Potential Large Development, Proposed TIF, and a Risk of Lost Oversight

The real issue is not the development itself, but whether Rapid City gives up oversight before residents and their elected representatives have a meaningful say

Rapid City, as your representative on the City Council, I believe it is important to make you aware of something on this Monday’s agenda.

Item 36 asks the City Council to establish a TIF district over land that is almost entirely county owned, with only a portion touching Catron Boulevard in Ward 1. If that district is created, it could pave the way for a very large development that may include major commercial structures along with housing, both single family and multifamily.

Some parts of that development may ultimately be great for the community, and some may not. That is not the main issue before us right now.

The issue is oversight.

If this moves forward in its current form, the City Council would be giving up meaningful control over a project that is expected to come back into the city through annexation. In practical terms, that means neither I nor the rest of the City Council would be in a position to vote on or defend against a TIF plan that we believe falls short of providing adequate community benefit.

I was elected to represent Ward 1 and to exercise judgment on behalf of the people who live here. This proposal would weaken that representation at a critical stage.

At Legal and Finance Committee last Wednesday, I raised a series of questions because I believe this approach is wrong. My concern is simple: if the city creates the district now, we will be surrendering our ability to meaningfully shape or stop a future TIF plan before it is effectively brought back into the city.

I oppose the creation of this TIF district, and I want the public to understand why. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of regret. I encourage you to educate yourself, review the agenda, and speak out if you share these concerns.