Michelle Bostinelos Begins Term as ICOG Board Chair
Congratulations to SIMPCO Executive Director Michelle Bostinelos, who has officially begun her term as Chair of the Iowa Association of Councils of Governments (ICOG) Board. Michelle will help lead statewide efforts to strengthen regional partnerships, support Iowa communities, and advance the important work of Councils of Governments across the state.
"I am honored to serve as the incoming Chair of the Iowa Association of Councils of Governments," Michelle shared.
"I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the state to strengthen our communities, advance regional partnerships, and build on the important work already underway."
We are proud to see Michelle's leadership recognized at the state level and look forward to the positive impact she will make in this role.
SIMPCO Receives National Impact Award for Open Meetings & Open Records Training Initiative
SIMPCO, along with Region XII Council of Governments, Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG), and East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG), received a 2026 National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Impact Award.
The award recognizes the regional collaboration behind the development of a certified Open Meetings and Open Records Laws Training Program for newly elected and appointed city council members, county supervisors, and other local officials across Iowa.
NADO Impact Awards recognize innovative projects and partnerships that strengthen communities through regional planning, economic development, leadership, and other initiatives that improve quality of life. SIMPCO is honored to receive this national recognition alongside its regional partners and remains committed to supporting effective local government through training and technical assistance.
The funding will support energy-efficient lighting upgrades at City Hall, the Dakota City Public Library, the Water Treatment Plant, and the South Yard Shop, helping reduce energy costs and improve the efficiency of these public facilities.
SIMPCO was pleased to assist Dakota City with the grant application process and applauds the City for securing this investment in its community.
Award Amount: $37,537 | Total Project Cost: $39,500
Congratulations to Dakota City on this successful funding award!
Congratulations to Ida Grove on Two Successful DNR Grant Awards
SIMPCO congratulates Ida Grove, Iowa, on securing funding for two downtown redevelopment projects through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Derelict Building Grant.
Both applications submitted by the City were selected for funding, including:
408 2nd Street – Awarded $32,110
411 2nd Street – Eligible for up to $30,304
The Derelict Building Program helps communities address abandoned and unsafe structures that undermine economic development and community vitality. These awards will assist Ida Grove in removing blighted properties and creating opportunities for future redevelopment in the downtown area.
SIMPCO was pleased to assist the City of Ida Grove with the grant application process and commends local leadership for their commitment to community improvement and revitalization.
Congratulations to the City of Ida Grove on securing more than $62,000 in funding to support downtown revitalization efforts!
SIMPCO Ready to Assist with 2024 CDBG Disaster Recovery Applications
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has opened applications for several Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR)programs for communities impacted by the 2024 flooding events:
Eligibility is limited to HUD-designated Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) areas affected by the 2024 flooding, including Cherokee and Woodbury Counties within the SIMPCO region.
SIMPCO has four state-certified CDBG administrators on staff, available to assist communities with project development and grant administration. As your Council of Governments, SIMPCO members are not required to complete a procurement process when contracting with SIMPCO for these services.
For questions regarding the General Infrastructure Program or to discuss potential project opportunities, please contact:
South Lakeport Street Corridor Study Presented to Sioux City Council
SIMPCO Regional Planner Ryan Brauer, along with Mark Tuch, Project Manager with Burns & McDonnell, and Gordon Phair, City Engineer for the City of Sioux City, recently presented the findings and recommendations of the South Lakeport Street Corridor Study to the Sioux City Council.
The study examined transportation needs along the corridor and identified opportunities to improve safety, mobility, and support future growth. Funding for the project was provided through the SIMPCO Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which covered 80% of the study costs.
AUGUST 11 | 9:00 AM
STARTUP SIOUXLAND
📍 SIOUXLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
AUGUST 12 | 7:30 AM
SIMPCO EXECUTIVE FINANCE COMMITTEE
📍 SIMPCO
AUGUST 13 | 3:00 PM
SIMPCO'S OPEN MEETING & OPEN RECORDS TRAINING (registration below)
📍 SIMPCO
AUGUST 19 | 1:00 PM
LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE (LEPC)
📍 SIMPCO
AUGUST 27 | 1:30 PM
COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (CEDS)
SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION (SRTPA) TAC
📍 SIMPCO
SEPTEMBER 10 | NOON
SIMPCO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
📍 SIMPCO
Certified Training: Iowa Open Meetings & Records Laws
August 13 | 3:00 p.m. | Hybrid
SIMPCO is now a certified provider of training on Iowa’s Open Meetings and Open Records laws. Join us on Thursday, August 13, from 3:00–5:00 PM at SIMPCO (or virtually via Microsoft Teams) for this practical, interactive session.
Designed for elected officials, board and commission members, and public-serving professionals, this training covers key legal requirements, common pitfalls, and best practices for conducting public business transparently and in compliance with Iowa law. Participants will gain real-world guidance and leave with greater confidence in navigating open meetings and records responsibilities.
This training meets state expectations, includes a certificate upon completion, and must be completed within 90 days for newly elected or appointed officials.
Upcoming Power Half Hour: Code Updates & Maintenance Plans
August 20 | 1:00 p.m. | Hybrid
This session will provide an overview of recent code updates, maintenance planning requirements, and best practices for local governments. Learn how SIMPCO can assist communities with code compliance, maintenance planning, and related planning services.
