Rapid City Municipal Government

Rapid City Municipal Government This page will serve as informal communication between the City of Rapid City and Rapid City citizens.

The official City of Rapid City Social Media Policy can currently be viewed at https://www.rcgov.org/social-media.html. Social Media Web Site Comments Policy

The purpose of this site is to present matters of public interest in Rapid City, including its many residents, businesses and visitors. We encourage you to submit your questions, comments, and concerns, but please note this is a moderated online discussion site and not a public forum. Once posted, the City of Rapid City reserves the right to delete inappropriate comments. The following are some examples of inappropriate comments. This list is for illustrative purposes only and is not an exclusive list:
•vulgar language
•personal attacks of any kind
•offensive comments that target or disparage any ethnic, racial, or religious group
•spam or include links to other sites
•clearly off topic
•advocate illegal activity
•promote particular services, products, or political organizations
•infringe on copyrights or trademarks
•use personally identifiable medical information

Please note that the comments expressed on this site do not reflect the opinions and position of the City of Rapid City government or its administration and employees. If you have any questions concerning the operation of this online moderated discussion site, please contact the Community Resources Director at 605-394-4136.

CITY EMPLOYEES AGAIN HOSTING SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNITY CHILI COOKOFF FOR ‘CITY UTILITY ASSIST’ PROGRAMRAPID CITY, SD—‘Good...
10/07/2026

CITY EMPLOYEES AGAIN HOSTING SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNITY CHILI COOKOFF FOR ‘CITY UTILITY ASSIST’ PROGRAM

RAPID CITY, SD—‘Good Chili, Great People, ‘A Stronger Community’ is the theme as flavor meets philanthropy later this month when employees from the City of Rapid City host the second annual community chili cookoff in support of the City Utility Assist initiative.
The chili cookoff dinner will be held Tuesday, October 27 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Dahl Arts Center.
Aspiring chili chefs are encouraged to bring a crockpot of their favorite recipe and compete in the friendly competition. The public is invited to attend the event, enjoy chili and donate to the City Utility Assist initiative, which assists residents with keeping their utility services active.
Event organizers hope to build on the success of last year’s cookoff, which raised $1,600 to help Rapid City households experiencing temporary financial hardship.
Attendees will serve as the judges, casting their votes for People’s Choice awards in two categories and helping determine who earns bragging rights for having some of the best chili in the City.
“This is one of those events where having a good time can also do some real good,” said City Public Works Administration Operations Manager Shannon Truax. “You can try some great chili, enjoy some entertainment, cheer on your favorite cooks and know that your support is helping someone in our community get through a difficult time. Whether you bring a crockpot or just bring your appetite, we hope people will come be part of it.”
City Utility Assist is a staff-driven initiative created to connect community generosity with local households that need short-term assistance maintaining essential City water, sewer and solid waste services.
The City Utility Assist Fund is supported entirely by voluntary donations, with every dollar raised going directly to helping local families in crisis with their City utility bills. City employees are already contributing, and the City is inviting residents, businesses and civic groups to join the effort. The City partners with the Saint Vincent DePaul Society to administer the assistance program. Saint Vincent DePaul collaborates with other people of goodwill in relieving need and addressing its causes.
“City Utility Assist started with a simple idea: give people in our community another way to help their neighbors,” Truax said. “Last year’s chili cookoff and this spring’s soup dinner showed us how willing people are to step up when they know their contribution can make a meaningful difference for someone right here in Rapid City.
“For some households, an unexpected expense or temporary setback can make it difficult to keep up with essential bills. A relatively small amount of assistance at the right time can help someone regain their footing. That’s why every bowl of chili, every donation and every person who shows up matters. This program is neighbors helping neighbors, and we hope the community will continue to make it their own.”
Register online to be a contestant at https://forms.rcgov.org/chilicookoff2026. For other information on participating in the event, contact Truax at 605-394-4165 or [email protected]

