Rapid City council races highlight Native candidates, housing priorities
Eleven candidates, including two Native contenders, compete for five Rapid City Council seats as voters weigh housing, infrastructure and equity issues
Rapid City, South Dakota, will see contested races in every city council ward in the June 2 municipal election, with 11 candidates filing, including two Native candidates, according to Native Sun News Today. One seat in each of the city’s five wards is up for election, and four incumbents are seeking another three-year term. Ward 5 Council President Rod Pettigrew is not running again, leaving an open seat.
At a recent candidate forum, candidates outlined priorities including affordable housing, infrastructure and clean water. Valeriah Big Eagle, director of He Sapa Initiatives at NDN Collective, emphasized housing, education and addressing racism in Rapid City, according to Native Sun News Today. Other candidates highlighted growth, public transportation and collaboration. Early voting begins April 17.
- 1.Marnie Cook. Native Sun News Today, .