Myth: Rapid City Abuses TIFS

Facts: Rapid City’s growth is paved with the successful TIF developments we now take for granted. Rushmore Crossing, the recent ‘Chick-fil-A’ TIF, The Sports Complex, healthcare expansion, EAFB housing, Founders Park and more prove that TIFs are a smart, effective tool for growth.

Myth: Property Taxes Increase

Facts: The truth is that TIFs pay for themselves by using the new tax revenue they generate. Your current property taxes are not used. TIFs broaden the tax base, which can stabilize or lower the tax burden for everyone in the long run. This project is expected to:

• Create jobs.

• Generate nearly $140 million in new sales and property taxes over 15 years.

• Provide over $10 million for Rapid City Area Schools over 15 years ANNUALLY

Myth: The TIF doesn’t fund public infrastructure 

Facts: The TIF is a tool for funding essential public improvements. This TIF would fund the widening of Seger Drive, the extension of Tish Boulevard, and necessary drainage and sanitary sewer upgrades—upgrades that complement the new Sports Complex and benefit the entire area. A Yes vote saves the Sports Complex 10 MILLION in infrastructure that they don’t have budgeted

Myth: The Destination District is unpopular

Facts: Polling shows that nearly 60% of Rapid City residents want new entertainment, attractions, restaurants, and year-round experiences.

• Even MORE want new grocery or niche stores.

• Rapid City citizens want new housing developments.

• LibertyLand addresses these needs by adding needed housing units to our community, new robust dining and shopping, year-round entertainment and attractions that include an IMAX Theater

Myth: The City snuck this project by the public.

Facts: The Liberty Land / Destination District development has a longer history than you’d think – started by a group of locals who had some big ideas. “In the beautiful Black Hills of Dakota Territory, the authentic American spirit of the West begins again, allowing the world to experience freedom by making history real.” 

• In 2022, this project passed Zoning and Planning

• In 2025, the Rapid City Council passed this development TWICE

NOW IT IS UP TO US! 

Myth: Corporate Handouts and Free Rides

Facts: The risk is on the developer, not the city. It’s up to private businesses to develop, which will increase the entire tax base and pay for the Infrastructure. Target, Scheels, Cabelas, countless housing projects, streets, sewer, signals, police and fire stations – all from TIFs

Myth: New / Free Grant Money

Facts: Since 2011, (SB90) South Dakota has included discretionary funding for TIFs. South Dakota, including Rapid City, has used this funding mechanism for nearly 15 years. It must be used for the Public Good and cannot be used to develop housing. Because of this investment, it could be the largest sales tax development in Rapid City history. That is money for schools, roads, public safety and property tax reduction

Myth: The Sports Complex Has Nothing to do with the Destination District

Facts: The sports complex sits at the geographic heart of the Destination District and is a core anchor of the entire project. As shown on the official district map, the Destination District boundary is built around the sports complex, not separate from it. The surrounding infrastructure, roads, utilities, and visitor amenities are intentionally designed to support year-round sports tourism, tournaments, and community use that benefit the entire district. Without the Destination District, those infrastructure costs do not go away and could conservatively add $10 million or more in future public spending.