One of the frustrations that citizens and elected officials have is the struggle with communication. Citizens want to be informed of what’s happening and how it will affect them, and elected officials want to hear from their constituents and inform them of important updates. I have heard from several people across our community about changes in our traditional media that have left people less informed and even more frustrated. Therefore, I thought it might be important to share some of the tools the city uses to help us all stay on the same page. I have found them very helpful, and hopefully you will too!

Here are some great ways to stay engaged and informed with the City of Sioux City digitally:

• CodeRED  Emergency notifications re: snow emergency declarations, water boil advisory, garbage/recycling delays, and water main breaks via text, email, and/or phone.  
• Waste Connect app  I understand it can be frustrating to remember when recycling is picked up. This app will help you! It tells you garbage and recycling collection schedules and reminders, service alerts for delays/cancellations, and how to properly dispose of materials.
• Passio GO  If you use the Sioux City Transit System’s buses, this app is a must! It acts as a tracking app to see where your bus is in real time and view arrival/departure times at the MLK Transportation Center, so you never have to worry if you missed your bus.
• Social Channels  Facebook (events/alerts/information), Instagram (events/places to check out/updates), X (breaking news/alerts), Nextdoor (neighborhood network app for advice/connections/information), and YouTube (live-streamed and past City Council meetings).
• City of Sioux City Website  Pay utility bill online, City Progress newsletter, Fun & Action Guide, Resident’s Guide, report odor/pothole/tall weeds/grass/graffiti/sidewalk snow, etc., pay a parking ticket, check out books/music from the library, register your pet, sign up for a class at the Art Center, register to play in a sports league, apply for a job, review City Council agendas, sign up to receive Snapshot e-newsletter, apply to be on Mayor’s Youth Commission, and more!
• ParkMobile  Although this app is not information-related, it allows you to park at any metered space downtown and enter the parking space number so that you don’t need to carry change. Once you set it up, it will save multiple vehicles you may drive and your credit card information, so that in the future, it will be fast and easy! It even reminds you when your meter is running low on time.
• Libby  Register your Sioux City Public Library card, and you can read magazines, books, listen to audiobooks, and more from your phone!

Here are the quick links:

CodeRED – sioux-city.org/alerts

Waste Connect app – gillhaulingnebraska.com 

Passio GO – siouxcity.passiogo.com 

Social Channels – facebook.com/CityofSiouxCity, instagram.com/this.is.sioux.city, twitter.com/locatesiouxcity, nextdoor.com/cityofsiouxcity,

YouTube – @cityofsiouxcitycouncil3399

City of Sioux City website – sioux-city.org

ParkMobile – sioux-city.org/parking 

Libby – libbyapp.com

Others worth checking out are Downtown Partners and Explore Siouxland’s regular email newsletters and social media channels, which detail events happening and all the fun concerts, festivals, and everything else you shouldn’t miss out on!

Do you have an idea for another way to receive news or stay better connected? I would love to hear it! Never hesitate to email me your ideas. We are always looking for new ways to communicate!

By Alex Watters