SIMPCO and SRTS celebrated Administrative Professionals Day
At SIMPCO and SRTS, our administrative professionals are the heartbeat of our organization. Every day, they bring exceptional skill, unwavering dedication, and behind-the-scenes leadership that keeps our work — and our impact across Siouxland — moving forward.
Today, we’re proud to spotlight the outstanding contributions of Emily Guthrie, Tonia Abell, Whitney Hackett, Sharon Burton, and our off-camera superstar, Vanesa Rocha Contreras. Your commitment powers our teams and strengthens the communities we serve.
SIMPCO at the RISE: Rural Iowa Summit
SIMPCO regional planners Bess Wolterman and Nate Kistner, along with Iowa’s West Coast Initiative’s Anastasia Williams, recently attended the 10th annual RISE: Rural Iowa Summit at Dubuque’s Grand River Center. The summit brought together hundreds of Iowans to learn from rural leaders about expanding housing opportunities, supporting small business growth, and strengthening communities.
Sessions focused on advocating for rural educators, addressing emergency service deserts, attracting tourists, reimagining rural news media, and more. SIMPCO staff also congratulate Mark Gaul of Le Mars on receiving the Rural Leadership Excellence Award, recognizing his leadership and lasting impact on rural Iowa.
SIMPCO Out in the Community!
SIMPCO Regional Planner Nate Kistner joined Bob DeSmidt with the Siouxland Trails Foundation at the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce Health & Mental Wellness Expo earlier this month at the Sioux City Convention Center.
Sponsored by the City of Sioux City and Family Health Care of Siouxland, the event brought together the public, businesses, and service providers for an informative and empowering day focused on health and wellness.
Nate and Bob shared information about upcoming bicycle‑friendly events, including Bike to Work Day and the 2026 Summer Trailblazer Challenge, and handed out Siouxland trail maps to attendees.
Sioux City Metro - Bike to Work Day Commuter Breakfast
May 15 | Siouxland Chamber of Commerce
Swap your car for your bike on Bike to Work Day! Even if biking from home isn’t an option, you can still join in—bring your bike to work, unload it, enjoy a ride on our tri-state trail system, and then head over to theSiouxland Chamber of Commerceto celebrate.
Stop by for a complimentary breakfast, connect with health and fitness vendors, and enter for a chance to win prizes. Breakfast will be served in the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce parking lot from 6:30–8:30 a.m.
Bike to Work Day t-shirts will be available for purchase at the event for $10.
Get ready to get outside and explore the best of Siouxland this summer! FromMay 22 through September 7, discover scenic trails and unique landmarks across the region—and earn rewards while you’re at it.
For every trail segment or landmark you visit, you’ll earnone raffle entry. At the end of the summer, participants will have a chance to win prizes generously donated by local businesses.
Signing up is FREE! Download the GooseChase App on your phone and use the Join Code: TRAILCHALLENGE to get started.
Have questions? Contact Nate at nathan@simpco.org.
Lace up your shoes, grab your phone, and start blazing trails all summer long!
Please join SIMPCO 101, an introductory session designed to help communities get the most value from their SIMPCO membership. This session will provide an overview of SIMPCO services, programs, and resources available to support cities, counties, and local officials.
Newly elected city and county staff, mayors, supervisors, commissioners, council members, and board members are especially encouraged to attend. Individuals who are curious about SIMPCO or interested in learning more about membership are also welcome.
Event Details: Wednesday, May 27 2:00–3:00 PM / Virtual
To register for the SIMPCO 101, please contact Tonia at Tonia@simpco.org.
SIMPCO Annual Board of Directors Meeting & Awards Banquet
June 18 | Akron Golf Club
You are invited to attend the SIMPCO Annual Board of Directors Meeting, which will be followed by dinner and the Annual Awards Banquet.
Event Details: Thursday, June 18 Akron Golf Club 941 Country Club Drive, Akron, Iowa
Virtual Attendance Board members who wish to attend the meeting virtually may do so via Microsoft Teams. Please RSVP by June 12 to receive the meeting link.
SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION (SRTPA) TAC
📍 SIMPCO
MAY 15 | 6:30 AM
BIKE TO WORK DAY COMMUTER BREAKFAST
📍 SIOUXLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PARKING LOT
MAY 21 | 1:00 PM (TENTATIVE)
DAKOTA COUNTY NEBRASKA HOUSING TRUST FUND (DCNHTF)
📍 NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MAY 27 | 2:00 PM
SIMPCO 101
📍 SIMPCO
MAY 27 | 4:00 PM
INNOVATIVE SIOUXLAND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
📍 SIMPCO
MAY 28 | 9:30 AM
SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION (SRTPA) POLICY BOARD
📍 SIMPCO
MAY 28 | 10:00 AM
SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEM (SRTS) BOARD OF DIRECTORS
📍 SIMPCO/SRTS
MAY 28 | 11:15 AM
WESTERN IOWA COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT REGIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND (WICIRHTF)
📍 SIMPCO
MAY 28 | 1:30 PM
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (CEDS) COMMITTEE
📍 SIMPCO
Stay Compliant: Upcoming Open Meetings & Open Records Trainings
Under new state requirements, all newly elected and appointed officials must complete training on Iowa’s Open Meetings and Open Records laws (Chapters 21 and 22) within 90 days of taking office. These requirements help ensure transparency and compliance with Iowa’s “Sunshine Laws.”
SIMPCO is now an approved provider of Open Meetings and Open Records Training and will be offering an upcoming session to help local officials meet these requirements.
SIMPCO Training Option:
Date: August 13 (3:00 PM)
Format: Hybrid - attend virtually via Microsoft Teams or in person
Whether you are newly elected, newly appointed, or in need of a refresher, this training will cover key topics such as meeting notices, agenda requirements, closed sessions, and public records retention.
MPO & SRTPA administration of funding for STBG, CRP, and TAP funding
Sioux City Lakeport Corridor Study Phase II
Monona County Port Infrastructure Development Program Grant Administration
Procurement for South Sioux City’s Dakota Avenue Study
Planning Sioux City Metro Bike to Work Day
Planning the Summer Trailblazer Challenge
Drafting the Transportation Planning Work Programs for the SRTP and MPO
Holstein Utility Mapping
ESF10 Document updates for Cherokee, Ida, and Plymouth counties
Sioux City Safe Routes to School Maps
Distributing MPO trail counters for the season
Sergeant Bluff sidewalk assessments
Community Development:
Akron CDBG Administration
Hinton Zoning Code Update
Soldier Municipal Code Update
Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Onawa Comprehensive Plan
Emerson CDBG Administration
Emerson Blight and Substandard Study
Larrabee Municipal Code Update
Hubbard Comprehensive Plan
Larrabee CDBG Administration
Castana CDBG Administration
Woodbury County CDBG Administration
Sioux City U.S. EDA Application
Public Notice: Draft FY 2027 Transportation Work Program - SIMPCO MPO & SRTPA
Both the SIMPCO MPO and the SRTPA are developing the Draft FY 2027 Transportation Planning Work Programs (TPWP), with approval scheduled for the MPO on May 7, 2026, and for the SRTPA on May 28, 2026. The TPWP describes the transportation planning activities staff will undertake during the next fiscal year. Each major activity is described in detail, including the task, objective, previous work, project description, future products, and budgets.
Draft FY 2027 TPWPs are now available for public comment. The documents may be viewed at SIMPCO: 6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, IA 51106. The documents may also be viewed on the SIMPCO website: https://simpco.org/divisions/transportation-planning.
The SIMPCO MPO planning area includes the Sioux City Metro: Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff, portions of Woodbury Co., and portions of Plymouth Co. in Iowa; South Sioux City, Dakota City, and portions of Dakota County in Nebraska; and North Sioux City, Dakota Dunes, and portions of Union Co. in South Dakota.
The SRTPA planning area includes the rural portions of Woodbury, Plymouth, Cherokee, Ida, and Monona counties in Iowa.
Please submit all comments on the Draft FY 2027 TPWPs on or before May 5, 2026, to Michelle Bostinelos, Executive Director, SIMPCO 712-279-6286 or by email at mbostinelos@simpco.org. The SIMPCO MPO Policy Board meeting will be held on May 7, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at SIMPCO (6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City) AND via TEAMS video/conference call. The SRTPA Policy Board meeting will be held on May 28, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at SIMPCO (6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City) AND via TEAMS video/conference call. To participate electronically, don't hesitate to get in touch with SIMPCO by email at tonia@simpco.org or 712-279-6286 to obtain TEAMS meeting ID and passcode.
The MPO and SRTPA Policy Board meetings are open to all individuals. Any person with a special need requiring a reasonable accommodation or transportation to participate in a Policy Board meeting should contact the SIMPCO office at 712-279-6286 at least two (2) business days prior to the meeting.
Looking Ahead: Potential Home Repair and Housing Funding Opportunities Coming to Dakota County
SIMPCO and Dakota County are exploring a potential Home Repair Program to support low‑ to moderate‑income homeowners with essential home repairs. While funding is not yet available, we are collecting interest to help assess community needs as we prepare to pursue future grant opportunities.
SIMPCO is also monitoring updates from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development regarding the next Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund (NAHTF) application round. We are gathering interest from potential future applicants to share information and provide assistance if funding becomes available.
