Sioux Falls Data Center Rezoning Petition Falls Short of Signatures

Let Sioux Falls Vote organizers fell 1,700 signatures short of the 6,704 needed to force a public vote on the proposed data center project.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After a 20-day petition drive, the City of Sioux Falls announced that the Let Sioux Falls Vote referendum petition submitted 5,012 signatures, nearly 1,700 short of the required number to put the data center rezoning to a public vote. Organizers Amanda Kendell and Samantha Scarlata had rallied over 100 volunteers to gather signatures, even in below-zero temperatures, but ultimately fell short of the goal.

Why it matters

The proposed Gemini Data Center project has been a contentious issue in Sioux Falls, with residents divided over the potential economic benefits and environmental impact. The failed petition drive means the rezoning will now move forward through the administrative and permitting phases without a public vote.

The details

The Let Sioux Falls Vote petition drive aimed to gather 6,704 signatures in 20 days to force a public vote on the rezoning of property for the proposed Gemini Data Center. After submitting 378 pages of signatures on January 29, city officials completed the count and determined that only 5,012 valid signatures were collected, falling short of the required threshold.

  • The petition drive ran for 20 days, from early January to January 29, 2026.
  • On January 30, 2026, the City of Sioux Falls announced that the petition did not have enough signatures to force a public vote.

The players

Let Sioux Falls Vote

A grassroots organization that led the petition drive to force a public vote on the rezoning for the proposed Gemini Data Center project in Sioux Falls.

Amanda Kendell

Co-organizer of the Let Sioux Falls Vote petition drive.

Samantha Scarlata

Co-organizer of the Let Sioux Falls Vote petition drive.

Gemini Data Center SD

The proposed data center project in Sioux Falls that was the subject of the rezoning effort.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Watching this unfold has been one of the most inspiring things I have ever witnessed. This experience has given me a small hug of hope and a real glimpse into what the future can look like when we set aside our differences for the greater good of the community.”

— Amanda Kendell, Co-organizer, Let Sioux Falls Vote

What’s next

The proposed Gemini Data Center project will now move forward through the administrative and permitting phases without a public vote, as the Let Sioux Falls Vote petition drive failed to gather the required number of signatures.

The takeaway

The failed petition drive highlights the challenges community groups can face in trying to force a public vote on controversial development projects, even with significant grassroots support. It also underscores the importance of meeting strict signature thresholds within tight timelines to give residents a direct say in shaping their local communities.