City Hall Selfie Day is a celebration of public service showcasing pride in local government institutions. Every year since 2016, government employees, elected officials, members of the media, and community members participate in the event.

City Hall Selfie Day is organized by ELGL (Engaging Local Government Leaders), a professional association for people who work in and with local government.

How can I participate?

Simply take a selfie, either alone or with a group, in front of a city hall, town hall, county building, library, or any other local government building you want to showcase. Then, post the selfie on social media using the hashtag #CityHallSelfie to join the celebration!

How can I get the word out?

Share information about the celebration with your friends, colleagues, and community members!

ELGL awards recognition and prizes to the people and organizations showing the most pride and creativity on the big day.

Visit https://elgl.org/cityhallselfie to learn more and see photos from past City Hall Selfie Day celebrations.

What is ELGL?

City Hall Selfie Day is organized by ELGL, Engaging Local Government Leaders. ELGL is a professional association with members who work for and with local governments throughout the United States. ELGL is focused on all levels of local government, from analysts to mayors, librarians to planners, and everyone in between. ELGL’s mission is to engage the brightest minds in local government by providing education and networking opportunities to public servants. 

##

“Thousands of dedicated public servants in cities across South Dakota contribute significant efforts to municipal governance and service to their citizens,” said SDML Executive Director Sara Rankin. “The Hall of Fame allows us to celebrate their dedication to improving their communities and the lives of their neighbors.”

The SDML Hall of Fame honors employees as well as elected and appointed officials who have served municipalities in South Dakota for 20 or more years.

Nominations must be submitted online at www.sdmunicipalleague.org/About-HallofFame by Sept. 15.

Inductees will be recognized during the Excellence in South Dakota Municipal Government Award Luncheon Oct. 8 in Aberdeen and in the November issue of the South Dakota Municipalities magazine.

The SDML Hall of Fame has been inducting worthy members since 2010. Last year’s class included 20 recipients from cities across South Dakota.

##

Next closure:

July 3, 2026

Independence Day Observed

Upcoming closures:

The SDML office is typically open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CT Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. CT Friday.
Closed State holidays and days granted as administrative leave by the governor.

Sept. 7, 2026

Labor Day

Oct. 12, 2026

Native Americans' Day

Nov. 11, 2026

Veterans' Day

Nov. 26, 2026

Thanksgiving Day

Dec. 25, 2026

Christmas Day

“Dedicated municipal employees who work daily for their communities to improve their quality of life, deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their valuable contributions,” said Leland Treichel, South Dakota Municipal League (SDML) President.

The award will be presented Oct. 8 at the SDML annual conference in Pierre during the Excellence in South Dakota Municipal Government Award Luncheon.

This year the award will recognize a municipal employee. The recipient qualifications alternate each year, with elected officials eligible in odd years.

Nominations must be submitted online at www.sdmunicipalleague.org/About-ExcellenceAward by Aug. 15. Recipients are selected by the SDML's Past Presidents Committee from submitted nominations.

##

SB 3 – Municipalities may no longer require building permits for repair or substantially similar replacement of any of the following exterior parts of a detached single-family owner-occupied residential structure: 1. Door, if dimensions remain the same; 2. Downspout; 3. Fascia; 4. Fencing panel or post; 5. Gutter; 6. Siding, if nonstructural; 7. Soffit; and 8. Window, if the dimension remains the same. Nothing in this new law relieves the homeowner from compliance with any other applicable building code or ordinance.

SB 10 – Beginning July 1, the state will adopt federal regulations requiring most CDL holders to maintain a valid medical card. All CDL holders who have a self-certified EA and a K restriction on their license must update their medical certification status before July 1, 2026 or their CDL will be downgraded. The Motor Carrier Division of the South Dakota Highway Patrol has additional information on these changes.

SB 46 – Requires a proposed agenda must list all items to be considered by the governing body during an official meeting and all items must be described in sufficient detail.

SB 47 – Mainly a clean-up bill pertaining to executive session. Requires roll call vote in the absence of a unanimous vote and that the motion and vote to enter executive session be reported in the minutes of the proceedings. This legislation also reiterates that discussion in executive session must be restricted to the purpose specified in the motion to enter into executive session.

