SIMPCO & SRTS will be closed on Thursday, December 25, and Thursday, January 1, in observance of the holidays.
SIMPCO will also be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
SIMPCO Hosts Annual Tri-State Legislative Forum
On December 5, 2025, SIMPCO proudly hosted the Tri-State Legislative Forum at our facility, located at 6401 Gordon Drive in Sioux City. This one-of-a-kind event is the only legislative forum in the Siouxland region!
Key topics discussed at this year’s forum included:
We extend our sincere gratitude to our presenters, guests, state representatives, and legislators for making this year’s forum a success.
Want to get involved in SIMPCO’s legislative activities? Contact us at simpco@simpco.org.
Festive Fun and Milestone Moments at SIMPCO Holiday Banquet
Back row (left to right): Jim Gunsolley, Vince Phillips, Craig Anderson, Ken Beaulieu, Mark Monson, Shane Bellefy; Front row (left to right): Dan Moore and Jon Winkel
On December 11, 2025, SIMPCO and SRTS hosted their annual holiday celebration and staff appreciation banquet at the Sioux City Country Club. The evening was filled with festive cheer, delicious food, special recognition, and fun activities, making it a memorable event for all.
Board Meeting and Farewell
Before the banquet, the SIMPCO Board held its final meeting of the year, marking the last official session for Vice Chair Dan Moore, Sioux City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem. Dan announced he will not seek a fourth council term.
We also recognized Mark Monson, a long-standing board member and former Board Chair, who attended his last meeting as a voting member.
Thank you, Dan and Mark, for your years of dedication and service to SIMPCO! Your leadership has made a lasting impact, and we wish you both all the best!
Honoring Years of Service Two outstanding team members were recognized for their long-standing dedication:
Brenda Berens, Transit Manager – 15 years of service
Michelle Bostinelos, Executive Director – 20 years of service
We are grateful for their commitment and leadership, which continue to strengthen our organization and the communities we serve.
From left to right: SRTS Transit Director Brian Pearson, SIMPCO Executive Director Michelle Bostinelos, Transit Manager Brenda Berens, and SIMPCO Board Chair Jon Winkel.
From left to right: SIMPCO Finance Director Joshua Bush, SIMPCO Board Chair Jon Winkel, SIMPCO Executive Director Michelle Bostinelos, and SRTS Transit Director Brian Pearson.
From left to right: SIMPCO Executive Director Michelle Bostinelos, outgoing SIMPCO Board Vice Chair Dan Moore, and SIMPCO Board Chair Jon Winkel.
From left to right: SIMPCO Board Chair Jon Winkel, Advisory Board Member (and former voting member) Mark Monson, and SIMPCO Executive Director Michelle Bostinelos.
Major Grant Fuels Growth for Siouxland Regional Transit
Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) has been awarded a $9.1 million Low or No Emission grant through the Iowa DOT from the Federal Transit Administration.
This funding will support two major projects:
New Satellite Bus Storage Facility in Le Mars, Iowa Construction of a 16-stall bus storage facility featuring a break room, two restrooms, two offices, and a conference room.
Expansion of Sioux City Transit Facility Increasing bus storage capacity from 15 stalls to 35 stalls and expanding the office area to accommodate six employees. The office addition will include two private offices, four open workstations, and a conference room.
This award is part of Iowa’s record-breaking $77 million in transit grants—the largest in state history!
Since 1980, SRTS has provided safe, reliable transportation for people of all ages, including those needing specialized services. With this project, SRTS will grow from 51 to 53 vehicles, improving service across the region.
$415,175 Awarded to SIMPCO for Owner-Occupied Home Repairs
We are excited to share that SIMPCO’s Housing Division has been awarded $415,175 from theIowa Finance Authority(IFA) through the Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) program for the FY 2026 grant cycle.
In partnership with the Western Iowa Community Improvement Regional Housing Trust Fund (WICIRHTF), these funds will allow us to repair and rehabilitate nearly 15 owner-occupied homes across our region—significantly improving living conditions for low- to moderate-income homeowners.
New Homes for Iowa Home Delivered to Mapleton Through Regional Partnership!
Mapleton Housing and Community Improvement, a branch of the Mapleton Community Development Corporation (MCDC), purchased a property on 8th Street in December 2022. In January 2024, the group partnered with Homes for Iowa to bring a new home to the community.
