Spark Sioux Falls forming task forces this week to help local businesses

A recovery plan aimed at helping Sioux Falls businesses reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic will form three task forces this week, each aimed at specific sectors of the economy.

Bob Mundt, president and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, discussed plans for Spark Sioux Falls at a Tuesday informational meeting in front of Sioux Falls City Council members.

Mundt said the plan is meant to help get businesses "back to where they were." It was first announced Monday and will involve the Foundation alongside city officials, the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and more.

Members of the steering committee have been asked to bring suggestions of people to work on three different task forces, which Mundt described the goals of:

• "Reviving local businesses, including retail, restaurants and bars"
• "Recharging the hospitality, tourism and arts sector"
• "Assessing key industry clusters," specifically finance, health, technology and manufacturing

Each task force will be comprised of 5-7 people, Mundt said, looking at strategies, best practices and ideas to get businesses back to profitability in a safe, healthy way.

"How do we look at re-engaging people?" Mundt said.

Mundt said the steering committee would be looking at the suggested members on Thursday, but noted the plan would span weeks and months into the future as they worked to get the city "back to what Sioux Falls used to be."

"It's a marathon," Mundt said, "not a sprint."