SIMPCO Attends Siouxland Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner
SIMPCO staff attended the 2025 Siouxland Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, held at the Sioux City Convention Center. The evening began with a lively social hour, followed by a color guard presentation and the national anthem. Guests then enjoyed a delicious dinner and an inspiring keynote address from General Paul M. Nakasone, retired four-star general, former Commander of U.S. Cyber Command, and former Director of the National Security Agency.
The event brought together regional leaders and community members to celebrate local achievements and strengthen connections across Siouxland.
Congratulations to the City of Larrabee & City of Castana!
Both communities were recently awarded $500,000 each through the Iowa Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program!
Larrabee will use the funding to rehab its sanitary sewer collection system. Castana will improve its well and construct a new drinking water treatment plant system.
SIMPCO is proud to have assisted with these award-winning grant applications. Great work, Larrabee and Castana!
SIMPCO Engages at HousingIowa Conference
Housing Manager Jenny Anderson represented SIMPCO at the 2025 HousingIowa Conference in Cedar Rapids, joining nearly 1,000 housing professionals from across the state. The annual event brings together leaders, advocates, and practitioners to explore pressing housing challenges and share innovative solutions.
Throughout the conference, Jenny participated in sessions focused on affordable housing development, policy updates, and community engagement strategies. She also had the opportunity to network with state and regional partners, gaining insights that will help inform SIMPCO’s ongoing housing initiatives.
Thank you to Jenny for representing SIMPCO and staying actively involved in shaping Iowa’s housing future!
SRTS Participates in Midwest Transit Conference
Transit Director Brian Pearson represented Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) at the 2025 Midwest Transit Conference held in Kansas City, Missouri. During a breakout session led by Paul Comfort—author of The New Future of Public Transportation—Brian shared how SRTS leverages tools like the 3CX phone system and Ecolane software to enhance operations and community outreach.
He also had the opportunity to connect with Carrie Butler, FTA Region 7 Administrator, and received a signed copy of Comfort’s book. The conference provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing SRTS’s growth strategies, and learning from other regional transit leaders.
SIMPCO & SRTS at the TAG Meeting
Earlier this month, SIMPCO staff hosted the Transportation Advisory Group (TAG) meeting at the MLK Jr. Transportation Center in downtown Sioux City, where the Sioux City Transit System introduced its new cashless fare system.
This upgrade gives riders more flexibility, helps drivers handle less cash, and ensures accurate fare collection. The cashless option is designed to make transit easier, safer, and more efficient for everyone.
Great job, Sioux City Transit, for moving local transportation forward!
SIMPCO’s Summer Trailblazer Challenge Brings Fun to the Trails
This summer, the Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) launched the Summer Trailblazer Challenge, a virtual scavenger hunt designed to get residents outside and exploring local parks and attractions through the regional trail system. Using the GooseChase app, participants snapped selfies at designated locations to earn points and compete for prizes.
The event celebrated fresh air, fun, and community spirit—encouraging everyone to enjoy green spaces at their own pace. SIMPCO’s Bicycle Pedestrian Roundtable proudly funded $1,250 to support the app that powered the challenge.
We’re grateful to our civic-minded partners who helped make the event a success through prize donations and enthusiastic promotion. Special thanks to Palmer Candy, Downtown Partners, Siouxland District Health, Buffalo Alice, ACX Cinema Sioux City, SoHo Kitchen and Bar, and Sioux City Parks and Recreation for their generous support.
SIMPCO Attends Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference
Regional Planner Bess Seaman recently represented SIMPCO at the 2025 Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference in Des Moines. As the League’s largest educational event of the year, the three-day conference brought together hundreds of city officials from across Iowa for networking, learning, and collaboration.
The event offered a valuable opportunity to engage with municipal leaders, share ideas, and stay informed on key issues impacting Iowa communities.
SIMPCO Wraps Up 5-2-1-0 Grant with Lasting Community Impact
Over the past three years, SIMPCO completed 16 health-focused projects in Sioux City through the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! initiative. Key impacts include:
Installed 2 water bottle filling stations and distributed 245 reusable bottles
Launched a Bike Club for 230 middle school students
Distributed 3,000 trail maps to promote active transportation
Provided adapted sports equipment for inclusive recreation
Installed a hydroponic garden to increase access to fresh produce
These efforts reached over 3,000 community members, including 810 youth, and involved partnerships with more than 30 local organizations. SIMPCO continues working with schools and partners to sustain select projects beyond the grant period.
For more information on project impacts, 🔗click here.
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
SIMPCO Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 2045 Long Range Plan (LRTP) Amendments
The Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is in the process of amending the 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan with approval scheduled for October 9, 2025. The Long-Range Transportation Plan is a guiding document of information on existing transportation related systems and to project future needs based on locally derived goals, and objectives to support growth in the region. The amendments include:
Table 8.4 Historical and Projected Federal and State Funding needs to be updated to show NHPP-NE projected funds for 2025-2035 to $98,000,000.
