There’s been a lot of noise around Tax Increment Financing lately. So the City of Rapid City did something useful: they walked through how taxes actually work here and why TIFs exist in the first place.

Let’s talk about the numbers for a second.

One of the loudest arguments against LibertyLand is, “We don’t have the workers.” With unemployment around 1.9%, that sounds believable… if you assume Rapid City isn’t growing.

At a recent City Council meeting, Domico Rodriguez from Visit Rapid City and the Rapid City Sports Commission stood up and said something that’s worth paying attention to.

The Destination District isn’t some side project. It’s directly tied to the success of the indoor sports complex and to how Rapid City grows from here.

Today, Team Rapid City met with the Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association to talk about the future of tourism in Rapid City.

It’s a question we hear every year: Are we over-tourism’d?
Short answer: no.

Rapid City is in a rare moment of momentum. Growth is happening, jobs are expanding, families are choosing to stay, and new opportunities are finally within reach. But as Mayor Salamun said, momentum is fragile. It is hard to build and even harder to keep.

In his recent remarks, he laid out a clear-eyed view of where Rapid City stands today: our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. One theme stood out above everything else:

When it comes to outdoor recreation, the Black Hills are second-to-none in what is offered. You don’t have to go far to hit the trails, enjoy scenery, or take advantage of national parks. However, it is also clear that in addition to the natural amenities there is a need for some more built entertainment options.

Elevate Rapid City is speaking with more than 60 out-of-state businesses considering Rapid City as a destination to open or relocate their business. These businesses represent a wide spectrum of industries like manufacturing, technology, construction, and professional services. They would bring higher-paying jobs and create an avenue for college graduates to stay in the area.

Elevate Rapid City is speaking with more than 60 out-of-state businesses considering Rapid City as a destination to open or relocate their business. These businesses represent a wide spectrum of industries like manufacturing, technology, construction, and professional services. They would bring higher-paying jobs and create an avenue for college graduates to stay in the area.

Voter apathy driving South Dakota’s anti-business faction to power, governor says

Liberty Land is committed to responsible growth in Rapid City. We're honored to show up and vote, thanks to the many sacrifices made to protect our democracy. There is simply no way to say a simple thank you for everything you have done for all of us. 

A new coalition of community members, parents, and business leaders today announced the launch of Team Rapid City (TRC).