Iowa Thriving Communities

It’s no secret that housing is the start for upward economic opportunity and that families, communities and businesses will thrive when all Iowans have access to homes they can afford.

Meeting the housing demands of our robust economy is going to require a strategic, proactive and innovative effort, including from Iowa communities and employers to ensure that all Iowans can afford and have the opportunity to live in the communities where they work.

This is why the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) have introduced the second annual Iowa Thriving Communities designation to elevate best practices from communities that are going above and beyond to leverage innovative methods to attract housing opportunities for their workforce.

In its second annual year, 6 communities were awarded the prestigious designation and incentive points for the Federal Housing Tax Credit and/or Workforce Housing Tax Credit programs. Iowa Thriving Communities serve as models for other communities on both a statewide and national level in attracting housing development for all income levels.

2026 Iowa Thriving Communities Timeline: 

  • February 10: Application Period Opens
  • May 12: Application Deadline
  • Week of July 7: In-person finalist pitches
  • Week of July 14: Iowa Thriving Communities announced
  • September 2-4: Iowa Thriving Community representatives attend HousingIowa Conference in Des Moines
2025 Iowa Thriving Communities incentive points available for the 2025 Federal Housing Tax Credit Program and/or the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Program

2025 Communities

The following Iowa Thriving Communities have incentive points available for the 2025 Federal Housing Tax Credit Program and/or the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Program:

  • Council Bluffs - WHTC
  • Des Moines - LIHTC
  • Fort Dodge - LIHTC & WHTC
  • Mason City - LIHTC & WHTC
  • Waterloo - WHTC

2024 Extensions (2025 Incentives):

  • Charles City - WHTC
    "We have people that are excited. They want to be here and be part of the community."
    Watch a video about Charles City
  • Creston - WHTC
    "You can lead an effective life. You can get involved and make a difference."
    Watch a video about Creston
  • Knoxville - WHTC
    "The Thriving Communities designation is an example of how hard we have worked to put ourselves in a better position."
    Watch a video about Knoxville
  • Manning - WHTC
    Belief in housing for all: "Those people are us."
  • Muscatine - WHTC
  • Oskaloosa - WHTC
  • Stanton - WHTC
    "Everything Starts with a Plan"
  • West Des Moines - LIHTC & WHTC
    "Re-Envisioning with Housing at the Center"
    Watch a video about West Des Moines

* WHTC - Workforce Housing Tax Credit
*LIHTC - Low Income Housing Tax Credit

Application

Resources