SWIPCO Celebrates 50 Years!
Carl Lingen • August 28, 2025
SWIPCO Celebrates 50 Years!
Join the Southwest Iowa Planning Council on Thursday, September 25 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic for their 50th Anniversary Celebration. Learn more at www.swipco.org and RSVP using the QR code below.
Nichole Moore, Executive Director of the Chariton Valley Planning & Development Council, has been honored by Marquis Who’s Who for her exceptional leadership in local government and transportation planning. With nearly 20 years of service across southern Iowa, Nichole has led initiatives that improved housing, recreation, and transit—especially for veterans. Her impact reflects a deep commitment to public service and community development.
Michael Helgerson, the executive director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) based in Omaha, NE, is a recipient of the 2024 Design Achievement Award presented by the Iowa State University College of Design. Congratulations Mike! More Details Here
These awards celebrate the innovative and impactful projects that COGs across Iowa have undertaken to enhance community development and economic growth. Following are the COGs who received the 2024 awards. CHARITON VALLEY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL on behalf of IOWA ASSOCIATION OF COUNCILS OF GOVERNMENTS - The Iowa Impact Map project is a collaborative effort by all 17 Iowa Councils of Governments under the Iowa Association of Councils of Governments. EAST CENTRAL IOWA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS - The East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) completed a Housing Needs Assessment for 14 cities within Linn County, excluding the metro area. SOUTHWEST IOWA PLANNING COUNCIL - Southwest Iowa Families Inc., a provider of mental health and support services, recognized the need for a larger space to accommodate their growing operations. BI-STATE REGIONAL COMMISSION - Bi-State Regional Commission, collaborated with Rock Island city officials and state legislators to draft regional port legislation. Learn more