About Us

History

In 1987, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation launched Forward Sioux Falls. This joint venture empowered business leaders to identify and execute the best economic development strategies. Forward Sioux Falls established a framework to guarantee the resources were in place for the successful execution of this plan.

The business community recognized the plan’s potential and fully funded its implementation. Their investment paid off: the first Forward Sioux Falls plan brought over 6,000 jobs with a total payroll of nearly $100 million* and more than $250 million* in capital investment to the region.

Sioux Falls discovered a winning process. Over the years, Forward Sioux Falls has launched eight transformative plans and campaigns, each consistently exceeding goals and delivering results that shape our community and economy. Today, Sioux Falls stands proudly among America’s top cities for jobs, economic growth, and community vitality, earning accolades as a place where opportunity thrives

*In today’s dollars, $232 million in payroll and $579 million in capital investment

Investing in the Future

Forward Sioux Falls is about looking ahead to our future successes. Over the years, our programs have included workforce recruitment efforts, expanding superior medical facilities, creating educational opportunities, cultural inclusivity efforts and expanding innovative development parks for businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups. For us, it’s all about growing our economy.

Powered by Business

Through a unique public-private approach, Forward Sioux Falls brings community leaders and businesses together to spearhead initiatives. We’re managed by a diverse group of community stakeholders who are helping to grow their respective organizations, as well as lift up our region’s economy through their Forward Sioux Falls volunteer leadership roles.