TenHaken: Sioux Falls growth, quality of life made possible by private-public partnerships

Mayor highlights series of new projects as ideas sought for 9-acre redevelopment in downtown

If there was a theme to Mayor Paul TenHaken’s State of the City Address on Monday, it was “collaboration.”

From working with property owners and developers, the state’s congressional delegation, lawmakers and governor, volunteer groups and nonprofits, Sioux Falls has made sustained, rapid growth because the community and city come together for common cause.

In downtown, developers Craig and Pat Lloyd contributed to the third phase of the River Greenway project, while Garry and Dianne Jacobson donated the proceeds to create an ice-skating ribbon and playground in Falls Park West, known as Jacobson Plaza. The Dick and Kathy Sweetman family donated money for the region’s premier planetarium, while landowners near 85^th Street and Interstate 29 helped fund an environmental assessment to create a new interchange.

The community collaborated to clean up and make repairs following severe weather last year, while volunteer groups have been working to mentor youth and tackle food insecurity.

The city, TenHaken said, had been there to support those efforts.

“It’s because collaboration is what built Sioux Falls and continues to move Sioux Falls forward,” TenHaken told the audience at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

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