For first time in years, Sioux Falls City Hall proposes less spending in next budget

Mayor Paul TenHaken requests about $9 million less than last year as sales tax revenues slump

For the first time in his tenure as Sioux Falls mayor, Paul TenHaken is not proposing an increase in his year-over-year budget — a rarity for the city.

TenHaken’s $781 million budget request for 2025 is about $9 million less than what he proposed this time last year for 2024. That budget includes money for general government operations, capital improvement projects such as roads, buildings, parks, and employees.

The annual budget address is typically a positive reflection on upcoming projects while highlighting commitments to public safety and infrastructure. This year’s was no different: 70 percent of the operating and capital budgets, he said, was devoted to costs and projects that improve public safety and infrastructure.

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