Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4: A blueprint for growth and collaboration

Sioux Falls is once again setting the stage for a decade of transformation with Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4, a comprehensive 10-year plan designed to guide economic, social and infrastructural growth while building on its past successes.

This new, fourth iteration of a longstanding effort serves as a roadmap to strengthen Sioux Falls while emphasizing regional collaboration, business expansion, quality of life and critical social services. Though this plan doesn’t cover all aspects of the region’s development, it does focus on goals and action items that can be addressed through community collaboration and underscores the importance of bringing citizens, organizations and leaders together to plan for the next decade of continued growth.

“The community of Sioux Falls has a strong history of working together,” said Andy Patterson, President & CEO of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. “Sioux Falls Tomorrow represents that collaborative spirit and belief that we can all come together to ensure our community thrives now and in the future.”

“Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4 stands apart because it focuses on the community and all that can be achieved through collaboration,” said Brittany Hanson, Program Director for Forward Sioux Falls. “It isn’t driven by a single organization or leader; it’s the result of many coming together to shape a shared vision for our future.”

Most organizations, including the city, school district and other major institutions, have their own strategic plans that guide their individual priorities. Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4 takes a different approach by bringing these same leaders together to look beyond their own walls and to focus on the bigger picture. It challenges businesses, government and community partners to think collectively about the future of the entire region, aligning efforts to create a lasting impact that no single organization could achieve alone.

A roadmap for continued growth and progress

The planning process began in 2023 with broad community input through surveys and meetings, ensuring that the voices of the Sioux Falls region were central to shaping the content. The National Civic League (NCL), which also facilitated the 1994 and 2004 versions, worked closely with the Steering Committee to review existing plans from local organizations to ensure that Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4 would align with ongoing efforts and address any gaps that emerged.

“Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4 provides a roadmap for continued growth and progress in our city.”

– Mayor Paul TenHaken

The plan has four areas of focus: Economic Development & Corporate Responsibility, Quality of Life, Social Services and Regional Collaboration. Within each area of focus, specific goals are outlined and potential key community partners are identified, along with action items that can be carried out to achieve said goals. 

The three previous iterations of the plan focused on similar focus areas, with many of the goals and action items coming to fruition. Because of these efforts, Sioux Falls has seen dramatic growth over the past three decades. Previous goals included a unified community brand and marketing strategy, expanded parks and river greenway access, more cultural and arts opportunities and workforce/talent attraction and retention. Key partners that continue to actively support Sioux Falls Tomorrow worked together, often through public-private partnerships, to move the needle with their efforts offering momentum to the fourth iteration. A continued focus on business growth, economic development, quality of life and more is outlined in Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4.

“The success of our community is a direct result of the transformational initiatives championed by past leaders,” said Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken. “Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4 provides a roadmap for continued growth and progress in our city.” 

Economic development & corporate responsibility

Economic diversification remains a cornerstone of Sioux Falls’ growth strategy. Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4 emphasizes business retention, recruitment and expansion in key industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and services—covering nonprofits, healthcare, banking and insurance—while also identifying companies best suited for the future. The plan strikes a balance between quality and quantity of jobs.

A specific goal is to attract and support high-tech businesses, including those in cybersecurity, financial technology, biofuels and advanced medical manufacturing. Strengthening workforce pipelines through collaboration with educational institutions is another key priority, ensuring Sioux Falls remains a hub for skilled talent.

A major aspect of the plan is expanding the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, which will provide more direct flights and enhanced cargo services, improving connectivity and attracting businesses. 

Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4 also encourages preserving the unique corporate culture our community is known for, urging businesses to invest in workforce and leadership development, engage in corporate philanthropy and implement corporate responsibility initiatives. The plan also proposes refining incentives for new business ventures, helping foster an environment where both large corporations and small startups can thrive.

One of the most significant projects on the horizon is the development of the Riverline District, a transformative opportunity to reshape underutilized land into a vibrant cultural and economic center. Recognizing the potential of this development, Natalie Eisenberg, Co-Chair of Friends of the Riverline District, emphasized the importance of long-term planning and public engagement, stating, “We owe it to our kids and grandkids to explore the possibilities, get public input and pursue a plan that brings this unique area to its fullest potential for our community.”

