Strategic Plan Winter 21-22 Update

City of Sioux City
Strategic Plan

2021-2022 WINTER 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

A Vibrant Downtown

• Construction is underway to transform the former Riviera Theatre into the
RE/MAX City Centre. The renovation will include demolition of nearly all
existing interior finishes and the addition of a 3,000 SF second level
mezzanine. RE/MAX Preferred will house their real estate offices in the
building and the remainder of the building will be leased to commercial
tenants, including The Warp Zone Arcade & Taproom and Ichiban Sushi and
Japanese Steakhouse.
• Construction began on the $25 million renovation of the historic Badgerow
Building in November. The mixed-use project will include residential, office, and
commercial space. The project is anticipated to be complete in spring 2023. Built
in 1933, the 12-story building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• More than a dozen businesses participated in Small Business Marketplace, an
event promoting downtown small businesses and offering local businesses a
storefront for the holiday season. The event utilized the former Aalfs building on
Historic 4th Street.
• The City is working with JEO Consulting Group on a Downtown Infrastructure
Reconstruction Master Plan to identify and prioritize the repair and replacement
needs of infrastructure in Downtown Sioux City. Staff is working with downtown
property owners, developers, and other stakeholders to request feedback about
water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure that will help the team meet growing
needs. The plan will be completed in early 2023.

Historic Preservation

• The Sioux City Historical Preservation Commission hosted the 16th
Annual Historic Preservation Week in October 2021. In partnership with
several local organizations, the week helps bring advocacy and awareness
to preservation in Sioux City through various activities.
• Parks and Recreation staff are working with McClure Engineering on
maintenance of the Sergeant Floyd Monument, including checking for
potential shifting of the obelisk over time and installing new lighting.

Riverfront Vision

Construction of the Chris Larsen Park Riverfront Development Project
continues. The completion of Phase 1 in 2021 included demolition and
removal of parking lots, preparing the site for construction, prep and
paving for trail connections, the Promenade, and the Stockyard
Garden. Phase 2 of the project is underway and includes the west
overlook, interactive water feature, picnic shelter, and improvements
to existing riverboat structures.
The project is intended to fully activate this area with access from
Interstate 29 and Downtown Sioux City. Completion of Phase 2 is
anticipated for Fall 2022.

Targeted Business Development

• Site Selection Magazine ranked the Sioux City MSA as the top spot for
economic development for populations under 200,000 in 2021. This is the
tenth time our region has ranked first in the nation since initially earning the
spot in 2007.
• Cold storage warehousing firm, Cold-Link Logistics, committed to purchase
40 acres in Southbridge Business Park with a capital investment of nearly
$60 million and the creation of 60 new jobs for the first phase of the
project. Later phases are expected to increase the project size to 500,000
SF. The City is extending a rail spur from the City’s Southbridge Rail Yard and
a new street to serve the new development.
• Construction is underway on Sabre’s new $25 million galvanizer facility at
their Southbridge campus. The 101,000 SF project will add 76 new jobs. The
City is currently paving Andrew Avenue to serve the development site, with
assistance of a successful IDOT RISE grant application.
• The City’s largest business park, Southbridge Business Park, has expanded
with the acquisition of 52 additional acres of industrial development land.

Commercial Growth

• A new three-story, climate-controlled, indoor self-storage facility is under
construction on Houlihan Run. The building will consist of 96,000 SF and will
represent a total investment of $8 million.
• A traffic study has been completed and a water study is underway for the
Outer Drive/28th Street area. The City is working with Woodbury County on
street and infrastructure improvements for a new Law Enforcement Center
and with MidAmerican Energy on a new facility. Several other major
developments are in the planning stages for the newly developing area.

1 Grow Sioux City
Expand development opportunities
and grow Sioux City

Revitalization

Extensive efforts are underway to improve and revitalize the city’s older
commercial areas. City staff are working with businesses and property
owners using matching grants for facade improvement programs:
• The program guidelines for three new facade areas have been completed;
Riverside, Leeds, and Morningside. City Council approved funding for all
three areas. Public outreach occurred last summer to roll-out the program
and seek applicants. Council awarded a total of $695,000 to the three new
areas in November 2021.

