Freedom Works Here.
Just off Interstate 90 in the southeast portion of South Dakota, you’ll find the home of the top high school in the state and the largest economic development project in state history. Mitchell, SD is a vibrant community that embodies the spirit of small-town America while embracing growth and innovation.
Only three miles south of Mitchell, construction is underway on High Plains Processing, a $500 million soybean processing plant that will create 75 new jobs and provide a significant boost to the local economy. Mayor Jordan Hanson emphasizes the importance of this project, stating, “Mitchell is open for business like never before. Our building permits reached nearly five times more than the average over the last 20 years. This is a clear sign that our community is thriving and expanding at an unprecedented rate.” This facility will add value to South Dakota’s agricultural sector and foster new business opportunities, further enhancing the region’s economic landscape.
To stimulate economic growth, Mitchell has introduced a new sales tax rebate incentive program designed to attract new businesses and encourage expansions. This program offers a rebate on the 2% city sales tax for businesses that create at least $2 million in new sales, fostering job creation and supporting the local economy. Additionally, the Mitchell Area Development Corporation has signed a purchase agreement for a 20-acre industrial park focused on distribution centers. This strategic investment will attract businesses looking to establish or expand distribution operations, further strengthening Mitchell’s role as a regional economic hub.
As the city grows, it is undertaking significant infrastructure improvements to support its expanding population and business sector. The City of Mitchell plans to double its water capacity by 2027 through a connection to Randall Rural Water and triple its sewer capacity by 2026 with a new advanced treatment plant. Ken Schlimgen, Board President for the Mitchell Area Development Corporation, notes, “Infrastructure is very important to our community. Both from an electrical standpoint and the community is also invested in more water resources for the area. In a combination of those two things, we are poised for significant economic growth opportunities in the future.”
To address the demand for affordable housing, the Mitchell Area Development Corporation has partnered with Mitchell Area Housing Inc. (MAHI) to launch an ambitious initiative. Terry Sabers, president of MAHI, outlines their approach: “We’re going to build about 10 a year. Our goal is to build starter homes or affordable homes in the $250,000 to $300,000 range.” This effort is complemented by Mitchell’s unique advantage of having two active college campuses, Dakota Wesleyan University and Mitchell Technical College, which help attract and retain young talent in the community.
Mitchell is revitalizing its downtown area through a series of beautification projects. These initiatives include streetscape improvements, façade renovations, and public art installations that reflect the city’s heritage. Elizabeth Luczak, Event Manager for Mitchell Main Street Beyond, notes, “Our downtown has a heartbeat of its own. When you visit, you feel our heritage and our roots. Other downtowns might be dying, but we are thriving here in Mitchell.”
New businesses are also contributing to this vibrant atmosphere. Palace City Brewing, for example, has repurposed a historic building into a brewery, filling a gap in the local market. Owner Brett Farnham shares, “Mitchell is just a wonderful location for any type of business. Not all small towns are growing economically, and Mitchell is doing a wonderful job.” With nearly half a million people visiting the nearby Corn Palace each summer, these enhancements entice visitors to explore further down Main Street, where they can discover local shops, restaurants, and events like First Fridays on Main and DakotaFest. With a sculpture walk and ongoing infrastructure updates, Mitchell’s downtown is becoming a lively hub that invites both residents and visitors to enjoy its unique charm.
The city’s commitment to education is evident in the construction of a new $40 million state-of-the-art high school. Joe Childs, Superintendent of the School District, emphasizes, “We wanted to create an environment that we knew didn’t hold us back from everything that we wanted to do.” This investment in education, coupled with Mitchell High School’s recognition as the top public high school in South Dakota, underscores the community’s dedication to preparing its youth for future success.
As Mitchell continues to grow, residents like Ty Hogue, a local youth pastor, express their satisfaction with the community, stating, “It’s a place you can fit in. It’s a place you can stretch your arms. It’s a place you can feel known, and there’s just a lot of opportunity.”
With strategic investments in industry, infrastructure, housing, education, and community development, Mitchell is poised for a bright future, making it an attractive destination for both businesses and residents seeking a thriving small-town environment with big opportunities.
