City of Sioux City 2019 Summer/Fall Strategic Plan Update

City of Sioux City
Strategic Plan

2019 SUMMER/FALL UPDATE

Mission and Values

Our mission is to create a dynamic and vital city by providing quality, cost-effective, citizen-focused
municipal services and by forming partnerships with citizens and organizations of our community.

We value our residents and coworkers as people who contribute ideas, energy and commitment toward
the betterment of the community. Employees are included in decision making at all levels and are treated
with fairness and respect at all times.

We believe good government depends on:

We maintain theTRUSTWe maintain We foster an We seek We create an
highest level of BALANCEproper equilibri-environment of continuous environment
integrity and OPEN COMMUNICATIONum betweenopen, timely, and improvements in which our
honesty in all CREATIVITYresponsive andrespectful in City services citizens and
our actions. We EMPOWERMENTresponsiblecommunicationby using ouremployees are
believe truthful- government between City creativity and by encouraged
ness will create services. We staff, City engaging in to use their
trust within the are sensitive to Council and prudent risk- initiative and
organization and the diversity of residents. taking. expertise in
public trust can those we serve. constructive
be achieved and problem-
preserved by solving. We
making govern- accept
ment open and ownership and
accessible to responsibility of
those we serve. divisions and
celebrate the
many accom-
plishments that
such an environ-
ment creates.

Commitment to Citizens

Municipal Responsibilities

QUALITY OF LIFE

We will increase the quality of life of our residents and visitors through public services
and position Sioux City as a preferred community through marketing initiatives and
growing local pride.

HEALTH & SAFETY

We will enhance public health and safety by maximizing the utilization of technology,
improved community engagement, and improved communications and facilities.

INFRASTRUCTURE

We will invest in infrastructure to attract and retain business, spur residential growth and
increase quality,

CUSTOMER SERVICE

We will use formal and informal methods to engage the Council, our employees, and our
customers to promote enhanced commitment to our shared vision.

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

We will work with current business to create job growth and aggressively seek out
opportunities to attract new economic growth.

1 Grow Sioux City
Expand development opportunities
and grow Sioux City

Partnerships for Growth

A groundbreaking was held for the new $15 million Siouxland Expo
Center, which will provide quality flexible spaces for agricultural,
recreational and major community events. Construction is in prog-
ress and is scheduled to be completed in June 2020. This project
was made possible by a public-private partnership between the
City of Sioux City and the Siouxland Expo Center Board.

Industry/Commercial Developments

• Siouxland Concrete Company acquired land to assemble a new concrete
plant and construct office and shop buildings, representing a $7.6 million
capital investment.
• Wilson Group/Midwest Peterbilt acquired land to construct a new training
facility for diesel mechanics adjacent to its corporate headquarters.
• Additional developments are coming to Northern Valley Crossing,
including a new Silverstar Car Wash and an expansion of the
Pizza Ranch restaurant.
• City Council approved a development agreement to assist with
renovations of an existing building into The Arena Sports Academy,
which will provide year-round athletic opportunities for youth
throughout the region.
• The 27 Flags site in Southbridge Business Park achieved certification
through the Iowa Certified Site Program. This site includes nearly 120
developable acres ideal for large-scale industrial projects.

New Housing Record

2019 has been a record year for new housing starts in Sioux City. A total of 351 new housing units have obtained
building permits so far this year. Staff expect that number to increase by the end of the year. The previous
record of housing units was 274 in 2017.
New housing units have been a mix of in-fill, new subdivisions, and renovations of existing buildings. Staff
credit the City Wide Residential Tax Abatement Program for the high interest in housing projects.

