This is your chance to weigh in on what Sioux Falls looks like in 2050

Megan Raposa -

Simplified: The City of Sioux Falls is working on a comprehensive plan for what the city will look like in 2050, and a big part of that process is listening to what Sioux Fallsians want.

Why it matters

  • The city's had a comprehensive plan since 1950. Now called "Shape Sioux Falls," the plan was last updated in 2016 with an eye toward 2040, according to city Planning Director Jeff Eckhoff. Now, eight years later, the city is looking even further out to 2050.
  • The plan is a high-level look at land-use, infrastructure, housing, technology, transit and more. It sets the tone for future developments – and re-developments, as the city reaches its physical boundaries. It's also a document frequently referenced as the city looks at any changes to zoning ordinances.
  • But before any of the planning gets too far along, the city wants to hear from residents. With the help of third-party firm Confluence, the city will be hosting public feedback listening sessions, workshops, open houses and conducting surveys over the next several months.
"I know we have a national election coming up, but there’s no level of government that affects you more than your local government," Eckhoff said. "So this is your chance to be involved."

What is a comprehensive plan?

Well, essentially exactly what it sounds like. It's a way to look at the city as a whole, how land is being used now and how land might be used in the future.

It's a lot of maps, but according to Christopher Shires, principal and project manager for Confluence, it's also looking at:

  • where new developments might go,
  • where redevelopment might be needed,
  • housing stock,
  • infrastructure needs,
  • transportation and mobility,
  • natural resources,
  • the economy,
  • and the overall health and resilience of our community.
"At the end of the day, this plan will be for Sioux Falls, by people from Sioux Falls, about Sioux Falls," Eckhoff said. "We’re very excited about that."

How do I share my thoughts?

There's an online survey, as well as a number of in-person events. You can find all of that here.

What happens next?

The city's main focus for the plan will be gathering community feedback into early next year.

Then, it'll be time to look at changes that need to be made to the existing plan, draft the 2050 plan and send it back out to the public for another round of feedback before approval.