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Community
Development

Building Stronger Communities

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The Community Development (CD) Division of SIMPCO offers a range of services to member communities, including:

  • Planning services
  • Grant writing and administrative support
  • Research and informational services
  • Various forms of technical assistance

These services are provided through partnerships with local governments to promote intelligent growth and address the region's current and future needs.

Community development is a continuous journey to build resilient and stronger communities by identifying, prioritizing, and addressing their needs, assets, and investments. This process involves infrastructure support, economic development, housing rehabilitation, public services, and the installation of public facilities or community centers. The goal is to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities.

At SIMPCO, we foster growth and connectivity through innovative and collaborative efforts, aiming to create sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant neighborhoods. Join us in driving positive change and transforming the future of our communities.

  • Regional Hazard Mitigation Planning
  • Planning Services & Technical Assistance
  • Grant Writing & Administrative Services

Regional Hazard Mitigation Planning

Hazard Mitigation Planning helps communities, school districts, counties, and regions prepare for natural and other hazardous events. This preparedness aims to minimize risk to people and property and enhance resiliency. The Iowa Department of Homeland Security provides guidance for developing Hazard Mitigation Plans based on requirements set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Having a current, approved Hazard Mitigation Plan, adopted by resolution, is necessary to qualify for FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation funding programs.

SIMPCO, working with Plymouth County and other participating counties, completed the 2020 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan for Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Plymouth, and Woodbury Counties in Iowa. FEMA approved the document on July 24, 2020. Each jurisdiction is responsible for adopting the Plan by Resolution and keeping relevant information on projects, actions, and strategies as identified in the Plan.

While all cities, counties, and school districts with facilities in the region are part of the discussion, FEMA recognizes "Participating Jurisdictions" as those with specific actions, strategies, and/or projects included in the Region Listing of Projects located on page 79 in Title III Region, Section G Mitigation Actions, Strategies, & Projects, Article 3 Identified Actions, Strategies, & Projects. An amendment and subsequent adoption at the local level ensures jurisdiction eligibility and activates "Participant" status upon notification to the County EMA, state, and FEMA. Templates for Adoption by Resolution, Amendment, and Progress Reporting are included in the appendix of the Plan.

Public Input Questionnaire

An update to the 2020 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan is in progress! Public input is extremely important to the development of local projects to improve community resilience in the event of natural disasters. Take the survey today.

2020 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan

View the plan here. 

Planning Services & Technical Assistance

Planning helps communities and various groups identify goals, formulate a vision, and determine strategies to achieve their goals and visions. This involves thorough data analysis and extensive public input to ensure that planning is accurate, useful, and beneficial for the community.

SIMPCO’s Community Development (CD) staff is available to assist any member community with on-site planning services. These services include, but are not limited to:

  • Comprehensive & Strategic Planning

  • Natural Resources Planning

  • Hazard Mitigation & Control Planning

  • Land Use & Zoning Regulations

  • Codification Services

  • Urban Renewal and Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

  • Urban Revitalization and Tax Abatement

  • Data Collection and Analysis (demographic, economic, housing)

  • GIS Mapping

SIMPCO’s planning services work closely with other divisions such as Economic Development, Housing, and Transportation to ensure a holistic approach to creating vibrant and livable communities.

Grant Writing & Administrative Services

Grant and other sources of funding are often an essential component of undertaking large, community projects. SIMPCO’s professional staff is available to help with grant applications and administration for a variety of federal, state and foundation-funded programs that benefit communities by enhancing their quality of life.

This includes complying with additional administrative duties involved with many grants such as budgeting, environmental and historical review, labor standards compliance, civil rights and fair housing standards compliance, safety assessments training, financial reporting and requests for funds, monitoring visits and project close-out reports, and other requirements.

Many grants can be utilized by SIMPCO’s member communities, but common types of grants include:

  • Historic Preservation

  • Community Enhancements and Tourism

  • Community Facilities and Human Services

  • Downtown Revitalization

  • Parks / Recreation / Open Space

  • Park Development and Improvements

  • Trail Development

  • Trees and Landscaping

  • Water and Sewer

  • Transportation

  • Stem Sewer / Flood Control

  • Other Utilities

  • Housing Rehabilitation

  • Local Government Housing Tools

  • Economic Development Grants