SB 129 – Updated the ICC Building Code edition from 2021 to 2024.

SB 228 – Starting July 1, there will be significant changes to the structure and procedures of tax increment financing. Please see the Executive Director column in the June issue of SD Municipalities for a detailed overview of the changes that are expected.

HB 1030 – Allows municipalities to hold elections in even-numbered years only. This is permissive and up to the governing body.

HB 1095 – This legislation updates the nominating petition deadline, moving it from seventy days prior to the election to the third Tuesday in March for June elections and the third Tuesday in August for November elections. It also revises provisions related to the withdrawal or death of a candidate. Previously, if a candidate withdrew or died before 5:00 p.m. on the petition filing deadline and that resulted in no contest on the ballot, the ballot did not need to be voted. Under the new language, if a candidate withdraws or dies at any time before five p.m. local time, on the first Thursday after the deadline for filing a nominating petition and the number of nominating petitions filed for the position is equal to or less than the number of vacancies, the contest may not be placed on the ballot. In that case, the finance officer must issue a certificate of election to the unopposed candidate. If that is the only contest on the ballot, the finance officer must cancel the election. 

##

The Local Government Boards and Commissions website, established in 2021 by the South Dakota Municipal League, the Counties' associations, and Associated School Boards of South Dakota, allows local governments to post agendas, minutes, and other meeting documents.

Municipalities can use the website to any extent that they wish; from simply posting a link to the city website for meeting information to using it as a primary website for posting all meeting information, meeting documents, and governing body information. The goal is to have all municipalities post, at a minimum, minutes for all council meetings.

Each municipality will need to create an account for the website, https://sdlocalgov.appssd.sd.gov/cms/login.aspx. The account will be electronically approved by SDML staff. Once you're notified of approval, you'll be able to update your account profile and begin updating and posting information.

Each South Dakota Local Government Board and/or Commission will have at least one person assigned admin privileges for the site. These privileges allow the user to post information about the board or commission they are affiliated with.

Information that can posted or edited includes:

• Meetings - Schedule, Agenda, Minutes, Other Pertinent Meeting Information
• Board/Commission Members
• Documents and Related Links
• Board Information

Once your city's account has been created on the site, email info@sdmunicipalleague.org for approval and to get started.

##

Each 60-minute session will focus on timely topics facing cities across South Dakota, from community engagement and elections to property taxes, infrastructure, and beyond. More than just a presentation, The Municipal Exchange is built to be a space for shared ideas and practical discussion, bringing together real experiences, real challenges, and real solutions from communities across the state.

Whether you’re looking for clarity on new legislation, fresh approaches to ongoing issues, or simply a better understanding of what’s working in other cities, The Municipal Exchange is designed to deliver relevant, actionable insights you can take back to your community.

The first session will take place May 28 at 3 p.m. and will focus on community engagement. For the link to join and future session dates, visit www.sdmunicipalleague.org/events.

Join us each month as we connect, learn, and move our municipalities forward together. 

##

“This clean-up request is part of our ongoing effort to ensure clear and timely communication with our members,” said SDML Member Accounts Manager Krista Kerns. “Keeping your profile current is essential, as this is the primary way the League shares important updates, legislative alerts, training opportunities, and other time-sensitive information to our members.”

The system includes both individual accounts for each city employee and elected official as well as a master city account which can add, remove, and edit individual accounts. Access to the city account is assigned to an individual, which in many cases is the city’s finance officer. They are responsible for checking the account periodically and sharing any information received with the appropriate employees.

“We encourage the holders of the city account to also log in and review the list of individual accounts periodically,” said Kerns. “From that master account, it’s simple to remove former employees or send an email invite for new members to join.”

Visit the member account tutorials webpage at sdmunicipalleague.org/Account-Tutorials, or contact the League office at 605.224.8654 if you need your login information or would like an over-the-phone walk-through.

##

The meetings allow municipal officials to renew old acquaintances, make new ones, learn about new legislation, and visit with representatives from state agencies and other elected officials.

