Petition to Rezone for Sioux Falls Data Center Fails

Referendum petition falls short of required signatures, city says

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:07pm

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A referendum petition related to a proposed data center in northeastern Sioux Falls has failed to get the required number of valid signatures, the city announced on Friday. The petition called for voter approval on a city ordinance adopted on January 6th to rezone property for the data center project.

Why it matters

The failed petition means the city can move forward with the data center project without a public vote. This highlights the ongoing debate around the development of large-scale data centers and the balance between economic growth and community concerns.

The details

The petition needed 6,704 valid signatures but only received 5,012, according to the city clerk's office. The property was rezoned to accommodate the proposed 160-acre data center, which the city has also annexed. Some city council members have expressed concerns about misinformation surrounding the project.

  • The petition deadline was Thursday, January 29, 2026.
  • The city council adopted the rezoning ordinance on January 6, 2026.

The players

Sioux Falls City Clerk

Jermery Washington, who provided information about the petition's status.

Sioux Falls City Councilor

Ryan Spellerberg, who expressed concerns about misinformation surrounding the proposed data center.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.