The City of Inwood is receiving statewide recognition for its efforts to operate efficiently and reduce costs.
Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand visited Inwood as part of a northwest Iowa trip to recognize the city as a 2026 Public Innovations & Efficiencies (PIE) Award recipient. The voluntary program encourages cities, counties, and school districts to evaluate their operations and identify practical cost-saving measures.
During the visit, Sand explained the purpose behind the initiative and what it represents for communities like Inwood.
The PIE program groups entities by size to ensure fair comparisons and recognizes both top-performing and most improved participants. More than 500 public entities participate annually, and the concept has been replicated in other states.
According to the city, Inwood’s efforts include upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting, powering down lights and equipment after hours, utilizing single-stream recycling, and emphasizing utility and water conservation. City leaders say those incremental steps add up for the community’s 928 residents.
Sand, a Democrat running for governor, said the program also allows his office to highlight positive examples of public service.
In addition to Inwood, Sand also visited the Okoboji School District during his Monday stop in northwest Iowa to recognize another PIE Award recipient.
As part of the tradition, city officials and members of the community gathered to enjoy an apple pie, a nod to the program’s name. Still, local leaders say the real reward is the recognition of responsible, taxpayer-focused leadership.
Sioux County Radio also interviewed Sand as part of its “Road to Iowa Governor” series. You can see the full story here.
