SIMPCO/SRTS Marks One-Year Milestone in New Facility!
The Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) and Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) are celebrating a significant milestone: one year in their new facility. This state-of-the-art building has not only provided a modern workspace for staff but also enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations.
Over the past year, the new facility has enabled SIMPCO and SRTS to better serve the community with improved planning and transit services. The upgraded infrastructure supports a more collaborative environment, fostering innovation and teamwork among employees.
The anniversary marks a year of growth and progress, reflecting SIMPCO/SRTS’s commitment to advancing regional development and transportation solutions. As they look to the future, SIMPCO and SRTS remain dedicated to their mission of enhancing the quality of life in the Siouxland region through comprehensive planning and reliable transit services.
2024 APA Iowa Conference
SIMPCO staff attended the 2024 APA Iowa Conference at the Sioux City Convention Center this month, showcasing their dedication to urban planning and community development while gaining insights to foster vibrant, sustainable communities.
Active-Transportation
From Student Project to Reality
SIMPCO Executive Director Michelle Bostinelos, along with Urban Planner from RDG Planning & Design, Senior Planner Chris Madsen from Sioux City, and Health Promotion Specialist from Siouxland District Health Department, presented at the 2024 APA IA Conference on Active Transportation.
They discussed how Sioux City partnered with the University of Iowa in 2015 as part of the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities.
One key project by University of Iowa graduate students was the Active Transportation Plan, which led to the creation of the Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC) by the City Council in 2018. Since then, the City has approved a Bike Facility Study, installed the first on-street bike lanes, and added miles of new trails. The session covered the history of the partnership, the creation of the ATAC, and the successes and outreach efforts of the committee.
Congratulations to Bess and Nathan! Nebraska CDBG Certified
Congratulations to SIMPCO's Regional Planners, Bess Seaman and Nathan Kistner, on successfully completing the Nebraska Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Full Certification Training and passing the exam! Bess and Nate are now certified to administer CDBG Program projects to improve Nebraska.
Members needing assistance with CDBG projects are encouraged to reach out to SIMPCO staff for support. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of CDBG projects. Whether your community needs help with project planning, application processes, or compliance requirements, we are here to help!
Employee Spotlight
Tonia Abell, Administrative Assistant
At SIMPCO we believe that our team is our greatest asset to our organization. That is why we are excited to share with you our Employee Spotlight Series. Our first employee spotlight is Tonia Abell.
Tonia joined SIMPCO just three months ago as the new Administrative Assistant, and she has already made a significant impact assisting staff with various meetings, events, and projects.
1) Tell us about your family.
My husband and I just celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary. We love to travel, and I often think back to our very first trip together to Mount Rushmore in 1991. We would love to go back and see all the changes that have happened since then.
2) What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?
"It costs nothing to be kind to someone" This simple advice has guided me throughout my life, reminding me that even the smallest acts of kindness, like a smile or lending a helping hand, can make a significant different in someone's day.
3) What is your favorite hobby, activity, or creative outlet?
Yoga, as it has truly transformed my life. Practicing has greatly improved both mental and pysical well-being, and I often find myself wishing I had started this journey in my 30s. The benefits are incredible!
4) If you could learn any skill, what would it be and why?
I have been thinking a lot about the importance of being multilingual, especially when it comes to traveling and immersing oneself in different cultures. While I usually manage to get by with just enough language skills to navigate my trips. I believe that being able to hold a conversation truly enriches the experience.
5) What's something about you (fun fact) that not many people know?
I was once a model.....(shoe model) for a large corporation. It was such a fantastic opportunity, especially since my first job after college was as a manager at a shoe store.
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) FY 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program Amendments
The MPO Policy Board will be voting on the following TIP amendments at the upcoming meeting on November 7, 2024:
Iowa DOT Bridge repair on I-129 over the Missouri River in Sioux City needs to be programmed for a total estimated cost of $9,500,000 with $7,600,000 Federal participation (NHPP) in FY 2025.
South Dakota DOT Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program Statewide Planning Study needs to be programmed for a total estimated cost of $500,000 with $400,000 Federal participation in FY 2025
The meeting will be held on November 7, 2024 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.
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.
Success Story: 2043 Sergeant Bluff Comprehensive Plan
Last month, the City of Sergeant Bluff adopted their Comprehensive Plan for 2024-2043. SIMPCO staff assisted the City of Sergeant Bluff with this plan update, which was last completed in 2012. This plan will guide Sergeant Bluff’s growth over the next twenty years, outlining goals and objectives for land use, transportation, housing, economic development, parks & recreation, and community facilities & services. The plan embodies Sergeant Bluff’s vision for a unique, growing, and progressive community.
The City of Sergeant Bluff will continue to maintain the excellent services, amenities, and facilities that make it an inviting place to live, while making a concerted effort toward additional economic growth, expansion, and the provision of starter homes for young families and seniors. This plan update was made possible by a group of very dedicated city leaders who served on the steering committee and provided valuable input and guidance on this project.
If you have questions on this plan, please contact Corinne at corinne@simpco.org or call 712-279-6286.
Residents of Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Woodbury, and Plymouth counties are encouraged to provide feedback on the update to the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan, originally approved by FEMA in 2020, aims to prepare for and minimize risks from natural disaster and other hazardous events. Your input is valuable in ensuring the plan remains effective and relevant to the community's needs.
SIMPCO's Housing Division: Keeping Homeowners Safe with Essential Repairs
SIMPCO’s Housing Division is actively assisting homeowners in Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Plymouth, and Woodbury counties on the 2023-2024 Housing Trust Fund Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation projects. Currently, there are ten houses under construction, three out for bid, and 62 on the waitlist. Eight homes have been rehabbed in the last five months. The next round of applicants has been selected from the waitlist to prepare for another bid round this fall.
