Bi-Weekly roundup
What news caught the most eyeballs or stirred up the most trouble?
Why don't we have Hy-vee? When is Aldi gonna come here? And are we ever gonna get a CostCo? These are the comments I get regularly whenever I post about new businesses coming to town. And while we know they would do well here, each company has their own set of requirements to come into an area. They ain't in this to make us feel good. They only gonna do it if it's profitable.
Rapid City is moving forward with a massive $73.7 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for the East Anamosa Street corridor. The City Council's Legal and Finance Committee advanced resolutions for the new East Rapid City Transportation Improvement District to build critical arterial roads and utility networks.
I chatted with Domico Rodriguez with the Rapid City Sports Commission last month and talked all things upcoming Indoor Sports Complex. For the next few weeks, I'll share clips of a few of the things we discussed. Watch the full interview on my YouTube channel. This week...What is all gonna be in the Sports Center?
The City Had Meetings…
Planning Commission Meeting (July 9, 2026)
Downtown Pumpkin Festival: The commission approved a 5-year Conditional Use Permit for the annual Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival. This permit will cover the event's activities, including pumpkin launching and food vendors in Memorial Park, through the year 2030 without requiring annual renewals as long as the scope remains unchanged.
Property Rezoning: The commission approved the rezoning of a small remnant parcel of land west of Sturgis Road (known as "the sliver") to a Low-Density Residential District to match the surrounding area.
Public Works Committee Meeting (July 14, 2026)
Star Village Demolitions: The committee approved three separate contracts (totaling up to $133,500) to demolish 28 condemned garages and sheds in the Star Village neighborhood. The structures have become a safety hazard and a magnet for squatting. The city intends to assess the demolition costs to the property owner, Zadik Management, due to their ongoing negligence.
Missouri River Water Pipeline: The committee received a presentation on the Western Dakota Regional Water System. To address long-term water scarcity and regional growth, organizers are seeking federal support for a $4.5 billion, 165-mile pipeline to bring water from the Missouri River to western South Dakota.
Legal & Finance Committee Meeting (July 15, 2026)
New Indoor Sports Complex: The committee approved several key agreements to push forward the new $66 million indoor sports complex. This included selecting management, architecture, engineering, and construction partners following a competitive bidding process.
Water System Update: The committee also heard the presentation regarding the Western Dakota Regional Water System's long-term pipeline project.
Special City Council Meeting (July 20, 2026)
2027 City Budget Proposed: Mayor Solomon presented the proposed 2027 city budget of $312.3 million, which represents a 7.4% decrease from the previous year.
No Property Tax Increase: Due to strong sales tax revenues, the Mayor is recommending no property tax (CPI) increase for 2027 to help keep homeownership affordable.
Historic Road Investments: The budget proposes the largest investment in road repairs in Rapid City's history, including a dedicated $450,000 crew for proactive mill and overlay projects and $16.7 million for existing road reconstructions.
Public Safety Focus: The budget includes funding for the new North Side Police precinct, Fire Station 9 on the east side, and the hiring of new firefighters, ambulance personnel, and police investigators with a focus on combating crimes against children.
Quality of Life Upgrades: Significant investments are planned for city parks, the new indoor sports complex, and a $500,000 upgrade to Main Street Square to replace its turf and ice.
City Council Meeting (July 20, 2026)
Star Village Demolitions Finalized: The council unanimously gave final approval for the demolition of the condemned structures in Star Village. Multiple council members and the Police Chief publicly criticized the property management company for severe neglect, unsafe conditions, and draining city police resources.
Reasonable Accommodation Ordinance Delayed: The council faced major pushback from residents regarding Ordinance 6726, which would allow the city to administratively approve zoning exceptions (like occupancy limits) for group homes, such as sober living houses, without public hearings to comply with the federal Fair Housing Act. Due to neighborhood concerns over transparency, the council voted to delay the ordinance for one month to form a workgroup and refine the plan.
Commercial Rezoning: The council finalized several rezoning requests for Elevate Rapid City to develop light industrial and office commercial spaces north of Mall Drive
Real Estate Corner
House of the Week - FOR FUN - Most Expensive Listing on BHMLS
13340 Victoria Lake Road
Rapid City SD
listed by Ryan Kelly, Oak and Key
5 Bedrooms
5+ Bathrooms
4,454 Total Sq Feet
75 Black Hills Acres
$14,950,000
Certified Tree Farm with guest cabin and more. Just write a check! haha
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Tristan Emond
The Emond Team
Mindful Living Realty
1511 West Blvd
Rapid City SD 57701
605-391-7086
www.rapidhomesonline.com
