Economic development: Data centers can bring new investment dollars, diversify Rapid City’s industrial base, and be a part of our long‑term tech footprint.

Short‑term jobs: Construction crews get months or even years of work.

Tax revenue: Even without massive hiring, the facility will generate commercial property tax and regular utility payments to the city and county.

Infrastructure upgrades: Sometimes projects like this push utility and fiber improvements that benefit everyone.

LOCAL data: I went to a summit this week - and my understanding is this will be a data center for local farmers (using so much more tech in their tractors) and companies like Monument Health are interested in rack space. Not Google or Amazon using our resources for people on the coast.

Jobs vs. hype: After the build is done? Most data centers employ very few people long‑term. I’ve heard this one will employ a whopping 3 people.

Utilities pressure: Big power draws can strain the grid and have downstream effects for residents’ energy rates, especially if infrastructure upgrades get socialized. We are part of a huge power grid - whether a center gets built in SD or ND, our power grid will be affected.

Water/electric load: This one is a considerably smaller data center than others you may have heard about. This one is said to have a closed loop water system (like a radiator on a car). One swimming pool full of water to last a long time. Skeptics say this isn’t accurate and the water will need to be replaced/flushed.

Community skepticism: Some locals are nervous about rate hikes, job promises that don’t materialize, and resource use without direct benefit. And that’s not just talk - folks on local threads are already debating (which is probably a calmer word than what’s happening) these exact points.

OneHeart Lease Renewal: The Council heard extensive public testimony from proponents and opponents before officially approving a notice of non-renewal under the automatic renewal provision of OneHeart's lease. Council members clarified this was a standard step for evaluating city-owned assets, not a move to close the facility.

Vision Funds Accountability: The Council officially approved the 18-month review framework for undrawn 2022 Vision Account allocations, requiring delayed projects to undergo a review that could result in continuation, modification, or de-obligation of funds.

Street Assessments: The Council gave final approval for the $32,923 contract with Michael Baker International for the 2026 Pavement Condition Index data collection. The project will use LiDAR technology to assess the condition of city streets, curbs, and sidewalks.

OneHeart Lease Renewal: The committee heard nearly an hour of public comment regarding the OneHeart campus before voting to recommend that the City Council issue the notice of non-renewal.

Vision Funds Accountability: The committee discussed and advanced the recommendation to establish the 18-month review framework for the undrawn 2022 Vision funds.

Renewable Natural Gas Study: Black Hills Energy presented their evaluation, reporting that a renewable natural gas project at the Rapid City Landfill is economically feasible and should be advanced to a developer. They also reported that capturing gas at the water reclamation facility is not viable due to low gas volumes and high capital costs. The committee voted to acknowledge the report.

Renewable Natural Gas Study: Black Hills Energy presented the same findings to this committee regarding the feasibility of capturing renewable natural gas at the landfill versus the water reclamation facility.

Street Assessments: The committee discussed and recommended approval of the contract for the 2026 Pavement Condition Index data collection to help prioritize capital improvement projects.

Yard Waste Carts: The committee approved the purchase of 702 new 95-gallon rollout carts for residential yard waste collection at a cost of $44,299.

New Coffee Shop: The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved variance requests to build a 7 Brew drive-thru coffee stand at 2420 Mount Rushmore Road. Despite concerns from some members about traffic stacking, the board approved variances to allow shared employee parking on an adjacent lot, an extended walking distance to those spots, and a reduced front yard setback for the canopy.

Future Land Use Plan: Planning Director Vicki Fisher announced to the Planning Commission that staff will soon be bringing forward comprehensive amendments to the future land use plan, which will include meeting with citizens in neighborhoods across the city throughout the year.

Buying/Selling a Home: If you are planning a move, let’s chat! It’s never too early to at least talk about your goals.

Market Conditions: I can send a quick snapshot of what’s going on in your neighborhood or area.

Request an Update: See a build or lot under construction? Send me the address/area and I’ll research what’s being planned or built there.