The meetings were presided over by Leland Treichel, SDML President for 2026 and Board President of Roscoe, who discussed the strengths of the League. Sara Rankin, South Dakota Municipal League Interim Executive Director, spoke about the outcome of the 2026 Legislative Session and the effect new laws will have on South Dakota municipalities.

The meetings each featured a moderated session where attendees engaged in conversation regarding issues within the district, discussed select legislative topics in depth, and participated in a Q & A style forum.

Attendees had access to additional resources and information, including the benefits of participating in the League-sponsored risk-sharing pools.

Treichel also conducted the election of each district’s chair and vice chair for the upcoming year. The district chair acts as a contact for and represents their district as a member of the SDML Board of Directors. Duties began immediately after the election.

Meeting summaries:

District 1 - March 26, Webster

• Attendance: Approximately 80; 12 cities represented
• Chair: Mike Grosek, Mayor, Webster (re-elected)
• Vice Chair: Terry Jaspers, Mayor, Sisseton (re-elected)
• Topics discussed: Local newspapers, open meeting laws
• 2027 Host: Webster

District 2 - March 25, Brookings

• Attendance: Approximately 70; 9 cities represented
• Chair: Derick Jameson Berreth, City Administrator, Madison (re-elected)
• Vice Chair: Michael Schulte, City Administrator, Volga (re-elected)
• Topics discussed: Housing challenges and opportunities
• 2027 Host: Huron
  

District 3 - March 24, Lennox

• Attendance: Approximately 100; 20 cities represented
• Chair: Derick Wenck, Mayor, Harrisburg (re-elected)
• Vice Chair: Elaine Johnson, Finance Officer, Beresford (re-elected)
• Topics discussed: Legislative advocacy and effectively communicating with legislators
• 2027 Host: Beresford

District 4 - March 18, Dallas

• Attendance: Approximately 60; 12 cities represented
• Chair: Shauna Meyerink, Finance Officer, Platte (re-elected)
• Vice Chair: Debbra Houseman, City Administrator and Finance Officer, Wagner (re-elected)
• Topics discussed: Aging infrastructure, nuisance properties, and costs of insurance coverage
• 2027 Host: Platte

District 5 - March 19, Pierre

• Attendance: Approximately 50; 6 cities represented
• Chair: Kristi Honeywell, City Administrator, Pierre (re-elected)
• Vice Chair: Linda Willman, Finance Officer, Wessington Springs (re-elected)
• Topics discussed: workforce recruitment and rising construction costs
• 2027 Host: Wessington Springs

District 5 – April 9, Redfield

• Attendance: Approximately 40; 6 cities represented
• Chair: Frank Schwartz, Mayor, Redfield (re-elected)
• Vice Chair: Jordan McQuillen, Finance Officer, Aberdeen
• Topics discussed: workforce retention and recruitment, affordable housing
• 2027 Host: Aberdeen

District 7 - March 16, Herreid

• Attendance: Approximately 75; 12 cities represented
• Chair: Gene Cox, Mayor, Mobridge (previous vice chair)
• Vice Chair: Alan Allbee, Deputy Finance Officer of Herreid
• Topics discussed: Affordable housing, attracting businesses, and securing contractors
• 2027 Host: Java

District 8 – April 7, Midland

• Attendance: Approximately 40; 5 cities represented
• Chair: Brittany Smith, City Administrator, Philip (re-elected)
• Vice Chair: LaTasha Buchholz, Finance Officer, Kadoka (re-elected)
• Topics discussed: Nuisance property and grant funding opportunities for infrastructure improvement
• 2027 Host: Philip

District 9 - March 31, Wall

• Attendance: Over 80; 12 cities represented
• Chair: Daniel Ainslie, Finance Director, Rapid City
• Vice Chair: Kristi Pritzkau, Finance Officer, New Underwood (re-elected)
• Topics discussed: Social media usage, America’s 250th celebrations, recent are wildfires, and ambulance funding
• 2027 Host: Keystone

District 10 – April 1, Belle Fourche

• Attendance: Approximately 75; 10 cities represented
• Chair: Gina Carpenter, Human Resources Manager, Belle Fourche (re-elected)
• Vice Chair: Sharon Martinisko, Councilmember, Deadwood (re-elected)
• Topics discussed: Changes to the election process, social media for sharing information, and tools for infrastructure
• 2027 Host: Spearfish

##

The meetings will update member municipalities with the outcomes of the legislative session and provide an opportunity for in-person networking.