Homes for Iowa is a statewide initiative that trains offenders in skilled trades, reduces recidivism, and helps address Iowa’s housing needs. This project was made possible through collaboration with SIMPCO, supporting local housing and community development efforts.
This home marks an important step toward expanding affordable housing opportunities in the region and demonstrates the power of regional partnerships.
For more information on Homes for Iowa and how this program could benefit your community residents, visit:Homes for Iowa
Siouxland River & Watershed Tributary Study - We Need Your Input!
SIMPCO is conducting a Siouxland River/Watershed Tributary Study Survey to gather valuable insights about the rivers, streams, and tributaries that shape our region. Your feedback will help determine whether a more detailed tributary system study is needed to support future planning and environmental efforts.
Please complete the survey by January 16, 2026.
For more information, contact Michelle Bostinelos at mbostinelos@simpco.org.
SIMPCO Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) TIP Amendment
The MPO Policy Board will be voting on the following TIP amendment at the upcoming meeting on January 8, 2025:
Iowa National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program Implementation: I29 Exit 147B needs to be programmed for a total estimated cost of $1,178,293, with $942,634 Federal participation (NEVI) in FY 2026.
The meeting will be held on January 8, 2025,at 1:30 p.m. in the SIMPCO Board Room (6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City) and via Zoom. 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
Questions or comments on the proposed TIP amendments or modifications should be directed to Michelle Bostinelos, Executive Director, 712-279-6286.
To view the current TIP, visit the SIMPCO website (click here) and scroll down to the MPO TIP section.
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.
Still Time to Share Your Feedback - Draft MPO 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan
The Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is seeking public input on the Draft 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), which outlines transportation priorities and investments for the region through the year 2050.
The LRTP serves as a roadmap for creating a safe, efficient, and multimodal transportation system. It addresses improvements for streets and highways, public transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and other modes to meet future mobility needs.
Comments will be accepted until December 31, 2025. Your input is vital in shaping the future of transportation in the Siouxland region.
Printed copies are available upon request or for review at the SIMPCO office: 6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, IA 51106
Questions or comments should be directed to Michelle Bostinelos, Executive Director, at mbostinelos@simpco.org or call (712) 279-6286.
To view the draft plan, visit the SIMPCO website (click here) and scroll down to the LRTP section.
SRTS Launches Food Bank Pilot Program in Onawa
Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) recently introduced a new pilot program to help residents of Center Heights and Diamond Heights in Onawa access the local food bank. This initiative is designed to assist limited-income residents by providing transportation to essential resources.
To learn more about this pilot program or other SRTS services, please contact Transit Manager, Brenda Berens at 712-202-6460 or visit our website at: Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) | SIMPCO
JANUARY 7 | 1:30 PM
MPO TTC
📍 SIMPCO
JANUARY 8 | 1:30 AM
MPO POLICY BOARD
📍 SIMPCO
JANUARY 13 | 9:00 AM
IOWA'S WEST COAST INITIATIVE (IWCI) BOARD MEETING
📍 SIOUXLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
JANUARY 14 | 7:30 AM
SIMPCO EXECUTIVE FINANCE COMMITTEE
📍 SIMPCO
JANUARY 14 | 1:30 PM
SRTPA (RPA) TAC
📍 SIMPCO
JANUARY 14 | 2:45 PM
BIKE/PED ROUNDTABLE
📍 EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 15 | NOON
SIMPCO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
📍 SIMPCO
JANUARY 15 | 1:00 PM
DAKOTA COUNTY NEBRASKA HOUSING TRUST FUND (DCNHTF) BOARD OF DIRECTORS
📍 NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE
JANUARY 21 | 4:00 PM
INNOVATE SIOUXLAND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
📍 SIMPCO
JANUARY 22 | 9:30 AM
SRTPA (RPA) POLICY BOARD
📍 SIMPCO
JANUARY 22 | 10:00 AM
SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEM (SRTS) BOARD OF DIRECTORS
📍 SIMPCO
JANUARY 22 | 11:15 AM
WESTERN IOWA COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT REGIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND (WICIRHTF)
📍 SIMPCO
JANUARY 27 | 3:00 PM
DAKOTA COUNTY RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (RED) COMMITTEE
📍 NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE
FEBRUARY 5 | NOON
REGIONAL POLICY & LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
📍 SIMPCO
ICOG Makes Open Meetings Training Easy to Access
The Iowa Association of Council of Governments (ICOG) has made it simple to stay informed and compliant with Iowa’s transparency laws. All Open Meetings and Open Records training webinars are now gathered in one convenient location! These sessions are designed to help local officials and staff understand and follow Iowa’s open meetings and records requirements.