• Many improvement projects were completed in the West 7th Street
Corridor. More than $213,000 was awarded to several business owners
for building rehabilitation as part of the West 7th Facade Improvement
Program. Two murals were also completed.
• The City will launch a similar facade improvement program for the
Downtown area later this year in partnership with Downtown Partners.

Investing in Infrastructure

• In the upcoming FY2023 Budget, the City of Sioux City is investing nearly
$20,000,000 in infrastructure. This includes $2.5 million in overlays of
existing pavements, $10.7 million in complete utility and pavement
reconstructions, $3.3 million in bridge rehabilitation and replacements,
$156,000 in sidewalk rehabilitation/repairs, and $1.2 million in infrastructure
to service the new Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center. The
improvements for the new LEC will also open up adjacent property for
development.

Residential Opportunities

• City staff worked with multiple housing developers to apply for
available Iowa Workforce Housing Tax Credits. In 2021 four out of six
Sioux City applications were successful in the competitive program,
including the Badgerow Building (70 units), Aalfs Building (42 units),
BluStone Florence Housing (5 units), and Floyd Boulevard Addison
Circle (14 units).
• Public infrastructure to support the new Residence at Elk Creek
subdivision has been competed and numerous homes are under
construction. The new community recreation center will also begin
this year as an amenity for the residents. The new subdivision will
create 143 new housing units.
• Staff are currently working on several housing in-fill projects
throughout the city. Three large projects are in the design phase
that would develop over 500 new housing units within the upcoming
two years.

• The Lyons Park Housing Rehabilitation Program continues. Two projects
are complete and seven are under contract/under construction. Planning
is underway for the first public infrastructure project in the area - the
reconstruction of the West 3rd Street/West Street intersection.
• The three homes constructed at 2011 Center Street have been sold. The
City partnered with Habitat for Humanity by providing a lot and funding
for the construction of a townhome located at 3201 Park View Boulevard;
it is nearing completion. Staff are working on the City’s next affordable
housing project to be announced later in 2022.

Transportation Improvements

• SIMPCO and the City of Sioux City partnered on a study of the downtown
multimodal transportation system, including the roadway system, sidewalk,
and skywalk networks. The Downtown Sioux City Transportation Study focused
on 3rd Street to 7th Street and from Wesley Parkway to Floyd Boulevard. Public
input was encouraged and a summary of findings and recommendations was
shared in January 2022.
• Sioux City Transit invited residents to complete an online survey in January
to help shape the future of public transit service in our region. The survey was
offered in seven languages.

Promote Sioux City 2

Create a destination for visitors and
instill pride in residents

Sioux City is Trending...

• Sioux City is ranked the #5 Most Affordable Trendy City of 2022 by Realtor.com.
The country’s 300 largest metro areas were researched in search of those with
a young, culture-rich urban experience with plenty of affordable homes for sale.
To be included, each metro had to have amenities such as an eclectic art scene,
breweries, and yoga studios, along with an increase in the 25 to 34-year old population.
• The January/February 2022 issue of AAA magazine featured Sioux City under Destination Iowa
with a full page dedicated to things to do and see and places to eat and stay.