A Vibrant Downtown

Several positive projects continue the momentum and progress towards a revitalized and vibrant downtown
Sioux City.
• City Council approved a development agreement with Hart Family
Hotels for the construction of a new $7.4 million, 87-room Avid Hotel in
Virginia Square.
• A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the redevelopment of the
Warrior and Davidson Buildings, a $70 million project which will convert
the buildings into a boutique hotel, commercial and restaurant space,
and luxury apartments.
• Marto Brewing Company opened in downtown Sioux City with a state-
of-the-art brewhouse, taproom and full menu restaurant.
• A ribbon cutting was held on November 22 to unveil the newly
renovated Convention Center ballroom and pre-function space. The
Courtyard by Marriott Hotel and new adjacent parking deck is nearing
completion as well. The hotel is expected to open by the end of January
2020.

Riverfront Progress

The Parks and Recreation Department received a 2019 Gilchrist
Foundation Project grant in the amount of $100,000 to support
the Chris Larsen Park Redevelopment Project. The Riverfront
Fundraising Committee has raised over $2.5 million to date.

Neighborhood Revitalization

• The final Historic Pearl District Facade Improvement Program funds were dispersed earlier this year. The
facade improvement program started in 2011 after a neighborhood planning process that started in 2006.
Over the years, the funds have been used to improve the exteriors of dozens of buildings. Additional
improvements include the reconstruction of streets and alleys, street overlays, and landscaping.
• The 2019 West 7th Facade Improvement Program Projects have been completed. The street reconstruction
project is complete and includes many aesthetic improvements in addition to the new pavement and utilities.
• The first public meeting was held for the CDBG-funded Lyons Park Investment
Area Project (formally called urban renewal areas) and a waiting list has started.
This project includes an intensive housing rehabilitation/program as well as
future improvements to streets, sidewalks, alleys, Lyons Park, and various other
projects.
• Improvements to Jones Street alleys, sidewalks, streets and inlets are now
complete. These improvements made the sidewalk corners ADA accessible in the
area and have also included the replacement of an under sized water main which will improve the flow
of water to the neighborhood. Deteriorated streets have also been overlaid allowing for a smoother ride.

Promote Sioux City 2

Create a destination for visitors and
instill pride in residents

Iowa Great Place

Sioux City was re-designated an Iowa Great Place by the Iowa Arts
Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. The
Iowa Great Places program recognizes and partners with
communities who cultivate the unique and authentic qualities of
their local places. Redesignation allows the City of Sioux City to be
eligible for grant funding to help projects such as wayfinding and
the riverfront redevelopment.

Library Receives New Look

The doors to the Morningside Branch Library opened to the public
on June 3, 2019 for the first time since closing for major renovations
back in October 2018. The brighter, more welcoming environment
now boasts a study room and small conference room to the
reconfigured floor plan. An expanded children’s area as well as a
more defined computer lab add to the improved functionality of
the layout.

Art Center Renovation

The Sioux City Art Center recently received a renovation and a
ribbon cutting was held to celebrate two new permanent
collection galleries and the new Junior League Hands On! Gallery.

Summer Reading

2,598 children and teens signed up for the Library’s Summer Reading
program and in addition to attending events, collectively read 6,441
hours (1,662 more hours than last year!)
A new partnership with the Sioux City Explorers made the finale to
Summer Reading extra special. Participants received four tickets to the
August 9 game! The Explorers reported that over 800 Summer Read-
ing participants attended the game.

FALL FEST

The 8th annual Fall Fest was held October 11-13 with more than two
dozen particpating locations throughout the community. Fall Fest 2019
expanded to three full days of fun designed for residents and visitors to
enjoy the fall season and showcase Sioux City attractions.
The inaugural Cone-Acopia Fall Fest was held at Cone Park on October
13. Activities included free games, crafts, a pumpkin roll, 5k/1k fun run,
beer yoga, ax throwing and more.

Regional Tourism

The Events Facilities and Tourism Advisory Board, with the help of the City
Manager’s office, created the Sioux City Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau
(SCRCVB). The Sioux City Regional CVB is the official tourism destination
marketing and management organization for the greater Sioux City region. The
organization will serve the tourism interests of Sioux City Iowa, South Sioux City,
Nebraska and North Sioux City, South Dakota. Currently, the Sioux City Regional
CVB Board is working to finalize funding agreements, an annual budget, and recruiting staff. The SCRCVB is
anticipating to hit the ground running in January 2020.

