As we begin the new year, we are excited to share the significant accomplishments achieved across the SIMPCO region. Thanks to your partnership, FY 2025 was a year marked by strong collaboration, regional investment, and meaningful progress in community, economic, and infrastructure development.
SIMPCO Accomplishments
Over the past year:
$8.2 million in transportation infrastructure funding was awarded to Siouxland communities with SIMPCO’s assistance.
SIMPCO helped secure $1 million in water/wastewater project grants and supported two communities with system improvements.
Our housing programs invested over $500,000 in rehabilitation, completing 23 owner‑occupied home rehabs across 18 communities, including vital improvements for elderly and disabled residents.
We advanced regional mobility and safety with $781,000 in transportation planning funds and $1.3 million for bike and pedestrian infrastructure upgrades.
SIMPCO secured $1.4 million in public space and quality‑of‑life enhancements and obtained $138,000 to develop a comprehensive multi‑county Hazard Mitigation Plan.
We strengthened economic vitality by securing roughly $158,500 to support regional economic development planning while collaborating on broadband expansion, tourism, and startup growth.
These accomplishments reflect what we achieve together as a region – and why support for regional planning and development organizations is more important than ever.
Why Support COGs and Economic Development Districts Now
Across the Tri‑State area, SIMPCO serves as both a Council of Governments (COG) and an Economic Development District (EDD). These organizations are essential because they ensure that state and federal dollars go directly to local communities, supporting the work our members depend on every day:
Technical assistance
Grant writing & administration
Comprehensive plans & studies
Infrastructure and housing planning
GIS mapping services
Regional transportation planning
Proposed legislation in both Iowa and Nebraska underscores how vital COGs and EDDs are to local government efficiency, regional coordination, and long‑term economic success.
Iowa – House Study Bill 596 (HSB 596)
HSB 596 proposes significant changes to property tax limitations and explicitly tasks Iowa’s COGs with helping local governments consolidate, share, or regionalize services to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
This legislation recognizes COGs as a critical partner in helping communities navigate fiscal changes while still accessing essential planning and development services.
Nebraska – Legislative Bill 1030 (LB 1030)
Nebraska’s LB 1030 proposes state appropriations to support Economic Development Districts, enabling these regional organizations to continue delivering community development, business development, housing, and transportation planning services statewide.
Both bills point to a clear theme: States are looking to regional development organizations for leadership, capacity, and support.
How You Can Help
We encourage our members to support the continued funding and recognition of Councils of Governments and Economic Development Districts in both states. These funds flow directly back to you—our communities—amplifying your ability to access grants, complete key studies, modernize infrastructure, and plan for future growth.
Together, we will continue to strengthen Siouxland and build a more resilient, connected, and prosperous region.
The Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) is pleased to announce the election of new officers for its Board of Directors and various boards and committees. These elections mark a significant step in our ongoing commitment to effective governance and community engagement.
Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) Board of Directors:
Chairman: Jon Winkel, Planning & Zoning Commissioner, City of Sergeant Bluff
Vice Chairman: Kelly Kreber, Mayor, City of Hinton
Secretary: Julie Burhoop, Commission Member, City of North Sioux City
Treasurer: Lance Hedquist, City of Administrator, City of South Sioux City
Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) Board of Directors:
Chairman: Vince Phillips, Supervisor, Monona County
Vice Chairman: Devlun Whiteing, Supervisor, Ida County
Western Iowa Community Improvement Regional Housing Trust Fund:
Chairman: Vince Phillips, Supervisor, Monona County
Vice Chairman: Devlun Whiteing, Supervisor, Ida County
Dakota County Nebraska Housing Trust Fund:
Chairman: Lisa Harral, Councilwoman, Village of Emerson
Vice Chairman: Brian Van Berkum, Commissioner, Dakota County
Chairman: Ken Beaulieu, Chairman, Dakota Dunes CID
Vice Chairman: Craig Anderson, Supervisor, Plymouth County
Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning Association (SRTPA) Technical Advisory Committee (TAC):
Chairman: Thomas Rohe, Supervisor, Plymouth County
Vice Chairman: Laura Sievers, Supervisor, Woodbury County
Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning Association (SRTPA) Policy Board:
Chairman: Vince Phillips, Supervisor, Monona County
Vice Chairman: Devlun Whiteing, Supervisor, Ida County
These individuals bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their respective roles, and we are confident in their ability to lead our organization towards continued regional and community success. SIMPCO looks forward to collaborating with these officers and board members to enhance the quality of life in our region, address local challenges, and seize opportunities for growth and development. Together, we aim to foster a thriving, resilient region that benefits all residents.