Additionally, SIMPCO is administering the Iowa Finance Authority’s new Home Repair Pilot Program. This program aims to prevent homeowner displacement by assisting with home repairs for households that experienced financial hardship after January 21, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, five projects have been completed, and three more are under construction.
This completed plumbing project in Battle Creek, Iowa, was funded by the IFA Home Repair Pilot Program. The homeowner had been dealing with sewage backing up into their basement. Steve Beane’s Plumbing tackled the issue by installing a sewage pit and pump, successfully resolving the problem.
Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) Team Meeting
Earlier this month, SRTS management, dispatch, and drivers got together for their quarterly driver meeting. These meetings are an excellent opportunity to review safety updates, discuss operational or policy changes, address vehicle maintenance, and share resources. They also provide a platform for team members to exchange recent experiences and insights, fostering a collaborative environment.
Notice of Public Comment Period: Proposed 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER)
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are soliciting public comments on the Proposed 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). Public comments will be accepted from October 18 – November 1, 2024.
The CAPER pertains to the programs in the bulleted list below. It includes a description of resources made available; the investment of available resources; the geographic distribution and location of local investments; families and persons assisted; actions taken to affirmatively further fair housing; and other actions indicated in the State of Nebraska 2023 Annual Action Plan for Housing and Community Development.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)
National Housing Trust Fund (HTF)
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA)
Homeless Shelter Assistance Trust Fund (HSATF)
Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund (NAHTF)
In addition to the above listed programs, the report will include references to the CARES Act funds allocated through the CDBG-CV, HOPWA-CV, and the ESG-CV programs.
All comments must be received by DED before the close of the comment period at 5:00 p.m. on November 1st. Mail written comments to: Nebraska Department of Economic Development, 245 Fallbrook Blvd, Suite 002, Lincoln, NE 68509-4666. Comments may also be submitted by email to ded.publiccomment@nebraska.gov with the subject line “2023 Proposed CAPER.” Individuals requiring sensory accommodations, including interpreter services, Braille, large print, or recorded materials should contact Laura Hart (308-202-0177 or ded.publiccomment@nebraska.gov).
Los individuos que no hablan inglés y los individuos con discapacidad podrán solicitar ayuda y servicios necesarios para contactar el Departamento de Desarrollo Economico, 245 Fallbrook Blvd, Suite 002, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-4666, o ded.publiccomment@nebraska.gov.
Iowa League of Cities: 2024 Budget Workshops
City Administrators, city clerks and finance officers, and city officials are encouraged to register for the 2024 Budget Workshops. The annual workshops provide a review of the important factors that affect city budgets while helping attendees understand the state requirements for completing and filing the budget.
Workshop Locations:
Tuesday, November 12 | Spencer Clay County Fair Events Center 800 W 18th St, Spencer
Thursday, November 14 | Red Oak Red Coach Inn 1200 Senate Ave, Red Oak
Tuesday, November 19 | Cedar Falls Holiday Inn 7400 Hudson Rd, Cedar Falls
Thursday, November 21 | Iowa City Highlander Hotel 2525 Highlander Pl, Iowa City
Tuesday, December 3 | West Des Moines RecPlex 6500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines
Thursday, December 5 | Virtual (via Zoom) Zoom meeting links will be provided to attendees prior to the workshop
The Iowa Mayors Association to host the 2024 Emergency Management Seminar, an essential training to prepare your city in case of the worst. From natural disasters to threat events, this one-day seminar will cover everything city leaders need to know
including command systems, Emergency Management Agencies, checklists, operations manuals and SOPs. Mayors and council members, city managers and other city leaders are strongly encouraged to attend to prepare your city for anything the future may throw your way.
MLA is designed to help all city officials better understand their role in municipal government and how to effectively serve their community. It is widely considered essential training for mayors and council members, especially those recently elected to office. MLA Part One will begin November 2025. The classes are also a great refresher course for veteran elected officials and city staff!
Iowa League of Cities presents an exciting new webinar series designed to empower novice and aspiring clerks. These engaging sessions are crafted to provide clerks with the essential knowledge and skills needed to thrive in their position.
The Healthiest State Initiativeaims to empower every Iowan to live their healthiest life. This November, they're spotlighting Healthy Family Fun. Gather your loved ones and enjoy quality time by cooking together, experimenting with new recipes, and opting for healthier snack and dinner alternatives!
American Trails Photo Contest
Deadline - December 15, 2024
American Trails sponsors the annual contest for photographs of designated National Recreation Trails across the country. Winning photos will be announced in February and a link will be posted on their website.
Civic & Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF)
Pre-Application Due January 15, 2025
The Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF) in Nebraska provides funding to municipalities and tribal governments for projects that enhance economic opportunities and quality of life. Grants can be used to build or improve community facilities like libraries, recreation and wellness centers, gathering spaces, convention centers, town squares, and cultural centers.
Iowa Foundation for Parks and Recreation - Mini Grants
Due January 31, 2025
The Iowa Foundation for Parks & Recreation Mini Grants are to provide funding for leisure facilities, activities, events, or programs to promote and improve leisure opportunities and amenities for citizens in small Iowa communities.
Iowa Community Catalyst Building Remediation - Grant
Pre-Application Due January 30, 2025
The Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program by the Iowa Economic Development Authority offers grants for the redevelopment, rehabilitation, or deconstruction of buildings to boost economic growth and community reinvestment. Strong applications should demonstrate potential for significant economic growth, improve safety and aesthetics, utilize underused properties, adhere to design standards, and be well-funded. Economic growth can include job creation, business growth, new housing development, increased property values, or population growth.
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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