Meeting with the Mayor

Mayor Jason Salamun joins Murdoc to break down a busy week in Rapid City, starting with the passage of the school bond and what the vote means for local taxpayers and schools. The mayor also digs into the ongoing debate over data centers, explaining why he wants stronger protections for water, power, neighborhoods and noise, and why the city may consider a temporary moratorium while a new ordinance is finalized. Plus, Salamun previews a major public update on the new sports complex, including its design, site planning and upcoming naming announcement. The conversation also covers Rapid City’s strong sales tax performance, Veterans Day events, new Parks and Recreation Director Scott Anderson, the approaching Chick-fil-A opening and longtime city building official Kurt Bechtel’s upcoming retirement and Hall of Fame honor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bret Mattice from City of RC comes on to discuss upcoming city events and meetings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mayor Jason Salamun joins Amy Rose, filling in for Murdoc, for a conversation about public safety, city regulations, and what comes next after his time in office. The two discuss potential new rules for e-bikes on Rapid City's bike paths, concerns about bright LED headlights, and confusing intersections that could benefit from improved road markings. Salamun also shares an update on the anticipated November opening of Chick-fil-A on Lacrosse Street. The conversation then takes a personal turn as Salamun reflects on his difficult decision not to seek reelection, revealing how Rapid City's America 250 celebrations helped him find peace with stepping away. He discusses his final budget, including $65 million in street investments over two years, and opens up about his uncertain future, possible career paths, and his commitment to finishing his term strong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mayor Jason Salamun joins Murdoc to discuss public safety, community investment and several major conversations happening across Rapid City. Salamun reflects on the death of a Minnehaha County sheriff’s deputy and the statewide cooperation between law enforcement agencies, while also explaining Rapid City’s ongoing effort to establish new rules for data centers with a focus on protecting water and other local resources. He also recaps the city’s all-employee development meetings, where staff focused on maintaining momentum through change and improving service to residents. The conversation also covers Rapid City’s sister city exchange with German students, the upcoming Black Hills Brawl, support for local schools and the Fork Real Community Café fundraiser, highlighting the organizations and people working to strengthen the community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mayor Jason Salamun joins Murdoc to talk about Rapid City’s effort to get ahead of the data center debate by putting guardrails in place to protect water, power capacity, neighborhoods, and other community resources. Salamun previews the upcoming public open house and explains why he believes the city needs clear rules before major projects arrive. The conversation also turns to Rapid City’s developing AI policy, with a focus on protecting confidential information while still allowing employees to use new technology responsibly. Later, the mayor highlights Freshman Impact and its lessons for local high school students, a ride-along with Meals on Wheels and the need for better kitchen space, and the Black Hills Powwow’s growing national profile. The episode wraps with some lighter conversation about technology, Clippy, Val Kilmer, and the Black Hills on film. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mayor Jason Salamun joins Murdoc to break down some of the biggest developments happening across Rapid City, including Northrop Grumman’s expansion into the community and the opportunities surrounding the B-21 mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Salamun discusses the city’s newly approved budget, highlighted by a historic $65 million investment in streets and infrastructure over the next two years, including expanded mill and overlay work. The conversation also covers a citywide diaper drive that collected 35,000 diapers for Mommy’s Closet, visits with students at Corral Drive Elementary and Central High School, and some of the unique businesses operating in Rapid City. The episode closes with Salamun discussing the proposed Rapid City Area Schools bond and why he believes investments in new schools, security, HVAC improvements, and accessibility are important for the community’s next generation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mayor Jason Salamun joins Murdoc for a candid conversation following his announcement that he will not seek reelection as Rapid City mayor in 2027. Salamun explains the personal decision behind stepping away after six years on the City Council and four years as mayor, reflecting on Rapid City’s investments in public safety, parks, streets, the new sports complex and continued economic growth. He also looks ahead to what comes next for the city, offering advice to potential mayoral candidates on leadership, sacrifice, family, values and developing a clear vision for Rapid City. With nine months remaining in office, Salamun says he intends to “finish strong,” remain fully engaged through the end of his term and ultimately hand the city over to its next leader. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mayor Jason Salamun joins Murdoc for a Labor Day weekend edition of Meeting with the Mayor, reflecting on family, making memories and the end of another Rapid City summer before diving into what’s happening around town. They discuss the city’s partnership with Dakota Biochar to turn wood waste from last winter’s massive windstorm into a useful product while freeing up valuable landfill space. Salamun also shares a major milestone for the new sports complex after officially signing the paperwork for the project’s land. Plus, they talk about the groundbreaking research happening at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, remember former legislator and community leader David Lust following his selection to the South Dakota Hall of Fame, preview potential improvements at Storybook Island, and discuss progress toward bringing an Indigenous-focused medical school to Rapid City. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mayor Jason Salamun joins Amy Rose to share a major update on Rapid City’s first Chick-fil-A, with the La Crosse Street location now ahead of schedule and expected to open in November. They discuss the city’s ongoing efforts to attract businesses like Costco and the long process behind bringing new retailers to Rapid City. Salamun also highlights progress on the regional sports complex after the fifth and final agreement was signed and construction officially kicked off. The conversation turns to Rapid City’s growing east side, where a new police precinct, Fire Station 9 and community park are moving forward on Homestead Street, along with 21 new positions planned to support the fire station. They also discuss the city’s $65 million investment in streets over the next two years, expanded mill and overlay work, pothole repairs, weekly recycling service and the everyday concerns Rapid City residents bring to the mayor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mayor Jason Salamun joins Murdoc to discuss a busy week of growth and investment across Rapid City, from the kickoff of the Central States Fair to new parks, playgrounds and expanding soccer facilities. Mayor Salamun shares a major milestone for the regional sports complex, with more than $66 million secured and the naming rights partnership with Sanford Health officially approved. They also check in on Rapid City’s two Chick-fil-A locations, which could open sooner than previously expected, and discuss conversations among South Dakota mayors about data centers and economic development. The conversation also covers prison and jail overcrowding, public safety cameras and data privacy, and efforts through Safe South Dakota to address statewide criminal justice challenges. Plus, Salamun highlights his proposed city budget, which would make the largest investment in Rapid City roads in the city’s history.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.