Table 8.10 Proposed DOT’s Projects 2025-2035 needs to be updated to program NE DOT Maintenance & Preservation project at a total estimated cost of $123,600,000 with $98,000,000 Federal participation (NHPP-NE) and $25,600,000 state funds.
On request, SIMPCO can provide a hard copy of the document, or it may be viewed at the SIMPCO office: 6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, IA
SIMPCO staff will be providing public input open house to review and comment on the proposed 2045 LRTP amendment on October 1, 2025, from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. at SIMPCO (6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, IA). The public may also participate electronically, please contact SIMPCO for login information.
Please submit all comments on the 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan amendments to Michelle Bostinelos, Executive Director, SIMPCO: (712) 279-6286 or by email at mbostinelos@simpco.org. The public comment period ends on October 6, 2025.
SIMPCO MPO Public Input meetings are open to all individuals. Any person with special needs 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.
Reminder: Mandatory Open Meetings & Public Records Training for Newly Elected and Appointed Officials
As of July 1, 2025, all newly elected or appointed public officialswho serve on a governmental body in Iowa are required by law to complete training on Iowa’s Sunshine Laws—specifically, the Open Meetings (Chapter 21) and Open Records (Chapter 22) laws.
This training must be completed within 90 days of taking office or assuming responsibilities and must be certified by an Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB)-approved provider. Government bodies are responsible for maintaining a record of each official’s training certificate.
Over 11 miles of Interstate 29—from Jefferson to North Sioux City—are scheduled for major rehabilitation or reconstruction within the next 5 to 10 years. As part of the I-29 Corridor Study, the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has been gathering public input to help shape a long-term vision for the corridor and guide future development.
Can’t attend in person? Visit i29corridorsd.comto learn more and share your comments online.
The Iowa Ideas Conference is a free, annual virtual event that brings together people from across the state to explore and discuss key issues impacting Iowa. Participants can build their own schedule from a wide range of sessions organized into multiple topic tracks.
The Safe Routes Partnership is hosting its annual Safe Routes to School Summit, a virtual event focused on making walking and biking to school safer and more accessible. The summit is open to practitioners, educators, planners, and community leaders from across the country.
The summit will feature interactive workshops, breakout sessions, a rural communities track, and a virtual exhibitor space. While there is no formal call for proposals, attendees are encouraged to share feedback on session topics.
Grant Writing 101: Virtual Lunch & Learn Hosted by ICOG
October 29 | 12-1PM | Virtual
ICOG invites SIMPCO members to attend an upcoming virtual Lunch & Learn session: Grant Writing 101 featuring guest speaker Julie Smith.
This session is designed for anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of grant writing or enhancing their existing skills. Attendees will gain practical tips, useful strategies, and valuable insights to support successful grant applications.
Date & Time: October 29,2025 | 12-1PM Location: Virtual Presenter: Julie Smith, Planner at the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA)
Julie Smith is a community development professional with a focus on engagement. In her role at MAPA, she works with rural communities to provide facilitation, planning, and grant support.
We encourage all members to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from an experienced practitioner and strengthen their grant writing capabilities.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched aCompetitive Grants Dashboard designed to help communities identify transportation infrastructure funding opportunities. This user-friendly tool highlights grant programs with rural and Tribal set-asides or match waivers, making it especially useful for underserved areas. It also includes relevant federal grant programs outside of USDOT that may benefit rural communities. The Dashboard is updated weekly to reflect the latest opportunities.
Additional Resource: DOT Navigator
For communities seeking guidance on how to pursue transformative infrastructure projects, the DOT Navigator offers helpful tools and information to navigate the federal grant process and identify the most suitable funding sources.
South Dakota Industrial Park Road Grants (SD) – This program is a means to assist cities and towns that have a new industry coming to their community and need new or expanded access to the industry. For more information, click here.Applications are due by April 15, July 15, and October 15, 2025.
South Dakota Agri-Business Access Grant (SD) – This program is a means for local governments to address road needs associated with new agri-business, such as ethanol plants, large-scale elevators, etc. In many cases, these new agri-businesses create additional truck traffic that an existing road may not be built to take. For more information, click here.Applications are due by April 15, July 15, and October 15, 2025.
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, click here. Applications are due by January 9, April 3, July 24, and October 30, 2025.
Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund – Funding support available for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and governmental units that advance social progress in areas served by the Cable One family of brands. Funding to be concentrated in the following priority areas: education & digital literacy, hunger relief and food insecurity, and community development. For more information, click here. Applications are due by October 31, 2025.
FHWA Bridge Investment Program – The Bridge Investment Program is a competitive, discretionary program that focuses on existing bridges to reduce the overall number of bridges in poor condition or in fair condition at risk of falling into poor condition. It also expands applicant eligibilities to create opportunity for all levels of government to be direct recipients of program funds. Alongside states and federal lands management agencies, metropolitan planning organizations and local and tribal governments can also apply directly to FHWA, making it easier to advance projects at the local level that meet community needs. For more information, click here.Applications are due by November 1, 2025.
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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