Storm Lake has earned statewide recognition for its commitment to efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
The city tied with Fort Madison as Best Performing Largest Fifth City in Iowa’s 2026 Public Innovations and Efficiencies program—known statewide as PIE.
State Auditor Rob Sand announced the winners last week, praising communities that find creative ways to cut waste and save taxpayer dollars.
Storm Lake City Manager Keri Navratil explains the program, noting the city’s recognition reflects years of steady work.
Navratil highlighted Storm Lake’s downtown LED lighting project, completed in late 2024, along with upgrades to city facilities, as clear examples of the community’s commitment to efficiency.
She says the philosophy is simple: every small step matters and can add up to real savings for taxpayers.
Beyond energy and voluntary water conservation, Storm Lake has also streamlined operations through a 28E agreement—which allows two or more Iowa government agencies to legally cooperate and provide joint services or facilities, share resources, and engage in other mutually beneficial operations—with community education for recreation programs. The city has also tightened cybersecurity protocols, and reduced paper use by moving to digital plans, says Navratil.
Navratil acknowledged the recognition came as a surprise, but emphasized it underscores Storm Lake’s ongoing commitment to efficiency—a priority the city intends to maintain.
Sand—who launched the PIE program in 2019—will personally deliver a pie to each award winner in the coming months, continuing the tradition that gives the program its name.
