Mayor Jason Salamun has released his proposed 2027 City budget, highlighting a $25 million reduction in overall spending while proposing the largest road improvement investment in Rapid City history.
The $312.3 million budget proposal, down 7.4% from the 2026 budget of $337.3 million, will be presented during a special Rapid City Common Council session Monday evening.
In a letter accompanying the proposal, Salamun said the budget serves as a roadmap for the city’s future and reflects priorities aimed at making Rapid City a strong place to live, work and raise a family. He praised city staff for helping develop a budget that reduces spending while making significant investments in infrastructure.
The proposal includes a record $65 million for road improvements, funding projects such as East Anamosa Street, Healing Way, the Highway 79/Old Folsom Road intersection, roadway reconstruction projects, rehabilitation work and a new proactive road maintenance crew.
Public safety improvements account for more than $13.8 million, including completion of the Homestead Fire, Police and Mini Library facility, the new Northside Police Precinct, hiring 15 firefighters and adding six ambulance personnel to expand emergency medical coverage.
The budget also earmarks $82 million for quality-of-life projects, led by a $76 million indoor sports fieldhouse planned for north Rapid City. Additional funding will support new parks, renovations to existing facilities and other recreation improvements across the city.
Other budget priorities include four new full-time positions shared between Parks and Recreation and The Monument, along with a new internal review initiative aimed at improving oversight of taxpayer and ratepayer dollars.
The proposed budget will be available online beginning Tuesday at www.rcgov.org. City Council leaders have scheduled a series of departmental budget workshops from July 27-30. No votes will be taken during those sessions. Under state law, the City Council must give final approval to the budget by Sept. 30.
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