Rapid City’s sales tax collections continued to show strong economic growth in April, with revenues reaching a record level for the month.
According to a report scheduled for review by the Rapid City Legal and Finance Committee, April general two-percent sales tax collections increased 7.6% compared to April 2025. The city collected more than $7.3 million during the month, nearly $500,000 more than the same period last year and the highest April total on record.
Through the first four months of 2026, general sales tax collections exceeded $28.3 million, up from $26.6 million during the same period in 2025.
Finance Director Daniel Ainslie said year-to-date General Fund sales tax revenues are running 5.6% above budget projections, indicating stronger-than-expected economic activity.
Tourism-related sales tax collections also increased, rising 2.68% in April and remaining generally in line with budget expectations for the year. Collections for the Capital Improvement Fund and Vision Fund were also higher than April 2025 levels.
Ainslie noted that while revenues continue to outperform projections, the costs of providing city services and maintaining roads, parks and public facilities continue to increase.
General Fund revenues support city services including police, fire, libraries and parks, while Capital Improvement Fund and Vision Fund revenues help finance infrastructure upgrades and major community projects.
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