About Us

Founded in 1965, the Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) is the third-oldest multistate Council of Governments in the United States. Established as a voluntary association of local governments, SIMPCO was created through the vision of Sioux City City Manager Cornelius Bodine, Jr. and local elected officials who recognized the need for regional cooperation to address shared challenges and opportunities. 

SIMPCO held its inaugural meeting on March 11, 1965, at the Holiday Inn in Sioux City, Iowa, with its organizational meeting following on April 15, 1965, in the Sioux City Council Chambers. Founding participants included representatives from Sioux City, South Sioux City, North Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff, Dakota City, Dakota County, and local planning commissions. Original membership also included Woodbury County, Union County, the Sergeant Bluff Planning Commission, and the North Sioux City Planning Commission. 

The organization's initial focus was on two critical regional priorities: planning for a second Missouri River bridge and developing an urban transportation plan to meet requirements established by the Federal Highway Act of 1962. Over the decades, SIMPCO has evolved to address a broad range of regional planning, community development, transportation, housing, economic development, and public service needs.

Today, SIMPCO continues to serve as a forum for cooperation among local governments across the Siouxland region. Led by a Board of Directors composed of elected city and county officials, the organization identifies regional challenges, works with partners to develop solutions, and improves the quality of life for the communities it serves.