An upcoming city meeting in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will focus on the proposed Riverline District project, including a consultant’s findings and future planning steps. City officials describe the initiative as a “generational investment” aimed at revitalizing the downtown core, with a new convention center at its center. The city has outgrown its current facility, fueling strong local support for expansion. n nJennifer Sigette, Vice Chair of the Sioux Falls City Council, stressed the importance of deliberate planning amid rapid population growth. The city has seen approximately 5,000 new residents annually, making strategic development essential. n n“This idea has been in discussion for about three years,” Sigette noted. “Some may feel progress has been slow, but determining the optimal size, location, and surrounding infrastructure for the convention center requires careful consideration.” n nAccording to the consultant’s analysis, the project could generate over $55 million in annual economic activity, support 278 full-time positions, and elevate downtown Sioux Falls as a regional destination. The center is projected to host 277 events in its first year. n nSigette emphasized that a thriving downtown creates widespread community benefits. Local businesses, including Cattitude Cafe, view the project as a potential catalyst for increased customer traffic. General manager Sara Wendlandt expressed optimism, noting that proximity to the proposed site could bring more visitors to their riverside location. n nRecent improvements in business performance at Cattitude Cafe, driven by event hosting and higher foot traffic, reinforce the importance of visibility and accessibility. n nWhile some residents outside the downtown area have questioned the use of public funds for a facility not universally utilized, Sigette argued that the economic inflow from out-of-state visitors would offset local tax burdens. “Increased sales tax revenue from visitors will likely reduce pressure on local taxpayers,” she explained. n nEstimated construction costs for the Riverline District range from $225 million to $250 million. Monday’s meeting will also explore funding mechanisms and potential public-private management models. The session begins at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall. n
— news from Dakota News Now
— News Original —nCity, downtown business talk Riverline District economic impact ahead of meetingnSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – A city meeting will be held on Monday to discuss the future Riverline District project, a consultant report, and next steps. n nThe project has been presented by the city as a “Generational investment opportunity.” They said that after outgrowing the current convention center space, the desire for a new convention center downtown is strong, and regardless of what changes are made in the planning process, that will be the heart of the project. n nIt’s generating excitement from businesses and city officials. n nGrowth is more than a buzzword in Sioux Falls. Around 5,000 people have been moving to the state’s largest city every year. n nSioux Falls City Council Vice Chair Jennifer Sigette said it’s been important to be smart about how they plan for this growth. n nA new convention center is no different. The city has gone over every detail and brought the idea out to the public for input. n n“I first heard of this idea about three years ago. Some would say we’re no farther along, but it has to be a very thoughtful conversation. We need to figure out what is the best location for the convention center, how big should the convention center be, what kind of hotels and amenities need to be around it,” Sigette said. n nThe consultant report estimates the project could bring in over $55 million every year, create 278 full-time jobs and make downtown Sioux Falls a destination. n nThe Riverline District Convention Center is expected to reach 277 annual events in its first year, according to the study. n n“When downtown is successful, that has ripple effects through the entire community,” Sigette said. n nThat’s music to the ears of businesses that have raised alarm bells about the challenges to stay open in recent years. n nCattitude Cafe general manager Sara Wendlandt is excited about the potential for increased foot traffic due to being across the river from the current proposed Riverline District. The location is not set in stone, but it would likely still leave an impact. n n“We are looking forward to it, for sure. We’ve always been on the outskirts of being part of downtown, but still being part of downtown. If we could be more close to the inner part of downtown, I know we’ll get more foot traffic and more people walking by and then coming in, checking us out and that’s how we get you started,” Wendlandt said. n nBusiness has been better of late for the Cattitude Cafe. They’ve been hosting more events, drawing visitors in and boosting sales. n nFoot traffic may be the name of the game for businesses, but to residents outside of downtown, there has been some concern about using taxpayer dollars for something not everyone will use. n nSigette said everyone will benefit by bringing in dollars from outside the state. n n“In all likeliness, our sales taxes will be increased. Therefore, that will take the pressure off taxpayers here in Sioux Falls,” Sigette said. n nThe Riverline District is expected to cost between $225 million and $250 million. The meeting will also bring up funding strategy ideas and possible public or private ownership and management models. n nThe meeting starts at 4:00 p.m. on Monday at the City Hall.