May 26, 2026

This piece is sponsored by Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Sioux Metro Growth Alliance has launched Leadership Sioux Metro, a new program aimed at building a stronger pipeline of leaders across the region’s smaller communities.

The eight-month regional leadership and community development program will select participants through an application process and welcome its first class this August.

“Our vision is to develop, equip and empower current and aspiring leaders within our small and midsized communities,” said Tyler Tordsen, president and CEO of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

“The hope is to ensure that every town across the Sioux Metro has a sustainable leadership pipeline capable of shaping its future.”

The initiative was created in response to a growing challenge facing many rural communities: a shrinking pool of residents willing or prepared to step into leadership roles.

“The challenge is systemic in nature,” said Chris Fields, economic development and member relations specialist for SMGA. “There’s a lack of leadership development in rural South Dakota and fewer people stepping up to serve their communities.”

That challenge can manifest in many ways, he said.

“You end up with the same seven people serving on the same five civic organization boards,” Fields said. “Mayors are having to appoint city councilors because nobody will run, or worse, city councilors are having to appoint a mayor because nobody will run.”

The result can be lower civic engagement and weaker long-term leadership pipelines for communities that increasingly need people willing to step forward.

“This program solves that challenge by providing rural Sioux Metro communities the chance to build up their leadership bench through an opportunity that’s not often extended in rural South Dakota,” Fields said.

Programming will include a dual focus: accredited leadership development content facilitated by Sioux Falls-based Think 3D Solutions combined with economic development exposure led by SMGA.

“Our class members will be touring area businesses, learning from established leaders and gaining insight into the issues facing our region — from housing to infrastructure,” Tordsen said.

“At the same time, they will be building their own leadership skills so they can go back to their communities better equipped to lead both in public roles and in the private sector.”

Monthly sessions will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and revolve around leadership themes such as culture, communication and action planning, while economic development topics will include growth strategies, collaboration and accountability.

The goal is not necessarily to immediately push participants into elected office, Fields said, but instead to help them build confidence and capacity to engage in their communities.

“We just hope they walk away a better version of themselves, invigorated to jump in and start leading their community straight from graduation if not before,” he said.

That leadership could take many forms, from serving on civic boards to helping lead chamber or economic development initiatives.

“Baby steps,” Fields said. “But we want them to have confidence in their leadership ability to make a remarkable difference in their community.”

Leadership Sioux Metro is made possible through founding support from First Bank & Trust, First PREMIER Bank, Forward Sioux Falls, Midco, Sanford Health, SDN Communications and Sioux Valley Energy.

SMGA anticipates an initial class of 25 to 30 participants, with preference given to applicants who live or work within SMGA’s member communities.

“It is a prerequisite that applicants be either employed by one of our Leadership Sioux Metro supporters or live or work in one of our 21 member communities and counties,” Fields said.

The organization expects demand for the program to be strong.

“Just like our other leadership development predecessor programs, we anticipate a high volume of applications and expect this to be a very competitive selection process,” Fields said.

“However, given the immediate and long-term impact of this initiative, it is well worth the effort to be a part of such a transformative program.”

Successful applicants, he added, will demonstrate both a passion for their community and a desire for personal growth.

“We are looking for current or high-potential leaders within our Sioux Metro footprint,” Fields said. “Successful applicants will be able to articulate their passion for their community and a desire to become a better version of themselves.”

For SMGA, the broader goal is strengthening communities across the region for the long term by ensuring that future leaders are ready to step forward.

“Leadership development is economic development,” Tordsen said. “Communities thrive when people are willing and prepared to lead.”

Applications for the inaugural Leadership Sioux Metro class are due by 5 p.m. June 26.

Learn more and apply here.