun to move back and be closer to family,” he said.
“As I was targeting the spot I wanted to come back to, Sioux Falls checked a bunch of boxes. It’s much closer to family, I have friends in Omaha and Minneapolis and Rochester, and because Sioux Falls is the biggest city in the area, there’s a lot going on while still being in South Dakota. So it was really appealing.”
Still, he hadn’t spent much time in the city.
“I have an uncle who lives in Sioux Falls and had passed through a few times, but I wasn’t that most familiar,” he said. “I was back for a wedding a couple summers ago and when I went to Falls Park for the first time, it was updated and I realized how up-and-coming Sioux Falls was.”
He began looking for jobs in engineering and “it was surprisingly easy,” Feist said. “I applied a few places and got responses from all of them, and everyone was eager to get me in the door, which is a nice feeling to have.”
He ultimately was hired as a structural engineer by Raker Rhodes Engineering, which is based in Des Moines but has a satellite location in Sioux Falls.
“I really liked the idea of that network in Des Moines and that link to larger projects while still being in South Dakota in a smaller office where I can have a larger impact,” Feist said.
The career opportunities in Sioux Falls aren’t surprising, said Denise Guzzetta, vice president of talent and workforce development for the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.
“This is a tremendous place for someone with engineering skills,” she said. “You’ll find a range of firms in multiple specializations, including many like Jeremy’s firm that do work on a regional or even national level. We’re also committed to developing our next generation of STEM talent, so there are many opportunities for someone like Jeremy to help mentor and inspire the next generation.”
Feist moved to Sioux Falls earlier this summer and “I’m really liking it,” he said. “It’s a change of pace from Seattle and the big corporate culture I grew used to over the years. I’m on a laid-back, easygoing team and I think that just speaks to the culture of the Midwest.”
He’s currently renting not far from where he works in downtown Sioux Falls “and I’m actively looking for a place to buy my first home,” he said. “That wouldn’t have happened in Seattle. Plus, the rent is a lot cheaper and the real estate is a lot more affordable. It was really easy finding a fully furnished place to rent month-to-month until I find something to buy.”
For fun, he’s checked out free concerts at Levitt at the Falls and is training for a bike ride in October with friends in Minnesota.
“So I’m getting familiar with the bike path around the river,” he said.
Feist also has connected with the Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network, and “I’m having quite a bit of fun with it,” he said. “There’s a lot of membership and I can’t believe they have an all-day conference.”
He finds he connects with new people every time he goes to a YPN event.
“In Seattle, they have a young professionals network, but it’s not as active as this one which is kind of crazy,” he said.
Long term, he’d love to use his skills to work on major projects in Sioux Falls — including a potential future convention center.
“Often in smaller cities they import specialized engineers, so it would be so fun to be part of that,” he said. “I love the idea that a big project like that can be sourced locally, so I definitely have my eye on those opportunities.”
To learn more about growing your career in Sioux Falls, email deniseg@siouxfalls.com.
President’s Report: Forward Sioux Falls – Home Stretch
By: Bob Mundt, President & CEO
September 11, 2025, marked the kickoff of the public phase of Forward Sioux Falls IX. Campaign co-chairs announced that the private phase of the campaign had met its goal of raising 60% of the $18 million goal. The public campaign will now focus on expanding the number of investors involved to over 400 companies.
Campaign IX Leadership has set some aggressive outcomes including:
- Creation of over 5,000 new direct jobs averaging $40/hour
- 8,800 indirect jobs averaging $30/hour
- Almost a billion dollars in annual direct and indirect payroll
- Acquiring 800 –1,000 acres of land for Foundation Park II
- Creating over $3 billion in new capital investments
- Creating over $700 million in new property tax value
- And growing the population of the region by 30,000 people
Supported by both the public and private sector, Forward Sioux Falls has become a national model for successful economic development fundraising and program implementation. Focusing on Economic & Business Development, Talent and Workforce Development, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Advocacy & Community Enhancement, Forward Sioux Falls has been the economic engine of the community for almost 40 years. In that time, the population of the Sioux Falls metro has tripled from 85,000 to nearly 250,000.
The four pillars of Forward Sioux Falls will be implemented by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and several strategic partners including educational institutions, non-profits and related economic and community development entities.
In addition to continuing some ongoing programs, Forward Sioux Falls IX will assist in the creation of the SDSU Metro Center for health sciences, expansion of the Advanced Manufacturing & Technology Center at STC, creation of the Housing Trust Fund for workforce housing and the creation of a special projects management program to help fund worthy projects that may be proposed in the future.
If you haven’t been approached by a representative from the Forward Sioux Falls IX campaign team, we encourage you to reach out here. With your help, we can continue the momentum we have established over the past 40 years and responsibly grow our region.
