SIMPCO's Tri-State Legislative Forum took place on December 6, 2024, marking a unique event in the Siouxland area. This exclusive forum covered a range of important topics, including:
Activities and programs at the Sioux City Community School's Career Academy
Nebraska Statewide Workforce & Education Report System (NSWERS)
Overview of housing programs from the Iowa Finance Authority
Midwest trends in property tax relief from the Council of State Governments
This forum stands out as the only one of its kind in the region, bringing together key discussions and insights for the community.
A Special Thank You to Our Guest Speakers:
Leslie Heying, Director of Communications, Sioux City Community School District
Kelsey Miller, Family and Consumer Science Teacher, Sioux City Community School District
Dr. Matt Hastings, Executive Director, Nebraska Statewide Workforce & Education Reporting System (NSWERS)
Dr. Leah Barrett, President, Northeast Community College
Tim Anderson, Director of Policy & Research, The Council of State Governments
To learn how to get involved in SIMPCO's regional legislative activities, please contact SIMPCO at (712) 279-6286.
Le Mars Lighted Christmas Parade with SRTS!
The Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) was thrilled to be part of this year's magical Christmas festivities! A huge thank you to our amazing staff for volunteering their time. It was a wonderful evening of family fun and holiday cheer!
On December 12, 2024, SIMPCO and SRTS held their annual holiday gathering and staff appreciation banquet at the Sioux City Country Club. The evening was a memorable celebration, brimming with festive cheer, delicious food, and special recognition for our dedicated staff. Three SIMPCO team members were honored for their long-standing service: Dawn Kimmel, Regional Planner II, and Emily Guthrie, Executive Assistant, both celebrated 10 years, while Sharon Burton, Executive Assistant, marked an impressive 25 years. Additionally, Daryl Barker, a driver for SRTS, was recognized for his 5 years of dedicated service.
Exciting News for SIMPCO's Housing Division!
We are thrilled to announce that SIMPCO's Housing Division has been awarded $736,470 from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines through their Competitive Affordable Housing Program, and $411,512 from the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) through their Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) Program!
In partnership with WICIRHTF, these grants will enable us to repair and rehabilitate nearly 50 owner-occupied housing units in our region. This initiative aims to significantly improve the living conditions for low-to-moderate-income homeowners in our community.
Types of Repairs Include:
Health and safety repairs
Structural integrity
Code updates
Energy efficiency
ADA accommodations
For more information on the program or eligibility guidelines, please contact SIMPCO at 712-279-6286 or email Jenny at jenny@simpco.org.
At SIMPCO we believe that our team is our greatest asset to our organization. That is why we are excited to share with you our Employee Spotlight Series. December's Employee Spotlight is Nathan Kistner.
Nate joined SIMPCO in April of 2024 as a Regional Planner. He has been an integral part of our team, bringing his expertise and passion for regional planning to every project he undertakes.
1) What is your favorite part about your job and why?
I love the variety that comes with my job; every day is a little bit different. Some days, I'm in the office working on a long-range plan, and other days, I'm out in the community holding planning meetings or focusing on active transportation.
2) What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Knowing that a project I’m working on will actually help people in their everyday lives, or that it will help a small community better serve or improve the standard of living for residents.
3) If you could learn any skill what would it be and why?
I would like to be able to speak another language and then travel to that country.
4) What's your favorite lunch spot in town?
Being from LeMars, I hadn't explored many lunch spots here in Sioux City. Luckily, I have coworkers who have introduced me to all kinds of different restaurants and foods that I might not have tried otherwise. So, I don’t know that I have a 'favorite lunch spot,' but I am certainly enjoying the adventure of trying new foods and restaurants.
5) If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three items would you want to take with you?
A magnifying glass for starting fires and signaling, a multi tool, and a metal pot for holding and boiling water.
Moville Community Catalyst Building Remediation Grant Application
Remsen Assistance for Firefighters Grant Application
Emerson CDBG Administration
Marcus Public Library Grant Applications
Residents of Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Woodbury, and Plymouth counties are encouraged to provide feedback on the update to the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan, originally approved by FEMA in 2020, aims to prepare for and minimize risks from natural disaster and other hazardous events. Your input is valuable in ensuring the plan remains effective and relevant to the community's needs.
The Healthiest State Initiativeaims to empower every Iowan to live their healthiest life. This December, they're spotlighting Staying Active in the Winter. There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes! Get out there and enjoy the snow and cold for some winter fun!
Nebraska Tourism Conference
February 11 - 13
Discover the chance to expand your knowledge and foster innovation at the annual Nebraska Tourism Conference!
