State Auditor Rob Sand recently announced the 2026 winners of the Public Innovations and Efficiencies (PIE) program, designed to help Iowa communities reduce waste and save tax dollars by sharing creative, common-sense ideas to improve efficiency.
The City of Storm Lake was named Best Performing City, tied with Fort Madison in the larger cities category (all Iowa communities over 10,000 population).
The award recognizes such common-sense efforts as energy efficiency, water conservation, recycling and tree planting, as well as transparency in local government and communication with the public.
“The PIE recipe is sweet and simple: small changes can lead to significant savings for local governments, and when they share their ideas statewide, it unlocks potential savings in the millions of dollars,” said Sand. “PIE proves that innovation and partnership can make government better for every Iowan.”
The nationally-recognized Iowa PIE program was initiated in 2019 to promote fiscal responsibility and encourage collaboration among communities. Approximately 500 counties, cities, and school districts in every county in the state submit annual entries. Auditor Sand has proposed that the legislature make PIE an official state program to allow all Iowa entities access to innovative ideas.
“I want to congratulate the winning communities and thank all the PIE participants for making Iowa taxpayers a priority,” said Sand.
Auditor Sand plans to personally deliver a pie to each award winner over the next few months.
Some of the efforts that the City of Storm Lake is cited for in the program include:
Lighting modernization
Paper consumption reduction
Energy savings for computers/copiers/printers
Proper heating/air conditioning/ventilation
Water Smart measures
Participation in Utility Rebate programs
Single-stream recycling collection
Reduced lawn watering/maintenance
Participation in food rescue programs
Connection with Iowa AmeriCorps
Utilizing 28-E agreements or sharing services
Utilizing cured in place piping
Participating in tree planting programs and grants, and Urban Forestry updates
Implementing cyber security protocols
Utilized and documenting recovery fund dollars,
Adopting best practices when working with non-profits
Designated staff for energy management
Energy-saving shutdown programs in place
Lighting upgrades implemented
Using natural light used where possible
Plus transparency efforts including:
Utilizing website and social media communications
Providing agendas and information online
Posting elected officials contact information online
Ability for citizens to report concerns electronically