Chairman’s Report: Full Steam Ahead
By: Kent Cutler, 2025 Sioux Falls Development Foundation Board Chair
As we approach the last quarter of 2025, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation continues to make progress in all areas of our mission. Recent sales in Foundation Park and several “active” prospects, some of whom are expected to close in the last quarter, indicate that while the economy is volatile, Sioux Falls continues to be attractive to new and expanding business. Building activity in 2026 is expected to be brisk as several of these prospects close and break ground. CJ Schwan’s has begun construction along with the second Amazon facility addressing their last-mile distribution system.
With the purchase of additional ground north of Memory Lane, Foundation Park now reaches 258th Street at the I-90/Renner Exit. We are planning grading and additional road construction in the spring. These purchases give us an additional 150 acres to market to prospects and direct access to an additional Interstate interchange.
Fall marks the beginning of our Talent and Workforce Recruitment plan as we begin our work with universities, tech schools and high schools to recruit tomorrow’s workforce to our jobs in the region. Talent Draft begins in September targeting our six universities. Career Fairs also begin this fall exposing University and High School students to potential careers in the region and encouraging them to stay here to work. Career Connections in six of our high schools are exposing high school students to careers and companies they can work for right after graduation. In addition, our Intern Sioux Falls program is targeting over 100 interns for work opportunities in Sioux Falls and our Talent Rebound program is encouraging alumni from our local universities to return home to utilize their skills here.
As we move into fall, the Board will be planning for the future looking to continue our momentum. The new Forward Sioux Falls IX campaign is setting the stage for remarkable growth in the region. The Sioux Falls Development Foundation is positioned to assist in that effort to continue building Sioux Falls. We encourage you to invest in Forward Sioux Falls. You are what makes all our progress possible. Thanks for being a part of it.
Sioux Falls ranked a top 100 best place to live in the U.S.
Livability.com has included Sioux Falls, SD, in its ranking of the top 100 best places to live in the U.S. for 2025!
The listing includes cities with populations between 75,000 – 500,000 and accounts for “a city’s economy, housing and cost of living, amenities, transportation, environment, safety, education and health.”
To learn more about why Sioux Falls made the list, click the ‘read more’ button below.
Showcasing Sioux Falls in 2025: A Year of Growth and Outreach
The Sioux Falls Development Foundation is closing out its fiscal 2025 marketing campaign with one clear mission: to make sure decision-makers across the country see Sioux Falls as the best place to expand, innovate, and invest. This year’s efforts focused on connecting with site selectors, corporate location advisors, and industry influencers who play a major role in guiding business expansions.
Telling the Sioux Falls Story
The Foundation continues to share news and insights through a newsletter with branded infographics, sent quarterly to a national audience of site consultants. Each edition spotlights business growth, available real estate, workforce strengths, or policy updates that make Sioux Falls stand out; showcasing key accolades, national rankings, and the city’s infrastructure advantages. These eye-catching visuals make it easy for busy decision-makers to see why Sioux Falls is a smart choice.
Expanding Regional Awareness
Closer to home, the Foundation used targeted radio advertising in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. These campaigns highlight Sioux Falls’ affordability, skilled workforce, and easy access to major markets. Messages designed to reach regional brokers and business leaders who are already familiar with the Midwest advantage.
Building Partnerships and Connections
Relationships remain at the heart of business development. That’s why the Foundation is sponsoring key industry groups such as the SIOR Minnesota-Dakotas Chapter and the NAI Global Midwest Regional Event. These partnerships provide valuable opportunities for networking, branding, and one-on-one conversations with top real estate professionals and consultants.
Showcasing Sioux Falls on the National Stage
Throughout the year, Sioux Falls was represented at major national events. In June, the Foundation joined Dakota State University and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development in Washington, D.C. for the AI Expo, where Sioux Falls was positioned as a new frontier for innovation. In July, the team traveled to Beaver Creek, Colorado for the Logistics Development Forum to highlight Sioux Falls’ strengths in transportation and distribution. December brings Area Development’s Consultant Forum in Fort Lauderdale, where national site consultants gather for high-level discussions about business growth.
In addition, the Foundation will take part in a targeted site selector trip to Greenville, South Carolina, working side by side with South Dakota’s economic development delegation to personally share Sioux Falls’ advantages.
A Year of Momentum
From newsletters and infographics to radio ads, partnerships, and national events, the Development Foundation is working on multiple fronts to keep Sioux Falls in front of the people who influence business decisions. Each effort reinforces the same message: Sioux Falls is a premier destination for companies looking for opportunities, innovation, and long-term success.
Krier & Blain Purchases Land in Foundation Park
Krier & Blain is growing in Sioux Falls! The company recently closed on a 4-acre site in Foundation Park with the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. This new space will give Krier & Blain room to expand while keeping its roots strong in our community.
