July 2, 2019

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Allie Hartzler, innovation coordinator for the city of Sioux Falls.

Name: Allie Hartzler

Age: 29

Hometown: Jackson, Minn.

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Family! Plus, I wanted to find a job where I felt like I was making a difference.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Access to beautiful places, great food and an awesome community.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

It’s different every day. Some days I’m interviewing bus riders at the downtown transit depot; other days I’m learning about lift assists from the fire department.

How did you get connected to your new role, and what exactly does it entail?

My job is all about working together with co-workers, neighbors and community leaders to make things better. Those “things” can be as simple as a form on a website or as complex as a new service-delivery model for public transportation. We’re trying to facilitate better ideas for a better quality of life in Sioux Falls.

Describe your job in three words.

Creative. Collaborative. Empowering.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

I’ve been in Big Brothers Big Sisters for five years, and I have learned so much from my little sister. She has definitely changed how I see the world and how I think about my work here at the city.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Kayak rentals on the Big Sioux!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully growing from a department of one to an innovation team, taking on even more projects.