Expanded Cultural Initiatives

• The Sioux City Public Library’s partnership with KWIT-KOJI to produce the First Fifty Pages
podcast has grown in popularity. Recently, international bestselling author Dean Koontz
joined Library staff to talk about his journey as an author, the writers who cultivated his love
of reading, and his new novel.
• Two of Sioux City’s longest-serving and most impactful organizations, the Mary J. Treglia
Community House and Junior League of Sioux City, celebrated 100 years of service in 2021.
To celebrate, the Sioux City Museum and Historical Association showcased photographs and
memorabilia in an exhibit.
• The Sioux City Public Museum hosted Thomas D. Mangelsen - A Life In The Wild, a
traveling museum exhibition containing timeless images of nature. Mangelsen, a Nebraska
native, is considered one of the most important nature photographers of his generation.
• ArtSplash, the Sioux City Art Center’s annual outdoor festival, moved downtown to the
Art Center’s grounds and surrounding streets on Labor Day Weekend. The festival’s
admission fee was eliminated. The response was wonderful, with more than 11,000 people
attending during the two days. The festival attracted artists from Sioux City and across the
country. The Art Center building itself saw its highest weekend visitation ever, with more
than 4,500 visitors.
• The Art Center recently shined the spotlight on many of the great artists who have
worked or are working in Sioux City. Recent exhibitions include watercolor landscapes by Jim L. Goff,
still-life photographs by Dolie Thompson, and abstract acrylic paintings by Al Harris-Fernandez. In February,
the Art Center opened its annual celebration of Youth Art Month with an exhibition featuring artworks by high
school students from Sioux City and the surrounding region.

Showcasing Sioux City

• Navigating downtown Sioux City is a little bit easier for our guests now that the
pedestrian and vehicular wayfinding project is complete. As we welcome more people
to our community through various events, these signs will provide an easier way for
visitors to find places to eat, shop, and be entertained.
• Updates to skywalk signage were installed that include color coding for quick and
easy location identification to reach businesses and properties. There are new project-
ing directional signs above doors on the skywalks, street level decals and bridge railing
decals, wall maps and brochures.
• Two new murals were added to the West 7th Street corridor thanks to the Gilchrist
Foundation and Missouri River Historical Development. The extraordinary works of
art depict three girls who represent the African American, Southeast Asian, and Jewish
communities and businesses that have made their home in the West 7th Street
Corridor over the years, and a photorealistic hawk set among corn and a prairie scene,
representing the regenerative efforts of prairie spaces in recent years and the revital-
ization of West 7th Street.

• The family-friendly festival, Fall Fest, returned in early October with a weekend filled
with opportunities to attend fall-themed events at dozens of local attractions.
• The Siouxland Expo Center, The Arena Sports Academy, and United Sports Academy
hosted the 2022 Siouxland Showdown in late February with 167 youth volleyball
clubs from across the Midwest taking part. The influx of 2,000 participants and
3,000 spectators generated a strong economic impact for Sioux City.
• Interviews of ten residents were shared in the 2022 Winter/Spring City Progress
newsletter where each offered why they have chosen to live here and what they
most appreciate about Sioux City. Each resident was also featured on the City’s
Facebook and Instragram pages.

Business Environment

• Iowa’s West Coast Initiative was chosen as one of five Iowa “spokes” under the SBA
Community Navigator Pilot Program. IWCI was awarded $100,000 to engage in targeted
outreach to small businesses in under served communities and provide technical assistance
and connect them to available resources and services.
• Iowa’s West Coast Initiative hosted a series of events related to innovation
and entrepreneurship November 17-19, 2021. Events included Social Media
for Small Business, Biz Brew, The BIG Challenge and Business for Breakfast.
The BIG Challenge was a grant competition to encourage entrepreneurs to
Build, Innovate, and Grow their businesses in northwest Iowa. There was
$10,000 in prize money up for grabs.
• First Friday Coffee is a monthly event featuring an entrepreneur who
shares their story, struggles, and successes. In January 2022, IEDA Director
Debi Durham was the featured speaker and shared statewide resources
that are available to local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

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

Youth Professionals

• Siouxland Growth Organization (SGO), formerly Sioux City Growth Organization,
celebrated 20 years in January. Recruitment of new members continues to be a
priority for the young professionals group who are positively impacting the
community through events, social hours, and advocacy.

• The Siouxland Expo Center, Home Builders of Greater Siouxland, and Siouxland
Construction Alliance hosted the Build My Future Construction Industry Showcase
event for area high school students to experience hands-on learning labs in the
skilled trades. Led by volunteers from local construction companies, over 1,000
high school students across 15 counties from the tri-state area attended.

