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 formation, and its successful history in South Dakota—with over 400 districts since the 1970s—demonstrates its historical benefit to tax revenues and local economies.
The unrealistic demands for proprietary details and the bureaucratic hurdles currently facing this developer often mirror the “transparency” measures that have stalled governance in other states. We must trust the representatives we elect to negotiate these complex deals and move beyond the fear of change that fuels anti-development campaigns.
Libertyland USA represents an extraordinary opportunity to transform underutilized land into a billion-dollar asset. This project will create an economic boom, expand the local customer pool, and provide a necessary boost to our tourism industry, which currently relies too heavily on Mount Rushmore.
Opponents have offered contradictory criticisms regarding job wages and labor competition, yet the reality remains: without decisive action and an embrace of risk, their growth will stagnate. As for energy concerns, despite two thousand power projects being canceled in 2025, President Trump is eliminating roadblocks to permitting delays on energy projects, so our demand will be met by long-distance, high-capacity electricity infrastructure. To remain competitive as a tourist destination, Rapid City must offer something new and significant.
The vote on January 20th will signal whether South Dakota is truly “open for business” or if we will allow over-democratization and bureaucratic sabotage to hinder our future prosperity. I encourage you to support this project and the long-term growth of Rapid City.
-Jim Sheehan