Mike Cooper retiring from City Hall after 32 years in Sioux Falls government
Joe Sneve
The man who's led both the Sioux Falls planning and parks departments during a decades-long career is calling it quits.
After a 32-year career with the city of Sioux Falls, Director of Planning and Development Services Mike Cooper Monday announced plans to retire from municipal government next spring.
Cooper began his career with in city government back in 1986 when he was hired as a senior planner. From there he earned promotions that landed him in the assistant director of planning in 1990 before becoming the Parks and Recreation director in 1999. He returned to the planning office as director of Planning and Building Services in 2005.
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“Over the past 32 plus years, I’ve had the privilege of working with many talented and dedicated people who have helped accomplish a lot for our community,” Cooper said in a statement announcing his retirement Monday morning. “Anyone who’s been involved with public service knows that sometimes it can be very challenging but also very rewarding. History has shown that Sioux Falls will continue to prosper if we maintain a positive attitude that encourages us to solve problems and get things done."
During his tenure, Cooper, 65, oversaw major transformation in the city's landscape and development. Cooper was a key player in the land donation and build-out of Arrowhead Park, Harmodon Park and several miles of the recreation trail system. He brokered a deal with Xcel Energy to move their remaining utility lines from Falls Park to the stockyards land, and he was a part of facilitating the public-private partnership that led to the demolition of the Zip Feed Mill and subsequent development of Downtown’s East Bank, which proved to be an economic boon for the city's core.
Mayor Paul TenHaken called Cooper the "gold standard" when it comes to public servants and thanked him for his service.
“The people of Sioux Falls owe a debt of gratitude to Mike for his dedication to them and his efforts to make Sioux Falls an incredible community," TenHaken said in a press release. "I am thankful for Mike’s service to (Sioux Falls) and wish him and his family blessings as he transitions into retirement,” he said.
The city will conduct a national talent search to fill the Cooper's position as director of Planning and Development Services. The director is appointed by the mayor with advice and consent of the City Council.
Cooper's retirement will take effect in April.