(Photos: Scenes from the 2025 chili cookoff/City photos)

CITY HALL EXHIBIT PROFILES REVOLUTIONARY WAR’S ‘UNSUNG HEROES’**Display is part of E Pluribus Unum Initiative hosted by ...
10/07/2026

CITY HALL EXHIBIT PROFILES REVOLUTIONARY WAR’S ‘UNSUNG HEROES’
**Display is part of E Pluribus Unum Initiative hosted by Daughters of the American Revolution

RAPID CITY, SD—A new exhibit in the lobby of Rapid City’s City Hall profiles underrepresented Revolutionary War Patriots.
The display is part of the E Pluribus Unum Educational Initiative hosted by the Black Hills Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The exhibit is free and open to the public, and will be on display in the City Hall lobby through October 19. The Initiative is an ongoing effort showcasing members of underrepresented groups who supported the cause of the American Revolution.
The exhibit profiles African American and Native American patriots as well as some of the extraordinary women of the American Revolution and explores the role of several important foreign patriots who supported American independence
“The goal of the display is to broaden our understanding of the different people behind the effort of the colonies to win independence, and recognizing those who have been left out of the historical narrative,” said Margie Rosario of the Black Hills Chapter of DAR.
The exhibit includes cutouts and informational panels of numerous patriots including Marquis De Lafayette, the Oneida Indian Nation, Phyllis Wheatley, Mercy Otis Warren and others. The display also features South Dakota’s America 250 commemorative quilt which includes 26 individual blocks comprised of flags from the units of 13 colonies and the continental army. Nine DAR members also selected flags that held meaning and created a quilt square using various techniques such as cross-stitch, applique, embroidery and pieced.
Vintage fabric from buntings used at the Passion Play formed the majority of the red, white and blue fabric in the quilt. All other fabric came from DAR members’ stashes. The quilt won first place for South Dakota in the national DAR American Heritage contest’s Top Quilt category.
“The exhibit profiles some of the unsung heroes and patriots of the American Revolution,” Rosario said. “As our nation continues to observe its 250th anniversary, this exhibit provides great opportunities for people of all ages to learn something new about our country’s history and to be introduced to some of the patriots who made important contributions to our nation during that period.”
The display is open to the public through October 19 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(Photos: Some of the DAR exhibit displays in City Hall in Rapid City/City Photos)

RECORD 96,000 ADMISSIONS TALLIED AT CITY POOLS THIS SUMMER SEASON RAPID CITY, SD—The public sought relief from consis...
10/07/2026

RECORD 96,000 ADMISSIONS TALLIED AT CITY POOLS THIS SUMMER SEASON


RAPID CITY, SD—The public sought relief from consistently hot temperatures this summer in Rapid City, flocking to Rapid City’s pools in record numbers.
In data released from the City’s Parks and Recreation Department this week, more than 96,000 people were admitted to City pools this summer with all three outdoor pool facilities and the Roosevelt Swim Center reflecting increases over the 2025 summer season.
Overall, 96,201 admissions were recorded at the Sioux Park, Parkview, Horace Mann and Roosevelt Park Swim Center pools during the summer period when pools were open to the public. This year, two outdoor pools remained open a week longer with the Sioux Park pool open until September 6 and the 50-meter pool at the Roosevelt Swim Center staying open until September 26.
The total is considerably higher than the 88,270 admissions recorded last summer and more than 23,000 admissions over the 73,097 admissions recorded during the 2023 summer season when chilly temperatures and rain impacted attendance. This summer’s numbers were more than 34,000 admissions higher than the summer of 2019.
“With the stretch of record-breaking hot temperatures this summer, the public relied on our City pools for some cool relief,” said City Recreation Director Matt Brandhagen. “We had a number of special events as well that drew great crowds and the facilities were packed on many of the hot days.”
City Recreation officials encourage the public to utilize the Roosevelt Swim Center as a great option for swimming during the fall, winter and spring months. Anyone wishing to serve as a lifeguard for the 2026 summer season can contact the City’s Recreation Division at 605-394-4175 for more information.
A look at the numbers, usage of the City pool facilities for the summer period in 2026 compared to previous years and overall season totals dating back to 2019:

Sioux Park: 23,526
Horace Mann: 13,923
Parkview: 12,744
Swim Center: 46,008
TOTAL: 96,201

TOTALS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS:
2025: 88,270
2024: 81.025
2023: 73,097
2022: 80,412
2021: 69,326
2020: Pools closed due to COVID-19 pandemic
2019: 61,926

(City file photo/Sioux Park pool)

10/06/2026

✨ Reminder! ✨
We are closed on Monday, October 12th to observe Native American Day!
The landfill will be closed and collections won't be running.
Monday routes will be collected on Tuesday instead.
Tuesday through Friday routes will be collected as normal!
BUT please leave your cans out until they get collected.
To stay informed about holiday changes, you can sign up for texting or email reminders!
To sign up for text messages, text rcsolidwaste to 888-777
To sign up for email reminders, head to our website and fill out the form on our home page.
www.rapidcityrecycles.org

BIKE PATH SAFETY REMINDERThe Leonard Swanson Memorial Pathway – commonly known as Rapid City’s bike path – stretches ove...
10/06/2026

BIKE PATH SAFETY REMINDER

The Leonard Swanson Memorial Pathway – commonly known as Rapid City’s bike path – stretches over 10 miles along Rapid Creek and is utilized by walkers, joggers, bicyclists, skateboarders, unicyclists, e-bikers and others. The bike path is used all four seasons of the year and the public is reminded to use caution and be courteous to the various users of the pathway.
There have been several incidences recently involving excessive speed among pedal bikers and e-bikers. There have also been reports of close calls between the bikes and pedestrians on the bike path.
An incident last week at Memorial Park involved the use of an E-Moto dirt bike on the bike path and grass, with the driver traveling in excess of 20 miles per hour.
As a reminder, city code allows operation of low-speed pedal assist electric bikes provided the electric motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and speed not to exceed 20 miles per hour.
Take advantage of the numerous opportunities Autumn has to offer and enjoy the beautiful sites along the City’s 10 miles of bike path.
Be courteous and considerate of all users of the bike path, slow down, make room for others and enjoy the sites.

CREWS RESPONDING TO WATER LINE BREAK ON LACROSSE & OMAHARAPID CITY, SD—Crews are responding to a water line break this a...
10/06/2026

CREWS RESPONDING TO WATER LINE BREAK ON LACROSSE & OMAHA

RAPID CITY, SD—Crews are responding to a water line break this afternoon in the vicinity of Lacrosse Street and Omaha Street. Water service is impacted to approximately 50 homes and 50 apartments in the 400/500 blocks of E. New York Street, Racine Street and the 400/500 blocks of E. Chicago Street.
City officials anticipate repairs to be completed by this evening.
Northbound traffic is reduced to one lane on N. Lacrosse Street in the affected area. Drivers are advised to use additional caution in the affected area and reduce travel speeds.
Updates will be provided when available.

SEPTEMBER TRANSIT REPORT SHOWS SOLID INCREASESIN OVERALL & YOUTH RIDERSHIPRAPID CITY, SD—A total of 26,737 passenger tri...
10/06/2026

