Iowa Housing Partnership 2025 Housing Forum Recap

On November 20, 2025, the Iowa Housing Partnership (IHP) hosted its First Annual Housing Forum in Des Moines, Iowa, bringing together housing leaders, advocates, developers, policymakers, and community partners from across the state. The event was an overwhelming success, with more than 70 participants attending both in-person and online, underscoring the growing momentum around affordable housing solutions in Iowa.

A special thank you to Des Moines Habitat for Humanity for generously hosting the forum and providing a welcoming space for meaningful discussion and collaboration.

The forum featured important insights from leading housing policy experts and lobbyists, including Nick Laning and Bob Rafferty of the Iowa Housing Partnership, along with Jon Murphy of the Iowa Housing Trust Funds Advocates Network, who offered a thoughtful forecast of the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session and the policy landscape ahead. Their analysis helped participants better understand both the challenges and opportunities facing affordable housing in the coming year.

Participants also engaged in discussion around the Iowa Housing Partnership’s 2026 Policy Platform, while having the opportunity to connect directly with IHP’s Board of Directors and fellow housing advocates from across the state.

We extend sincere thanks to the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Finance Authority, whose leadership continues to elevate housing as a top priority for Iowa’s future. Both agencies have clearly identified affordable housing as one of the most significant impediments to Iowa’s long-term economic growth and workforce stability, and their partnership is essential in addressing this challenge.

Throughout the forum, attendees explored the critical role that the State of Iowa, along with local and regional governments, plays in strengthening housing opportunities — from managing key federal programs like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to administering state resources such as the State Housing Trust Fund (SHTF) and the Workforce Housing Tax Credit.

The 2025 Housing Forum demonstrated the power of collaboration and the shared commitment across sectors to ensure that every Iowan has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. IHP looks forward to continuing this important work in 2026 and beyond.