• The Mayor’s Youth Commission assisted the City Council and Sioux City
Community School District with candidate forums, created videos encouraging
donations to Siouxland CARES, participated in Red Ribbon Week activities, and
hosted a virtual town hall on mental health for youth, parents, and families.

Exceeding Expectations

• Sioux City Housing Services Manager Amy Tooley received the President’s Award
at the IA NAHRO (National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials).
Candidates for the award are chosen for outstanding service to the chapter or
innovative ways to utilize resources in our communities to solidify or expand the
range of housing or community development options.

• Sioux City Parks and Recreation Manager Angel Wallace was recently appointed
by Governor Reynolds to serve a three-year term as a member of the Iowa Great
Places Advisory Board. The Iowa Great Places program provides designation and
supports the development of new and existing infrastructure intended to culti-
vate the unique and authentic cultural qualities of neighborhoods, communities,
and regions in Iowa. Sioux City was originally designated as an Iowa Great Place in
2005 and was re-designated in 2019.

• City staff helped make Christmas a little brighter for 50 children by purchasing
gifts from their Angel Tree “wish lists” through the Salvation Army of Siouxland.
Staff also adopted two families through the Community Action Agency of
Siouxland with donations including food, household items, and gifts.

Community Outreach

• Two new monthly community engagement events, Community Speak-Out and The
Difference is Dialogue, have been organized by the city’s Community Inclusion Liaison
and provide an opportunity for residents to share experiences and provide feedback
on specific topics.
• The Hamilton Boulevard Corridor Traffic Study, coordinated by SIMPCO and the
City’s Engineering Division, provided an opportunity for citizen feedback regarding
the removal of three traffic signals along Hamilton Blvd. Following an evaluation
period, three signals were permanently removed and new traffic signal timing were
implemented.
• During the 2021 calendar year the Sioux City Police Department worked to re-
establish the positive connection with our citizens that may have been interrupted
by the impact of the worldwide pandemic in 2020. More than 300 public outreach
events were completed by SCPD officers in 2021. These events included meetings,
forums, presentations, and other opportunities that bring police and citizens together.
• The Sioux City Police Department embarked on a new partnership with the local Big Brothers and Big Sisters
chapter. Officers will be participating in the “Bigs with Badges” program that partners officers with at-risk youth.
This is another positive partnership SCPD is working on to engage youth in the community, build relationships,
and offer city sponsored volunteer opportunities to staff.
• City staff met with our local legislators to address issues important to Sioux City and our residents at the Annual
City Hall Legislative Priorities Day. Topics discussed include the need to grow Iowa through changes to the state’s
tax environment and support for economic development tools such as tax increment financing, growth of
population and workforce, and long-term investments in infrastructure. Staff also participated in the annual
Des Moines State Capitol Day, including meetings with Governor Reynolds and House and Senate leadership.

Public Safety Partnerships

• Continuing SCPD’s 28 year history of accreditation excellence, the department
underwent their four-year CALEA Accreditation on-site review. Currently the
department is recognized as a “Meritorious. Gold Standard, With Excellence”
rating. Only 2% of accreditation agencies achieve to this high level of compliance.
• The Sioux City Police Department completed another Law Enforcement Expo at the Siouxland Expo Center.
The event brought area law enforcement agencies and college students together to assist in bringing more
educated qualified law enforcement candidates to our area.
• SCPD is initiating a multi-agency project to adopt a new records management system (RMS) for departmen-
tal use. Replacing aging records technology will allow more efficient and effective police services by providing
needed information at the touch of a button. This major project will also allow better communication and data
collection between partnering area agencies.
• SCPD continues to function as a charter member of the Iowa Statewide Vision for Equality Task Force. This
partnership between Iowa Police Chiefs and Sherriffs was formed to help foster trust and communication
between Iowa Law Enforcement and local citizens. The task force has already worked to great effect to mitigate
police/citizen tensions in several communities and lobby for state laws that better advocate for victims of hate
crimes in our state.

