Insider's Guide
The DTSF team has just returned from an exhilarating trip to Seattle for the International Downtown Association (IDA) Conference, and we’re feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to serve our downtown Sioux Falls community in bigger, bolder ways!
This year’s IDA conference brought together downtown leaders from across North America to share insights, best practices, and, of course, the inspiration to dream big for the future of our cities. You can learn more about the IDA here.
During our time in Seattle, we immersed ourselves in sessions covering everything from marketing and messaging to social media strategy, leadership, budgeting, innovation, and even city-building initiatives. We saw firsthand how downtowns serve as the economic engine for their cities, and we’re more excited than ever to leverage these lessons for downtown Sioux Falls. And yes, Seattle, with its street trees, public spaces, and a vibrant arts and culture scene, was the perfect backdrop for this conference!
Why Big Audacious Projects Matter
One of the most significant takeaways from the conference was the theme of “if not us, then who?” It’s a question we’ve been asking ourselves a lot lately at DTSF. Who will champion downtown Sioux Falls events like the Pork Showdown or Burger Battle? Who will push for improved walkability and livability initiatives? Who will help local businesses thrive, attract more tourists, and create spaces for residents to live, work, and play?
If not us, then who?
From what we’ve seen in Seattle, and from the other downtown organizations at the conference, it’s clear that bold projects make a difference.
They have the power to transform cities for decades to come. Whether it’s creating pet-friendly hotels, launching programs to support small downtown boutiques, or revamping downtown parking, we’re ready to tackle these initiatives head-on. Our city deserves bold projects with long-term impact, and we’re excited to bring these ideas back home.
At the IDA conference, one story that resonated with our team was from the Columbus Downtown Association. Over two decades, Columbus transformed its downtown by purchasing two dams, demolishing them, and revitalizing the river that now flows through the heart of the city. This project wasn’t just about removing infrastructure—it was about reimagining downtown, reconnecting communities, and sparking environmental, social, and economic growth.
Columbus’ bold moves offer a glimpse into what we could accomplish in Sioux Falls. By thinking big and taking on long-term, impactful projects, Downtown Sioux Falls can continue to evolve as the vibrant, lively center of our city. Their journey reflects our own ambitions, and we’re excited to bring similar transformative ideas back to Sioux Falls.
For more information on Columbus’ revitalization, visit Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and learn about the river project through articles like this one: Columbus Underground: Demolition of Lowhead Dams.
It’s time to embrace the challenge: If not us, then who? Stay tuned for what’s next!
The Importance of Ambassadors & BID Districts
While in Seattle, it was reaffirming to recognize the vital role Ambassadors and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) play in a downtown environment.
In Seattle, these teams help to create clean, safe, and welcoming streets just like here in Sioux Falls. This got us thinking about the way DTSF ambassadors work tirelessly to make downtown Sioux Falls a thriving hub for visitors and residents alike. Programs like these are critical for building and maintaining a vibrant downtown scene.
A Thank You to Our Downtown Community
We left the conference with deep gratitude for our incredible members, partners, and the downtown community at large. Seattle showed us that a strong and unified downtown directly correlates to a strong and unified city. And with the unwavering support of our city partners, residents, and all of you, we’re excited to take on the big projects that will shape the future of downtown Sioux Falls.
Stay Tuned for More
From new restaurants and shops to exciting events and even more innovative downtown parking solutions (ramps across from ramps, anyone?), get ready for some exciting changes. Keep an eye on our social media channels and our newsletter for the latest updates, and for our fellow business owners and leaders, now is the perfect time to become a member of DTSF and help drive these initiatives forward. Want to join us? Become a member here.