Educating Residents

In an effort to keep residents informed of city services, events, attractions,
and more, city staff have created and shared consistent social media posts
on Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, and Instagram platforms. New subscribers
on the Nextdoor platform have grown by 24% in 2019, with 12% additional
neighborhoods represented.
So far this year eight Sioux City Snapshot enewsletters have been sent to 6,700+ subscribers
with event, services and informational updates. The newsletters received an average open
rate of 21% (national average rate is 15-25%) and a click-through rate, or number of times
links are clicked in the email, of 7.5% (national average is 2-5% depending on industry).

Sioux City: A Place for Business

The City of Sioux City received national exposure on Fox Business with
mention of Sioux City’s strong entrepreneurial climate by Greycroft’s
Alan Patricof. Sioux City’s available entrepreneurial resources such as
MakerSpace Sioux City, the Dream Big Grow Here business idea
competition, and Venture School make Sioux City a great place for
businesses to start and grow.
Sioux City was also the host of the Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI)
Conference in September. 125 economic development professionals
attended.

3 Enhance Connectivity with
Citizens and Businesses
Enhance public/private partnerships

Resident Engagement

Sioux City Fire Rescue (SCFR) is engaging residents with
education and safety tips. SCFR provided 1,115 citizens CPR training
so far this year and they saw a 91% increase in smoke alarm
installations through their SafeHome program over last year. SCFR
is now providing AED, First Aid and CPR training to local businesses
as well.

A big success for Sioux City Fire Rescue this year was the first ever
Boys and Girls Club Youth Academy held this summer. One student
was even awarded a scholarship for future education as an EMT.
SCFR is now participating in the Sioux City School District’s Career
Academy.

SCFR also hosted open houses at all of the fire stations and visited
every Sioux City elementary school during Fire Prevention Week in
October.

Community Outreach

The Sioux City Police Department (SCPD) has stepped up
community outreach efforts in recent years. This year a new
“Community Policing Sergeant” position was created to serve as
a full-time Community Team Policing representative for the
department. SCPD also established the Community Cultural
Liaison program that allows citizens to choose officers that best
represent their special needs and cultures.
The second annual “Police Open House” was held this summer. This
has quickly become a popular community event for citizens to visit
police headquarters for education and positive interaction with law
enforcement. Coffee with a Cop was held in October and this
holiday season the annual Shop with a Cop event was also a hit.

Public Safety Partnership

The Sioux City Police Department (SCPD) has placed an officer in the U.S. Marshal’s Service Task Force as a
federal partnership to increase the department’s ability to locate and arrest wanted fugitives.

Youth Involvement

Sioux City’s youth are the future and they are making an impact
now! The Sioux City Mayor’s Youth Commission (MYC) partnered
with the Sioux City Parks and Recreation Department to host a
grand opening for the new Leif Erikson Park Disc Golf Course this
summer. The MYC raised funding for the entire nine-hole course
and the Parks and Recreation staff designed and installed the
course. All three of Sioux City’s disc golf courses were developed
with assistance from the Mayor’s Youth Commission.
The Sioux City Police Department focuses on youth involvement to
develop early and long-term relationships. This includes partner-
ships with Beyond the Bell, Head Start Initiative, and Child Literacy
Programs.

Empowering Youth Professionals

A week of events celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit in Sioux City
took place as part of the 9th annual Entrepalooza in February. The
17th annual Launch Week took place in November with a week full
of workshops, startup presentations and networking opportunites
for entrepreneurs.

Workforce Development

Economic Development staff collaborated with community
partners to help Woodbury County become the first county in
Iowa to achieve the ACT Work Ready Community certification.
This certification gives local employers and prospective companies
credible data on the workforce in Woodbury County and Sioux City.

Community Lunch

The 2019 season of Food Truck Fridays returned to Pearl Street Park
with a record number of food trucks participating. This popular
Friday event downtown has evolved into a community event that
not only includes delicious food but live music, children’s activities,
and more.

