RAPID CITY, SD — Facing a five-year automatic renewal and considerable amount of public discourse – both for and against, the City Council voted unanimously to move forward with discussions about potential non-renewal of lease contracts with OneHeart
The discussion surrounding the organization, which seeks to provide transitional housing and counseling services to underserved individuals within the community, was initiated by Alderman Stephen Tamang of Ward 1. Tamang, an active force within the council since his election in 2025 first proposed a non-renewal discussion in February, through his position on the City Legal & Finance Committee. The primary driver for this was not any disagreement with OneHeart on a personal or professional level, but a desire to not walk blindly into renewal of the existing lease without further discussion with the organization, according to Tamang.
At the Council meeting, Tamang reiterated this intent, stating that he did not wish to see OneHeart closed, and hoped that both organizations would be able to engage in a “Productive conversation” and that he hoped that “In a few years, all of us be excited and encouraged, going forward”.
Alderman Bill Evans of Ward 2 seconded this, speaking to the gathered, noting that while rumors have been circulating following the Legal & Finance Committee’s decision, that the non-renewal decision, if finalized, would represent a fairly standard practice for the situation. “I don’t know why anyone would want an unconditional renewal,” said Evans, who went on to compare the intention backing this to the teacher evaluations he experienced while working within the school system, “I don’t see this at all as being destructive to the cause of the mission of Oneheart, which we all, and I think is great, but I think it’s important that we have transparency in government and anything that endorses a nonprofit should have light shined on it, so that people know what the real mission is”.
Mayor Jason Salamun in something of an uncommon address to the council and public during regular council session said that he saw no reason why the discussions could not be positive. “OneHeart has been a force for good in our community, I have no doubt that the city and OneHeart can come to an agreement that is beneficial for the entire community. And I look forward to being part of those discussions,” said Salamun.