SEPTEMBER TRANSIT REPORT SHOWS SOLID INCREASES
IN OVERALL & YOUTH RIDERSHIP

RAPID CITY, SD—A total of 26,737 passenger trips were recorded by Rapid Transit System (RTS) in September, a five percent increase over the ridership numbers from the same month a year ago. The overall ridership number includes nearly 8,000 youth passenger trips recorded as part of the ‘Youth Ride Free’ program.
The youth ridership numbers are a seven percent jump from September 2025.
There were exactly 9,000 more passenger trips recorded on Rapid Transit System buses last month compared to the same month just five years ago in 2021 (17,737) – a 51 percent increase. Youth ridership in September (7,981) – the first full month school has been in session in Rapid City - is an impressive 89 percent increase over the youth passenger totals tallied in September 2021 (4,216).
“September was a very solid month and the school year is off to a great start,” said RTS Manager Megan Gould. “We are seeing some impressive numbers over just five years ago.
Rapid Transit System has been providing local residents and visitors with public transportation services in Rapid City since 1992. The ‘Youth Ride Free’ program was initiated at the start of the 2016-17 school year. For more information about RTS, contact 605-394-6631 or visit www.rapidtransitsystem.org .

(City file photo)

CITY APPROACHES $400 MILLION VALUATION MARK WITH ‘VERY SOLID’ SEPTEMBER NUMBERS**Rapid City has surpassed $400 million i...
10/06/2026

CITY APPROACHES $400 MILLION VALUATION MARK WITH ‘VERY SOLID’ SEPTEMBER NUMBERS
**Rapid City has surpassed $400 million in valuation only once in city’s history

RAPID CITY, SD—With one quarter of the year remaining, Rapid City has achieved the second-highest building permit valuation total on record and has surpassed the valuation total for all of 2025.
The City’s Building Services Division issued 244 building permits in September with a combined valuation total of nearly $34.5 million. Through nine months, the City has issued 2,033 building permits with a valuation total of more than $395.3 million. The 2026 total is only surpassed by the valuation total of $463.5 million issued for all of 2023.
Through September of 2025, the City of Rapid City had issued 1,855 building permits with a combined valuation total of $287.5 million.
“September was a very solid month of activity,” said City Community Development Director Vicki Fisher. “We are on the cusp of surpassing $400 million for permit valuation in a year, something that’s only happened once in our City’s history.
“Overall, it’s been an active year, it’s been steady throughout the year and we anticipate the trend to continue.”
The City issued five permits with valuation totals exceeding $1 million. Leading the way in September was a permit valued at more than $4.9 million issued to the City of Rapid City with Scull Construction Service, Inc. as contractor for phase one rebuild of the Post 320 baseball facility. A permit valued at more than $4.2 million was issued to Ma Cualli RP Properties LLC with Gustafson Builders as contractor for a third Ma Cualli facility at 1567 Luna Avenue.
Other top permits included a permit valued at more than $3.8 million issued to AMM Rapid City LLC with MAC Construction as contractor for the Les Schwab facility as 1625 Rapp Street; a permit valued at $1.7 million to TG IAM 3887 LLC with Hanna Design Group as contractor for a new AutoZone facility at 3800 Highway 44; and a permit valued at $1.1 million issued to Valley Six Property LLC with JMC Inc. as contractor for the Valley 6 Warehouse at 970 N. Valley Drive.

CITY OF RAPID CITY TO HOST OPEN HOUSE ON PROPOSED DATA CENTERS ORDINANCERAPID CITY, SD—Rapid City’s Community Developmen...
10/06/2026

CITY OF RAPID CITY TO HOST OPEN HOUSE ON PROPOSED DATA CENTERS ORDINANCE

RAPID CITY, SD—Rapid City’s Community Development Department will host an open house next week on a proposed ordinance regarding data centers in the community.
The open house is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14 from 5-7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers and the Circle of Friends Community Room of City Hall. Community Development staff will be available to share details of the proposed ordinance and take public feedback and input.
The proposed ordinance amendment would add provisions to an ordinance adopted by the Rapid City Common Council in December 2024 which defined data centers and identified data centers as a permitted use in light industrial and heavy industrial districts. The proposed provisions include distance to residential, extent of power, water and sewer usage, and noise and vibration standards to mitigate the impacts of data centers.
At its September 10 meeting, the Planning Commission continued review of the item until its November 5 meeting to provide work on the proposed ordinance, which includes the opportunity for public review and feedback.

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