RAPID CITY, SD—The City of Rapid City’s Community Enrichment Division hosted a public listening session Thursday to take public input on how to best use Community Development Block Grant dollars in Rapid City’s Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Action Plan.

“This information that we gathered here we’re going to start understanding what type of activities might fit into these broad categories or projects and actually develop an action plan,” Community Enrichment Division Manager Michelle Schuelke said. “An action plan is more than just the projects or the money it’s also understanding who would be benefitting from these project types.”

Block grant dollars usually fall in the $500,000 range and can be used for housing, public infrastructure and community development in Rapid City. While the ideas at the meeting ranged from spending for senior centers and childcare to solar development and transportation, affordable housing was a concern commonly shared.

Schuelke said Community Block Grant dollars are one component of the larger funding stack for community needs and projects.

“We are usually a piece of the puzzle when it comes to housing projects,” Schuelke said. “We’re usually a funding stack that includes five, six, seven, eight, nine different stacks of funding, whether it be federal, through the state, or local funding.”

In the next few weeks, more information on the formal application process will be shared through the Community Enrichment Division.

Information on current programs and copies of the current 2023-2027 Consolidated Plan may be obtained by calling 605-394-4181 or visiting the CDBG program page on the City’s website.