Reminder: All newly appointed SIMPCO members serving on SIMPCO boards and committees are required to complete this training. This applies to members in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
Distributing updated printed trail maps throughout the MPO
Monona County Port Infrastructure Development Program Grant Administration
Collected MPO trail counters for the season
Procurement for South Sioux City’s Dakota Avenue Study
Community Development:
Akron CDBG Administration
Hinton Zoning Code Update
Soldier Municipal Code Update
Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Onawa Comprehensive Plan
Ute Urban Revitalization Plan
Marcus Urban Revitalization Plan
Le Mars U.S. EDA Application
South Sioux City U.S. EDA Application
Emerson CDBG Administration
Emerson Blight and Substandard Study
Larrabee Municipal Code Update
Hubbard Comprehensive Plan
Woodbury County Conservation Needs Assessment
Larrabee CDBG Administration
Castana CDBG Administration
Woodbury County CDBG Administration
South Sioux City Income Survey
Onawa Income Survey
Iowa West Foundation (IA) – Community development, economic development, education, and human needs projects. For more information, click here. Applications are due January 15, 2026, May 15, 2026, and September 15, 2026.
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, 2026.
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, 2026. Applications are due by February 15, 2026.
Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund (TTPSF) – Transportation fatalities and injuries severely impact the quality of life in Indian country. 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, 2026.
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. These projects will not only address immediate needs but also contribute to long-term sustainability and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.For more information, click here. Pre-applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications are due by January 15, 2026, and/or July 15, 2026.
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 29, 2026.
Iowa Community Catalyst Remediation Grant - Assists communities with the redevelopment or rehabilitation of buildings to stimulate economic growth or reinvestment in the community. For more information, click here. Pre-applications are due by January 29, 2026. Applications are due by April 15, 2026.
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 downtown. 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, 2026.
Iowa Parks and Recreation Association Mini Grants - Provides funding for leisure facilities, activities, events, or programs to promote and improve leisure opportunities and amenities for citizens in small Iowa communities. For more information, click here. Applications are due by January 31, 2026.
Municipal Leadership Academy Continues in January with Part Two
January 6-8 | Virtual
The Iowa League of Cities' Municipal Leadership Academy (MLA) launched in December with Part One and continues in January with Part Two —a series of three virtual training sessions covering human resources, council meeting fundamentals, city budgeting, and planning and zoning.
2026 National Civility Summit for Local Government
February 11 | Virtual
Local leaders face rapidly changing challenges—from natural disasters and demographic shifts to economic, social, and political pressures. This summit offers practical strategies, tools, and peer insights to help navigate change with confidence while fostering civility.
Who Should Attend: Mayors, council members, administrators, clerks, chamber officials, and other local leaders.
Hosted by: The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University (with Olson Center for Public Democracy), Iowa League of Cities, and Greater Des Moines Partnership.
The Nebraska Tourism Conference is the premier educational and networking event for the state’s tourism and hospitality industry. Presented by Visit Nebraska, the state’s destination marketing organization, the conference provides invaluable opportunities for tourism professionals to learn and share knowledge.
The Iowa TIF website, developed by the Iowa League of Cities and Professional Developers of Iowa, offers a clear, accessible overview of how Tax Increment Financing (TIF) supports development across the state. It features real-world examples—from downtown revitalization and housing to infrastructure and business growth—showing how communities are leveraging TIF effectively.
This is a valuable resource for planners and local leaders looking to explain or explore TIF in their own communities.
Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) & Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS), 6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, Iowa 51106, 712-279-6286
.png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Blue%20Orange%20Simple%20Hello%20Summer%20Banner%20(16).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Honey%20Photo%20Blog%20Banner%20(3).png)
