WHERE WE STAND
PILLAR OBJECTIVES
ANCHOR INDUSTRIES
Economic Development Elevate Rapid City supports results-oriented programs that attract industry development and growth, create a skilled workforce, and promote cooperative city, county, state, and private efforts to promote local business growth and expansion and attract businesses to the Black Hills area. • Elevate Rapid City supports the responsible use of diverse economic development tools to increase the competitiveness of the Black Hills area. Such tools should be flexible in order to address the unique needs of South Dakota communities.
Agriculture Elevate Rapid City recognizes the significant economic impact of a strong agricultural industry and advocates for equitable policies that support the sustainability and growth of agricultural producers and businesses that support agricultural producers. • Elevate Rapid City supports a statewide effort to address local meat processing capacity.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Elevate Rapid City supports the development of policies that encourage and facilitate the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation within the growing sectors of science and technology. We support policies that address commercialization, research activity, funding, and collaboration among the private and public sectors to further develop the state’s value chain from concept to market. Workforce Development Elevate Rapid City supports workforce development programs that both enhance and retain the current workforce and attract new talent. Affordable Housing Elevate Rapid City supports innovative efforts and partnerships geared toward the development of affordable home ownership and rental opportunities for our growing workforce. Infrastructure South Dakota faces growing demands on its existing infrastructure and for expanded infrastructure. Programs assisting in the construction, planning, and updating of all types of infrastructure, for things such as transportation, water, sewer, and other systems, are needed. Support through proper use of funding and tax policy is desirable.
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Military Elevate Rapid City supports the continued viability and growth of the military installations in our region as an effective deterrent to global conflict. We support military men and women and advocate for policy that honors their commitment to our country. • Elevate Rapid City supports the cooperative initiatives of local, state, and federal leaders to ensure that Ellsworth Air Force Base is retained as a viable component of our nation’s military capabilities. • Elevate Rapid City supports local, state, and federal efforts to prepare our region for the B-21 beddown at Ellsworth Air Force Base as Main Operating Base 1. Natural Resources Elevate Rapid City supports responsible and proactive management and stewardship of our natural resources to sustain long-term health and resiliency. The natural resources of the Black Hills are one of our region’s greatest economic assets supporting thriving industries, global tourism, and enhancing quality of life for our community. • Elevate Rapid City supports the proactive planning, funding, and implementation of comprehensive forest management activities that reduce wildfire hazards and the risk of another mountain pine beetle epidemic in the Black Hills. Tourism • Elevate Rapid City recognizes the significant economic impact tourism has to our area and advocates for legislation that enhances and grows the hospitality industry.
