About City Government

City Charter

History

The City Charter serves as the City’s Constitution, outlining the structure, powers, and responsibilities of the Sioux Falls City Government. It was created and adopted by the citizens of Sioux Falls.   

Voters approved the charter in a special election on September 13, 1994, and the City held its first election for the offices of Mayor and eight City Council members under the new City Charter on November 22, 1994. City Government began operating under the charter on January 1, 1995. 

Read the Sioux Falls City Charter

Charter Revisions

The Charter Revision Commission is a citizen group that considers proposals to amend the City Charter. The Commission encourages the public and City Officials to submit proposals that help ensure the City Charter is working properly as the voters intended. If a proposal is approved by the Commission, it is placed on the next municipal election ballot for the voters’ ultimate approval.

The Commission comprises five citizens appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council. The members were selected based on their qualifications, experience, and commitment to public service. The Commission currently consists of two former City Council members, a local business and civic leader, a former university president and executive, and a former head of an association of local governments who currently serves as a legislative counsel for the South Dakota Municipal League.

Read more about proposed charter revisions

Home Rule

The citizens of Sioux Falls adopted a City Charter to become a Home Rule community to ensure their municipal government structure would be more responsive to community needs rather than subject to one-size-fits-all state laws. The main goals of a City Charter are democracy and efficiency. In particular, the City Charter vested administrative authority in a popularly elected Mayor, who appoints professional management to oversee the various City Departments. The City Council has retained its policy-making and fiscal responsibilities.