Step into summer and discover Siouxland’s trails and hidden gems—at your own pace. Every trail you explore and each landmark you check in at earns you another 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.
Lace up, log in, and let the adventure begin!
SIMPCO 101: Come Learn How to Get the Most Out of Your SIMPCO Membership
August 27 | 4:00 p.m. | Hybrid
Join us for SIMPCO 101, an introductory session designed to help you maximize the value of your membership.
This session is ideal for newly elected or appointed city and county officials—including mayors, supervisors, commissioners, council members, and board members—as well as anyone interested in learning more about SIMPCO membership benefits.
Interested in hosting a SIMPCO 101 in your community? Let us know by emailing us at simpco@simpco.org or by calling (712) 279-6286.
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
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
Final FY 2027-2030 MPO & RPA Transportation Improvement Programs (TIP) Available for Review
The final FY 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs) for the MPO and SRTPA are now available. These documents outline planned transportation projects and investments for the next four fiscal years and serve as a guide for regional transportation funding and improvements.
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 REAP County Conservation Grant (IA) – This program is available to counties only if they are dedicating at least 22¢ per $1,000 of the assessed value of taxable property in the county for county conservation purposes, through competitive grants. This money is available to counties for land easements or acquisition, capital improvements, stabilization and protection of resources, and environmental education, etc. For more information on the Iowa REAP County Conservation Grant, click here. Applications are due August 14, 2026.
IDNR Urban Forestry Development Grant (IA) - Provides reimbursable grants to complete projects such as creating community forestry plans, building urban food forests, hosting educational programming, and workforce development through forestry internships. For more information on the IDNR Urban Forestry Development Grant, click here. Applications are due by August 17, 2026.
Recreational Trails Program (RTP) (NE) - The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) in Nebraska is part of a federal grant program that provides funding to states to develop and maintain recreational trails for a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle use. For more information on the Nebraska RTP, click here. Applications are due by August 21, 2026.
Rural Housing Readiness Assessment Grant (IA) - Support communities working to assess housing needs, review development barriers, and identify changes to codes, ordinances, and incentives. For more information about the Rural Housing Readiness Grant, click here. Applications are due by August 26, 2026.
Rural Iowa BOOST Program - Brings together a team of experts to help passionate community and business leaders create intentional plans for next-step growth and economic vitality. The program provides expert guidance, structured planning support, and targeted resources to help a community chart a clear path forward.For more information on the Rural BOOST Program, click here. Applications are due by August 26, 2026.
Rural Iowa Childcare Program - The Rural Child Care Planning program seeks to support the use of data and analysis by rural communities to determine the specific needs and solutions for child care in their area. For more information on the Rural Iowa Childcare Program, click here. Applications are due by August 26, 2026.
MRHD Impact Match Grant – The Impact Match Grants Program provides awards of $25,000 to $250,000 for projects or programs that create a significant community impact. Grants support larger-scale programs or initiatives that require cost-sharing or matching funds. For more information on the MRHD Impact Match Grant, click here. Pre-application is due by August 31, 2026.
Merill Rail Crossing Elimination Study Public Meeting
August 3 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Merill
The Iowa DOT is seeking public input on recommendations to improve safety, reduce traffic delays, and address rail crossing concerns in Merrill. Attend the open-house public meeting on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Kissinger Community Center (608 Main St., Merrill) to review the proposed improvements and share your feedback. No formal presentation will be given.
Iowa DOT Seeks Public Input on Proposed Bridge Replacement
The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) is seeking public feedback on a proposed bridge replacement project on Iowa Highway 141 over Smokey Creek in Smithland. Community input plays an important role in helping shape transportation improvements and ensuring local needs are considered throughout the planning process.
Your feedback as a valued community member is encouraged and appreciated as the Iowa DOT moves forward with project planning.
Deadline: August 10, 2026
Help Shape Iowa's Transportation Future
The Iowa Department of Transportation is seeking public input to help guide the future of transportation across the state. Your feedback will help inform long-range planning and future investments in Iowa's transportation system, including highways, public transit, rail, aviation, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and water transportation. Take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your vision for Iowa's transportation future.
Iowa Clean Cities Coalition Webinar: Public Sector Fleet Transition Analysis
August 13 | 10:00 a.m.
The Iowa Clean Cities Coalition is launching a new webinar series, including a session focused on electric vehicle adoption for public-sector fleets. Learn about fleet analysis tools, EV cost comparisons, infrastructure considerations, cooperative purchasing opportunities, and Iowa City's experience transitioning to electric vehicles.
This free webinar is designed for local governments, public agencies, and fleet managers interested in evaluating electric vehicle options.
2026 Legislative Session in Review: Iowa, Nebraska, & South Dakota
The 2026 legislative sessions brought several changes of interest to local governments across Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Key legislation addressed topics such as open meetings and public records, housing and economic development, infrastructure funding, tax increment financing (TIF), elections, and local government operations.
Review the legislative summaries below for an overview of the bills and policy changes that may impact your community.
Looking for a cost-effective way to add workforce and starter housing in your community? Homes for Iowa partners with the Iowa Department of Corrections to build quality single-family homes while providing valuable construction training opportunities for incarcerated individuals.
A recent webinar highlighted how communities across Iowa are utilizing the program to address local housing needs.
To learn more about site requirements and how Homes for Iowa could fit into your community's housing strategy, contact Isaiah Corbin at Homes for Iowa.
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)
