EntreFEST, a conference for Iowa entrepreneurs, hosted its first-ever pitch competition Friday in Cedar Rapids, with $15,000 in cash prizes. The first-place winner, from Cedar Rapids, is a regenerative farm that’s growing produce of cultural importance.
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to fine people for sleeping in public areas may pave the way for state lawmakers to revisit legislation in 2025 that would criminalize homelessness. Some Iowa cities are weighing policy changes to respond to growing numbers of unhoused people.
A developer gained the city’s support to seek competitive Low Income Housing Tax Credits from the Iowa Finance Authority to transform the derecho-damaged MAC building at 1220 Jacolyn Dr. SW into a $16 million affordable housing facility.
Debi Durham speaks about the state and pace of development in Iowa.
As Iowa grapples with aging housing stock and a housing shortage, Iowa City’s South District program is among the endeavors cities and the state are undertaking to keep older residential units in good shape.
After public officials witnessed possible underage labor and safety hazards last week at the construction site of Cedar Rapids’ $49 million Banjo Block development, state officials are assessing whether the findings jeopardize millions in tax incentives awarded to the project.
Iowa was one of only four states to turn down $3 million in federal money for planning to prevent climate change after a state official advised against it because there were “strings attached.”
$20M in federal pandemic funds will help build 91 homes
Seven agencies in Linn and Johnson counties have received $1.3 million in state and federal funding for programs that house and help homeless individuals. The Iowa Finance Authority last week
The Rapid Rehousing Project, run by the Iowa Finance Authority, will expand services offered by existing agencies, as well as work to reach individuals who might not have been eligible for assistance previously.
Laura Palmer, of Des Moines, created the design painted on the Muscatine water tower in 2020 after the city of 23,700 won a contest sponsored by the Iowa Finance Authority. This year, she’ll create the art for the Runnells water tower.
Linn County has allocated all its emergency rental assistance funding, though additional aid may come in the spring. Those seeking assistance must apply through the state’s program.
More than 1,000 Linn County households have been helped with rental assistance over the last four months.
There is a shortage of affordable housing in Iowa, and the problem will worsen as the state’s population grows. To ensure workers have places to live and keep businesses in town, Iowa cities are leveraging local and state resources to spur new housing development and fuel the economy.
A federal order halting evictions for unpaid rent during the COVID-19 pandemic expired Aug. 21. This opened the door for landlords — many of whom have lost out on months of income from their properties — to resume evictions. More than 46 percent of Iowans say they are at risk for eviction.
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