2026-2023 Strategic Goals

Operational Effectiveness

• Pursue new technology platforms and streamline City processes to increase efficiency for staff and residents.
• Improve City services so they are accessible and responsive to community input.
• Continually work to improve communication efforts of City services to the public.
• Build relationships with community partners and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Increase communication and transparency between City staff and members of City Council. 
• Prioritize fiscal responsibility and lean operations.
• Enhance cyber security and data protection for City services and ensure routine security training for City staff.
• Improve internal processes for decision making, accountability, and performance training. 
• Enhance staff development and training opportunities including customer service and leadership training programs for City employees and elected officials.
• Transform occupational safety and health through process improvements and operational efficiency using data driven safety monitoring to build a safety-oriented culture.

Sustainable Infrastructure

• Reconstruct and modernize the existing Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to secure long-term capacity and reliability, advance odor mitigation, ensure regulatory compliance, and position the WWTP as a driver of economic development by enabling sustainable industrial, commercial, and residential growth.
• Embed resource recovery into the WWTO design and operations to maximize environmental benefits, reduce operational costs, and position Sioux City as a regional sustainability leader. 
• Prepare surrounding street and utility infrastructure to support the Gordon Drive viaduct and Bacon Creek conduit reconstruction and ensure smooth transition during construction.
• Reconstruct the Bacon Creek Channel into a major natural waterway and amenity. 
• Work with the 185th ANG to rebuild the airport runway and infrastructure to sustain and expand their mission.
• Provide a safe and well-maintained street network through proactive maintenance, timely repairs, and infrastructure investments that preserve roadway quality and extend system life. 
• Support community growth and enhance quality of life by improving development standards, expanding infrastructure capacity, and adapting the street network to meet changing demands. 
• Coordinate infrastructure improvements with place-making efforts to enhance downtown. 
• Prioritize maintenance of existing City assets and buildings.
• Ensure safe, reliable delivery of drinking water and regulatory compliance while managing utility infrastructure and focusing on operational effectiveness, sustainability, and cost efficiency. 
• Prioritize reliable storm water and wastewater collection by implementing environmental protections, infrastructure maintenance, and financial stability while preventing overflows by optimizing operations. 
• Prioritize modernization of the City's public transportation fleet and facilities. 

Livability

• Increase board/commission involvement and public engagement to ensure City projects and improvements reflect the needs of our community. 
• Maximize use of the City's parks, recreational facilities, and trails. 
• Focus on maintaining, revitalizing, and enhancing the use of existing greenspaces and public areas throughout the city, especially at key city entryways.
• Enhance and expand the use of cultural centers (art center, public museum, public libraries) to build community partnerships and improve our cultural presence. 
• Provide accessible and diverse arts and culture opportunities, recreational programs, events, and library services that serve the interests of our community. 
• Provide partnership opportunities and tourism outreach to market Sioux City as both a tourist destination and a great place to live. 
• Market the city's assets to educate residents on services, developments, events, and attractions. 
• Develop several new mixed commercial areas to build on the City's position as a regional leader in retail, commercial, and healthcare. 
• Improve Sioux City Marina operations for residents and visitors so it will be self-supportive within three years. 
• Utilize existing resources, rehabilitation programs, and code enforcement to improve the appearance of neighborhoods throughout the city. 

Growth and Prosperity

• Expand and market the City's industrial business parks. specifically certified sites, to attract major industry to diversify the local economy and expand job creation. 
• Establish new office business parks, and Class A office space, designed to attract new quality office, light industrial, tech, and commercial development. 
• Support the growth and vitality of existing business and build a healthy business community. 
• Foster a supportive environment to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship and promote Sioux City as a place to start a business, including the development of an Innovation Center to attract and grow start-ups.
• Continually work to improve air service options and destinations. 
• Attract aviation-related economic development including support of the new Aviation Center and related aviation training opportunities. 
• Identify opportunities and encourage revitalization, historic preservation, and capital investment in key districts and commercial corridors throughout the city.
• Promote new housing developments to significantly increase opportunities for competitive market-rate residential housing. 
• Encourage new commercial development in several locations, with an emphasis on mixed housing and commercial development, and incorporating entertainment venues.
• Promote partnerships with public and private entities to invest in and create affordable housing via the rehabilitation of existing structures and new construction. 
• Grow a skilled workforce through a coordinated effort to attract good jobs through development and relocation agreements, provide a combination of approachable housing options, and support community amenities.
• Leverage state and federal grants to fund economic development initiatives.

Safe and Vibrant Community

• Research and implement best practices while providing a balanced approach to addressing homelessness. 
• Practice proactive environmental stewardship through community outreach and education promoting waste reduction, encouraging reuse, and increasing recycling of materials. 
• Invest in year-round beautification and litter programs, including community supported initiatives.
• Continue to train and maintain staff of first responders and support personnel that can service the growing footprint and increased needs of our community.
• Invest in appropriate first responder equipment and facilities to keep community police, fire, and EMS services on the forefront of emergency response capabilities.
• Continue to focus on community outreach and building partnerships as an essential part of successful police, fire, and EMS operations.
• Invest in and explore the most cutting-edge first response concepts to maintain a workforce that is poised to meet the challenges and threats that our current world presents.

2026-2030 City of Sioux City Strategic Plan