Happy Friday! Megan here.
Weather check: %&*$#@! hot
This week, we got a look at the specific numbers behind Mayor Paul TenHaken's "most difficult" budget yet. Plus, you may remember Owen's Outfitters as the 2025 A Little Help beneficiary for Sioux Falls Simplified – well, they've officially found a new, larger space for their operation, and you'll get to see it. Plus, enjoy a look behind-the-scenes at the people making the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium so beautiful.
And now, news:
CITY
In 'difficult' city budget year, what stays and what goes?
Simplified: Mayor Paul TenHaken gave his final budget address to a packed room at Carnegie Town Hall on Thursday, in which he emphasized the need to reduce city services while still ensuring Sioux Falls is set up to manage continued growth. TenHaken said it was the "most difficult" budget process he's seen in nearly eight years as mayor. Here's a closer look at the numbers.
Why it matters
- Last week, ahead of the budget address, TenHaken warned of proposed cuts to library hours, snow plowing, contributions to nonprofits, school-based health clinics, pools and outdoor ice rinks. Those cuts are a direct result of the state legislature's move to cap property tax growth starting in 2027.
- On Thursday, the public got its first look at the specific numbers behind the $775.9 million budget for next year, and the tone both from TenHaken and listeners in the audience was "somber," as Councilor Miranda Basye put it after the meeting.
- Even the budget document itself is more somber this year – without the bright colors, photos and graphic design found in previous years' budget books.
- Despite the cuts, TenHaken is also proposing adding 28 new full-time employees to the city staff, including 24 public safety positions. He's also still looking to move forward with a new downtown convention center in the Riverline District, as well as continued investments in highways and streets.
"We continue to address the foundational needs of today while setting up our community for the future," TenHaken said.
Tell me more about the specific numbers
COMMUNITY
Get a look at Owen's Outfitters new, larger space
Simplified: Owen's Outfitters, a medical lending library, launched just a couple years ago in Mike and Eleanor Turner's basement. Now, the nonprofit is officially moved into a warehouse with room to keep up with lightning-fast growth.
Why it matters
- Owen's Outfitters collects used medical equipment and gives it to folks who need it – no restrictions, no income qualifications, just two minutes of paperwork. The nonprofit was also the beneficiary of the second annual A Little Help campaign earlier this year, and Sioux Falls Simplified readers raised $4,300 to support its operation.
- In addition to the funding, the stories accompanying that fundraiser helped the Turners connect with local commercial real estate agent Marcus Mahlen, who ultimately connected them with the new warehouse and office space just a block west of Minnesota Avenue and Russell Street. Previously, Owen's Outfitters was located in the Nonprofit Center on West Avenue.
- The location is strategic, Executive Director Mike Turner said. His goal was to find a space easily accessible by public transit so as many people as possible are able to get the medical equipment they need.
- With more room, Owen's Outfitters is also now poised to accept more donations, including medical supply drives from community groups, and with that will come more opportunities for volunteer support.
"We've started describing it as growing up a little bit," Turner said. "It's obvious we're reaching another stage, and it feels like we're going to mature as an organization."
Tell me more about Owen's Outfitters
SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
How local artists use their talents to beautify the zoo
This is a paid piece from the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium.
Simplified: It takes a lot to keep the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium running, but beyond animal care, there's also a lot of attention that goes into making the campus welcoming and engaging with signage, murals and artwork. Here's a look behind-the-scenes at the artists who make it all happen.
Why it matters
- The Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium (SFZA) has worked with a number of local artists over the years, who've done everything from face painting to chalk designs to crafting the murals to the signs that educate and inform visitors.
- Those artists are also helping craft the future vision of the organization. Patty Solis, a freelance photographer and graphic designer, has done much of the signage guests see around both the zoo and aquarium, and she's also working on an updated logo to reflect the now-merged organizations.
- Additionally, as the zoo invests in new habitats and expansion, artists are helping create beautiful and engaging spaces for both the animals and the visitors. That includes murals from local artists from untitled.10, Zach DeBoer and Hannah Stromseth, who most recently created a tree mural in the gift shop.
- Just this week, the zoo received a grant from the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation's Community Fund to support two new murals – which Stromseth will create – along the Americas building.
"I'm eager to continue to beautify and honor the animals of the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium," Stromseth said. "These next two murals will invite guests and employees to stop and look a little closer, enjoy the color and vibrancy of the artwork, all while showcasing conservation."
Tell me more about the artists
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- The candidates start rolling in. Sioux Falls officially has two former state lawmakers looking to take Paul TenHaken's job when his term as mayor ends next spring. Jamie Smith, a former gubernatorial candidate and state senator, announced his intention to run in June, and just this week Christine Erickson, a former city councilor and state representative. The 2026 mayoral election will take place in June on the same ballot as the state primary election.
- Be a leader. The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce has opened applications for its 40th Leadership Sioux Falls class. Participants will have a chance to learn more about the forces that shape the community, expand their leadership skills and build their networks. You can learn more and apply here.
- Celebrate a leader. Sales and Marketing Executives (SME) of Sioux Falls has named its Executive of the Year, and the winner is drumroll Kim Burma, senior advertising agency account executive at Midco. The annual SME Leadership Summit will take place Sept. 9 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Learn more here.
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, Great Bear Ski Valley, Encompass Mental Health, 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. ❤️
