SIMPCO Leadership Represents Siouxland in Washington, D.C.
In April, SIMPCO Executive Director Michelle Bostinelos and Transit Director Brian Pearson traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Conference alongside regional leaders.
During the visit, Michelle presented priority regional initiatives to Congressman Randy Feenstra, including the Lower Big Sioux River Watershed Flood Protection Project and the Sioux City Innovation Center.
Over the course of two days, Siouxland leaders discussed key issues impacting the region, including infrastructure, workforce development, education, health care, housing, transportation, and economic development. The delegation met with Senators, Members of Congress from Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, and federal officials to advocate for projects and programs that strengthen the region and enhance quality of life across Siouxland.
Sioux City Celebrates Another Successful Bike to Work Day
SIMPCO’s Bicycle Pedestrian Roundtable, in partnership with the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, was proud to host the Sioux City Metro Bike to Work Day on May 15 in celebration of National Bike Month. This annual event—recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the League of American Bicyclists—encourages residents to swap their car for a bike and enjoy a healthier commute.
The morning commuter breakfast was a great success, with Siouxland cyclists gathering to enjoy complimentary food, giveaways, and connect with health and fitness vendors. A huge thank you to our generous sponsors, vendors, dedicated volunteers, and all the enthusiastic riders who made the event possible.
Participants were also encouraged to ride downtown and take advantage of Bike to Work Day BOGO specials at local favorites, including Buffalo Alice, Hardline Coffee Co., Jackson Street Brewing, Marto Brewing Co., and Winnie’s.
Be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s Bike to Work Day (May 21, 2027)—we look forward to seeing you there!
SIMPCO Engages with Akron Community
SIMPCO staff recently participated in the Akron Chamber of Commerce Coffee Hour held at the Akron Library, connecting with local business leaders, community officials, and residents.
Executive Director Michelle Bostinelos, Transit & Facility Director Brian Pearson, and Finance Director Josh Bush provided an overview of SIMPCO and SRTS, highlighting available services and resources. Brian shared information on regional transit services, while Michelle outlined SIMPCO’s programs and community support initiatives.
SIMPCO Participates in Paint Siouxland Green
SIMPCO participated in Paint Siouxland Green on May 14, hosted by Siouxland Mental Health Center in support of Mental Health Awareness Month. Staff connected with community partners to promote awareness and reduce stigma around mental health.
The experience was later shared during a Lunch & Learn, highlighting key takeaways and resources to support well-being across the region.
Summer Trailblazer Challenge
May 22–September 7
The Summer Trailblazer Challenge has begun! Get out there and explore the best of Siouxland this summer! Now through September 7, discover scenic trails and unique landmarks across the region—and earn rewards while you’re at it.
For every trail segment or landmark you visit, you’ll earnone raffle entry. At the end of the summer, participants will have a chance to win prizes generously donated by local businesses.
Signing up is FREE! Download the GooseChase App on your phone and use the Join Code: TRAILCHALLENGE to get started.
Have questions? Contact Nate at nathan@simpco.org.
Lace up your shoes, grab your phone, and start blazing trails all summer long!
SIMPCO Annual Board of Directors Meeting & Awards Banquet
June 18 | Akron Golf Club
You are invited to attend the SIMPCO Annual Board of Directors Meeting, which will be followed by dinner and the Annual Awards Banquet.
Event Details: Thursday, June 18 Akron Golf Club 941 Country Club Drive, Akron, Iowa
Virtual Attendance: Board members who wish to attend the meeting virtually may do so via Microsoft Teams. Please RSVP by June 12 to receive the meeting link.
