Rapid City is off to a record-breaking year for building activity, issuing nearly $236.2 million in permit valuations through the first five months of 2026—the highest total ever for that period in city history.
The milestone surpasses previous records set in 2022 and 2018, fueled by a surge in large-scale projects and steady residential construction. April and May alone produced more than $168.3 million in valuations, setting a new two-month record.
In May, the city issued 190 permits totaling more than $75.6 million—the second-highest May on record. Through May, officials have issued 982 permits, outpacing last year’s pace.
Community Development Director Vicki Fisher credited the strong numbers to a mix of major commercial projects and ongoing demand for single-family homes.
Leading May projects included a $37.6 million Black Hills Power administration building, a $13.1 million apartment complex, and several other developments valued at more than $1 million each.
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