Moderated by Lori Frederick of Elevate Rapid City, the most recent Critical Issues Luncheon at The Rushmore Hotel discussed smart growth and economic development throughout Rapid City. While the primary focus of economic development is attracting new businesses and creating new jobs, Elevate knows that smart growth is a critical component. Smart growth involves the creation and implementation of a plan focusing on sustainability and livability throughout our community. Without utilizing smart growth, economic development could potentially create more problems than it solves.

Joining the discussion were:

1. Chris Long of Keller Williams Realty Black Hills
2. Garth Wadsworth of Elevate Rapid City
3. Andrea Smith of McGough Construction
4. Kip Harrington of City of Rapid City

Coming from different backgrounds and areas of the economy, each panelist offered a unique perspective when discussing the issues.

Key Discussion Points from the Critical Issues Luncheon

There is often vocal concern from local residents about losing the quality of place and its uniqueness. The panelists evaluated the steps for balancing the growth and progress of Rapid City while maintaining those things that make it such a great community.

Rapid City is averaging 2,000 new residents per year, which can sound overwhelming. Insight was offered on how growth can be positive, along with the preparation needed to support this growth, such as with traffic, infrastructure, and housing.  

Details were provided on how the private sector works with the city to create solutions. The discussion went a step further by offering those in attendance a better understanding of, not only how the private and public sectors work together, but how they work collectively on commercial projects. As someone who is not originally from Rapid City, Andrea presented an excellent parallel of how Rapid City’s growth compares with that of Sioux Falls or even Bismarck. She offered her knowledge of how we, as a city, can better support developers, along with what is working well for other cities.

As one of the largest driving factors for those moving to Rapid City, preserving outdoor recreation throughout the Black Hills was another key topic reviewed during the Critical Issues Luncheon. Garth had much to add about the preservation and growth of Rapid City’s biggest, most beautiful attractions. While growing and expanding our economy, smart growth not only creates solutions for current and potential issues throughout the city, but also solves the dilemma for maintaining the natural beauty in and around the city as it expands.

Are you curious to know more and get involved in creating solutions for Rapid City’s critical issues?

Click Here to join us for future luncheons and events.