STARTUP SIOUXLAND (formerly Iowa's West Coast Initiative)
📍 SIOUXLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
JUNE 10 | 7:30 AM
SIMPCO EXECUTIVE FINANCE COMMITTEE
📍 SIMPCO
JUNE 10 | 1:30 PM
SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION (SRTPA) TAC
📍 SIMPCO
JUNE 17 | 4:00 PM
INNOVATIVE SIOUXLAND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
📍 SIMPCO
JUNE 18 | 5:30 PM
SIMPCO ANNUAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
📍 AKRON COUNTRY CLUB
JUNE 24 | 9:00 AM
WATER RESOURCE COMMITTEE
📍 SIMPCO
JUNE 24 | 1:30 PM
METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) TTC
📍 SIMPCO
JUNE 25 | 9:30 AM
SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION (SRTPA) POLICY BOARD
📍 SIMPCO
JUNE 25 | 10:00 AM
SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEM (SRTS) BOARD OF DIRECTORS
📍 SIMPCO/SRTS
SIMPCO Services Spotlight: CDBG Assistance
SIMPCO supports member communities with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications and administration from start to finish—offering free application preparation and full project management.
CDBG funding can support infrastructure (water, sewer, stormwater), housing rehab, downtown revitalization, community facilities, and public services.
Remaining 2026 Application Windows (select programs):
May 26 – July 26: Community facilities, upper-story housing, and commercial facade improvements
July 1 – September 1: Water, sewer, and stormwater program (second round)
Year-round: Opportunities & Threats Fund (as funds are available)
SIMPCO staff are certified grant administrators and provide these services without the need for formal procurement, making the process simpler and more efficient for communities.
Ready to get started? Contact Corinne Erickson at corinne@simpco.org or 712-223-8686.
Stay Compliant: Upcoming Open Meetings & Open Records Trainings
Under new state requirements, all newly elected and appointed officials must complete training on Iowa’s Open Meetings and Open Records laws (Chapters 21 and 22) within 90 days of taking office. These requirements help ensure transparency and compliance with Iowa’s “Sunshine Laws.”
SIMPCO is now an approved provider of Open Meetings and Open Records Training and will be offering an upcoming session to help local officials meet these requirements.
SIMPCO Training Option:
Date: August 13 (3:00 PM)
Format: Hybrid - attend virtually via Microsoft Teams or in person
Whether you are newly elected, newly appointed, or in need of a refresher, this training will cover key topics such as meeting notices, agenda requirements, closed sessions, and public records retention.
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
Finalizing the Transportation Planning Work Programs for the SRTP and MPO
ESF10 Document updates for Cherokee, Ida, and Plymouth counties
Sioux City Safe Routes to School Maps
Distributing MPO trail counters for the season
Sergeant Bluff sidewalk assessments
Community Development:
Hinton Zoning Code Update
2027-2031 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Update
Soldier Municipal Code Update
Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Emerson CDBG Administration
Larrabee Municipal Code Update
Hubbard Comprehensive Plan
Larrabee CDBG Administration
Castana CDBG Administration
Woodbury County CDBG Administration
Regional Transportation Planning Association Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Public Notice
The Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning Association (SRTPA) are in the process of developing the DRAFT FY 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Programs (TIP) with approval scheduled for June 25, 2026, for both the SRTPA and the MPO.
The SIMPCO MPO area includes Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff in Iowa; Dakota City and South Sioux City in Nebraska; and Dakota Dunes and North Sioux City, South Dakota. It also includes portions of Woodbury and Plymouth County, Iowa; Dakota County, Nebraska; and Union County, South Dakota. The SRTPA area includes: the rural portions of Woodbury, Plymouth, Cherokee, Ida and Monona counties in Iowa.
The TIP is a four-year listing of transportation projects which are to be funded using State and Federal transportation dollars; this includes interstate, highway and street improvements as well as trails and transit improvements. The Draft FY 2027-2030 TIPs for both the SIMPCO MPO and the SRTPA are now available for public comment.
Hard copies of the documents will be available by request by contacting SIMPCO,simpco@simpco.org or 712-279-6286.
SIMPCO staff will be holding a Public Input Meeting as an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the Draft FY 2027-2030 TIPs on June 9, 2026, from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. This meeting will be held atSIMPCO, 6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, IA. You may also join this meeting by Teams. Please call or email SIMPCO for login information: 712-279-6286 simpco@simpco.org
Please submit all comments on the Draft FY 2027-2030 TIPs to Michelle Bostinelos, Executive Director, SIMPCO: (712) 279-6286 or by email to mbostinelos@simpco.org by June 22, 2026.