Further Community Health, 4
Safety and Well-Being

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

Restore, Protect & Enhance

• The Grandview Water Tank Replacement Project continues. Construction of the new
tank began in the fall of 2021 and will be completed by October 2022. The new tank will
improve water quality in the distribution system and will free up additional park space.
• The City’s Biogas Facility produced 37,041 MMBtu in the last six months, enough to
heat nearly 1,000 homes. Total D3 biogas production is $25,088 MMBtu, enough to
power a car for five million miles.
• The City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant treated approximately 2.5 billion gallons
of water in the last six months. Several improvements to the facility are underway
including a UV Disinfection project and a Digester Improvement/High Strength
Waste project.
• Over 714 tons of waste was recycled in the last six months from residential curbside
recycling and another 110 tons of glass was recycled.
• The Environmental Advisory Board facilitated a Fall electronics takeback ReEvent.
Additional outreach efforts included participating in the Farmers Market, creating an
information flyer and videos, and increasing the EAB’s presence on social media.

• The City’s Environmental Services Division provided a Storm Water Lab Table Experience for 350 Sioux City
elementary students and provided solid waste educational materials.

Housing Outreach

• The City’s Neighborhood Services Division was selected as the 2021 COVID-19
Housing Response Award winner by the Iowa Finance Authority. The City was
awarded for the New Neighborhood Services Division Outreach Office located in
the Martin Luther King Ground Transportation Center, as well as the emergency
shelter program which provided temporary housing in hotels to those
experiencing homelessness. Since January 1, 2021, Neighborhood Services staff
have served 73 individuals in 49 households with housing opportunities.

• In partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, the Sioux City Housing
Authority’s Emergency Housing Program is working to help individuals and families quickly regain stability in
permanent housing after experiencing homelessness. Last Summer, SCHA was awarded 39 Emergency Housing
Vouchers through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. At least 25 families have been housed.

Public Safety Services

•In an effort to support positive development in the downtown area of Sioux City, the
SCPD initiated a downtown crime prevention initiative. Officers conduct routine foot
patrols and communicate with downtown businesses and residents frequently about
concerns. The goal is to increase overall safety with the increase of downtown activity.
• Sioux City Fire Rescue received the American Heart Association’s Lifeline EMS Gold
Plus Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of
patients who experience severe heart attacks.
• Four new fire engines are expected to be delivered to Sioux City in December 2022.
What neighborhood will be seeing them? These are replacing engines at Station 1
Downtown, Station 6 Morningside Avenue, Station 3 Greenville, and Engine 5
Southern Hills.
• The City’s EMS Division began an Emergency Medical Technician Field Training Officer
program and certified three personnel to the position. All EMS personnel were also
trained in Blue Card Command and Communications.
• SCFR implemented Operative IQ inventory and maintenance management
software for supplies and equipment which allows all maintenance activities to
be tracked and helps with purchasing, receiving, and tracking supplies.
• SCFR Captains and Assistant Chiefs completed a comprehensive training and
were certified as Safety Officers for firegrounds. A new fire officer mentoring
and training program was instituted as well as a Leadership Academy to help
develop future leaders.

Expanded Recreational Opportunities

• A ribbon cutting for the 1.5 mile I-29 Riverfront Trail Connection was held in early
October. Trail users are now able to enjoy the new trail connection traveling from
Chautauqua Park to Riverside Park, providing users more than 12 continuous miles of
trail. The project was made possible by Missouri River Historical Development (MRHD),
along with grants from Iowa Recreational Trails and the Iowa Transportation Alternative
Program.
• In an effort to make Cone Park a year-round destination for recreation, Sioux City
Parks & Recreation worked with members of the mountain bike community and the
International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) to develop a master plan for a
mountain bike and other bicycle friendly facilities within Cone Park and Sertoma Park.
A special thanks to Chesterman Coca-Cola Foundation for their $1 million donation.
Construction of the project in planned for completion in 2023.
• The first Haunted Hike was held at Bacon Creek Park in October. The short 1/2 mile
hike left thrill seekers breathless in more ways than just hiking - there were plenty
of screams and jumps! Due to popular demand several sessions were added and the
Haunted Hike will now be an annual event.