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VIEWPOINT: Mighty city must guard against almighty view |
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By Yvonne D. Hawkins
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Tuesday, 17 April 2007 |
Sioux Falls businesses now account for 25 percent of South Dakota’s taxable sales. And judging from the scale of commercial construction projects under way, that percentage is poised to increase.
Taxable sales largely are an indicator of what’s happening in the state’s retail sector, although they do include taxes on some professional services as well.
Historically, the city’s retail base has been led by the massive drawing power of The Empire Mall, which lures 7 million visitors from a 75-mile radius. Various incarnations of downtown shopping also have been important to the local retail scene.
Then, development of Meadows of the River, a sprawling retail sector on the city’s west side, helped solidify Sioux Falls’ regional dominance in retail services.
Now, as the city enters a new era of growth and development, large projects ranging from downtown’s Cherapa Place to the east side’s Dawley Farm and The Galleria at River’s Bend promise to lure even more retail services.
So what does this mean for Sioux Falls and the rest of South Dakota?
Well, let’s start with what it likely doesn’t mean.
It’s tempting to say the city’s success is a model for other cities in South Dakota to follow. That’s only partially true because the Watertowns, Pierres and Hurons don’t have some of the advantages that Sioux Falls enjoys. If they did, it’s a sure bet they already would be building upon them.
Take, for instance, the city’s population trend. This year, Sioux Falls is expected to reach a mark of 150,000 residents. And as the saying goes – businesses follow rooftops. In contrast, other cities’ populations either are stagnating or declining.
On top of that, retailers like to be near other retailers. That tendency to cluster helps fuel more growth.
So, what does this mean for the city and state?
For one thing, it means that Sioux Falls increasingly will be the rising tide that helps lift all boats in South Dakota. The city’s contributions to the state’s coffers will ripple throughout other communities, helping fund everything from education to road maintenance.
But it also means that this city simultaneously needs to maintain a sense of humility. And it must guard that humility diligently.
After all, all sorts of people contribute – and increasingly will do so – to Sioux Falls’ economic success. That includes other state residents staying here for the weekend as well as out-of-state visitors drawn for special events.
Plus, Sioux Falls must stay fully aware that our growing economic strength doesn’t mean other communities’ needs or concerns are secondary.
Fortunately, there aren’t any signs of such bullyish behavior, even if other cities might believe otherwise.
Still, most good-hearted folks generally can find ways to avoid obvious mistakes that lead nowhere good. Rather, it’s tiny, yet consistent compromises that can create the sort of pride that goes before a painful fall.
To avoid that type of tragedy, let’s recall the wisdom of best-selling author Stephen Covey, who says that highly effective people – in this case, highly effective communities – begin with the end in mind.
If so, then as this city’s economic clout grows, let’s remember that Sioux Falls never will become an island unto itself. |