Elevate Rapid City - Where We Stand

PILLAR OBJECTIVES

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.

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.

ANCHOR INDUSTRIES

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.

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. KEY POLICY AREAS

KEY POLICY AREAS

Education

Elevate Rapid City supports education as a vital component of a strong local economy. Collaborative partnerships among educational institutions, businesses, and other employers are necessary to prepare students to enter the workforce and compete in a global economy.

Energy

Elevate Rapid City supports secure, reliable, and affordable energy development and distribution. We support a regulatory environment that promotes the production and development of sustainable, costeffective energy.

Equality

Elevate Rapid City encourages policies that promote a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Government

Elevate Rapid City supports responsible, efficient, and effective government and public institutions that operate in a transparent, accountable, and fiscally responsible manner.

Healthcare

Elevate Rapid City supports policies that enable employers to hire and retain a healthy and productive workforce. A strong local economy requires high quality and affordable health coverage for employees and their families.

Regulation and Taxation

Elevate Rapid City supports a regulatory and tax environment that attracts business development and growth. A business-friendly environment is vital to grow commerce throughout the state. Elevate Rapid City recognizes the need to generate revenue to support basic government needs. We support responsible tax policy that generates funds necessary to support essential government services.