Enhancing quality of life

Sioux Falls consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in the country, and Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4 seeks to further elevate its appeal. 

Investments in public and alternative transportation are essential for Sioux Falls, reducing congestion, lowering environmental impact, and improving access to jobs and activities. Key initiatives include on-demand transit, bike shares, and improved sidewalks for safer, more efficient travel.

The plan also includes the goal of increasing indoor recreation space, noting that healthy cities are active all year round. Options are limited when the weather is unfavorable and developing additional indoor recreation facilities through public and private partners would serve the community’s needs and enhance quality of life. Enhancements to public parks and the Falls Park Master Plan will further cement Sioux Falls as a city committed to wellness, as well as outdoor activity and environmental preservation. In addition to these, extended recreation trails throughout the region, investments in walkability, bike-friendly infrastructure and public green spaces will help foster an active and connected community that benefits residents and visitors alike.

Addressing housing and social services

As Sioux Falls grows, ensuring that all residents have access to affordable housing and essential services is a priority. A housing coalition will help identify housing options and launch housing programs, creating innovative solutions that address growing needs. One such example is the potential establishment of a community land trust for Sioux Falls.

“By working together across businesses, government and community organizations, we will build the Sioux Falls we want for tomorrow.”

– Brittany Hanson, Program Director, Forward Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4 also seeks to enhance service delivery among mental health, substance abuse and homeless service providers. Access to healthcare and social support services remains a crucial aspect of the plan. Coordinating efforts between healthcare providers, nonprofits and government agencies will ensure that vulnerable populations receive comprehensive care. 

Janet Kittams of the Helpline Center highlighted the significance of these discussions. “Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4 was an amazing opportunity to gather with community leaders from across the city to identify a path towards the future,” she said. “I appreciated the rich discussion surrounding social services and identifying critical goals with housing and the delivery of services.” By leveraging public-private partnerships, Sioux Falls aspires to become a national model for addressing housing challenges.

The power of regional collaboration

With the metropolitan area rapidly expanding, the need for regional collaboration has never been greater. Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4 emphasizes strengthening partnerships between neighboring communities to ensure balanced and sustainable growth. 

Tyler Tordsen, President and CEO of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SMGA), believes that a unified approach is key to long-term success, noting that collaboration drives continued development and diverse opportunities for both people and businesses across the region. “At SMGA, we believe in the power of collaboration—when one part of the region thrives, we all benefit. As Sioux Falls looks to the future, regional cooperation will be crucial in maintaining our status as one of the best places to live, work and raise a family.”

This commitment to collaboration translates into practical efforts, including improved infrastructure, shared services and joint economic initiatives designed to make the entire Sioux Falls metropolitan area more competitive and resilient.

Sioux Falls is well-positioned to serve as a model for regional planning, demonstrating how municipalities, counties and even private business can work together to create economic opportunities and enhance public services. By embracing a forward-thinking approach, growth will benefit all communities within the metro area.

The Sioux Falls we want for tomorrow

Looking ahead to 2034, Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4 serves as both a blueprint and a call to action for policymakers, business leaders and residents. By prioritizing collaboration and innovation, Sioux Falls is poised to continue its evolution as one of the best places to live, work and invest. The future is bright and this plan ensures that progress is both intentional and inclusive.

With continued commitment from all who have an interest in the future of Sioux Falls, this community-wide long-range strategic plan has the potential to shape a stronger, more resilient region that embraces economic prosperity while preserving the qualities that make it a great place to call home. 

“Just as it was written collaboratively, its success depends on all of us,” Hanson added. “By working together across businesses, government and community organizations, we will build the Sioux Falls we want for tomorrow.”

Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4 sets a clear path for the next decade of growth, emphasizing collaboration and strategic planning to ensure a prosperous future. With a focus on economic development, quality of life, social services and regional collaboration, Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4 aims to build on its past successes while preparing for the future. The plan’s collaborative approach will help shape a resilient, thriving city, making Sioux Falls an even better place to live, work and invest in the years to come.