Census Kickoff

The Sioux City and South Sioux City Complete Count Committees
teamed up to host a 2020 Census Kickoff event at the Mary J. Treglia
Community House in October to educate the community on the
importance of being counted on April 1, 2020 in the Census.

Further Community Health, 4
Safety and Well-Being

Promote overall well-being of our
residents, visitors and environment

Resources for Those in Need

Work continues on the City’s new Street Outreach Program to assist homeless individuals. 72 contacts have
been made since January 2019 and 21 of those individuals were either housed in some way or assisted home to
their families. The City received approximately $140,000 in Federal Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds that
will be used for a rapid rehousing program.

Increased Walkability

Increasing the walkability of Sioux City and improving the trail system is a
priority for City staff and residents. This year the Wesley Parkway Sidewalk
Project was completed to include the widening and extension of the sidewalk
along Wesley Parkway. The area extended from the north end of the
Siouxland Veterans Memorial Bridge to along 3rd Street connecting to the
Perry Creek Trail. The Christy Road sidewalk/trail project was also completed
on the north side of Christy Road from 5000 Christy Road to Sunnybrook
Drive. The City of Sioux City currently has 27 miles of trails with plans to add
nine additional miles of paved trails and a section of bike lanes.

Summer Recreation

There was no shortage of fun this summer with Sioux City Parks and Recreation.

• Sioux City swimming pools saw a total of 56,331 swimmers this
summer. 539 children participated in swimming lessons at Lewis
Pool and Leif Erikson Pool; a 4% increase over last year. Also, Parks
and Recreation staff extend a big thank you to all Free Friday
Night Swim sponsors. Over 4,300 attendees enjoyed the events
held over the summer.

• Yoga in the Park started on June 1st and ran every Saturday until
Labor Day weekend. Each week an average of 30 participants
enjoyed yoga outdoors. Beer Yoga was also offered this summer
at Cone Park.

• Other summer programming included Tennis Club, golf lessons,
tee ball and Corn Hole League at Cone Park. Four pop up parks
were also held at city parks with over 1,300 people in attendance.

Enhanced Public Spaces

A number of park facilities saw updates this summer including
parking lot improvements at the ibp Ice Center, swimming pool
upgrades, and new restroom facilities at Dale Street Park, Rose Hill
Park, Leeds Park and Cone Park. Due to the popularity of Riverside
Park shelter rentals, additional shelter facilities were installed along
with a new restroom as well.
The Cone Park lodge had a busy spring with a total of 16 private
rentals, that included graduation parties, birthdays, wedding
receptions and small private events.

Restore, Protect & Enhance

Working to restore, protect and enhance our natural resources is a
community effort. Over 1,100 volunteers participated in this year’s
Litter Dash event. 1.93 tons or 3,860 pounds of litter were picked
up during the event. This fall at the annual ReEvent, 850 electronic
items were collected, along with 770 lbs. of batteries and 432 feet
of fluorescent tubes.
MidAmerican Energy awarded Sioux City $5,000 for the Trees
Please! energy efficiency program. The money was awarded to fund
tree planting projects around the community.

Public Safety is Priority

The Sioux City Police Department (SCPD) and Fire Rescue (SCFR)
continue to improve to maintain pace with the city’s growth.
• SCPD re-established a police bike patrol unit to increase community
safety in higher crime areas and to allow officers to better access
remote locations in Sioux City.
• SCFR has placed four new ambulances into service and has awarded
a contract for a new ladder truck. All new heart monitors and breathing
apparatuses have been placed into service as well.
• Texting to 911 is now available to our hearing and speech impaired citizens,
along with those in dangerous situations and unable to place a call.

Planning Ahead

Both SCPD and SCFR continue to be active participants in the Woodbury County Emergency Operations
Center and conduct regular trainings and exercises to prepare for community crisis. SCPD and SCFR also cross
train police officers and firefighters on Rapid Response/Rescue Task Force operations.