This is not an application - only an interest list.
Please share this information with residents and community partners.
Iowa CDBG Roofing Replacement Program - The Roofing Replacement program is an opportunity to assist communities in providing aid to Low-Moderate Income individual homeowners of Single-Family homes to replace roofing. This program is designed to assist low- and moderate-income households by addressing critical roofing deficiencies that threaten the health, safety, and long-term habitability of their homes. For more information on the Iowa CDBG Roofing Replacement Program, click here. Applications are due by May 1, 2026.
Historical Resource Development Program (IA) - The program provides grant funding to help preserve, conserve, interpret, enhance, and educate the public about Iowa’s historical assets. The Historical Resource Development Program provides funding for documentary collections, historic preservation, and museums. For more information on the Historical Resource Development Program (IA), click here. Applications are due by May 1, 2026.
Hart Family Fund for Small Towns - Grants are intended to encourage preservation at the local level by providing seed money for preservation projects in small towns with populations of 10,000 or less. These grants help stimulate public discussion, enable local groups to gain the technical expertise needed for specific projects, introduce the public to preservation concepts and techniques, and encourage private-sector financial participation. For more information on the Hart Family Fund for Small Towns, click here. Applications are due by May 1, 2026.
Build with Bags (IA) - This program helps communities turn plastic and disposable shopping bags into furniture and playground equipment for community use. By recycling plastic waste, this initiative addresses a key environmental concern while enhancing public spaces. For more information on Build with Bags (IA), click here. Applications are due by May 2, 2026.
Plant Iowa Beautiful Mini-Grant - Keep Iowa Beautiful is offering “Plant Iowa Beautiful” mini-grants of $500-$1,000 to Iowa communities and organizations to support beautification projects this spring! This program is made possible thanks to funding from Keep America Beautiful, as part of their “Greatest American Cleanup” initiative. For more information on Plant Iowa Beautiful mini-grants, click here. Applications are due by May 5, 2026.
2027 Airport State Funding - The AIP is funded through the State Aviation Fund for aviation safety, planning, and airport development projects throughout Iowa. Projects funded through the AIP include runway, taxiway, and apron development; fuel systems; navigational aids; maintenance of aviation weather systems; runway marking; windsocks; emergency operational repairs; land-use planning; air service development; and the mitigation of obstruction and wildlife hazards at airports. For more information on the State Aviation Program, click here. Applications are due by May 14, 2026.
Iowa West Foundation (IA) – Community development, economic development, education, and human needs projects. For more information on the Iowa West Foundation, click here. Applications are due January 15, 2026, May 15, 2026, and September 15, 2026.
Fund for Siouxland – Funding for arts & culture, civic affairs, education, health, and human services. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations and qualified units of government within a 50-mile radius of Sioux City. Grants generally do not exceed $5,000. For more information on Fund for Siouxland, click here. Applications are due by May 15, 2026.
FY 2027 Airport State Funding (IA) - This grant program provides funding to eligible airport operators for improvements to airport facilities and for airport planning projects. Funding may support infrastructure upgrades, safety enhancements, and other initiatives that advance the operational efficiency of public-use airports across Iowa. For more information on FY 2026 Airport State Funding (IA), click here. Applications are due by May 14, 2026.
United Airlines Trust Fund Grants - Organizations recognized under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and qualified units of government serving the greater Siouxland tri-state area (defined as a general 50-mile radius of Sioux City, Iowa) are eligible to receive grants from this Fund. For more information on United Airlines Trust Fund Grants, click here. Applications are due by May 15, 2026.
Iowa CDBG Water and Sewer Fund – Funds awarded through this annual competitive program assist cities and counties with projects such as sanitary sewer system improvements, water system improvements, water, and wastewater treatment facility projects, storm sewer projects related to sanitary sewer system improvements and rural water connections. For more information on the Iowa CDBG Water and Sewer Fund, click here. Applications are due by May 22, 2026, and September 1, 2026.
Iowa CDBG Planning Grant Program - Provides targeted funding to help communities engage qualified consultants to complete planning efforts that position future Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) investments, specifically Historic District Surveys, Asset Management Plans and Capital Improvement Projects. For more information on Iowa CDBG Planning Grant Program, click here. Applications are due by May 22, 2026.
Iowa CDBG Homeless Providers Program - Supports essential public services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Funding is available for new or expanded eligible operating activities, including staffing, utilities, and necessary program supplies. The program does not fund construction or rehabilitation activities. For more information on the Iowa CDBG Homeless Providers Program, click here. Applications are due by May 22, 2026.
