Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun discusses ideas for Vision Fund, feedback from town hall

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - A previous version of this story stated that the Monument Arena was a private business, but it is a public business, however, it was funded by the Vision Fund. It has since been corrected.

Original story:

Wednesday night’s town hall at Rapid City Hall featured discussion and disagreement regarding the future of the city’s Vision Fund. Part of the city’s sales tax revenue, the Vision Fund was established in the wake of the flood and has seen many revisions in its long history.

Mayor Jason Salamun began the meeting with a presentation describing his proposed revisions to the Vision Fund ordinance for the five years from 2025 through 2029. Some in attendance supported these changes.

“A lot of folks in the community are like, ‘well yeah, we should do things that make our community better, invest in our parks, and our quality of life here, and projects that will enhance this community,’” Salamun said, describing reactions he has heard in support of the proposed reallocations of funds.

Salamun emphasized his desire to focus funding on public projects over the development of businesses during the town hall. Some attendees disagreed, citing examples of previous Vision Fund developments like the Dahl Arts Center as attractions that have benefitted Rapid City’s tourism industry and population growth.

Salamun mentioned he expects disagreement at town halls, and he believes it can lead to positive outcomes.

“Whatever side you fall on this issue, I hope you understand that I had the best interests of the city at heart when I presented this plan,” Salamun said. “I trust even those who oppose this plan; they care about the city too.”

A text of the proposed Vision Fund ordinance revisions can be found on the Rapid City Government website. A second reading of the ordinance will be read at the upcoming Rapid City Council meeting June 17.

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