Government

Following is basic information about the governments representing Sioux Falls. For the specific contact information for these elected officials, click here.

City

Sioux Falls' city government consists of a full-time mayor and eight part-time council members. Districts elect five council members, and the three remaining council members and the mayor are elected at-large. As provided for by the South Dakota Constitution, Sioux Falls operates under a home rule charter. Sioux Falls is located in both Lincoln and Minnehaha counties. For more information, go to www.siouxfalls.org

City of Sioux Falls
Mayor Dave Munson
City Hall, 224 W. 9th St., 57104
605-367-8800
www.siouxfalls.org
Population: 151,300

County

Sioux Falls is the seat of Minnehaha County. Minnehaha County, created in 1862, is a political subdivision of the state of South Dakota encompassing 810 square miles. Minnehaha County is the largest county in the state in terms of population. The 2000 Census recorded a population of 148,265. The 2006 estimated population is 169,500. Minnehaha County is governed by 10 elected officials - five part-time commissioners who are elected to four-year terms, an auditor, a treasurer, a state's attorney, a register of deeds and a sheriff. The county's daily operations are managed by 20 full-time department heads. For more information, go to www.minnehahacounty.org

Minnehaha County
415 N. Dakota Ave., 57104
605-367-4206
www.minnehahacounty.org
Population: 173,800

A large portion of Sioux Falls is also in Lincoln County and Canton serves as the county seat. Lincoln County is governed by five elected commissioners who serve part-time, an auditor, a treasurer, a state's attorney, a register of deeds and a sheriff. Located just south of Minnehaha County, Lincoln County is one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S. in terms of population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county grew by 38.2 percent from 2000-2005. For more information, go to www.lincolncountysd.org.

Lincoln County
100 E. 5th St., Canton, 57013
605-764-2581
www.lincolncountysd.org
Population: 24,141

State

The South Dakota Legislature meets for 35 days in even-numbered years and for 40 days in odd-numbered years. Each of the state's 35 districts is represented by one senator and two representatives. They serve two-year terms and are limited to four consecutive terms in each house. Elections are held in even-numbered years.

Sioux Falls includes seven districts, which would include seven senators and 14 representatives. The city is in all or part of districts 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15. For more information about how to contact lawmakers or the current legislative session, go to the state's Legislative Research Council website.

Gov. M. Michael Rounds
Office of the Governor
500 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre 57501
605-773-3212
www.state.sd.us/governor

Federal

South Dakota is represented by two senators and one member of the House of Representatives. Sen. Tim Johnson (D) was elected to a second term in 2002 and will serve until 2008; Sen. John Thune (R) won the 2004 election and will serve until 2010. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D) is serving until 2008 in the House of Representatives. Both Johnson and Herseth Sandlin are running for re-election, which will be decided in November 2008.