Sept. 11, 2025

Forward Sioux Falls aims to generate $18 million for its next five-year campaign, with goals that include thousands of new jobs and the beginning of another development park.

It’s the ninth five-year strategic plan in the organization’s history to support economic growth and prosperity in the Sioux Falls region. Forward Sioux Falls is a joint venture of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, funded by both the public and private sectors.

The plan focuses on four primary areas: economic development, talent and workforce, innovation and entrepreneurship, and advocacy and community enhancement. It will start April 1, 2026, and conclude in March 2031.

“Without the work of Forward Sioux Falls over the last 35 years, our community would not have experienced the strong economic and population growth we have enjoyed. An investment in Sioux Falls is an investment in business growth,” said Dave Flicek of Avera Health, who serves as chair of the Forward Sioux Falls joint venture management committee and campaign co-chair.

Other campaign co-chairs are:

• Jason Herrboldt, First Bank & Trust.
• Andy Munce, Sanford Health.
• Laura Mitchell, Lawrence & Schiller Inc.

Mayor Paul TenHaken serves as an honorary co-chair.

The outcomes expected by 2031 are:

•  5,000 new jobs that pay at or above the median wage from Sioux Falls Development
  Foundation projects.
• 800 to 1,000 acres acquired for Foundation Park II.
• $3 billion in new capital investments from Forward Sioux Falls projects.
• $700 million in new property tax value from Forward Sioux Falls projects.
• 30,000 new residents.

When these outcomes — particularly the creation of jobs at or above the median wage — are realized, consumer spending in Sioux Falls is expected to grow by more than $540 million annually, the organization estimates.

Since 1987, Forward Sioux Falls has raised more than $90 million to enhance economic development and improve the quality of life in the region.