The Iowa Housing Partnership (“IHP”) commends Governor Reynolds’ leadership on affordable housing, by proposing bold, new steps in helping Iowa meet a significant unmet demand for quality affordable housing. Affordable housing is key to expanding economic growth for Iowa and helping Iowa recover from the impact of COVID-19 and derecho-affected communities. We support the following proposed initiatives:

State Housing Tax Credit Program

• Create a state-level housing tax credit to help in the building of affordable housing with funding up to $15 million, which will leverage an additional $23 million of federal incentives.
• Leverages an additional $23 million of federal incentives that often go underutilized and returned to federal government

Workforce Housing Tax Credit

• Doubles funding to Iowa’s very successful Workforce Housing Tax Credit program from $25 million to $50 million for shovel-ready projects.
• Helps expand housing in Iowa by focusing on improving abandoned or dilapidated properties

Redevelopment Credit

• Expansion of the Redevelopment Credit from $10 to $20 million, which enables the redevelopment of brownfield and greyfield throughout Iowa’s communities.
  State Housing Trust Fund
• Increasing funding to the State Housing Trust Funds by removing the cap on the real estate transfer tax
• Local housing trust funds allow local communities to target resources based on the need of the community.

These proposals give Iowa the “tools in the toolbelt” to do more to help Iowans across the state. Affordable housing is not just about building units – it is about building communities and helping them thrive – by helping Iowans live in safe, affordable housing. We are excited to work with Governor Reynolds and the Iowa Legislature to see what comes next.

Upcoming Legislative Forums

Now is a great time to tell your legislator why supporting affordable housing is important to you and your organization! Attending a forum is a great way to stay connected with your legislator and with many forums being held virtually, it’s even more convenient! Please remember to always keep public health and COVID-19 safety in mind. Here is a list of upcoming forums:

Saturday, January 30th, 2021
10:00 AM-12:00 PM, Talk with Officials-Urbandale with Sen. Zaun & Rep. Forbes
Virtual event, click here to attend.

Saturday, February 6th, 2021
9:00-10:00 AM, Legislative Coffee-Grinnell with Sen. Driscoll & Rep. Maxwell
Virtual event, click here to attend. Registration is required.