Mayoral candidates on data centers

Sioux Falls, South Dakota mayoral candidates offered their perspectives on data center development ahead of the upcoming June 2 primary election, addressing what has become a "hot topic" in the city and statewide. Candidates were asked by Sioux Falls Simplified how they would approach decisions regarding these facilities, including zoning, economic incentives, and environmental concerns. Joe Batcheller emphasized the community's need to determine if data centers represent "the right kind" of development for Sioux Falls, highlighting water usage as a primary concern while expressing less worry about electric rates due to the state's Public Utilities Commission. Christine Erickson noted she is listening to residents' concerns and praised the current council's approach to limiting water usage with "guardrails." Greg Jamison suggested that South Dakota could learn from other states' mistakes in data center development. He supported limiting water usage for the proposed Gemini data center and the state legislature's decision to restrict economic incentives for such businesses. Jamie Smith, while pro-business, stressed that development should not come at the expense of Sioux Falls citizens, identifying water and electricity consumption, along with noise, as main issues. David Zokaites's comments were not included but were sought for a later update.