Regulatory Oversight Committee

Purpose

The Regulatory Oversight Committee exists to serve in an ad hoc capacity and primarily concerns itself with reviewing, studying, and/or recommending changes to City regulations. The Committee is convening for the purpose of delivering a report or ordinance recommendations regarding Data Centers to the City Council on or before January 12, 2027.

What will be the focus of the work done by the Regulatory Oversight Committee?

• Understanding current local, state and federal laws and/or regulations impacting Data Centers
• Discussing definitions and clarifying the different types of Data Centers (i.e., Modular, Large, Hyperscale, etc.)
• Listening to public concern and/or ideas concerning Data Center regulation
• Discussing various ordinance proposals
• Making ordinance recommendations to the City Council for consideration, or bringing a report summarizing options if there is not majority support on the Committee for a recommendation

Committee Members

The following Council Members serve on the committee:

• Sara Pankonin
• James Oppenheimer
• Ryan Spellerberg
• Rich Merkouris

Committee Meeting Dates:

All Committee Meetings are open to the public, and public input will take place at each committee meeting. All Committee Meetings will be held at Carnegie Town Hall.

• Monday, November 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
• Monday, November 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
• Monday, January 4, 2027, at 6:00 p.m.

Contact Information

You can contact the City Council office with any questions or directly contact City Councilors through their provided contact information at the City Council page.

Other Important Dates

• Tuesday, October 27, 2026: Joint Meeting between Sioux Falls City Council and Lincoln County Commission for the purpose of engaging in discussion about Data Center Concerns and Potential Regulations.
• Friday, November 27, 2026: Deadline for submitting proposed ordinances and supporting resources to the Regulatory Oversight Committee.
• Tuesday, January 12, 2027: During the City Council Informational Meeting, the Regulatory Oversight Committee will make a presentation to the full council concerning their report or recommendations.

Public Feedback

You are invited to provide comments, questions, proposed ordinances, or supporting resources for the committee’s consideration using the form below.

All feedback will be shared with the committee members.

Public feedback will be accepted at each Committee meeting, along with a time for public engagement through small group discussions at the Joint Meeting on October 27, 2026.

PROVIDE FEEDBACK