JOE BATCHELLER

For Sioux Falls

I’ve been fascinated with how cities work since I was just a kid. Maybe it was a public input meeting about replacing the old Washington High School that my dad took me to decades ago. Whatever the spark, a passion for cities was ignited. 


When I traveled abroad for the first time, I realized there are other ways cities can develop. A wanderlust was born that brought me to four continents and dozens of countries. It fueled my love for cities—these living laboratories of how different cultures approach city-craft. 


Fast forward to 2009, and I earned my Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of California, Irvine. I was ready to embark on a new mission in life—to help cities maximize their potential. 


The thing is, I couldn’t stop thinking about Sioux Falls. I was born and raised here. I graduated from Roosevelt High School and later from the University of Sioux Falls, where I met my wife. Not only is Sioux Falls special to me, I have a deep understanding of just how unique of a city it is. I’ve always seen a greater potential for Sioux Falls waiting to be tapped into.


So when the executive director position at Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. (DTSF) opened up, it seemed like a stroke of fate. Beginning in 2015, I led DTSF through one of its most prosperous and transformational periods since World War II.


I want to bring that same passion and dedication to City Hall—to help Sioux Falls grow intentionally, intelligently, efficiently and affordably. I have a deeply rooted stewardship for Sioux Falls. My mission is to help Sioux Falls tap into its potential by implementing ideas and solutions that make for a great city.


Join me to help us attain the best version of Sioux Falls yet!

Experience

PRESIDENT, DOWNTOWN SIOUX FALLS, INC. — 2015-2024 


During Joe’s time as President of DTSF (2015–2024), downtown experienced one of its greatest periods of prosperity since World War II. Under his leadership:

  • Property values nearly doubled from $278 million in 2015 to over $533 million in 2024.
  • Foot traffic surged 14% since 2017, topping 1 million annual visits.
  • Downtown residency grew 63%, with 3,625 people now calling the downtown home.


Key Accomplishments

  • Ambassador Program: Spearheaded a new revenue model to launch the Ambassador Program, enhancing downtown safety, cleanliness, and beauty.
  • Arts: Launched ArtBox with Bloomberg, the City, Sioux Falls Arts Council, and Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation — 26 utility boxes wrapped with local art.
  • Business Attraction: Recruited new tenants to downtown, like The Spice & Tea Exchange and Pomegranate Market, with targeted analytics.
  • COVID Support: Created the COVID Relief Fund in March of 2020 to support 70 small businesses, hosted seminars, and safely reactivated downtown during the pandemic.
  • Digital Innovation: Launched the DTSF Digital Passport app, which helped drive a 143% increase in economic impact and record-breaking promotions.
  • Downtown Development: Advocated for  new mixed-use projects, adding $600M+ in development since 2015.
  • Economic Growth: Spearheaded a retail strategy and stronger marketing. Expanded economic impact by 143% from $2.1M to $5.1M and nearly doubled revenue (+97%).
  • Livability: Piloted downtown’s first dog park — Paw-Pup Dog Park — as a proof of concept to champion permanent dog parks; added pet waste stations.
  • Online Presence: Grew DTSF’s web presence, boosted newsletter subscriptions 936%, and grew DTSF’s social media reach by 293% (Facebook) and 982% (Instagram).
  • Strategic Partnerships: Supported the restoration of the Sioux Falls State Theatre; secured funding for the downtown trolley, DTSF app, and multiple grants.
  • Walkability: Led walkability initiatives to pilot bumpouts, crosswalks, parklets, wayfinding, and pedestrian amenities.
  • Year-Round Activation: Expanded promotions into the shoulder seasons, and grew events like the award-winning Downtown Burger Battle.


PLANNER, TOWN OF VAIL, CO — 2013-2015  Updated long range plans, reviewed development proposals, prepared reports and advised on zoning enforcement and planning policies.


CONTRACT PLANNER, CITY OF AURORA, CO — 2010-2012  Developed growth projections to guide policy. Created concepts for infill redevelopment. Mapped park assets. 

Education

Master's of Urban & Regional Planning

University of California-Irvine, 2009 


Bachelor's of Business Administration
University of Sioux Falls, 2002

certifications

American Institute of Certified Planners

American Planning Association, 2015-present


Leadership in Place Management

International Downtown Association, 2023-present

AFFILIATIONS

Sioux Falls State Theatre

Board Member, 2016-present


2035 Downtown Plan

Steering Committee Member, 2022-2023


Friends of the Riverline District

Steering Committee Member, 2022-2024


Emerging Leaders Fellowship

International Downtown Association, 2018


Sioux Falls Downtown Rotary

Member, 2017-present


Issues Management Council

(Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce)

Member, 2017-2024 

Recognition

Prize for Excellence in Urban & Regional Planning

The American Institute of Architects, Orange County, 2009


Certificate of Community Appreciation

Town of Tanushimaru (Japan), 2002