With a passion for Rapid City and its people, Andrea Schaefer is excited to help shape the future with an inclusive approach to growth, a focus on families and a new approach to local government.
Andrea Schaefer for Ward 3
Let’s do this! Together.
Smart Growth for Strong Neighborhoods
Growth is inevitable, but leadership should not leave behind the parts of our city that need attention now. As we invest in an expanding city, I will fight to make sure we are balancing housing for low and middle income families with thoughtful access to health services, parks, transportation and activity centers in town. The Uptown Rapid Mall is a great example of work that needs to be done to existing activity centers. Downtown Rapid City is the jewel of our town and it needs attention. These two activity centers are fundamental in improving lives in connecting neighborhoods, opening opportunity to more small businesses and driving revenue with infrastructure that already exists and is at the heart of Rapid City.
When large developments and TIFs are proposed, I will champion agreements that ensure that the community at large is considered. I will ask the questions that go beyond revenue. I will focus on broader considerations like transportation, inclusion, safety, access and cultural impacts. All of us in Rapid City should benefit from large proposed plans because these plans will impact us whether we are considered in the planning or not.
Growth isn't just about housing; it's about our economy. I will work to find ways to support our local main street merchants and not just large, out-of-town chains. Chick filet is great, but are the shops downtown making it?
A Foundation for Strong Families
Our city is only as strong as its families and its youngest residents. As a parent, and having had a long career involving children and families, I've seen both the joys and the struggles families face. I will bring that front-line perspective to the council to make sure our city is a place where every child can grow up safe, healthy, and with the opportunity to thrive. I will advocate for robust funding for our public libraries, parks and rec departments, and after-school programs. These are not just "extras"; they are essential for working families and for keeping kids engaged and out of trouble.
I will champion policies that support families, such as exploring tax relief for childcare providers, ensuring our public spaces have family-friendly amenities (like clean, accessible restrooms and parks with shade), and supporting local childcare centers.
· A Livable City for All Ages: Connect family issues to the bigger picture—families need stable housing, good schools, and safe neighborhoods. This pillar ties back to your first one, showing how smart growth creates a better environment for families.
A Direct Line to Your Local Government
City Hall shouldn't feel like a fortress. It should feel like a community resource. I am running to be your direct line to local government—to make sure your voice is heard, your questions are answered, and your tax dollars are spent transparently. You won't have to wonder what's going on; I'll make sure you know."
· Fleshing out the ideas:
· Regular "Office Hours" in the Community: Instead of expecting people to come to me, I will hold regular, publicized office hours at different locations around the city—coffee shops, libraries, community centers—to hear from residents on their own turf.
· Accessible Communications: Pledge to provide regular updates through a newsletter, social media, and the local paper that break down complex issues in plain language. If elected, I will maintain a public calendar and make my votes and reasoning clear and easy to find online.
· Constituent Services Focus: Make it a personal mission to help residents navigate city bureaucracy. If someone has a pothole that isn't fixed or a permitting question that isn't answered, my office will be the place they can call for help.
· Participatory Budgeting Initiatives: Advocate for a small portion of the city's budget to be decided directly by residents, allowing neighborhoods to vote on projects like park improvements or street repairs. This is the ultimate form of transparency and access.