Storm Lake Receives State's 'PIE' Award for Efficiency

Iowa Auditor Rob Sand honors city's energy-saving initiatives and citizen engagement efforts.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The city of Storm Lake, Iowa has been awarded the 2026 Public Innovations and Efficiencies (PIE) Award by the state auditor's office. Iowa Auditor Rob Sand visited Storm Lake City Hall to present the award, which recognizes the city's 'common sense' approach to saving taxpayer dollars through initiatives like upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and water conservation measures, as well as making it easier for citizens to report concerns electronically.

Why it matters

The PIE award highlights Storm Lake's commitment to fiscal responsibility and environmental sustainability, two key priorities for many Iowa municipalities. By embracing innovative solutions, Storm Lake is setting an example for other cities looking to improve operations and engage with their local communities.

The details

During the award ceremony, Auditor Sand noted several of Storm Lake's key initiatives that contributed to the city winning the PIE award, including upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and implementing water conservation measures. The city also made it easier for citizens to report concerns electronically, improving responsiveness and transparency.

  • On March 4, 2026, Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand visited Storm Lake City Hall to present the 2026 PIE Award.

The players

Rob Sand

The Iowa State Auditor who presented the PIE award to the city of Storm Lake.

Meg McKeon

The mayor of Storm Lake who accepted the PIE award on behalf of the city.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The city of Storm Lake plans to continue its focus on energy efficiency and citizen engagement initiatives in the coming years.

The takeaway

Storm Lake's recognition with the PIE award demonstrates how a 'common sense' approach to municipal operations can yield benefits for both taxpayers and the environment. Other Iowa cities may look to emulate Storm Lake's model of fiscal responsibility and community-focused innovation.