“The district meetings are a great opportunity for official updates and information,” said SDML Executive Director Sara Rankin, “but they’re also a chance for members to meet, swap stories, and share ideas with their peers from neighboring cities.”

Each meeting typically includes a social and meal as well as remarks from Rankin and League President Leland Treichel of Roscoe.

The meeting will also feature a moderated session where attendees can engage in conversation regarding issues within the district, discuss select legislative topics in depth, and participate in a Q & A style forum.

District business will also be conducted, including the election of district chairs and the selection of next year’s district meeting location.

The meetings are open to any SDML members. Mayors, town presidents, council members, and city officials are especially encouraged to attend. Area legislators, State agency representatives, and congressional delegates are also invited.

Attendees are able to register and bring guests. Meal fees vary for each meeting.

One meeting will be held in each district of the South Dakota Municipal League. If members are unable to attend the meeting in their district, they are welcome to attend any of the other meetings. A list of cities in each district can be found online at www.sdmunicipalleague.org/About-Districts.

Pre-registration is required at www.sdmunicipalleague.org/events. Registrants can pay online or send a check through the mail. 

##

In the midst of it all, you’ll find the South Dakota Municipal League advocacy team hard at work.

“The advocacy team serves as the League’s ‘eyes and ears’ in the legislative process,” said SDML Executive Director Sara Rankin. “A strong presence is essential for empowering local governments to navigate complex policy landscapes, and SDML members have an effective, experienced group to champion our interests.”

The SDML advocacy team is comprised of seven individuals, including Executive Director Rankin; Eric Erickson, attorney with Cutler Law Firm; Derek Hills, Larry Nelson and Sam Nelson, attorneys with Frieberg, Nelson, & Ask; Doug Abraham, attorney with May Adam; and Yvonne Taylor, former long-time executive director of the SDML.

In total, the group boasts approximately 100 years of legislative session experience.

Speaking for Local Governments

The SDML advocacy team plays a crucial role in representing the interests of local governments at the state and national level. The importance of this team for League members can’t be overstated:

• Representation: The advocacy team ensures that the voices of local governments are heard in the legislative process, fighting for policies that align with the needs and interests of cities.
• Policy Influence: They work to shape and influence the outcome of proposed legislation, working with lawmakers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure favorable outcomes for municipalities.
• Analysis: The team provides League members with analysis of proposed bills, helping them understand potential impacts and advising on best practices for engaging in the legislative process.
• Coordination and Mobilization: They help coordinate League members’ advocacy efforts, ensuring that cities are unified in their positions and that they leverage collective action when lobbying for or against specific legislation.

Preparation is key

Before the legislative session begins, the advocacy team undertakes several key activities to ensure they are well-prepared:

• Research: They conduct in-depth research on proposed or anticipated bills, studying their potential impact on local governments, as well as reviewing trends in state or federal policy that could affect cities.
• Developing Priorities: The team works closely with League members to define the League’s legislative priorities for the upcoming session. This may involve feedback from local government officials, committee meetings, and a review of pressing policy issues.
• Strategic Planning: The team develops a strategy for engaging with key lawmakers and government officials, identifying potential allies and opponents, and preparing advocacy materials like talking points, position papers, and fact sheets.
• Coalition Building: They often establish alliances with other organizations, interest groups, or stakeholders who share similar priorities to strengthen advocacy efforts.

