The latest episode of the podcast Meeting With The Mayor featured Jason Salamun discussing Rapid City’s proposed sports complex, the upcoming local elections and several major summer events planned across the city.

Salamun said confusion remains in the community following the failed Libertyland vote, with some residents mistakenly believing the proposed sports complex project also ended.

“We will build this sports complex,” Salamun said during the episode. “It did not kill the sports complex. Very much alive.”

According to Salamun, the project is expected to cost between $50 million and $60 million and would be funded through a combination of tax increment financing tied to the Black Hills Energy project, hotel bid fees, city vision funds and a future naming rights agreement.

The mayor said the city is already seeing strong interest from architecture, engineering and construction firms interested in participating in the project.

“We’re seeing on city projects about 25% less for concrete projects and things like that,” Salamun said, referencing favorable bid conditions.

Salamun emphasized the long-term economic impact the facility could have on Rapid City, particularly during slower winter tourism months.

“If we had wintertime things that were generating hotel stays, those businesses would be propped up for a full season,” he said.

The mayor also encouraged residents to vote in the upcoming election despite frustrations with negative campaign messaging.

“Please show up to vote,” Salamun said. “If you don’t, then the people who think the opposite of you will, and they will decide you and your children’s future.”

The episode also highlighted Rapid City’s upcoming America 250 celebrations, including the “Real America Birthday Bash” scheduled for July 1 through July 5 downtown. Salamun said events will include concerts, a drone show, patriotic displays and livestreamed Mount Rushmore fireworks.

In addition, Salamun noted continued growth at Rapid City Regional Airport, with April passenger traffic up 8% compared to last year.