The Rushmore Crossing TIF Conversation Needs the Full Story
I read the Post article from this weekend, and one part stuck with me. Not because it was malicious or intentionally misleading, but because it left out
January 19, 2026
A Yes vote for the Destination District will give Rapid City public infrastructure, entertainment and year round attractions, restaurants, housing, parks,- and most importantly, improved economic impact for Rapid City.
A Yes vote supports families gathering from near and far. A public space. For gathering. For fellowship. For celebration. For memories past and yet to be made. We ask you to do what is hard, to do what is right and join us in the fight against the “No-alition” that is making it harder to improve schools, fill our aquifers, fund our airport expansions, and develop actual property tax reduction
The city is paying for development. The TRUTH is private development is investing in the city’s infrastructure.
Rapid City Abuses TIFS
Rapid City’s growth is paved with the successful TIF developments we now take for granted. Rushmore Crossing, the recent ‘Chick-fil-A’ TIF, The Sports Complex, healthcare expansion, EAFB housing, Founders Park and more prove that TIFs are a smart, effective tool for growth.
Property Taxes Increase
The truth is that TIFs pay for themselves by using the new tax revenue they generate. Your current property taxes are not used. TIFs broaden the tax base, which can stabilize or lower the tax burden for everyone in the long run. This project is expected to:
The TIF doesn’t fund public infrastructure
The TIF is a tool for funding essential public improvements. This TIF would fund the widening of Seger Drive, the extension of Tish Boulevard, and necessary drainage and sanitary sewer upgrades—upgrades that complement the new Sports Complex and benefit the entire area. A Yes vote saves the Sports Complex 10 MILLION in infrastructure that they don’t have budgeted
The Destination District is unpopular
Polling shows that nearly 60% of Rapid City residents want new entertainment, attractions, restaurants, and year-round experiences.
Even MORE want new grocery or niche stores.
Rapid City citizens want new housing developments.
LibertyLand addresses these needs by adding needed housing units to our community, new robust dining and shopping, year-round entertainment and attractions that include an IMAX Theater
The City snuck this project by the public.
The Liberty Land / Destination District development has a longer history than you’d think – started by a group of locals who had some big ideas. “In the beautiful Black Hills of Dakota Territory, the authentic American spirit of the West begins again, allowing the world to experience freedom by making history real.”
In 2022, this project passed Zoning and Planning
In 2025, the Rapid City Council passed this development TWICE
NOW IT IS UP TO US!
Corporate Handouts and Free Rides
The risk is on the developer, not the city. It’s up to private businesses to develop, which will increase the entire tax base and pay for the Infrastructure. Target, Scheels, Cabelas, countless housing projects, streets, sewer, signals, police and fire stations –
all from TIFs
New / Free Grant Money
Since 2011, (SB90) South Dakota has included discretionary funding for TIFs. South Dakota, including Rapid City, has used this funding mechanism for nearly 15 years. It must be used for the Public Good and cannot be used to develop housing. Because of this investment, it could be the largest sales tax development in Rapid City history. That is money for schools, roads, public safety and property tax reduction
The Sports Complex Has Nothing to do with the Destination District
The sports complex sits at the geographic heart of the Destination District and is a core anchor of the entire project. As shown on the official district map, the Destination District boundary is built around the sports complex, not separate from it. The surrounding infrastructure, roads, utilities, and visitor amenities are intentionally designed to support year-round sports tourism, tournaments, and community use that benefit the entire district. Without the Destination District, those infrastructure costs do not go away and could conservatively add $10 million or more in future public spending.
A Themed Entertainment District with 6 distinct ‘Lands’
Celebrating our nation’s beginnings with taverns and dining
Discover the Black Hills and the Badlands, where the spirit of the Lakota people and their enduring connection to the natural world are one. Or journey further back through time and learn about when the dinosaurs roamed these lands
Exploring the Old West featuring an IMAX and ScreenX Theater and shopping and dining experiences to complement
Brimming with Nostalgia and Americana, explore the county fair-themed gathering areas, and enjoy the park with a sweet treat from the ice cream parlor.
Celebrating our region’s deep military heritage and taking in LibertyLand USA’s deep appreciation for those who have fought for our freedom with Wings over America style theaters, dining, shopping, complete with actual pieces of South Dakota military history, in partnership with Ellsworth Air Force Base.
Put the top down and take in America’s love for the open road. Roadside Americana arcade, go-karts, play lands, and family dining
Something befitting America’s national parks with themed rooms, convention space, and family play lands
Resort and Campground activities, where families gather from near and far. A general store, cafe, and recreation center are planned.
I read the Post article from this weekend, and one part stuck with me. Not because it was malicious or intentionally misleading, but because it left out
If you are a sports parent in Rapid City, you already know what it means to step up. You are the one who stays late
Something powerful is happening at Team Rapid City. Our Wall of Liberty, the supporter page that recognizes the people standing up for Rapid City’s future,
I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed TIF district for Libertyland USA. Tax Increment Financing is a proven tool for capital
By Domico Rodriguez, Executive Director, Rapid City Sports Commission On January 20, Rapid City voters will make a decision that reaches far beyond a single
The Destination District is projected to generate $182,160,520 in NEW property tax revenue (paid exclusively by the property owners in the Destination District) to expand
Where voices of freedom come together.
Aaron Oberloh
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Maryjo Heng
Martin Jurisch
Marty Wilcox
Mary Drumm
Mary Wieber
Matt Benne
Matt Brunner
Matt McKie
Matt Sever
Matthew Huether
Megan Sterling
Meg McMahon
Melanie Palm
Melissa Tideman
Meredith Weber
Michael Haeder
Michael Szymanski
Michelle Thomson
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Oscar Vega
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Patrick Dame
Paul Thorstenson
Paulette Davidson
Pete Lien
Phil Olsen
Quentin Riggins
RCS Construction, Inc.
RC Scull
R.L. Stine
Rand Schleusener
Randy Olivier
Randy Taylor
Riann Reurink
Rick Denherder
Rich Marsh
Rob Henry
Robert W Akers
Robert Galbraith
Robert Raker
Robert Scull
Robin Zebrowski
Rockwell Petersen
Ron Jeffries
Ron Sasso
Ron Vesely
Roxanne Rathbun
Ryan Pedersen
Ryan Raposa
Sam Benne
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Samantha Kaiser
Samantha Weaver
Sarah Hornick
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Scott Barbour
Scott Edwards
Scott Landguth
Scott Lee
Scott Reiman
Shane Crecelius
Sheila Smyle
Shon Anderson
Somer Kingsbury
Sophia Lien
Stacie Hull
Stephanie D’Urso
Stephanie Hurd
Steve Allender
Steve Duffy
Steve Howard
Steve Kenitzer
Steve Westra
Suzy Gabrielson
Tammy Barrows
Taylee Michelle Dupree
Terry Tobin
Thom Palm
Tiffani Robertson
Tim Johnson
Tim Markovetz
Tim Scott
Tina Heinbaugh
Todd Kenner
Todd Wieber
Tom Christopherson
Tom Drumm
Tom Johnson
Tom Kosola
Tom Weaver
Tony Marshall
Tony Ohlmacher
Tracee l Coghlan
Travis Jones
Trevor Turner
Troy “Jumping Buffalo” Fairbanks
Tucker Handcock
Tyson Steiger
Vince Vidal
Wade Lampert
Wendy Clark
Winifred Vanatta
Zach Gibson
Zach Lampert
The opposition is counting on low turnout and fear to continue the false narrative.
Loud extremism shouldn’t control the future of our families. We believe in grand dreams and big futures. Join us in building something the community will come together and support on Jan 20.