Every ten years the City of Sioux Falls revamps their downtown plan. This year’s plan looks forward to 2035and it includes a focus on community growth.
The new plan for downtown Sioux Falls focuses on being a destination to work, play, live, and grow.
Inclusion is at the forefront of its design and so is focusing on providing tourism and recreational opportunities year-round.
There are many facets to the plan, with six core values used as guiding principles in each piece. In a recent Downtown Sioux Falls Rotary meeting, contributors to the 2035 plan offered insight into the plan’s design.
Joe Batcheller is the President of Downtown Sioux Falls. He said the quality and design could be the biggest difference makers.
“Improve and expand streetscape design, to be more vibrant, pedestrian friendly, and consistent throughout downtown. Second one is, support measures that create a stable neighborhood environment. Three is to enhance design standards and zoning ordinances to foster a quality built environment," said Batcheller. "And four is to promote innovative and sustainable parking practices. I think all of those are really important. You’ve got a goal that speaks to the buildings, a goal that speaks to the space between the buildings, and a goal that speaks to the actual environment.”
Dustin Powers is the Business Development Coordinator for the City of Sioux Falls. He agrees with Batcheller but said his main focus of the project is creating a family friendly environment.
“When we’re talking about welcoming for all, we are really talking about a safe and inviting environment as well so, looking at things like how can we continue to keep a clean downtown. We work with Joe and Downtown Sioux Falls through the business improvement district, they do an excellent job of cleaning downtown, keeping it well-kept, you know, creating an environment that people want to be in,” said Powers.
Powers also said an often-overlooked aspect to planning for growth is access to public restrooms while exploring downtown.
The 210-page plan continues to be edited and is open to public input.
