As Sioux Falls continues to grow and more people choose to call this community home, I am honored to serve as the 33rd Mayor and to partner with the many industries that make our city strong. This includes many of you – the builders, developers, and housing professionals – who shape the places where our families live, work, and play. It is a privilege to [re]introduce myself to the members of the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire, and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in person when the opportunities arise.
My first weeks in office so far have been focused on diving deeper into the daily operations of the City, presenting the proposed 2027 budget and 2027-2031 Capital Program, connecting with residents and team members, and continuing to build my team with three vacant director positions for Planning and Development Services, Parks and Recreation, and Human Resources. Thank you to Teddi Mueller for serving on the hiring committee for the Planning and Development Services Director, alongside five other community leaders. I’m confident we will find a top-tier candidate, who will lead with vision, integrity, and innovation.
My commitment to public service was shaped early. Growing up in a working‑class family with a father who served in the U.S. Army and a mother who worked in our local school cafeteria, I learned the importance of hard work, accountability, and doing your part for the community. Those values have guided me throughout my career, whether I was maintaining financial integrity at the South Dakota Department of Revenue, serving in the State Legislature, or representing our residents on the Sioux Falls City Council, which is where I first met and worked with my now Chief of Staff, Jim David. Jim has been with me in the Mayor’s Office since day one, and his prior service as the Council’s Chief Administrative Officer provides deep institutional knowledge that will benefit our shared efforts. I’m confident you will appreciate getting to know him.
I believe government should deliver clear results, not political wins and losses. That mindset has guided me as a small business owner for more than 20 years, and it’s why one of my priorities as mayor is to improve efficiency where possible, especially in areas like building codes, zoning, and permitting, which can directly affect housing availability, business growth, and affordability.
As one of the fastest‑growing cities in the region, Sioux Falls must continue to take a strategic approach to development, which we have historically done well through our comprehensive plans like Shape Sioux Falls 2050 done most recently. Growth is a strength, but unmanaged growth can create challenges, from infrastructure strain to rising living costs. Working with partners like you, my administration is committed to a balanced path forward.
I also believe strongly in collaboration. The building and housing industry plays a uniquely influential role in shaping the city’s future, and your expertise is crucial as we plan for long‑term growth. I want Sioux Falls to be a place where local businesses can innovate, expand, and succeed.
My door is open, and my expectation is partnership. I value the opportunity to work closely with this association, not only to hear your ideas and concerns, but to build solutions together. Sioux Falls moves forward best when we bring every voice to the table.
On a personal note, when I’m not working, I can usually be found cheering on my three boys, Anthony, Braylon, and Charlie, at their sporting events, attending a concert, traveling, or exploring one of the many great corners of our city.
Thank you for the work you do each day to build and strengthen Sioux Falls. I look forward to partnering with you as we shape the next chapter of our city’s growth.
Christine Erickson
Mayor of Sioux Falls
