Local Politics
South Dakota Economic Council Reports Falling Labor Participation, Tourism Declines
The South Dakota Governor's Council of Economic Advisors held a virtual quarterly meeting Thursday discussing a labor force participation rate that fell to 66.3% in September from 68.2% the prior year, alongside rising costs and struggling farmers. State officials noted at least three job openings per unemployed person and a 2% unemployment rate while attributing part of the workforce decline to an aging population. Council members reported Black Hills tourism visitation declining with Canadian visits down about 35%, Sturgis seeing a 24% drop in 'booze tax' collections tied to a soft motorcycle rally, and Deadwood sports betting falling roughly 31% year-over-year amid competition from online prediction markets. A recently announced $8 billion federal assistance package aims to help farmers facing higher diesel, fertilizer, and equipment costs.