Top priorities

The SDML’s advocacy is grounded in protecting the financial stability, operational effectiveness, and local decision-making authority of South Dakota’s municipalities. Core priorities include:

• Property Tax Stability and Fairness: Supporting policies that maintain predictable, sustainable property tax revenues while ensuring any proposed relief measures do not shift undue burdens onto municipalities or compromise essential services.
• Strong Tax Increment Financing (TIF): Preserving and strengthening TIF as a critical economic development tool that allows communities to reinvest in infrastructure, encourage growth, and drive long-term local investment.
• Efficient and Accessible Election Processes: Ensuring that municipal election laws remain clear, workable, and easy to administer, with timelines and procedures that are practical for city staff and accessible for voters.
• Local Control: Upholding municipal authority to make decisions on fiscal policy, land use, housing, public safety, and other matters that shape the health and success of local communities.

Bills on our radar

At any one time, the team is usually monitoring a wide range of bills that could impact local governance. Some of the more common types of bills to watch might include:

• Public Safety Legislation: Proposals that could impact local policing, fire departments, or emergency response systems.
• Fiscal and Taxation: Bills that alter the way local governments are funded or restrict their ability to raise revenue (e.g., through taxes, fees, or other mechanisms) are always critical.
• Local Government Governance: Bills that impact the structure or operations of local government entities, are also closely monitored.

Daily Diligence

Decisions are made at a fast and furious pace. During the legislative session, the advocacy team implement several methods to stay on top of any developments:

• Monitoring Legislation: The team continuously monitors bills and tracks their progress through the legislative process, providing timely updates to League members about key developments.
• Engaging with Legislators: They regularly meet with lawmakers, committee members, and state officials to discuss bills and advocate for the League’s position.
• Lobbying: The team actively lobbies for or against bills, presenting arguments, providing data, and working to persuade legislators to take actions that benefit local governments.
• Testifying at Committee Hearings: The team may testify before legislative committees, presenting the League’s perspective on a bill and responding to questions from lawmakers.
• Member Communication: They communicate regularly with League members, providing them with updates on bills and legislation that could impact their cities, and advising on how to take action (e.g., contacting legislators, attending hearings).
• Grassroots Advocacy: The team may organize campaigns to engage local officials and constituents, encouraging them to get involved in advocacy efforts and contact their representatives.

Through these activities, the advocacy team plays a critical role in shaping the legislative environment and ensuring that local government interests are represented in state and national policy debates.

The 2026 legislative session will run Jan. 13 to March 12. Find updates and resources throughout session at https://sdmunicipalleague.org/Advocacy.

##

“Member needs continue to evolve, and we are excited to launch a strategic vision that provides a roadmap for both the challenges and the enormous opportunities ahead,” said SDML Executive Director Sara Rankin. “This plan puts members and municipalities at the center of everything we do—focusing on encouraging innovation, supporting public servants, and uniting cities together towards common goals.”

The plan is the result of a data-driven process conducted over several months in partnership with a strategic planning consultant. It was shaped by input from SDML members, the Board of Directors, and staff. This broad engagement ensures the plan reflects the real-world needs, opportunities, and aspirations of League members. The plan is designed to be fluid, adaptable, and uncomplicated, and can evolve based on progress, conditions, and needs of the League.

The plan outlines four key themes:

• Connect members, partners, and ideas to foster growth and innovation.
• Educate members to develop effective public servants and leadership skills.
• Advocate for the people of our cities with a strong, collective voice.
• Mission Driven, with clearly defined strategic plans and priorities.

Each theme outlines the priority, strategy, and outcomes desired in that specific area. Several goals are included for each theme. These initial action items are a combination of maintaining essential ongoing activities and implementing new ideas. As goals are achieved or priorities change, new goals can be added and current ones can be replaced. The plan will be reviewed periodically by the Board and SDML staff and adjusted as needed.

To view the plan in its entirety, which is titled "South Dakota Cities United: Our Roadmap Ahead,” visit www.sdmunicipalleague.org/AssociationDocuments.

##

Each association functions separately to support its specific profession and members, but as affiliates, all receive SDML staff support for functions such as meetings, trainings, and group communication.

“Having these professional organizations as affiliates of the League is a mutually beneficial relationship,” said Jessica Carr, SDML director of member engagement. “Affiliates make it easy for SDML members to become involved, and the associations benefit from the shared resources such as administrative support, web presence, and event registration.”

