The Experienced Conservative Choice
Why am I running for
Re-Election
Rapid City City Council Ward 3?
I have loved living, working, and raising my family in Rapid City. I have always believed in giving back to my community. I have three years of experience serving on the council, which brings stability and institutional knowledge to the council. I have served as Council President and on 12 different committees/liaison roles. I have a commitment to contribute to the future of Rapid City. While we enjoy many recreational and cultural opportunities, we are faced with tremendous growth over the next decade. My background in finance and community service prepares me to continue to make solid decisions for Rapid City.
Rapid City's Economic Growth
I am a compassionate alderman serving the people of Ward 3 and the city. The City’s annual budget will soon hit $350 million dollars a year. My goal is to use my finance background to promote transparency and conservative stewardship of revenue and expenses. Together we can champion a safe and inclusive community that can support our economy and growth.
Stable Conservative Leadership
I will be the conservative voice for the citizens of Ward 3. I will look at issues facing the council from a strong history of community involvement and leading large organizations. I have no political agenda and will work for the citizens of Ward 3 and the entire city.
Fiscal Stewardship
Rapid City is experiencing double-digit growth in revenue each year, and I will focus on making sure the city is generating and spending the taxpayers’ money in a financially conservative way. The growth in the general fund revenue and expenses has grown by 30% in just over 3 years. The city will collect over 93 million dollars from sales taxes and 27 million in property taxes in 2026 which account for the bulk of the 97 million dollar general fund in 2026.The additional sales tax goes to fund the Vision Fund projects.
Growth and Maintenance of Our Infrastructure
With all the focus on expanding infrastructure to accommodate the city’s growth, we must pay attention to the maintenance of our existing roads and infrastructure throughout the city. In addition to the growth within the city limits, Rapid City’s infrastructure supports neighboring communities. We have several large infrastructure projects underway including the Water Reclamation facility and Airport expansion.
Public Safety is a top concern
I will support enforcement and emergency services initiatives. I support partnerships with non-profit organizations to address the human services needs in our city. I support having shelter options for homeless people so that the city can enforce public safety ordinances. We can expand our efforts to educate citizens and visitors on the services available to reduce panhandling. I support strong enforcement of ordinances to stop aggressive panhandling. Our citizens should enjoy safe and inviting public spaces. Businesses need the support of strong law enforcement and emergency/human services to keep their property safe.
Support for the Innovation District and SD Mines.
We have been making progress on developing the Innovation District through working closely with our strong economic development partnership with Elevate Rapid City and SD Mines. We should continue to build support for the district and for our famous SD Mines University.
Support and Welcome the Expansion of Ellsworth
We should continue to prepare for the arrival of the B-21 mission at Ellsworth Base. Rapid City earned Air Force honors because of its sustained, hands‑on support for Ellsworth AFB and the airmen who serve there.
Early Voting/Absentee Voting Starts April 17, 2026
Early voting and voter registration will take place at the Pennington County Auditors Office. Click the button below to get directions.
Election Day is June 2, 2026
where to place your vote
About Kevin Maher
My wife Denise and I have Three adult children, Shannon and Catherine of Rapid City and Son Sean, Colorado Springs. We have enjoyed living in Rapid City raising our children with horses, cats and dogs. We are a typical Rapid City family who loves the recreational opportunities with our parks, skiing, hiking and mountain lakes.
- Elevate Rapid City Board of Directors
- Rapid City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
- Rapid City Vision Fund Citizens Committee Chairman
- RCAS TeamMates mentor at General Beadle School
- United Way of the Black Hills Board of Directors
- Junior Achievement of the Black Hills. Board Chairman and 15 years classroom volunteer
- Honorary Commander of the 34th Bomb Squadron Ellsworth AFB
- Rapid City Catholic School System Board President
- Rapid City Community Development Corporation Board member
- Graduated from Huron Senior High School
- University of South Dakota. BS in Business Management
- University of South Dakota. Masters Degree in Business Administration
- Synchrony Bank. Operations leader supporting mortgage, credit card products and servicing. Held the position of Community Reinvestment Officer for the SD chartered Bank. General Manager and Site Leader for 450 Rapid City employees.
- Citibank. Worked as a unit manager and in product development.
- Bank of America. Held positions supporting IRA products, ATM network, automated banking, product development, call center technology and operations.
campaign contribution
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