We are deeply grateful to all our SIMPCO members, both new and long-standing. Your dedication and contributions to the Siouxland region are invaluable. With your support, we can drive growth and bring about positive changes in our community. Be sure to check out our new Membership Welcome Packet to make the most of your SIMPCO membership.
The FINAL FY 2026-2029 TIPs for the SIMPCO Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning Association (SRTPA) are now available to view.
It is the purpose of the MPO/RPA TIP to provide all citizens of the region, the FHWA, FTA, and Departments of Transportation in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, with the region's multimodal and intermodal transportation improvements for four fiscal years at a time.
2025 Summer Trailblazer Challenge
May 23 - September 1
Get outside this summer to explore Siouxland trails and the many landmarks along the way!
For every trail segment or landmark you visit, earn one raffle entry. At the end of the summer, there will be a raffle to win prizes donated by local businesses! Participants will also have access to discounts from sponsoring businesses along the trail system.
To sign up, download the GooseChase app on your phone. Participation is FREE! Use Join Code ZSMIFZ to get started.
Contact SIMPCO Regional Planner, Nathan Kistner with questions at nathan@simpco.org.
The Iowa Environmental Council, The Harkin Institute, and the Iowa Farmers Union are partnering to host 15 listening sessions across Iowa this summer to explore the state’s high cancer rates. These sessions are open to the public and aim to gather input from Iowans about how cancer has impacted their lives and communities.
An upcoming session will be held at the SIMPCO office, located at 6401 Gordon Drive, on Tuesday, August 6 between 12:00-1:00 PM.
These events are part of a broader initiative to investigate potential causes and risk factors contributing to Iowa’s cancer rates—currently the second-highest in the nation. The goal is to inform future policy and public health efforts that protect both the environment and human health.
To learn more about the project or view additional session dates and locations, visit iaenvironment.org
Please consider sharing this information with others who may be interested in attending or contributing to the conversation.
Click here to see the dates for all upcoming Cancer in Iowa Listening Sessions.
SIMPCO Regional Planners Attend 2025 National Regional Transportation Conference
SIMPCO regional planners recently attended the 2025 National Regional Transportation Conference at the Renaissance Des Moines Avery Hotel. The event featured panels, workshops, and discussions on a wide range of transportation topics, welcoming both seasoned professionals and newcomers.
The planners gained valuable insights and connected with peers from across the country, bringing fresh ideas back to support SIMPCO’s regional planning efforts.
SRTS Celebrated at 2025 IPTA Annual Meeting & Training Conference
SRTS was proud to attend the 2025 Iowa Public Transit Association (IPTA) Annual Meeting & Training Conference, held July 16–19 in Coralville, Iowa. This four-day event brought together transit professionals from across the state for hands-on training, networking, and recognition of excellence in public transportation.
We’re excited to share that several SRTS team members were honored for their outstanding service:
Chuck Eckerman, SRTS Facility Maintenance/Mechanic, was awarded Transit Operations Employee of the Year. This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of transit operations. Chuck’s dedication to maintaining our fleet and facilities is second to none. (pictured top left)
William Plendl, a longtime and dependable SRTS bus driver, received a Professional Driver Recognition award. Known for his professionalism, safety record, and friendly demeanor, William exemplifies the best of public transit service. (pictured bottom left)
Brian Pearson, SRTS Transit Director, accepted the Friend of Public Transit award on behalf of Senator Chuck Grassley, honoring the Senator’s continued advocacy and legislative support for public transportation in Iowa. (pictured bottom right)
The IPTA conference is a cornerstone event for Iowa’s transit community, offering valuable training for drivers, mechanics, managers, and mobility coordinators. We’re incredibly proud of our SRTS team for their achievements and for representing our region with excellence!
Explore More Trails!
The 2025 Siouxland Trail Map is here! Whether you're biking, walking, or just looking for a scenic route, this updated map features all the latest trails, connections, and amenities across Siouxland. Grab your copy today and start planning your next outdoor adventure. Available online and at local community centers, parks departments, and visitor bureaus.
Questions? Reach out to SIMPCO Regional Planner, Ryan Brauer at ryan@simpco.org.
The DRAFT 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan is ready for preliminary review. Including all Iowa communities and counties in SIMPCO’s planning region, participants are encouraged to review and provide feedback on the updated plan.
Most recently approved by FEMA in 2020, this plan is designed to help our communities prepare for and reduce the risks associated with natural disasters and other hazardous events.
Send your questions, comments, or suggested corrections to Dawn Kimmel, Project Coordinator at dkimmel@simpco.orgby August 1, 2025.
Before & After Spotlight: Housing Repair Transformation
Check out this incredible transportation made possible through the SIMPCO Housing Repair Program with funding support from Iowa Finance Authority.
This home, located in Plymouth County, has undergone a comprehensive upgrade including full roof replacement, new siding, doors, and windows, updated light fixtures, repaired plumbing leaks, installed handrail to the basement and working smoke alarms for enhanced safety.