SIMPCO Public Input Meetings are open to all individuals. Any person with a special need requiring reasonable accommodation or transportation to participate in a public input meeting should contact the SIMPCO office at (712)-279-6286 at least two (2) business days prior to the meeting.
Turning Plastic into Pavement
South Sioux City Featured by Nebraska Public Media
South Sioux City is gaining attention for its innovative approach to road construction. Watch this Nebraska Public Media video showcasing how a creative idea—using recycled plastic—was brought to life.
Click the image to play video
Living Roadways Trust Fund (IA) - Working through many partners in Iowa, the Living Roadway Trust Fund (LRTF) supports integrated roadside vegetation management (IRVM) programs and educates the public on the benefits, use and care of roadside vegetation, including native plants. For more information on the Living Roadways Trust Fund (IA), click here. Applications are due by June 1, 2026.
Iowa Thriving Communities Initiative – The initiative will provide communities that are leveraging innovative methods to attract housing opportunities for their workforce with a chance to be recognized for their efforts. A limited number of communities will be awarded the designation, which comes with highly sought-after and lucrative scoring points for the Federal Housing Tax Credit and/or Workforce Housing Tax Credit programs. The scoring points will be available through the end of the calendar year following the community’s designation as an Iowa Thriving Community. For more information on the Iowa Thriving Communities Initiative, click here. Applications are due by June 5, 2026.
Iowa Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program – The EIRLP provides low-interest loans for energy infrastructure projects that facilitate electricity or gas generation, transmission, storage, or distribution. For more information on the Iowa Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program, click here. Applications are due by March 6, June 5, and September 4, 2026.
Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program (RCE) - This program provides funding for highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods.For more information on the RCE Grant Program, click here. Applications are due by June 8, 2026.
Iowa Workforce Housing Tax Incentive – Housing Projects that meet one of four criteria: Housing development located on a grayfield or brownfield site; repair or rehab of dilapidated housing stocks; Upper story housing development; New construction in a greenfield. These grants are competitive in part because the program is more flexible than most in terms of income limits and incentive amounts. For more information on the Iowa Workforce Housing Tax Incentive, click here. Applications are due by June 10, 2026.
USDA Rural Business and Community Development Grant (RBDG) - This program provides funding for business and community initiatives that promote economic growth and job creation. Eligible applicants can include rural cooperatives, state government agencies, towns, and communities, nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher learning, and federally recognized Tribes. For more information on the Business and Community Development Project program, click here. The applications had two deadlines: June 15th applies to SECD applications, and June 30th applies to the remainder.
Nebraska CDBG Tourism Development (NE) – The purpose of the Tourism Development (TD) Category is to provide investments in effective and affordable tourist attraction facilities to quality communities that are investing in long-term development. For more information on Nebraska CDBG Tourism Development (NE), click here. Applications are due by June 30, 2026.
Nebraska CDBG Economic Development (NE) – The objective of the Economic Development (ED) category is to assist businesses that expand the state’s economic base, and which create quality jobs principally benefiting employees in the low- and moderate-income levels. For more information on Nebraska CDBG Economic Development (NE), click here. Applications are due by June 30, 2026.
MRHD Economic Development Match Grant – Designed to bring other funders together and to support economic development projects within Woodbury County that need potentially higher levels of funding and collaboration. Grants are awarded annually based on merit as determined by the Grant Review Committee and ratified by the MRHD Board of Directors. For more information on the MRHD Economic Development Match Grant, click here. Applications are due by June 30, 2026.
T-Mobile Hometown Grant - T-Mobile Hometown Grants is a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow. Hometown Grants are given every quarter to up to 25 small towns. Apply for funding to support a community project of your choice, like revitalizing or repurposing a historic structure, creating a downtown asset or destination, or improving a space where friends and neighbors gather. Projects that add to a sense of place or could lead to further investment are of particular interest. For more information on the T-Mobile Hometown Grant, click here. Applications are due by June 30, 2026.
Fire Grant Opportunities Now Open
FEMA has announced the opening of several key funding opportunities, including the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response), and Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) programs. These grants support critical needs such as equipment, staffing, training, and community fire prevention efforts.
