Taxes

Rapid City voters sharply rejected a Tax Increment Financing – or TIF – district that would house a project known as Libertyland.

With so many property tax proposals on the table, it may be difficult for any to break through the noise. However, statehouse leaders and candidates for the governor’s office are vying for the chance.

Property taxes are possibly the biggest debate of 2026 in South Dakota. With gubernatorial and legislative elections around the corner, any one of the nearly two-dozen proposals may be a catalyst for the future of the state.

While South Dakota lawmakers will tackle many topics this legislative session, Senate leadership points to two specific ones that South Dakotans may want to keep an eye on: property taxes and data centers.

City officials discussed common questions, misconceptions about Tax Increment Financing (TIF) ahead of Rapid City's Special TIF District Election on January 20, 2026.

Local tax bases must be regularly assessed, especially in growing cities like Rapid City, but recent data found some underwhelming tradeoffs for large-scale retail developments.

Lincoln County residents showed up to a town hall to voice their disapproval on property tax increases. The issue is one much of the state is tackling right now.

TIF districts are a controversial use of tax dollars, especially when the public is opposed to what those dollars are funding. In Rapid City, strong opposition led to one major TIF being put to a special election.

Property taxes are one of the state’s biggest headlines heading into the next legislative session. With 19 recommendations from committee ranging from minor to radical, other lawmakers are beginning to weigh in.

A total of three ballot questions are approved for signature petitions this election cycle in South Dakota.