While the League does provide consistency between the affiliates, each association focuses on supporting their members and causes important to that particular profession. Each maintains its own board and can provide resources such as networking opportunities, professional development, and access to research.

To learn more and to register, visit the affiliate’s webpage on www.sdmunicipalleague.org. Annual memberships are valid for the upcoming 2026 calendar year.

Why join a professional organization?

Professional organizations promote a profession, support its members, and serve the public. They can also help advance careers, develop employees, and provide public service. To get the most out of your involvement, be sure to develop relationships, keep your profile updated, and share your expertise and insights at every opportunity.

• Professional Development - Professional development opportunities can help you learn new skills and stay on the leading edge on industry trends. You can even expand your own skill set by practicing new skills among supportive colleagues.
• Networking - Professional organizations provide opportunities to meet peers in your field, discuss best practices, and learn about trends and developments. You can interact in person at meetings and trainings, or use online features such as group forums to connect.
• Mentoring - Mentoring can help you achieve your personal and professional goals, and can be a key factor in accelerating your career growth.
• Advocacy - Professional organizations can help decision makers understand what their members do in the workplace, why it's important, and the contributions they make.
• Career Advancement - Being a member of a professional organization can make you stand out to potential employers and show that you are dedicated to your career.
• Building a Support System - The more individuals participating with you in an organization of your field of expertise, the more contacts, resources and access to information you have.

##

Medal of Honor - For law enforcement officers who willingly distinguish themselves through an act of courage, involving risk of imminent serious injury or death, for the purpose of saving or protecting a human life while taking an armed and immediately dangerous suspect into custody. This is a joint SDPCA/SDSA Award.

Officer of the Year - All sworn officers are eligible. This includes law enforcement officers in Police Departments, Sheriffs’ Offices, US Park Service, Customs, Border Patrol, Tribal Agencies, University Police, Reserve Officers, and others below the rank of Chief/Sheriff. Nominations may be made for exceptional achievement in any police endeavor, including extraordinary valor, crime prevention, investigative work, community policing, traffic safety, drug control and prevention, juvenile programs and training programs. This is a joint SDPCA/SDSA Award.

Citizen’s Award of Merit - Presented to a citizen, company or group who performed an exceptional act or demonstrated a continued pattern of actions that furthered the missions and goals of the SDPCA and SDSA, or who have made a significant contribution to the law enforcement profession in the State of South Dakota. This is a joint SDPCA/SDSA Award.

Sheriffs’ Service Award - For contributions by a member of the SDSA which exceed the high standards and contributions normally made by members.

Chief John Wainman Sr. Service Award - For contributions by a member of the SDPCA which exceed the high standards and contributions normally made by members.

Nominations are due by Dec. 31 and can be submitted through the online nomination form at sdmunicipalleague.org/PoliceChiefs.

The awards will be presented during the SDPCA and SDSA joint conference in Deadwood on April 14-16, 2026.

##

Municipalities can access the invoice by logging into the city’s membership account at www.sdmunicipalleague.org. The invoice will be located under the “Payments & History” tab on the left side. 

Dues can be paid with a credit card using the link on that webpage, or a check can be sent to the SDML office. A grace period is in effect for current members, ensuring uninterrupted service and continuation of benefits into February.

##

View the Statement of Policy online or in the Nov. 1, 2025, edition of South Dakota Municipalities.

##

Organizers say the high attendance is in line with what they’ve seen the last three conferences, with Rapid City hosting over 360 in 2023 and Sioux Falls drawing in a record crowd of 424 in 2024 for the League’s 90th anniversary celebration. Over the previous 10 years, the average attendance had usually hovered around 300.

The conference is attended by municipal employees and elected officials from across the state each fall to network, learn new tips and trends, and share best practices.

SDML Executive Director Sara Rankin attributes the turnout to the high level of dedication exhibited by current municipal workers.

“It’s encouraging to see that so many municipal employees and elected officials across the state made it a priority to attend this year,” Rankin said. “Session rooms were full, exhibitor booths were busy, and discussion was plentiful. Communities will benefit greatly from the dedication of their municipal officials as they use the skills and knowledge they learned to better serve their communities.”

