Rapid City SD –Two chairs are waiting at Rapid City’s Community Relations Commission, and the window to fill them closes in 10 days.
The city is accepting applications for two three-year terms on the commission, with a deadline of 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, according to a release from the Mayor’s Office on Tuesday.
How To Apply
Fill out a citizen interest application on the Citizen Boards and Commissions page, under the Government tab at rcgov.org. Questions can go to the Mayor’s Office at 605-394-4110 or ma**********@***ov.org.
Members must be legal residents of Rapid City. The city says it gives due consideration to racial minorities and other under-represented groups, with a goal of reflecting the city’s racial, religious and gender makeup.
What the Commission Does
The commission works on race relations in Rapid City. According to the release, its purpose includes public education on discrimination and race-related topics, hosting a forum for civil discussion, building connections across the community, and encouraging resolution of discrimination complaints through mediation and conciliation.
The city describes the approach as inclusive rather than punitive, and meant to avoid duplicating the work of other agencies.
Under city ordinance and state law, the commission is authorized to investigate and mediate discrimination complaints within city limits in four areas: housing, employment, public services and public accommodations.
Residents who believe they’ve been treated unfairly because of race, sex, disability, national origin, religion or familial status can contact the City Attorney’s Office at 605-394-4140.
The body was known as the Human Relations Commission until 2023, when the City Council approved a new name as part of the group’s reorganization.
Who Serves Now
The commission has nine seats and meets quarterly. Current members are Lloyd LaCroix, Stephanie Savoy and Walt Swan, whose terms run through December 2028; Tifanie Petro, Mary Drumm and Lila Mehlhaff, through December 2027; and Becky Drury, through December 2026. Council member Laura Armstrong serves as the City Council’s liaison.
Applications submitted through the city’s boards page stay on file for three years and are considered whenever a seat opens on any board the applicant selects.
Sourcing
City of Rapid City press release, “Application Deadline Approaches for Vacancies on City’s Community Relations Commission,” Oct. 27, 2026; Community Relations Commission page, rcgov.org, accessed Oct. 27, 2026; Citizen Boards and Commissions page, rcgov.org; Legal & Finance agenda item LF020123-20, Ordinance 6562 (2023).
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