At Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. (DTSF), we believe in the power of collaboration and community to create a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving downtown area.
Over the past couple of months, we’ve hosted a series of important meetings aimed at enhancing walkability, safety, and retail success in our beloved downtown. These meetings, filled with hope and collaboration, are a testament to the strength of our community and the dedication of those who live, work, and play here.
Walkability Forum: Building a Pedestrian-Friendly Downtown
In our recent blog post, we highlighted the significance of walkability and how it contributes to a vibrant downtown environment. At the beginning of summer, DTSF hosted a forum dedicated to this very topic, bringing together residents, city employees, and urban planning experts. The discussions focused on practical ways to make our streets safer and more pedestrian-friendly.
By enhancing walkability, we aim to create a downtown that is not only easy to navigate but also enjoyable to explore on foot. This forum reinforced our commitment to making Downtown Sioux Falls a place where people of all ages and abilities can move around freely and safely.
Retail Meeting: Strengthening Our Local Retail Community
Our bi-weekly retail meetings continue to be a cornerstone of support for downtown retailers. These meetings provide a space where new and established retailers can gain confidence, share experiences, and collaborate on initiatives to support one another.
A highlight of this month’s meeting was celebrating 605 Running Company being named the Best Running Store in the Country. Retailers also shared encouraging news about an uptick in both local and out-of-town visitors, driven by community support and recent positive media coverage.
To further promote local shopping, DTSF and the downtown retailers organized the Shop n’ Stroll: Crazy Days event on July 19th and 20th. Featuring more than a dozen downtown retailers, this event emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses. Shopping locally not only boosts the local economy but also strengthens our community ties. From wedding registries to holiday shopping to family friendly promotions, every purchase at a downtown retailer contributes to a vibrant and sustainable local economy.
Bar Owners Meeting: Balancing Livability and Nightlife
DTSF’s meeting with downtown bar owners focused on balancing the livability of our downtown area with maintaining a thriving nightlife scene. Safety was a primary topic, and bar owners shared the extensive measures they take to ensure the safety and happiness of both customers and residents.
The Sioux Falls Police Department and downtown residents joined the discussion, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mutual support in the effort to keep Downtown nightlife a key Sioux Falls attraction.
One of the standout contributions was from the Compass Center, which introduced the “Safe Bars” program. This program offers training and education on bystander intervention, de-escalation, advocacy, and staff support, culminating in a certification that equips bar owners with the tools to enhance safety and security. The meeting underscored the importance of working together to create environments that deter safety issues and support a harmonious coexistence between nightlife and residential life.
DTSF: The Connector and Advocate
DTSF plays a crucial role as a connector, bringing together businesses, residents, and city officials to foster a better environment for all.
Our mission extends beyond visible events and initiatives; it involves the behind-the-scenes work that makes downtown Sioux Falls a great place to run a business, live, and have fun. The collaborative spirit seen in these meetings is a powerful reminder that it takes all of us working together to make downtown Sioux Falls a place for everyone.
Stay connected with DTSF by following our social media accounts, signing up for our newsletter, and exploring membership if you are a business. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant and inclusive downtown community.
Visit DTSF.com for more information and to get involved!