Foundation Park continues to welcome new businesses and create opportunities for Sioux Falls to thrive. The addition of Krier & Blain is another sign of the momentum building in the city’s largest industrial development.
Groundbreakings: Q3 2025
It’s been an exciting summer of hosting groundbreakings for the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. In the third quarter of 2025, the Foundation hosted three groundbreakings to mark the start of construction for various projects in our community. Find a recap of each of them below!
Chabad Jewish Community Center
The groundbreaking for the Chabad Jewish Community Center celebrated the start of construction on a 15,000-square-foot community center that will include a Synagogue, social hall, commercial Kosher kitchen, community room, early childhood education center, classrooms, Judaic library, children’s library, lounge, ritual women’s mikva, office spaces, outdoor playground, and an indoor play area.
L to R: Julie Iverson, T. Denny Sanford, Pat McAdaragh, Andrew Friedman, Sen. John Thune, Rep. Dusty Johnson, Steve Schwartz, Gov. Larry Rhoden, Rabbi Mendel Alperowitz, Mussie Alperowitz, Clark Meyer, Joe Kirby, Jennifer Kirby, Miles Beacom, Mayor Paul TenHaken, Adam Bergman, and Stephen Rosenthal.
Levitt at the Falls Expansion
Levitt at the Falls broke ground on a 7,000 sq. ft. expansion which will include the Sweetman Atrium, DSU Community Room, Lust Family Second Stage, six new offices, a new dressing room, and greenroom for artists. The expansion will be used to not only enhance the experience of working in the venue for artists and staff, but it will also allow for expansion of public programming to include year-round educational and entertainment events alongside community partners.
L to R: Kent Cutler, Rose Ann Hofland, Laura Mullen, John Lust, Jeanelle Lust, Bob Thimjon, Nancy Halverson (President and CEO), Kathy Sweetman, Dick Sweetman, Tamien Dysart, Mary Kolsrud, Richard VanDemark, Don Kearney, Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Mike Fischer, and Mary Ellyn Minenko.
Sioux Falls Regional Airport Concourse Expansion
The expansion of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport concourse will provide up to five new aircraft parking gates and 57,000 square feet of passenger seating and circulation. The new gates will accommodate the significant growth in passenger traffic of the past 20 years as well as the continued increase in the next 10-15 years.
L to R: Councilor Richard Thomason, Tony Wiseman, Brian Mahlendorf, John Taylor, Kent Cutler, Dan Letellier (executive director), Mayor Paul TenHaken, Dan Statema, Tom Hurlbert, Miles Beacom, and Mitch Walker.
South Dakota ranked second-best state in the nation for road quality
South Dakota has lots of things to see! No matter which area of the state you live in or travel to, our roads traverse wide open prairie to winding, hilly landscapes.
Recently, the state’s roads were ranked among the best in the country! South Dakota has been ranked the second-best state for road quality in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.
“The quality of a state’s roads can affect the safety and overall driving experience of motorists,” the narrative accompanying the ranking says. “This metric reflects the percentage of road miles considered to be in poor condition in each state, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration.”
Click ‘learn more’ below to see how other states compared.
Minnehaha County ranked No. 4 best place for new families (2025)
When raising a family, living in a place that’s affordable and offers access to amenities and healthcare can make a difference.
When it comes an environment that offers a low cost of living and high quality of life, the Sioux Falls area checks lots of boxes, and national publications have taken notice. SmartAsset has ranked Minnehaha County (South Dakota) as the No. 4 best place for new families.
“People with young children or those planning to start a family often have newfound priorities when it comes to picking a neighborhood to live in,” the article releasing the findings said. “Many families choose to trade the conveniences of the big city for more space and affordability as they grow. Other amenities – including childcare costs, access to parks, the presence of other young families, and healthcare availability – may also play a key role in where new families decide to settle. With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked 830 U.S. counties to identify the best places for new families, ranked based on affordability, available amenities and family-friendly demographics.”
See how other counties compared in the table below, and click the ‘read more’ button to learn more about the data and methodology.
Sioux Falls ranked No. 8 best job market in America for 2025
Sioux Falls has been ranked one of the best job markets in America for 2025 by SmartAsset, coming in at No. 8!
As a business-friendly city and state, Sioux Falls and South Dakota are no strangers to national accolades like this. Sioux Falls offers a strong business climate, diverse industries, and opportunities to grow in your career.
“Not only does the presence of jobs and a high income count, but many households rely on health insurance, the possibility for income growth, a short enough commute to allow work-life balance, or even remote work in full,” the article releasing the findings says. “With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked 348 U.S. cities based on six metrics from the latest Census Bureau data to help households determine which job markets might be most suitable for their financial goals.”
See how other cities compared in the table below or click ‘read more’ below the table to learn more about the data and methodology.