The Rapid City Council has officially reapproved Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts for the Libertyland USA and Catalyst District developments after a legal notice error required both projects to go through the voting process again.
Libertyland, a $125 million theme park and resort village planned north of Rushmore Crossing, passed 7–2, with council members Stephen Tamang and Rod Pettigrew voting against. The Catalyst District, now scaled down to $84 million from its original $132 million, passed 8–1, with Pettigrew again dissenting.
Libertyland’s plan remains unchanged, featuring a Western-themed hotel, conference center, event spaces, and 400 housing units. The Catalyst District will fund a new sports complex but dropped plans for a school and recreational corridor upgrades after local school board revisions.
Mayor Jason Salamun praised both projects as transformative investments in Rapid City’s future, noting Libertyland’s current site generates just $5,000 annually in property taxes—a figure expected to rise significantly once development is complete.
Public response was mixed. Nearly 50 speaker forms were submitted, with residents and officials voicing both strong support and opposition. State Sen. Taffy Howard criticized the city’s use of TIFs, calling it inconsistent with fiscal conservatism. Tonchi Weaver of South Dakota Citizens for Liberty announced plans for a referendum to bring Libertyland’s approval to a public vote.
Supporters, including Rapid City Sports Commission Director Domico Rodriguez and Visit Rapid City CEO Ally Formanek, emphasized the economic and tourism potential—especially during winter months. Formanek cited youth sports as a resilient driver of tourism, with 3.9 million visitors spending over $504 million in Rapid City in 2024.
Council member Lindsey Seachris highlighted Libertyland’s family-friendly appeal, confirming residents will have free entry to the park, with fees only for rides and amenities. Golden Ticket Cinemas also announced plans for a new theater within Libertyland, potentially featuring South Dakota’s first IMAX auditorium.
Mayor Salamun is expected to sign the final resolutions on September 4.
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