As Elevate Rapid City’s first Housing Coordinator, Laura’s goal is to learn the ins and outs of the area’s housing landscape and work closely with local and state agencies to identify issues and create strategies to improve housing in the Black Hills. Her hope is to help others avoid the difficulties she had when moving to Rapid City.

Originally from Nebraska, Laura graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in English and minor in political science, and a master’s in public administration. Prior to joining the Elevate Rapid City team, Laura worked as the grants manager for the YMCA.

When she isn’t diving into the area’s housing issues, Laura enjoys spending time hiking and kayaking, playing board games, baking, or spending time with her husband Eammon and their cat Toad.