Celebrating Service at the SRTS Quarterly Meeting
Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) held its quarterly staff meeting on January 29 at the SIMPCO/SRTS office. Directors, managers, dispatchers, and drivers gathered to discuss department updates and upcoming initiatives.
During the meeting, three drivers were recognized for their outstanding service and milestones with the organization:
James Muckey – 15 years of service
James Davidovich – 15 years of service
Darla Jurrens – 5 years of service
SRTS extends sincere appreciation to these dedicated team members for their commitment to safety and for helping provide excellent transit service throughout the region.
SRTS Featured in the Sioux City Journal for Regional Vanpool Efforts
Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) was recently highlighted in the Sioux City Journal for its work to expand vanpool opportunities across the region. The article noted that the statewide vanpool program has been operating for two years and that SRTS is actively working to help the service gain traction with area employers and workers.
SRTS’s vanpool program is available to residents in all seven counties the agency serves—Woodbury, Plymouth, Monona, Ida, and Cherokee counties in Iowa; Dakota County in Nebraska; and southern Union County in South Dakota—providing a cost‑effective commuting option for shared trips to workplaces and other destinations.
SRTS is excited to see growing public interest in vanpooling and continues working with communities and employers to launch new vanpools throughout the region.
IOWA'S WEST COAST INITIATIVE (IWCI) BOARD OF DIRECTORS
📍 SIOUXLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FEBRUARY 11 | 7:30 AM
SIMPCO EXECUTIVE-FINANCE COMMITTEE
📍 SIMPCO
FEBRUARY 18 | 1:30 PM
LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE (LEPC)
📍 SIMPCO
FEBRUARY 18 | 4:00 PM
INNOVATE SIOUXLAND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
📍 SIMPCO
FEBRUARY 26 | 1:30 PM
COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (CEDS) COMMITTEE
📍 SIMPCO
FEBRUARY 26 | 4:00 PM
SIMPCO 101
📍 MICROSOFT TEAMS
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.
IWCI is Changing Things Up for First Friday Coffee!
February 6 | 310 Virginia St.
Starting in February, First Friday Coffees, hosted by Iowa's West Coast Imitative (IWCI), will spotlight small business owners who are looking for feedback on their ideas or pitches. This is a great opportunity for attendees to support and encourage local entrepreneurs.
For our February session, we’re excited to feature Retention Insights, a startup tech company working to refine their concept for improving workplace culture through AI.
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
Sioux City U.S. EDA Application
Keep Iowa Beautiful Hometown Pride - Hometown Pride empowers Iowa communities to: Enhance community amenities, cultivate local leadership, Foster civic pride, boost economic vitality, and increase collaboration. Participating towns are provided with five years of funding toward employing a professional “community coach,” who will work with a committee of 5-10 resident volunteers to run a successful community improvement program in each town. Hometown Pride works with your existing organizations and initiatives to achieve shared community goals. For more information, click here. Applications are due by February 6, 2026.
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program (IA) – STBG provides flexible funding that may be used by states and localities for transportation projects. The intent of these projects is to preserve and improve the conditions and performance on any Federal-aid highway, bridge, public road, pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure, and transit capital projects. Each year, approximately $3 million is available in STBG funds for communities within the Sioux City metro area including Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff, Woodbury County and Plymouth County. Applications are available on the SIMPCO website and are due by February 6, 2026. Iowa members only.