Iowa CDBG Streetscapes Program - Supports Iowa communities in revitalizing their downtown districts by improving the safety, accessibility, and visual quality of public spaces. Building on successful local investments made through the Commercial Facades Program, this initiative offers eligible CDBG applicants the opportunity to enhance sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, wayfinding, and other public-realm features that strengthen commercial corridors and promote long-term economic vitality. For more information on Iowa CDBG Streetscapes Program, click here. Applications are due by May 22, 2026.
Iowa CDBG Roofing Replacement Program - Opportunity to assist communities in providing aid to Low-Moderate Income individual homeowners of Single-Family homes to replace roofing. This program is designed to assist low-and moderate-income households by addressing critical roofing deficiencies that threaten health, safety, and long-term habitability of their homes. Funds may be used for rehabilitation of privately owned, single-unit residences meeting the CDBG Low/Moderate Income Housing (LMH) national objective. For more information on Iowa CDBG Roofing Replacement Program, click here. Applications are due by May 22, 2026.
Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) – This program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The SS4A program provides funding for two types of grants: Planning and Demonstration Grants and Implementation Grants. Planning and Demonstration Grants provide Federal funds to develop, complete, or supplement an Action Plan. Implementation Grants provide Federal funds to implement projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan to address roadway safety problems. For more information on Safe Streets and Roads for All, click here. Applications are due by May 26, 2026.
USDA Rural Development Launches New Eligibility Lookup Tool
USDA Rural Development has launched a new Program Eligibility Lookup Tool, now integrated into its eligibility website.
The tool allows users to check eligibility by location across multiple Rural Development programs at the same time, including:
Community Facilities
Electric
OneRD Guarantee
Rural Business & Cooperative Services
Water & Environmental Programs
This new mapping tool modernizes eligibility determination, making it easier for rural communities to identify available funding opportunities.
Upcoming Lunch & Learn: Communicating Data Insights
April 29 | Virtual
A virtual Lunch & Learn on Communicating Data Insights: Building Clear Data Narratives will be held April 29 from 12–1 PM, featuring Kayla Lyftogt, Data Literacy Researcher with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The session will explore practical ways to communicate data clearly and effectively in community and planning work.
The League’s annual Nuisance Abatement Conference will be held in May. This full‑day conference provides cities with practical education and resources on an issue faced by communities of all sizes. Sessions cover the full range of nuisance abatement topics, including developing effective local codes, navigating abatement processes, and addressing abandoned and problem properties.
Upcoming Conference for Nebraska Municipalities
June & September 2026
Mark your calendars and plan ahead for two upcoming conferences hosted by the League of Nebraska Municipalities. These events provide valuable opportunities for professional development, networking, and learning about current issues impacting Nebraska communities.
Municipal Accounting & Finance Conference
June 17–19 This conference focuses on municipal finance, accounting practices, budgeting, audits, and financial compliance. It is ideal for clerks, treasurers, finance directors, and municipal staff involved in financial management.
LNM Annual Conference
September 23–25
The Annual Conference brings together municipal officials from across the state for educational sessions, policy discussions, and networking opportunities covering a wide range of municipal topics.
Save the Date: Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference & Exhibit
September 23-25 | Bettendorf
Mark your calendars! The Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference & Exhibit heads to Bettendorf, September 23–25. You won’t want to miss this exciting event packed with workshops and inspiring speakers. More information coming this spring!
Strengthening Housing Opportunities in our Communities
What New Federal Legislation Could Mean for Local Governments
Housing availability remains a challenge across our region, particularly for workforce housing, first-time homeowners, and aging residents who wish to remain in their communities. Recent federal action highlighted in the March 2026 Nebraska Municipal Review suggests potential progress.
Congress has advanced bipartisan housing legislation designed to increase housing supply while maintaining local control. Proposed changes include expanded flexibility in the HOME Investment Partnerships and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs—important tools for small and mid-sized communities.
If enacted, these updates could help communities:
Support workforce and affordable housing
Use housing funds for necessary infrastructure
Reduce regulatory barriers that slow development
SIMPCO will continue to track these developments and share updates as they move forward. Communities interested in housing planning or funding opportunities are encouraged to contact SIMPCO for technical assistance.
Supporting Small Communities with Big Responsibilities
SIMPCO is Here to Help!
Many villages and small cities operate with limited staff who manage multiple roles. SIMPCO works alongside our member communities to provide planning assistance, technical support, grant administration, and compliance guidance.
Whether your community is:
Considering a housing or infrastructure project
Preparing financial or planning documents
Navigating new regulations
Looking for training opportunities
SIMPCO is here as a resource and partner.
Have questions or need assistance? Contact SIMPCO staff anytime - we are happy to help! 712.279.6286 or simpco@simpco.org.
Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) & Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS), 6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, Iowa 51106, 712-279-6286
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