Mayor Erickson Takes Office
Published on July 17, 2026
Mayor Christine Erickson took office today as the 33rd mayor of Sioux Falls and the first woman elected to serve as mayor.
In her address to the people of Sioux Falls, Mayor Erickson called for teamwork and unity to move Sioux Falls forward.
“[If] we truly intend to build a better Sioux Falls, we cannot be mere custodians of this extraordinary city,” Erickson said. “We must make the tough decisions that continue to move Sioux Falls forward. To be a place where our children can find opportunities and afford a good life; a place that attracts businesses and jobs that support families; and one of the safest communities to live in and raise a family. I am dedicated to the prosperity and security of every resident of Sioux Falls. That is my promise to you.”
Erickson also stated: “Years from now, another mayor will stand in this very place to begin another chapter. But today, it’s our turn. My hope is that when that day comes, they will inherit a city that is safer, stronger, more prosperous, and more united because of the work we chose to do together. So let us write a chapter defined by service before self, courage over comfort, stewardship over short-term thinking and hope over cynicism. Let us write a chapter worthy of those who built this city before us and inspiring to those who will inherit it after us.”
Erickson also thanked her friend, Paul TenHaken, for his eight years of service as mayor.
“Great leaders make a great impact and cast long shadows,” Erickson said. “Sioux Falls is undoubtedly a better city today because of Paul’s leadership, and [his] legacy will live on for generations.”
Four members of the Sioux Falls City Council also began new terms today. At-Large B Councilor Rich Merkouris began his second term. New members of the council are At-Large A Councilor James Oppenheimer, Central District Councilor Zak Okuwe, and Southeast District Councilor Sara Pankonin.
The first scheduled city council meeting of the new group is Tuesday, July 21, 2026.