This work was expertly completed by A.M.B. Handyman Services LLC, based in Sioux City.
Interested in getting involved or joining our waitlist? Please contract Jenny Anderson, SIMPCO Housing Manager, at jenny@simpco.org or call (712) 279-6826.
IDOT Needs Your Input on the Future of Transportation
The Iowa Department of Transportation is developing a long-range transportation plan to guide investments through 2055, and your feedback is essential. The plan will shape the future of Iowa’s multimodal transportation system, including:
Aviation
Public Transit
Rail
Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities
Highways
Water Transportation
Help improve transportation across the state by taking this quick survey by August 31. Your input will help shape a more connected and efficient Iowa.
New legislation passed during the 2025 sessions is now in effect across Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, bringing important changes for municipal leaders and public servants—especially in areas related to operations, procedures, and planning.
Iowa: The Iowa League of Cities has compiled a comprehensive list of new laws relevant to municipalities. Additionally, MSA has outlined key legislative updates affecting planning and zoning practices across the state.
Nebraska: The League of Nebraska Municipalities has identified legislative impacts that will affect municipal utilities and public works departments. Their summary highlights the most pertinent changes for local government operations.
South Dakota: The South Dakota Municipal League has provided a detailed overview of new laws that will influence municipal processes and procedures, offering guidance for city leaders and public servants navigating these updates.
Below are links to each organization’s state legislative summaries for further reference.
Iowa League of Cities: Annual Conference & Exhibit
September 17-19 | Des Moines, IA
Registration is open for the Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference and Exhibit. Held at the Community Choice Convention Center in Des Moines, this event is the league's largest educational offering of the year, attracting hundreds of city officials from across Iowa to connect, share, and learn.
Nebraska League of Municipalities Annual Conference
September 24-26 | Lincoln, NE
This conference is a premier event designed to bring together leaders and professionals involved in Nebraska's municipalities. The conference serves as a platform for discussions, networking, and workshops focusing on the latest advancements and challenges faced by local governments in the state.
The annual conference gathers municipal employees and elected officials from across the state to network, learn new tips and trends, share best practices, and discover new products from exhibitors.
Iowa Ideas 2025 Free Virtual Conference
October 2 & 3 | Virtual
The Iowa Ideas Virtual Conference, presented by The Gazette, is a dynamic, complimentary event held annually to unite individuals from all walks of life in Iowa. It provides a platform for exploration, discussion, and brainstorming solutions to the state's pressing issues. Attendees have the freedom to tailor their own schedules, with a diverse range of sessions available in various tracks.
Big congratulations to Jay Minor, a Siouxland Regional Transit System driver, for being named Artist of the Month in the July 4, 2025 edition of The Lake Gazette—his hometown newspaper in Monroe City, Missouri!
The article, titled "Minor Finds the Right Mood—and the Right Moment—to Paint," celebrates Jay’s distinctive artistic style, which blends mood, meaning, and a splash of pop art flair. His creativity and dedication, both on the road and on the canvas, are truly inspiring.
Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program – Communities in need of transportation enhancement planning assistance and populations of fewer than 10,000 residents are eligible to participate in the Community Visioning Program. Thriving communities have volunteers, government representatives, and interest groups that collaborate to complete the visioning process. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 2, 2025.
Iowa Brownfield/Grayfield Redevelopment Tax Credit Program (IA) – This program assists with redevelopment aimed at improving Iowa’s economy while reducing environmental hazards. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 1, 2025.
Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) – The Nebraska Environmental Trust is established to conserve, enhance and restore the natural environments of Nebraska. A prosperous future requires a sound natural environment. Successful grant applications will address one or more of the following categories: habitat, surface and ground water, waste management, air quality, or soil management. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 2, 2025.
Iowa Clean Water Loan Program – Created to give loans to water and wastewater projects. For more information, click here. Applications are due September 2, 2025.
Iowa West Foundation (Monona County - ONLY) – 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.
GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness - Midwestern organizations can request up to $15,000 to bring a professional artist into their community and host creative, engaging public activities. For more information, click here. Letter of intent to apply is due by September 15, 2025. Applications due By September 29, 2025.
FY25 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program - Program makes approximately $1.45 billion available to support economic recovery activities in areas that received major disaster declarations because of hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024. For more information, click here.
Readiness Path - Capacity building and strategic planning projects that set the stage for future investment. (applications accepted on rolling basis)
Implementation Path - Standalone construction and non-construction projects that help communities recover from natural disasters and advance recovery and growth (applications accepted on rolling basis)
Industry Transformation Path - Coalition=led, multi-project portfolios that transform regional economies through targeted industry development. (applications are due by March 3, 2026)
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=1200&upscale=true&name=Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Green%20Simple%20Newsletter%20Email%20Header%20(6).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=1200&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)
.png?upscale=true&width=320&upscale=true&name=download%20(3).png)
