Storm Lake, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — The city of Storm Lake received a slice of statewide recognition Monday at City Hall.

Iowa’s State Auditor Rob Sand visited city hall to offcially presen the 2026 Public Innovations and Efficiences Award to the city. After serving an actual pie and a certificate to honor the city’s “common sense” approach to saving taxpayer dollars, he says he enjoys sharing good news like this.

 

The “PIE” award as it’s called recognizes Storm Lake as the Best Performing City, only tied with Fort Maidson in the large-city category.

Sand noted several key initiatives including upgrading to energy-efficient light and water smart measures for conservation, as well as making it easier for citizens to report concerns electronically.

Storm Lake Mayor Meg McKeon accepted the award, but says the city would do these things anyway

The certificate will hang in city hall and by the way, the pie served was strawberry rhubarb.