Rankin also said the diversity and quality of sessions offered contributed to the conference’s success.

“We had several concurrent sessions this year, so attendees often had plenty of options to choose from,” said Rankin. “Likewise, we were able to get a number of presenters to offer their session twice, which not only gave attendees another opportunity to attend, but it lent itself to smaller groups and more personalized experiences. Many affiliate groups also brought in their own association-specific experts during their business meetings. There was a lot of quality information to take in.”

Session topics ranged from workplace culture to property tax to community engagement. Keynote speaker Jim Olson, a former undercover agent for the CIA, enthralled attendees with stories and lessons learned during his journey from Iowa farmboy to Chief of Counterintelligence. Networking time allowed colleagues to connect and for attendees to visit nearly 80 different exhibitors.

The conference also included several entertainment events. On the first night, the City of Pierre hosted a welcome reception with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a spooky South Dakota trivia game. Thursday night’s feature event leaned into the conference’s mystery theme and challenged guests to participate in and solve a fully immersive murder mystery.

The conference concluded Friday morning with the annual business meeting and election of SDML officers.

Any slide decks or notes from sessions can be found in the Conference Resources section of the conference webpage, https://sdmunicipalleague.org/AnnualConference.

The conference was held at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Pierre, SD. Next year’s conference will take place in Aberdeen Oct. 6-9, 2026. ■

Leah Braun, Chief of Staff for the City of Rapid City, joined the SDML Board of Directors in early September as a trustee.

Braun will fill the role previously held by Lance Lehman of Rapid City. She was appointed to the board by SDML President Carolynn Anderson.

Learn more about the SDML Board of Directors at https://sdmunicipalleague.org/about-BoardofDirectors.

##

“The move to an online SDML Handbook not only increases accessibility and efficiency but also empowers municipal officials with the tools they need to stay informed and effective,” said SDML Executive Director Sara Rankin. “Whether searching for regulations, confirming recent updates, or printing the most recent updates for their handbook, the new digital platform is designed with user needs at its core.”

The online version will also be free, included as part of SDML membership. All employees and elected officials of a member municipality can access the handbook at any time.

Enhanced Searchability

One of the standout features of the online SDML Handbook is its search platform. Officials can now find specific policies, guidelines, or legal references in seconds simply by typing keywords or phrases into the search bar. This streamlined search functionality dramatically reduces the time spent flipping through pages, ensuring that users get the information they need when they need it.

Real-Time Updates

In the dynamic world of municipal governance, timely information is crucial. The online handbook is now equipped with real-time updating capabilities. As legal requirements, best practices, or municipal standards change, updates are instantly reflected in the online platform. Users can trust that they are always referencing the most current information available, eliminating confusion from outdated printed materials.

Print-Friendly Options

While the digital transformation offers many benefits, SDML recognizes the value of traditional resources. For those who prefer having a physical reference on hand, the online platform includes convenient print options. Users can select sections or the entire handbook to print, ensuring they can maintain hard copies for meetings, trainings, or personal reference as needed.

Importantly, each year’s updates to the SDML Handbook will continue to be available in their original format. This allows users who wish to keep their printed handbook current to easily print the latest updates in the same format they’re accustomed to, ensuring continuity for those who rely on hard copies.

SDML members can access the handbook online at https://sdmunicipalleague.org/handbook. Members must be logged into their SDML member account to view the file.

##

The annual conference gathers municipal employees and elected officials from across the state to foster the cooperative improvement of municipal government in South Dakota. 

The agenda include sessions on good governance, economic development, taxes and TIFFS, and legal issues facing municipalities. Activities include an interactive murder mystery and a night of spooky South Dakota trivia, as well as traditional events such as a golf scramble, a morning walk/run, and the Excellence luncheon.

View the full agenda (including a printable version) and register at www.sdmunicipalleague.org/conf2025.

