Aug. 26, 2025

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Karla Resendiz, urban planner for the city of Sioux Falls.

Name: Karla Resendiz

Age: 27

Hometown: Mitchell

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

The front counter at City Center to work for the city of Sioux Falls.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

The proximity to my mom’s cooking, my sisters’ life advice, my brother-in-law’s car help, attending my nephews’ baseball games and my cousin’s new baby boy. Of course, my Karla’s Besties and Hot Girl Lunch group chats help too.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

The wins that I can point to in our built environment and say I helped with that!

How did you get connected to your industry?

An internship with the city of Mankato during college sparked my interest in community development. That experience led me to pursue a master’s degree and a teaching assistantship – all of which solidified my passion for local government.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Everlasting. Vast. Joyful.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

 I put every single dollar I earn to work for me. It’s either spent, saved or invested. I’m proudly a budget queen!

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

I’m a mentor with Teammates at Whittier Middle School. I signed up to give back, but somehow I’m the one getting schooled in the art of active listening, inspiration and being a better human. There are dozens of little ones on the waitlist – come be someone’s favorite grown-up!

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

We technically have a B|Well here, and yes, I’m a member! But what I’m really craving is the full Brookings-style setup. Give me the recovery spa with cold plunge, sauna, red light therapy and all the recovery magic in one place.

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

Hear me out with this one. I’d start a business promoting free medicine – and no, it’s not a pill. Stuff like barefoot walks, morning sun, tree-hanging, sprinting like you’re late for brunch, meditating and ditching seed oils. Yes, super woo-woo, but tiny, kinda-easy changes could make life a smidge better – not full enlightenment – just like 2 percent more zen and fewer existential crises before noon.