Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun outlined several major city priorities during the latest episode of Meeting with the Mayor, highlighting the upcoming city budget, continued progress on the proposed sports complex and ongoing efforts to address conditions at Star Village.

Salamun said his annual budget address will be delivered Monday evening, officially beginning the public review process for the city’s 2027 budget. While saving many details for the City Council presentation, he previewed a budget that is smaller than last year’s while making what he described as historic investments in road infrastructure.

“I want to invest more in roads than we ever have,” Salamun said, adding that strong local sales tax collections have positioned the city to make significant infrastructure improvements while maintaining a conservative budget.

The mayor also announced another milestone for the planned Rapid City sports complex. Five agreements are expected to move forward this summer, including acceptance of approximately 23 acres of donated land from Pete Lien & Sons, a management agreement with Sports Facilities Companies, architectural and engineering work through TSP, and additional construction and naming rights agreements.

Salamun said the project now has roughly $66 million secured through a combination of hotel BID fees, tax increment financing, Vision Fund dollars, land donations and private partnerships.

“It’s not a prediction, it’s a spoiler,” Salamun said of future development around the complex. “You’re going to see that area develop very quickly.”

He estimated the facility could open in late 2028 but said 2029 is the more conservative timeline.

The mayor also addressed conditions at Star Village, where the city plans to remove 28 deteriorating garages and sheds after what he described as repeated attempts to get the Florida-based property management company to correct safety issues.

“This is about the people,” Salamun said. “There are good folks up there.”

He emphasized that no occupied homes are being demolished and said the city is trying to improve safety while avoiding additional hardship for residents who have continued paying rent and utilities despite the property’s ongoing management issues.

The episode also touched on Rapid City’s business growth, including the opening of South Dakota’s first Airstream dealership and an upcoming Natural Grocers ribbon cutting. Salamun even made a lighthearted pitch for someone to build a roller skating rink near the future sports complex, saying the area will become a destination for families and tournament visitors for years to come.