The focus of Mayor Jason Salamun’s leadership is clear: the next generation. From his first days in office, he has framed every decision around the simple yet profound question of whether it benefits the children and families of Rapid City. “If kids thrive and families flourish, we all win,” he said, emphasizing that the city’s vision isn’t about growth for growth’s sake, but about creating a community where future generations can prosper.
One of Mayor Salamun’s major initiatives for the coming year is the development of a year-round, indoor sports complex. Beyond recreation and providing a positive outlet for families, Mayor Salamun explained, the complex supports Rapid City’s goal of year-round tourism. By attracting national and regional events, the city can bring outside revenue into the local economy, while simultaneously improving life for residents. “We have the hotel capacity, the natural beauty and the benefits of a growing community,” he said. “We need to capitalize on that.”
Mayor Salamun went on and spoke candidly about his approach to public service as stewardship, not status, emphasizing that his role is temporary, but the impact on families and the community should be lasting. “I try not to find my identity in what I do but try to do the best I can with the skills, gifts, abilities and experiences I’ve had,” he said.
Faith guides his approach as well. Mayor Salamun sees investing in children as both a civic duty and a moral imperative. He described family as the building block of society: strong homes, engaged parents and nurturing communities, he said, create the foundation for a thriving city. “If you build a society around that,” he explained, “everything else takes care of itself. Government is not your parents. The government should be in support of the family.”
Education and workforce development are also central to his vision. From schools to South Dakota Mines, Black Hills State University and Western Dakota Tech, he sees a full ecosystem of learning as critical for keeping young talent in Rapid City. Growth, Mayor Salamun noted, must be strategic. Housing, business opportunities and infrastructure all play a role in creating a healthy, sustainable city.
Despite the responsibilities of office, Mayor Salamun remains approachable. Whether walking downtown, visiting a local coffee shop or speaking to fourth graders about the city, he engages with the community on a personal level. “At the end of the day, I’m Jason from Rapid City,” he said. “I won’t be mayor forever. But if we invest in the next generation, tangible evidence will show we did what we were supposed to do.”
For Mayor Salamun, that focus defines his legacy: a city that grows not just in size, but in opportunity, care and character — where children thrive, families flourish and the future is bright.
300 6th Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
mayorsoffice@rcgov.org