SIMPCO and SRTS will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of the holiday. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8. Thank you, and we hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing holiday!
Thank You to Our Members
As we begin a new fiscal year, SIMPCO would like to thank our member communities, counties, educational institutions, and partner organizations for their continued support and investment in regional collaboration.
Your membership helps SIMPCO provide planning, grant administration, economic development, housing, transportation, GIS, and other services that strengthen communities across the Siouxland region.
🔗 Learn more about the services and resources available through SIMPCO membership by visiting our website: About Us | SIMPCO
SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION (SRTPA) TAC
📍 SIMPCO
SEPTEMBER 10 | NOON
SIMPCO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
📍 SIMPCO
SEPTEMBER 15 | 5:30 PM
OPEN MEETINGS & RECORDS LAWS TRAINING
📍 SIOUX CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CENTER (RM #118 HOSPITALITY ROOM)
SEPTEMBER 24 | 9:30 AM
SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION (SRTPA) POLICY BOARD
📍 SIMPCO
SEPTEMBER 24 | 10:00 AM
SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEM (SRTS) BOARD OF DIRECTORS
📍 SIMPCO/SRTS
SEPTEMBER 24 | 11:15 AM
WESTERN IOWA COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT REGIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND (WICIRHTF)
📍 SIMPCO
Startup Siouxland First Friday Coffee
September 4 | 9:00 AM | Council Oak Supply
Join Startup Siouxland on Friday, September 4 at 9:00 a.m. at Council Oak Supply, 101 W. 3rd Street, Sioux City, for First Friday Coffee. This month, hear from Lindie, owner of The Warp Zone, a popular downtown Sioux City barcade.
First Friday Coffee provides entrepreneurs with an opportunity to share their ideas, discuss challenges, and gather valuable feedback from the community. Connect with fellow innovators, support local businesses, and learn how community input can help shape and strengthen emerging ventures.
Summer 2026 Trailblazer Challenge - One Week Left!
There's still time to explore Siouxland's trails and hidden gems before the challenge ends on September 7. Every trail visit and landmark check-in earns an additional entry into our end-of-summer prize drawing, featuring rewards generously donated by local businesses.
Getting started is easy and completely free:
Download the GooseChase app on your phone
Enter Join Code: TRAILCHALLENGE
Have questions or need help getting started? Reach out to Nate at nathan@simpco.org.
Don't miss out. Get outside, explore Siouxland, and rack up those final entries before September 7!
Iowa Open Meetings & Open Records Laws Training
September 15 | 5:30 PM | Sioux City Community School District Educational Services Center
SIMPCO is now an approved and certified provider of training on Iowa's Open Meetings and Open Records Laws. Join us on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Sioux City Community School District Educational Services Center, with both in-person and virtual attendance options available.
The training is designed for newly elected or appointed city council members, county supervisors, boards, and commissions. Participants will learn key requirements of Iowa's Open Meetings Law, open records obligations, common compliance pitfalls, and best practices for conducting public business legally and transparently. A certificate will be issued upon completion.
Cost: Free for SIMPCO members; $50 per participant for non-members.
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Tri-State Legislative Forum on Friday, December 4, hosted by SIMPCO. This annual event brings together legislators from Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota to discuss issues impacting the Siouxland region and provide updates on upcoming legislative priorities.
The forum offers local government officials, community leaders, and business representatives an opportunity to engage directly with elected officials and learn more about policy issues affecting our tri-state area.
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
Hosting the Summer Trailblazer Challenge
ESF10 Document updates for Cherokee, Ida, and Plymouth counties
Sioux City Safe Routes to School Maps
Monitoring MPO trail counters for the season
Whispering Creek Extension Planning Study
Community Development:
2027-2031 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Update
Emerson CDBG Administration
Larrabee Municipal Code Update
Hubbard Comprehensive Plan
Larrabee CDBG Administration
Castana CDBG Administration
Woodbury County CDBG Administration
MPO TIP Amendment
The MPO Policy Board will be voting on the following TIP amendment at the upcoming meeting on September 3:
Iowa DOT IA 376: Lincoln Way to N of Cunningham Drive, Sioux City needs to be programmed for a total cost of $2,105,206 with $1,684,165 Federal participation (NHPP) and $421,041 State match (PRF) in FY 26.
The meeting will be held on September 3, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the SIMPCO Board Room (6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City) and via Microsoft Teams. To participate electronically, please email or call SIMPCO to obtain the meeting ID and password. simpco@simpco.org or by phone at 712-279-6286
The MPO Policy Board meetings are open to all individuals. Any person with a special need requiring 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 Policy Board meeting.
New Training Room Rental Available at SIMPCO/SRTS
Looking for a professional space for your next meeting, workshop, training, or community event? The SIMPCO/SRTS Training Room is now available for rent! Conveniently located in Sioux City, our modern training room accommodates approximately 70 guests and offers flexible seating arrangements to fit a variety of event needs.
Amenities include:
Projector and presentation space
Classroom-style seating options
High-speed Wi-Fi
Surround sound system and microphone
HDMI connectivity for laptops
Podium and whiteboard
On-site kitchenette equipped with a sink, refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, and ample counter space
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.
Alliant Energy Foundation Community Grants Program(Cherokee Only) - Alliant Energy and the Alliant Energy Foundation build stronger communities through investments in organizations and communities in Iowa. There are four areas of focus, including hunger and housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety and engagement. For more information on the Alliant Energy Foundation Community Grants Program, click here. Applications are due by January 15, 2026, May 15, 2026, and September 15, 2026.
Iowa Arts Council Art Project Grant (Arts and Health Specials) - Provides financial incentives to Iowa artists, art educators, and qualifying organizations to support a wide variety of arts-related activities. For more information on the Iowa Arts Council Art Project Grant, click here. Applications are due by September 1, 2026.