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) (IA) – Federal formula program within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) administered by the FHA to help states develop carbon reduction strategies with required input from the MPO. Projects will follow the CRP goal to reduce carbon emissions on and off-roadways. Funding available for communities within the Sioux City metro area including Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff, Woodbury County and Plymouth County. Applications are available on theSIMPCO website and are due by February 6, 2026. Iowa members only.
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TAP) (IA) – The Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside from the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program provides funding for a variety of generally smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities; construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas; community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management; environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity; recreational trails; safe routes to school projects; and vulnerable road user safety assessments. Over $300,000 in TAP funds is available for communities within the Sioux City metro area including Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff, Woodbury County and Plymouth County. Applications are available on the SIMPCO website and are due by February 6, 2026. Iowa members only.
Paint Iowa Beautiful – Through a partnership between the Keep Iowa Beautiful organization and Diamond Vogel Paint of Orange City, Iowa, groups can receive paint for community enhancement projects and parks. Thousands of gallons of paint have been donated to community groups through the Paint Iowa Beautiful program, which provides paint at no charge to a wide variety of public service projects throughout Iowa. For more information, click here. Applications are due by February 12, 2026.
Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning Association (SRTPA) Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program (IA) – STBG provides flexible funding that may be used by states and localities for transportation projects. The intent of these projects is to preserve and improve the conditions and performance on any Federal-aid highway, bridge, public road, pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure, and transit capital projects. Each year, approximately $2.3 million is available in STBG funds for rural areas and communities located in Woodbury, Plymouth, Cherokee, Ida, and Monona Counties in Iowa. Applications are available now on the SIMPCO websiteand are due by February 13, 2026.
Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning Association (SRTPA) Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (IA) – The Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside from the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program provides funding for a variety of generally smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities; construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas; community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management; environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity; recreational trails; safe routes to school projects; and vulnerable road user safety assessments. Each year, approximately $220,000 in TAP funds are available for rural communities located in Woodbury, Plymouth, Cherokee, Ida, and Monona Counties, In Iowa. Other eligible entities include natural resource or public land agencies; school districts, local education agencies or schools; Tribal governments; and nonprofit entities. Applications are available now on the SIMPCO website and are due by February 13, 2026.
FTA Section 5310: Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities - SIMPCO, acting in its role as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), is announcing a Request for Proposals for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program. The purpose of the Section 5310 Program is to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding transportation mobility options within the region. The Section 5310 Federal share of eligible capital expenses is 80% of the net project costs and the Federal share of eligible operating expenses is 50% of the net operating costs. A local match of 20% is required for all capital projects, and 50% of the net operating costs for the operating project. Applications are available on the SIMPCO website and are due by February 13, 2026. South Dakota members only.
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.
Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant - BUILD grants fund projects that will have a significant local or regional impact and improve transportation infrastructure.For more information, click here. Applications are due by February 24, 2026.
Iowa DNR Derelict Building Grant Program – Funding to assist small communities and rural counties in addressing derelict buildings through deconstruction, renovation/mothballing, and/or conducting environmental studies.For more information, click here. Applications are due by February 27, 2026.
Iowa DOT Launches Official Project Website for Gordon Drive Viaduct Reconstruction
The Iowa DOT has launched a new project website for the multiyear reconstruction of the Gordon Drive viaduct and Bacon Creek Conduit in Sioux City. The project, a partnership with the City of Sioux City and the FHWA, aims to improve safety and mobility for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists from Virginia Street to Rustin Street.
Visit the Iowa DOT project page to view the reconstruction timeline, traffic impacts, and official documents.
Take a look at the Iowa Association of COGs’ January Newsletter—featuring statewide impacts, legislative advocacy, training opportunities, and partnership programs.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority(IEDA) has announced significant updates to its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs, including six new funding opportunities launching in 2026. While details are still evolving, communities are encouraged to start planning early.