Likewise, members are still able to submit nominations for the SDML Hall of Fame through Sept. 15. The Hall of Fame honors elected and appointed officials and employees who have served municipalities in South Dakota for 20 or more years. Inductees will be recognized at the fall SDML annual conference (but do not need to attend) and are listed in the November issue of the South Dakota Municipalities magazine. Submit a nomination at www.sdmunicipalleague.org/about-halloffame.

##

The draft changes include member input contributed during the annual review process of the document, which serves as a reference for the League’s position on various issues affecting local government and guides the League staff and lobbyists during the legislative session. 

Each of the four policy committees – Taxation and Revenue; General Government; Public Health, Safety, and Wellness; and Public Works – compiled and reviewed submissions pertaining to their respective section of the statement during meetings held mid-August in Fort Pierre.

“Every year I am impressed by the dedication and thoroughness that the members show in each of these committees,” said Sara Rankin, SDML Executive Director. “Our members who serve on these policy committees play an integral part in setting the agenda for the upcoming legislative session. We count on them to tell us what challenges they are facing in their communities and what part they see the SDML taking in order to address those issues.”

The next step, said Rankin, is further review and background research by staff. She encourages the membership to review the recommendations and provide feedback.

The full Statement of Policy with suggested changes embedded within the document can be found at www.sdmunicipalleague.org/about-statementofpolicy. A list of the suggested changes can also be found in the September issue of South Dakota Municipalities.

Members can submit additional comments online. The policy committees will meet again on Oct. 1 during the SDML annual conference in Pierre to consider any new information or suggestions submitted. 

Recommendations from each policy committee are then submitted to the Resolutions Committee, which reviews and prepares them for vote at the annual SDML business meeting on Oct. 3 before being voted into the official statement of policy by the membership. 

##

• President: Leland Treichel, President of the Board, Roscoe
• 1st Vice President: Michellle DeNeui, Finance Officer, Spearfish
• 2nd Vice President: Dawn Murphy, Finance Officer, Tea
• Board Trustee: Rick Boschee, Mayor, Bowdle

The nominating committee met in early August via Zoom. Members included Al Cerny, Mayor, Gregory; Michael Grosek, Mayor, Webster; and Debbie Houseman, City Administrator, Wagner. Committee members were appointed by SDML Board President Carolynn Anderson.

Election of officers will take place during the SDML Annual Business Meeting on Oct. 3 in Pierre, SD.

##

• Paullyn Carey, Finance Director, Huron
• Tracy Davis, Deputy Finance Officer, Rapid City
• Michelle DeNeui, Finance Officer, Spearfish
• Jordan McQuillen, Finance Director, Aberdeen
• Cody Papke, Chief Auditor, Sioux Falls

The auditing committee is tasked with examining the accounts or annual audit of the League each year. They will meet Oct. 1 and will present their report during the SDML Annual Business Meeting on Oct. 3 in Pierre, SD.

##

After Sept. 7, fees will increase and participation in some activities may not be available.

The annual conference gathers municipal employees and elected officials from across the state to foster the cooperative improvement of municipal government in South Dakota. 

The agenda include sessions on good governance, economic development, taxes and TIFFS, and legal issues facing municipalities. Activities include an interactive murder mystery and a night of spooky South Dakota trivia, as well as traditional events such as a golf scramble, a morning walk/run, and the Excellence luncheon. View the full agenda (including a printable version) and register at www.sdmunicipalleague.org/conf2025.

Other upcoming deadlines include purchasing SDML t-shirt purchases and submitting nominations for the SDML Hall of Fame.

Member exclusive T-shirts can be purchased as part of the conference registration process and picked up during check-in. Those that can’t make it to the conference can order the shirts online and have them shipped. Orders are due by Sept. 7. Shirts are expected to ship the week of Oct. 13. Place your orders at www.sdmunicipalleague.org/store.

Nominations for the SDML Hall of Fame must be submitted online by Sept. 15. The Hall of Fame honors elected and appointed officials and employees who have served municipalities in South Dakota for 20 or more years. Inductees will be recognized at the fall SDML annual conference and listed in the November issue of the South Dakota Municipalities magazine. Submit a nomination at www.sdmunicipalleague.org/about-halloffame.

##