Iowa Tourism Grant - Provides funding for tourism-related marketing initiatives, events, and meetings that support both local economies and the statewide tourism industry. Funded projects should aim to attract visitors, enhance the overall tourism experience, and promote Iowa as a travel destination. For more information on the Iowa Tourism Grant, click here. Applications are due by September 30, 2026.
Federal Recreational Trails (FRT) - Provides funds to establish recreational trails throughout Iowa for the use, enjoyment, and participation of the public. The program is restricted to acquisition, construction, or improvement of recreational trails open for public use or trails which will be dedicated to public use upon completion. For more information on the FRT program, click here. Applications are due by October 1, 2026.
Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP) - Funding available to reduce congestion and improve air quality for areas that do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter (nonattainment areas) and for former nonattainment areas that are now in compliance (maintenance areas). For more information on the ICAAP, click here. Applications are due by October 1, 2026.
IDOT City Bridge Program – For this funding cycle, funds were available to offer assistance to bridges that had 20 or more priority points. The Iowa DOT annually makes Federal aid and State funds available for the purposes of reducing the number of “Poor” bridges (formerly known as Structurally Deficient or Functionally Obsolete bridges) on the local roadway system. Bridges are ranked to receive funding based on a priority point system explained in Local Systems I.M. 1.100, Federal and State Bridge Programs. For more information on the City Bridge Program, click here. Applications are due by TBD.
Iowa Transportation Alternatives (TA Set-Aside or TAP) - The Statewide TA Set-Aside program will receive applications for projects with a statewide and multi-regional impact, that will complete significant trail linkages, or that will assist safe routes to school efforts. For more information on Iowa Transportation Alternatives, click here. Applications are due by October 1, 2026.
South Dakota Industrial Park Road Grants (SD) – This program is a means to assist cities and towns that have a new industry coming to their community and need new or expanded access to the industry. For more information on the South Dakota Industrial Park Road Grants, click here.Applications are due by April 15, July 15, and October 15, 2026.
IEDA Enhance Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) – Funds for capital projects, such as trails, libraries, community centers, pavilions, entertainment venues, museums, recreational facilities, and more. (Eligible: local governments and certain nonprofits). For more information on IEDA Enhance Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT), click here. Quarterly. Applications are due by January 15, 2026, April 15, 2026, July 15, 2026, and October 15, 2026.
South Dakota Agri-Business Access Grant (SD) – This program is a means for local governments to address road needs associated with new agri-business, such as ethanol plants, large-scale elevators, etc. In many cases, these new agri-businesses create additional truck traffic that an existing road may not be built to handle. For more information on the South Dakota Agri-Business Access Grant, click here.Applications are due by April 15, July 15, and October 15, 2026.
Iowans Create Community Mural Program - Matches a selected Iowa artist and community to plan, design, and create an original mural that showcases the community’s unique creative and cultural identity and builds civic pride and engagement.For more information on the Iowans Create Community Mural Program, click here. Applications are due by October 28, 2026.
Nebraska Land & Water Conservation Fund - Supports outdoor recreation in Nebraska by providing funding to eligible state and local government entities for acquiring, developing, and renovating parks, recreation areas, and public lands. For more information on the Land & Water Conservation Fund, click here. Applications are due by October 30, 2026.
Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund – Funding support available for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and governmental units that advance social progress in areas served by the Cable One family of brands. Funding to be concentrated in the following priority areas: education & digital literacy, hunger relief and food insecurity, and community development. For more information on the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund, click here. Applications are due by October 31, 2026.
Help Shape the Future of the Little Sioux River Water Trail
The Little Sioux River Water Trail Planning Project is seeking input from residents, river users, and community stakeholders. An online survey featuring interactive maps is now available to gather feedback on priorities, recreation opportunities, river access, and potential improvements along the water trail.
You do not need to be an expert on the river to participate. Your feedback will help guide future planning efforts for the Inkpaduta Canoe Trail and Little Sioux River Water Trail and ensure this important regional resource continues to serve communities and visitors for years to come.
Take the survey, share it with friends and neighbors, and help shape the future of the Little Sioux River Water Trail.
League of Nebraska Municipalities 2026 Annual Conference
September 23-25 | Lincoln
Municipal officials, staff, and community leaders are invited to attend the League of Nebraska Municipalities Annual Conference, September 23-25, 2026, at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska. The conference offers professional development, networking opportunities, and updates on issues impacting Nebraska communities. Registration and conference information are available through the League of Nebraska Municipalities.
Iowa League of Cities 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibit
September 23-25 | Bettendorf
Join city officials, staff, and community leaders from across Iowa for the Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference & Exhibit. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in educational workshops, hear from engaging speakers, explore the exhibit hall, and network with municipal professionals from across the state.
South Dakota Municipal League's 93rd Annual Conference
October 6-9 | Aberdeen
Join municipal leaders from across South Dakota October 6-9 in Aberdeen for the South Dakota Municipal League's 93rd Annual Conference. This annual event brings together elected officials, administrators, and community leaders for education, networking, and collaboration.
This year's keynote speaker, Anne Marie Anderson, a three-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and veteran journalist, will provide practical leadership insights on communications, decision-making, and building stronger teams. Her presentation will focus on cutting through the noise, identifying worthwhile risks, and leading effectively through challenging conversations.
Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, making preparedness more important than ever for local governments and public organizations.
The State Cybersecurity Conference will bring together Iowa's counties, cities, and schools on October 22 in Ames to share best practices, strengthen cybersecurity efforts, and build resilience across the state.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experts, network with peers, and explore strategies for protecting critical systems and data.
Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) & Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS), 6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, Iowa 51106, 712-279-6286