Communities interested in applying are strongly encouraged to attend an application workshop. FEMA offers virtual workshops and webinars covering all three programs, providing guidance on eligibility, funding priorities, and tips for developing a strong application.
Workshops are open to all applicants and include helpful resources and reminders to support the application process.
Applications close on Monday, June 22 at 5 p.m. ET.
The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department (HSEM) is accepting interest from cities and counties for flood mitigation funding through FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program (FY 2024).
This funding supports projects that reduce or eliminate repetitive flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Proposed projects must benefit areas with an active NFIP policy in place prior to April 30, 2026. Eligible cities and counties are listed in the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) attachments.
Key Dates
May 21, 2026: Notices of Interest (NOIs) due for project‑based proposals
June 18, 2026: NOIs due for planning/capacity‑building activities
July 16, 2026: Sub‑applications due in FEMA GO
August 6, 2026: State application submitted to FEMA
Cities and counties considering flood mitigation projects are encouraged to review the NOFA and confirm NFIP eligibility for project areas. SIMPCO staff are available to provide general guidance.
Funding Opportunity: IDOT State Recreational Trails (SRT) Program
The Iowa Department of Transportation’s State Recreational Trails (SRT) Program provides funding to help establish recreational trails across Iowa for public use and enjoyment.
Eligible projects are limited to the acquisition, construction, or improvement of recreational trails that are open for public use, or trails that will be dedicated to public use upon project completion.
Homes for Iowa: Key Program Updates & July 1 Deadline
Homes for Iowa is completing a major building site expansion this summer that will:
Increase production capacity from 24 homes at a time to 45 homes
Further support housing development needs across Iowa
Since 2020, Homes for Iowa has:
Delivered 159 homes
Trained nearly 700 participants through its workforce training program
Homes for Iowa has identified July 1, 2026 as a key deadline for communities or organizations interested in:
Expressing interest in participating in future projects, and/or
Beginning discussions related to site readiness, project planning, or partnership opportunities.
If you are interested in learning more or discussing next steps, please reach out directly to Homes for Iowa.
Explore the 2026 Metropolitan Planning Institute (MPI)
June 15-18 | Ames
Registration is open for upcoming Metropolitan Planning Institute (MPI) sessions taking place in June at Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames. These in‑person trainings offer practical, timely education for planners, local officials, and community development professionals, with a focus on real‑world applications and peer learning.
Participants can expect engaging presentations, statewide perspectives, and valuable networking opportunities.
Upcoming Training Opportunity: Municipal Compliance Webinar
June 9 | Webinar
Municipalities are facing increasing regulatory pressure from all directions—CJIS requirements, ADA compliance, federal and state regulations, cyber laws, and cyber insurance mandates. While it can be tempting to push compliance to the side, the consequences of falling behind are real.
To help communities stay informed and prepared, the Iowa League of Cities and VC3 are hosting an educational webinar on municipal compliance.
This webinar will provide an overview of key compliance areas impacting municipalities and offer practical insights to support informed decision‑making.
We encourage SIMPCO member communities to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more and strengthen their compliance readiness.
Mark your calendars and plan ahead for two upcoming conferences hosted by the League of Nebraska Municipalities. These events provide valuable opportunities for professional development, networking, and learning about current issues impacting Nebraska communities.
Municipal Accounting & Finance Conference
June 17–19 This conference focuses on municipal finance, accounting practices, budgeting, audits, and financial compliance. It is ideal for clerks, treasurers, finance directors, and municipal staff involved in financial management.
LNM Annual Conference
September 23–25
The Annual Conference brings together municipal officials from across the state for educational sessions, policy discussions, and networking opportunities covering a wide range of municipal topics.
Registration Open for the 2026 HousingIowa Conference
September 9-10 | Des Moines
Join the Iowa Finance Authority September 9–10 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines for Iowa’s premier housing event. Connect with nearly 1,000 housing and community leaders from across the state and gain insights from national experts and influential state and local leaders shaping housing policy, development, and community growth in Iowa.
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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