Behind-the-scenes talks lead Sioux Falls council to unanimous support for predecessor's return

Vernon Brown's return to Carnegie Town Hall follows weeks of private discussions between councilors wanting seasoned hand without 2026 election ambitions

Vernon Brown addresses the Sioux Falls City Council Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Joe Sneve / The Dakota Scout)

Vernon Brown took a 13-year hiatus from elected office. But he never stopped loving — and working for — Sioux Falls.

That’s how supporters of the 57-year-old’s return to the City Council of South Dakota’s largest metropolitan area described the longtime community advocate, volunteer and business owner on Tuesday night at Carnegie Town Hall, selecting Brown for a six-month stint on the government body he was first elected to 22 years ago.

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