RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun won’t seek reelection in 2027, opening the door for new leadership to step in and guide Rapid City through the next four years.

Salamun made the announcement on his personal Facebook page Sunday afternoon – a decision, he said Monday afternoon, that didn’t come easily.

“These are not decisions you make on your best day or your worst day so it’s something I just wanted to sit with and make sure we’re moving forward in a productive way,” he said.

Salamun made the announcement in September to allow for the potential pool of candidates to prepare. That, he said, was what he thought was best for Rapid City.

“For me that’s really important that we have someone else who can do great things in the mayor’s office,” Salamun said. “I want someone with values and vision for Rapid City who has Rapid City’s best interests at heart.”

Petitions for the mayor’s office race can be picked up in February and those will be turned in the next month. At that time, the field of candidates will be clear.

“A lot of people are asking me what’s next? My question is who’s next? And I hope we have great leadership for Rapid City for many years to come.”

Salamun has been actively involved in Rapid City government for the past decade – six years as a council member and four as mayor.

During his time as mayor, Salamun has played a role in growing Rapid City’s legacy as a regional hub – new police precincts and fire stations, the expansion plans at Ellsworth Air Force Base and the impact that will have on Rapid City, the announcement that a second hospital would join the Rapid City market, new parks, street investments, and business and residential growth – have all been part of the landscape for the past decade.

“There have always been challenges and I certainly haven’t pitched a perfect game, but I did have a sense of we got a lot done,” he said. “And that’s thanks to the great team that we have.”

For his remaining time in office, Salamun said the sports complex – now in design phase – remains a priority.

“What’s it going to look like? How’s it going to sit on site? I’m excited to be part of those discussions and continue to steward that.” he said.

Another project he’ll continue to focus on is a project that involves the City of Rapid City, South Dakota Mines, Western Dakota Tech, and Elevate Rapid City about the best use for the street department maintenance facility property located across from Mines when the maintenance facility is relocated.

“What would be the highest best use for that area for the community to bring more industry to town?” Salamun said.

Ellsworth Air Force Base expansion and Rapid City’s role in that also remains a top priority for the mayor’s remaining months.

“There are plenty of things to do,” he said. “I’m going to stay just as busy as I ever have been. I plan to run hard towards the finish line and when it’s done, we’ll hand it off to the next person.”

Salamun said his time in office has always been about investing in the next generation, building business, and providing opportunities for jobs and growth.

“I’m a big believer that I want us to be where kids thrive and families flourish,” he said. “I think a city not investing in its next generation is in decline.”

His decision not to seek reelection didn’t come easily. Salamun said he was considering the possibility that he wouldn’t seek reelection this summer and during the July celebrations his decision became clearer.

“I really felt the sense that it was time to let go during the America 250^th celebrations,” he said, highlighting how the community had come together for the celebration and for drone show celebration. “And I had this peace, it’s okay to let go, the city is good.”

Salamun, who has served in the Air Force, the Ministry, private business, and city government, doesn’t know what comes next.

“I hope to always be a force for good,” he said. “I want to make sure that I’m able to be the kind of man I’m called to be, and I believe that I’ll be put in various situations to be of help.”