Citizen Planning Academy Celebrates 10 Years of Resident Engagement

The City of Sioux Falls will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Citizen Planning Academy with sessions in October and November, offering residents an opportunity to learn how city planning and development decisions shape the community and how they can participate in neighborhood planning efforts.

Hosted by the city's Planning and Development Services department, the free academy will consist of two, two-hour evening sessions and will cover topics including comprehensive planning, public engagement, zoning, housing, transportation and urban design.

"In October, we celebrate National Community Planning Month, a time to recognize how planning shapes the places we live, work and play," said Fletcher Lacock, senior planner for the city. "From safe streets to vibrant neighborhoods, planning guides the development of a thriving community. Citizen Planning Academy showcases this impact by giving residents a closer look at how planning decisions influence Sioux Falls today and into the future. This year, we're proud to mark the 10th anniversary of the academy, celebrating a decade of engaging residents in building a better city."

Participants will learn about the role of planning in guiding Sioux Falls' growth and development and will have opportunities to provide input on the community's future.

The academy will be held Thursday, Oct. 15, and Monday, Nov. 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at City Center, 231 N. Dakota Ave., and online through Webex. The academy is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Residents can select topics of interest on the registration form, and city staff will tailor the academy's subject matter based on participant feedback.

Registration is due Friday, Oct. 9, by 5 p.m. For additional information and to register, visit siouxfalls.gov/planningacademy.