Happy Wednesday! Megan here.

First things first: This issue is sponsored by the Terra Shepherd Boutique and Apothecary.

  • Terra Shepherd offers sustainable clothing made by people in safe working conditions who are paid a living wage. The boutique also offers far more than clothing, from sustainable beauty essentials to cleaning supplies to jewelry to gifts. Right now, they're gearing up for a big Small Business Saturday event. Learn more about that event here, and shop their collections here.

Weather check: Wet

This week, I've got a look at how Minnehaha County is thinking about creative housing solutions in anticipation of continued population growth. You'll also find the latest on the aquatics bond, new downtown parking rules and the jolly old elf himself at the Empire Mall. Plus, don't miss tons of events happening this week in our event guide.

Also, before we get into the news, one quick correction: Last week's issue misstated the number of ballots in Minnehaha County. There were more than 95,000 ballots in the county, and statewide, there were more than 430,000 ballots cast. You can find the full, corrected story here.

And now, news:

COUNTY

How Minnehaha County is looking to meet future housing needs

Simplified: An option to add an apartment to your home – and other forms of "middle housing" – might be part of the solution for meeting increasing housing demand and density in the region, according to a presentation the Minnehaha County Commission heard Tuesday.

Examples of accessory dwelling units.
Source: AARP

Why it matters

  • The county is working on the next iteration of its long-range comprehensive plan called "Envision 2045." Part of the work behind that plan involved a work group focused specifically on increasing density as more people move to the area.
  • One option to both increase density and create more housing options is something called an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). This could look like a tiny home on the same lot, a basement apartment, a garage converted into housing, etc.
  • Those ADUs also fill the need for "middle housing," which is something between a single-family home and a large apartment building – e.g. a duplex, fourplex, etc. – according to Samur Jha, government affairs director for the AARP, who presented to commissioners Tuesday morning.
"There are multiple solutions you need to address in terms of the housing crisis, but this (ADUs) can be an excellent start," Jha said.

What is an ADU?

TL;DR

Super Simplified Stories

  • Noem-land security. President-elect Donald Trump confirmed Tuesday that he plans to nominate Gov. Kristi Noem to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – the agency in charge of immigration enforcement and border security. South Dakota Searchlight has more details and context.
  • The $9 million question. City Councilors got a closer look at plans for a bond to fund a new pool at Kuehn Park and a new indoor pool/recreation center at Frank Olson Park. The big question that remains right now: should the bond include $9 million to reimburse the city for what it spent to buy the westside rec center formerly owned by Sanford? More background here.
  • Big cars, beware. Councilor Jennifer Sigette said Tuesday she plans to move forward with plans to ban big vehicles from parking on four blocks of Phillips Avenue. She added that it's the council proposal she's heard the most about from constituents, with "about 99%" in favor of her proposal. It should be in front of the City Council for full approval in the next few weeks.
  • Great Shots reopens. New turf, new games, new food and a new course – Sutton Bay – are all now available at Great Shots. SiouxFalls.Business has the deets.
  • SANTA! I know him. The big man himself will arrive at the Empire Mall this weekend and will hang out until Christmas Eve. You can book a photo time here. And if you'd like a Santa pic with your furry friends, come to a special pet photos event from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 1.

EVENTS

Stuff to do: Nov. 13-19

  • Have yourself a merry little market.* Kick off your holiday shopping with the Merry Little Market on Nov. 21 at White Space Studio. You'll find vendors selling everything from books and bookish merchandise and stylish clothing to permanent jewelry, furniture and decor, accessories for women, plants and greenery, and one-of-a-kind designs. Shop small, find unique gifts, and support local makers—all in one festive setting. Plus, there are VIP tickets available to add on exclusive goodies to enhance your shopping experience. Get your tickets here.
  • Get ready for launch.* Applications are now open for the next Co-Starters Bootcamp with Startup Sioux Falls on Dec. 14-15. This two-day program is perfect for folks who've been thinking about starting a business but don't know where to begin, or if you've got a side-hustle you're thinking about taking full-time. Learn more and apply here.
  • Burn, baby, burn. Good Night Theatre Collective is serving up one of its signature cabarets this weekend with "An After-Hours Cabaret" featuring Studio 54-era disco all the way up to modern nightclub hits. Snag your tickets here for a show Friday or Saturday.
  • Howl at the moon. Good Earth State Park is hosting a Full Moon Hike Friday evening starting at 7 a.m. It'll be a one-mile hike, and be sure to dress warmly. Details here.
  • Do some healing. Full Circle Book Co-op is hosting an Art Healing workshop Sunday afternoon. Make a collage, and find some healing through creativity. Details here.
  • Test your knowledge. Covert Artisan Ales is hosting a "Trivia Extravaganza" as one last big trivia sendoff in their downtown location before it closes – and they've got some big prizes. It's all going down at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Details here.
  • See the Weinermobile. Myyyyyy bologna has a first name ... and it's coming to town this weekend. Check it out at Roxi & Co at an event where a portion of proceeds will support the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

*Denotes a sponsored event listing.

THIS AND THAT

What I'm falling for this week:

ICYMI

More Simplified Stories

Who’s representing Sioux Falls in the state legislature?
Statewide, Republicans maintained their majority in the South Dakota legislature. In the Sioux Falls area, though, many races are still yet to be decided as of 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa
How did ballot measures shake out?
The word of the day was, “No” for many South Dakotans as voters shot down six out of seven ballot measures.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa
Why did it take so long to get results in Minnehaha County?
County Auditor Leah Anderson said she has no regrets for how things went, and she chatted with Sioux Falls Simplified about how the process works.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

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Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including Dakota Adventure Supply, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, Panther Premier Print Solutions, Barre3 Sioux Falls, the Great Plains Zoo, and the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. When you support them, you're also supporting Sioux Falls Simplified.

Oh, by the way

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Special thanks to Terra Shepherd Boutique and Apothecary!

Don't miss their Small Business Saturday deals, and be sure to stop in next time you need household essentials, environmentally conscious clothing, or just a little treat for yourself. Shop online here or in person on Phillips Avenue downtown.