AGP Executive Report
Last update: 5 hours agoAdvanced Manufacturing Workforce: Southeast Technical College broke ground in Sioux Falls on the James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing, a new $18M facility aimed at boosting skilled training capacity by adding programs in advanced manufacturing maintenance, automation, mechanical engineering tech, and welding. Local Tax Policy: Counties are weighing South Dakota’s new optional half-percent county sales tax as “property-tax relief,” shifting the burden from owner-occupied property taxes to sales taxes—an approach critics say hits renters and lower-income households hardest. Higher Education Budgeting: The South Dakota Board of Regents set FY28 budget priorities, including a $1M Center for National Defense partnership across Black Hills State, Dakota State, and South Dakota Mines to expand defense studies, logistics, cybersecurity, and engineering pathways. Cybersecurity Funding: South Dakota is spending more than $7M in state funds after turning down federal cybersecurity grants, citing 1,062 reported online security breaches to the AG over five years. Ag Soil Support: Practical Farmers of Iowa opened its 2026 cover crop cost-share program, offering $15/acre for fall cover crops across parts of the Midwest including South Dakota. Energy & Weather Watch: Gas prices remain volatile statewide, while severe storms are forecast to return to the Plains and Midwest with damaging winds, hail, and flood threats.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.