Greg Jamison emphasizes public safety, deep community ties as he lights fuse on mayoral bid

Longtime Sioux Falls business owner, political player says the city must prepare for era of less federal funding

Greg Jamison thanks his wife, Beth, after she introduced his bid for Sioux Falls mayor on Jan. 7, 2026. (Jonathan Ellis/The Dakota Scout)

Greg Jamison, a longtime presence in Sioux Falls and South Dakota politics, launched his bid for mayor Wednesday night in a speech that emphasized his business background and long ties to the community.

Jamison, 61, warned that Sioux Falls was approaching a mark in population that would require steady leadership amid an era of fewer federal dollars to state and local governments. Once Sioux Falls hits a population of 250,000, more national chains would move into the city.

Meanwhile, there will be less federal money for the city’s public transit system.

“Every dollar needs to have a purpose,” he said of city revenues.