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About Us

Your Community's Partner

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SIMPCO serves over 75 local governments, special districts, school districts, and non-profit organizations in the tri-state area.

Our Mission

  • To be a catalyst for regional cooperation, uniting local governments of the tri-state Siouxland region into an effective council of governments.

  • To promote the best possible planning practices and advocate partnerships throughout the region.

  • To partner with local governments in long-range planning, community development activities, and professional regional program management, which foster intelligent growth, economic development, and safe, accessible transportation.

Our Vision

  • To be a valuable partner with local officials in their efforts to address issues and solve problems within the community.

  • To be an effective uniting force among local governments in addressing issues on a regional basis.

  • To be the model standard of excellence for regional planning organizations and councils of governments.

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Why SIMPCO

SIMPCO prioritizes its members' needs through partnerships, teamwork, and action-oriented problem-solving.

Learn more  

Committees & Boards

Committee and board members have vital roles in ensuring effective governance by enabling in-depth exploration of critical areas and needs, promoting informed decision-making, and enhancing oversight.

Member List

Through the support of our members,
we can encourage growth and positive change.

MAKING MORE POSSIBLE TOGETHER

Our Partners

SIMPCO partners are committed to fostering unity, advocating, and tackling challenges across the tri-state Siouxland region. Learn more.

Regional Economic Development Groups

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Careers

View the current open positions and check back regularly for updates. SIMPCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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OUR HISTORY

Founding Story

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The Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) is the third oldest multistate Council of Governments in the nation. It was organized in 1965 as a voluntary association of local governments. The first meeting took place on March 11, 1965, at the Holiday Inn in Sioux City, Iowa.

The organization’s idea originated from Cornelius Bodine, Jr. (Sioux City, City Manager) and local elected leaders. The organization's meeting took place on April 15, 1965, in the Sioux City council chambers.

The following members were present at the meeting:

  • South Sioux City (Mayor Ernest L. Albertsen)

  • Sioux City (Mayor James E. Reeder)

  • Sergeant Bluff (Mayor Lloyd H. Fymbo)

  • Dakota City (Mayor Charles E. Strong)

  • North Sioux City (Mayor Albert Streeter)

  • Dakota County (Commissioner Robert Blessing)

  • Sioux City Planning Commission (Commissioner James Lepse)

  • South Sioux City Planning Commission (Commissioner Marvin Harris)

Original members also included Woodbury County, Union County, Sergeant Bluff Planning Commission, and North Sioux City Planning Commission.

The goals at that time were to plan a second bridge on the Missouri River and develop an urban transportation plan to comply with the Federal Highway Act of 1962. Since then, SIMPCO, guided by the Board of Directors composed of city and county-elected officials, has served as a forum for the discussion of urban and rural area problems and opportunities.

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Service Areas

The service area of SIMPCO covers the Sioux City metropolitan tri-state area of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota in addition to rural areas in these counties:

Iowa

  • Woodbury
  • Plymouth
  • Cherokee
  • Ida
  • Monona

Nebraska

  • Dakota County

South Dakota

  • Union County