Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun discussed community events, public safety concerns and the upcoming America 250 celebration in the latest episode of the “Meeting With the Mayor” podcast.
Opening the show, Salamun highlighted recent local efforts including Arbor Day activities and citywide cleanup work. “We just wrapped up cleanup week,” he said, thanking residents who helped maintain parks and public spaces. He also noted a tree planting event at West Middle School, calling it “great to see the enthusiasm of the kids and the teachers.”
The mayor pointed to continued investment in local schools, including a ribbon cutting at Rapid Valley Elementary tied to a broader school district plan. A proposed $107 million bond would fund upgrades to security, HVAC systems and new school construction. Salamun said those improvements are “very much needed” as the district prepares for future growth.
Looking ahead, Salamun emphasized preparations for the America 250 celebration in Rapid City. He described a large scale drone show as a centerpiece event. “The drone show will be basically the story of America lit up in lights,” he said, adding it is something the city has “just haven’t had around here ever before.”
The celebration is expected to include multiple days of events from July 1 through July 4, including concerts, a parade and a livestream of fireworks from Mount Rushmore. Salamun said the goal is to make Rapid City “a premier place to celebrate America’s 250th.”
On public safety, the mayor addressed ongoing concerns about parole. He said local leaders have been raising the issue for years but recent trends have increased urgency. “There is a concern with regards the amount of people on parole recommitting crimes and the repeat offenders and that has surged,” Salamun said.
He added that while many individuals successfully reintegrate, gaps in the system remain. “There is a place for parole,” he said, but “there is something broken in the system.”
Salamun said coordination between city, county and state officials will continue as Rapid City works to balance public safety with rehabilitation efforts.
