Since taking office in July 2023, Mayor Jason Salamun has expressed a deep sense of optimism for Rapid City’s future. Reflecting on his role, he quoted Plato: “A city is what it is because the citizens are who they are.” For Mayor Salamun, this underscores his belief that the strength of a city lies in its people, a perspective he has come to appreciate more with each passing day.
At the core of this strength, he believes, is the family unit — the foundation upon which a thriving community is built. “The health of a family equals the health of a community,” he said. “When families are strong, the community thrives, from public safety to overall well-being.” With this focus on families, Mayor Salamun is committed to guiding the city’s growth thoughtfully. “We want to be better before bigger,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of managing Rapid City’s growing population with care to ensure both current and future generations can flourish.
A key example of his forward-thinking approach is the long-awaited Fire Station Number One project, which has been decades in the making. “This is the kind of long-term vision we need,” the mayor noted. “We’re laying the groundwork for a prosperous future, even if the results won’t be fully visible for years.”
Looking to the future, Mayor Salamun is particularly excited about 2025, a year he envisions as one full of action. “My word for 2025 is ‘bold,’” he stated. “I wasn’t elected to maintain the status quo; I was elected to make things better, to solve problems.” This forward momentum is driven by the belief that Rapid City’s best days are ahead — and he’s committed to leading it there.
At the heart of his leadership is a strong foundation of personal values. “I’m a Christian, a husband, a dad and a veteran,” he shared. These roles shape his approach to leadership, particularly in fostering transparency and building public trust. “It’s important for the community to know who I am and why I make the decisions I do,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to openness.
As Rapid City continues to grow, Mayor Salamun is clear about his vision: to build a community where families thrive, the next generation has ample opportunities and the city’s unique character is preserved. “We live in an amazing place, and I believe Rapid City represents the best of America,” he said. “That’s something I’m incredibly proud of, and I will continue to work every day to make it even better.”
For Mayor Salamun, leadership is a collective effort. “A leader is only as good as the team that’s with them,” he said, underscoring the value he places on his staff and leadership team. He strives to create an environment where they can excel, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Cabinet and other strategic meetings focus on overcoming challenges and finding solutions, ensuring a proactive and optimistic approach to governance.
“Rapid City is poised for greatness,” Mayor Salamun affirmed. His vision for the city includes a strong emphasis on families, economic opportunity and public safety. “We’re going to be very intentional about how we move forward,” he said, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and thoughtful execution to achieve these goals.
Through it all, Mayor Salamun remains committed to open communication and transparency, believing that trust and collaboration are key to building a more inclusive community. His frequent interactions with residents, willingness to listen to diverse perspectives, and dedication to finding common ground are central to his leadership style. As Rapid City evolves, Mayor Salamun is excited about the journey ahead, working every day to create a stronger, more vibrant city for everyone.
300 6th Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
mayorsoffice@rcgov.org