Nonprofit Leader James Oppenheimer Launches Campaign for Sioux Falls City Council At Large
Sioux Falls, SD – September 3, 2025 – Community leader James Oppenheimer today announced his candidacy for Sioux Falls City Council At Large in the June 2, 2026 election.
“I am excited to share that I am running for Sioux Falls City Council At Large. With experience leading major nonprofits in our city, I am ready to bring positive, people-focused leadership to City Hall,” Oppenheimer said.
Oppenheimer currently serves as CEO of the Sioux Falls Family YMCA and previously led the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society and Dakota Alliance Soccer Club. Across these roles, he has managed multimillion-dollar budgets, led teams of more than 200 employees, and served thousands of children, families, and animals each year.
Oppenheimer’s campaign is focused on building a city where families can thrive, with three key priorities:
- Sensible and Balanced Growth – Planning for the future of Sioux Falls in a way that helps families succeed, welcoming growth while protecting what makes our city
- Public Safety – Supporting our first responders and ensuring safe neighborhoods across the city.
- Maintaining and Improving Roads – Investing in infrastructure that keeps Sioux Falls moving and makes daily life easier for families.
“I believe in collaboration, transparency, and building a city that is welcoming for all. As someone who became a citizen by choice, this community means everything to me, and I want to serve it well,” Oppenheimer added.
Current At-Large City Councilwoman Sarah Cole, who is not seeking re-election, will serve as chair of Oppenheimer’s campaign. “It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Sioux Falls, and I am deeply grateful for the trust they have placed in me. James is exactly the kind of steady, service-minded leader Sioux Falls needs on the City Council. I have watched him lead organizations that touch thousands of lives, and I know he will bring that same integrity, collaboration, and results-driven focus to City Hall.” said Cole.
For more information, visit www.JamesForSiouxFalls.com
Good to see a reasonable and serious candidate enter the race. James would be a good addition to the city council. We need more good people to get involved in local and state politics.
Indeed. The towns of Rapid and Sioux Falls have some interesting fellows, and dare grudznick say even a few interesting ladies, on their councils of governance and order. Saner and smarter are always better, but like the legislatures the councils skew odder and odder.
Sarah Cole’s endorsement should mean next to nothing.
Her tenure on City Council has been a vacuous void.