Hosted by Visit Nebraska and supported by sponsors statewide, this event features an exceptional lineup of speakers eager to educate and inspire. Explore a wide range of topics, including the latest in tourism ventures, the transformative impact of AI, the evolving landscape of sports tourism, and the intricacies of grant writing. Join us in Lincoln from February 11-13 at the Cornhusker Marriott for this essential educational experience.
Join the Iowa League of Cities and local leaders from across the state in Des Moines for a day of connection and collaboration. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with legislators, network with peers, and help shape the director of local governance in Iowa.
Iowa CDBG Water and Sewer Fund (IA)– 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, click here. Applications are due by April 1, 2025, July 1, 2025, October 1, 2025, and January 1, 2025.
Iowa Solid Waste Alternatives Program (IA) – Programs to encourage landfill alternatives – recycling, diversion, new technologies, new manufacturing processes, etc. For more information, click here. Applications are due by July 1, 2025 and January 2, 2025.
Iowa West Foundation (IA) – Community development, economic development, education, and human needs projects. For more information, click here. Applications are due January 15, 2025, May 15, 2025, and September 15, 2025.
Junior League of Sioux City Mildred Anderson Grant (Sioux City) – Mildred Anderson community grants up to $1,000 are awarded to community need projects within the Siouxland tri-state area (30-mile radius). The projects must address a community need. For more information, click here. Applications are due by January 15, 2025.
Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (NE) – The CCCFF program provides grants and state aid for the development of civic, community, and recreation centers. The CCCFF program supports enhances and grows the Good Life throughout Nebraska. For more information, click here. Letters of intent are due by January 15, 2025. Applications are due by February 15, 2025.
Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund (TTPSF) – Each year under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), as enacted by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), 4% of the available TTP funds are set aside to address transportation safety issues identified by federally recognized Indian tribes through a competitive, discretionary program. Projects are chosen whose outcomes will reduce fatal and serious injuries in transportation related incidents, such as motor vehicle crashes. For more information, click here. Applications are due by January 15, 2025.
Rural Workforce Housing Fund (NE) - Provides competitive matching grants to non-profit development organizations who administer workforce housing investment funds. The funds are invested in eligible projects to increase the supply and reduce the costs of workforce housing in Nebraska’s rural communities. For more information, click here. Applications are due by January 15, 2025.
America Walks Community Change Grant - The Community Change Grants program supports the growing network of community champions, organizations, and agencies working to advance walkability. Grants are awarded to innovative and engaging programs and projects that create change and opportunity for walking and movement at the community level.For more information, click here. Applications are due by January 17, 2025.
Destination Iowa Fund (IA) – Projects will attract visitors and new residents to the state and bolster the quality of life in Iowa’s rural communities. The aim is to make strategic investments that yield lasting results and create a positive ripple effect throughout the community. For more information, click here. Pre-applications are due between July 22, 2024-May 14, 2025. Applications are due by January 15, 2025 and/or July 15, 2025.
Community Spark Grants – The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly America program awards organizations for projects and programs that spark change and catalyze a community’s ability to create places where bicycling is safer, easier, and more accessible. The desire is for organizations to propose projects that build Bicycle Friendly Communities and capacity for local leaders and influencers by uplifting the community and by creating inclusive coalitions that can shed new light on current issues. For more information, click here. Applications are due by January 17, 2025.
Community Catalyst Building Remediation (IA) – Grants to communities for the redevelopment, rehabilitation or deconstruction of buildings to stimulate economic growth or reinvestment in the community. Strong applications will show the potential of catalytic economic growth in the community; improve appearances & safety; make use of underutilized property, exhibit appropriate design standards; and be well-funded. Economic growth may include the creation of additional jobs, growth of new or existing businesses, development of new housing units, increase property values, or potential population growth. For more information, click here. Pre-applications are due by January 29. 2025. Application due by April 17, 2025.
Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) - This program provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. For more information, click here. Applications are due by January 30, 2025.
MRHD Impact Match Grant (Siouxland) – The Impact Match Grants Program provides awards ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 for one year to support larger-scale projects or programs. MRHD awards grants in this program to projects that create a significant impact in addressing the needs of the community and the organization’s work. This grant is not renewable and requires cost-sharing or a match. For more information, click here. Applications are due by January 31 2025.
CDBG Downtown Revitalization (IA) -provides grants to communities for activities contributing to comprehensive revitalization in historic city centers or core downtown areas. The program is primarily focused on building façade improvements to privately owned buildings in downtowns. Buildings with first-floor residential use are prohibited from program participation. Work on roofs, for up to 40% of that building’s total costs, is also eligible. For more information, click here. Applications are due by January 31, 2025.
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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