Downtowns do not become great by accident

A few of us recently attended the International Downtown Association annual conference in Toronto, joining downtown leaders from across the world who are working through the same questions we are: How do we grow well? How do we stay safe, clean, welcoming and economically strong? How do we build places people love?

I came home more convinced than ever of something I already believed: Downtown Sioux Falls is one of the best downtowns in the world.

That may sound bold, especially compared with larger cities. But size is not the only measure of a downtown’s strength. In many ways, Sioux Falls is ahead. Our downtown is clean, safe, welcoming, walkable and full of local businesses that understand experience. Our restaurants and retailers do not just sell products; they create moments. They put the customer at the center, which is exactly how small businesses compete and win in an online world.

Downtown Sioux Falls is also becoming what many cities are working hard to create: a complete neighborhood. Within about a 15-minute walk, people can live, work, eat, shop, gather, enjoy art, visit parks, attend events and build a full life. Our residential growth is helping lead the way, and we still have hundreds of acres with the potential to grow east and north in the decades ahead. Done well, that growth can expand downtown’s return on investment for the entire community.

The trip also clarified where we need to keep pushing. As downtown grows, transportation will matter more. Better transit, dedicated bike and running lanes, stronger wayfinding and eventually more direct connections to major community assets, including the airport, should all be part of the conversation.

We also need to keep building identity. Some cities rally around major league teams or iconic attractions. Sioux Falls will need our own version: Something that draws people from beyond the region, brings visitors downtown during the week and gives locals something unmistakably ours to gather around.

Smart growth does not mean building anything, anywhere and hoping people show up. It means letting real demand guide investment, doubling down where infrastructure already exists and supporting the businesses already creating momentum.

The “extras” matter more than we sometimes admit: trees, planters, lighting, safety, public art, collaboration, ease of use and a shared sense of ownership.

Toronto reminded me that downtowns do not become great by accident. And Downtown Sioux Falls is already great because so many people here choose to care for it.

This was originally posted as a Viewpoint in The Dakota Scout written by DTSF, Inc. CEO, Brandon Hanson.