Key Dates:
Applications Open: March 2, 2026
Deadline: May 1, 2026
New CDBG Programs:
Pocket Parks – Up to $150,000 for small park and recreation projects with inclusive, community-led design.
Streetscapes – Up to $250,000 for sidewalks, benches, lighting, and Main Street enhancements.
Roof Replacement – Up to $30,000 per unit for roofing and lead paint remediation; $180,000 per project.
Planning Grants – Up to $15,000 for Historic District Surveys, Asset Management Plans, and Capital Improvement Plans.
Public Service (Homeless Providers & Food Pantries) – Supports staffing and operations for essential services (no construction funding).
Stormwater Infrastructure – Improvements to storm sewers and curb-and-gutter systems under existing Water/Sewer program guidelines.
Changes to Existing Programs:
Upper Story Housing Conversion – Now funded per unit (up to $100,000 each, max four units per city).
Downtown Revitalization – Stronger design requirements, mandatory environmental/historic surveys, and bonus points for structural engineering reports.
Community Facilities – Competitive application process with priority for senior services, disability support, homeless programs, and health/childcare facilities.
New Policy Requirements:
Detailed project timelines and team roles.
Documented match funding (CDBG funds are reimbursable only).
Adoption of standard policies (Equal Opportunity, Fair Housing, Anti-Displacement).
Income Survey Report submitted with application for LMI eligibility.
IEDA’s goal is to make CDBG programs more accessible and impactful. Communities should begin planning now and reach out early for guidance.
If your community is interested in pursuing CDBG funding or has questions, please reach out to SIMPCO staff at (712) 279-6286.
Upcoming Workshops: GIS and Tableau Public Training
February 25 & 26 - Ames
Community leaders, planners, analysts, and anyone working with local data have an opportunity to build hands-on skills during two upcoming workshops on February 25 and 26. These full‑day sessions will focus on practical tools used to analyze, map, and clearly communicate community data.
Introduction to QGIS
February 25, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Room 1060, Alliant Energy Ag Innovation Lab
3800 University Blvd., Ames
Unlocking the Power of Community Data: Introduction to Tableau Public
February 26, 2026 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Same location as above
This workshop will introduce participants to QGIS, a free and open-source Geographic Information System widely used for mapping and spatial analysis.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a Grant Writing 101 workshop to help community leaders, nonprofits, and local governments build the skills to turn good ideas into successful grant applications. Whether you're brand new to grants or looking for a refresher, these workshops offer practical guidance you can put to work right away!
You'll learn how to:
Understand common grant funding challenges
Plan projects you before you write
Find and assess potential funders
Identify the core components of a successful proposal
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.
2026 Nebraska Planning Conference
March 4-6 | Kearney
The Nebraska Planning and Zoning Association (NPZA) and the Nebraska Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-NE) will host the Nebraska Annual Planning Conference (NEPC) on March 4–6, 2026 at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney.
This event brings together planning professionals, local officials, and industry experts for three days of networking, education, and collaboration on key planning and zoning topics.
The annual Iowa Tourism Conference is a key networking and educational event for professionals dedicated to promoting Iowa’s destinations and attractions.
This two-day conference offers:
Expert insights from industry leaders and marketing specialists
Best practices in tourism marketing
Networking opportunities with peers across the state
Attendees will leave with actionable strategies, innovative ideas, and valuable connections to help elevate Iowa’s tourism efforts.
Homes for Iowa is Making a Big Impact Across the State!
Homes for Iowa is a nonprofit that builds affordable homes while providing construction training and re‑entry employment for incarcerated men at the Newton Correctional Release Facility. Their program has trained over 500 crew members, delivered 126 homes to more than 40 counties, and maintains a low 6.1% recidivism rate. All homes are built in Newton and delivered statewide, with plans priced under $110,000.
SIMPCO’s partnership helps bring these affordable homes into Siouxland communities, aligning with local housing needs and supporting HFI’s dual mission: expanding Iowa’s attainable housing supply and strengthening workforce reintegration for justice‑involved individuals.
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)
