Housing (Housing Finance)

introduced · Iowa · House Feb 24, 2026

HF 2659: A bill for an act establishing an affordable housing task force.

HF 2659 creates an Iowa affordable housing task force to study how state and local regulations impact housing costs. The task force will examine zoning, building codes, permitting processes, and funding mechanisms affecting affordable housing development, specifically looking at whether regulations provide public benefits proportional to their cost impact. It requires a diverse membership including state agency representatives, housing developers, local officials from cities and counties of varying sizes, housing nonprofits, and legislative members. The task force must submit a report with recommendations to reduce regulatory barriers by December 1, 2026, while maintaining public health and safety standards.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates affordable housing task force to study regulations affecting housing costs, aiming to identify public benefits vs. cost impacts to advance affordable housing policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Zoning

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 20, 2026

HF 2312: A bill for an act establishing an affordable housing task force.

HF 2312 creates an affordable housing task force to study state and local regulations that increase housing costs, focusing on zoning, building codes, permitting processes, and funding mechanisms. The task force, composed of agency representatives, housing developers, city/county officials, and legislators, will examine how these rules impact affordability while balancing public health and safety. It must submit a report by December 1, 2026, with recommendations to reduce regulatory barriers for affordable housing development. The bill directly affects housing developers, local governments, and state agencies by requiring them to participate in this review process.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates task force to study and reduce regulatory barriers (zoning, codes) increasing housing costs, aiming to improve affordability through recommendations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Zoning

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 12, 2025

HSB 129: A bill for an act relating to the maximum amount of workforce housing tax incentives available against the individual and corporate income taxes, the franchise tax, the insurance premiums tax, and the moneys and credits tax.

This bill increases Iowa's workforce housing tax incentive program funding limits. It raises the maximum annual allocation from $35 million to $50 million, with $25 million specifically reserved for housing projects in small cities (as defined in section 15.352) registered after July 1, 2017 - up from $17.5 million. The change directly affects developers building affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income workers, particularly those in smaller communities. The policy modifies how tax credits are distributed under existing tax code provisions without altering the program's eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases max annual tax incentive allocation from $35M to $50M, reserving $25M for small city housing projects, directly expanding funding for affordable housing via tax credits.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases $50M annual tax incentive funding for workforce housing, specifically reserving $25M for small cities' affordable projects targeting low-to-moderate-income workers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Housing Finance

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 24, 2025

HF 208: A bill for an act relating to the allocation of workforce housing tax incentives available against the individual and corporate income taxes, the franchise tax, the insurance premiums tax, and the moneys and credits tax.

HF 208 allocates $35 million in tax incentives for workforce housing projects, to be applied against individual and corporate income taxes, franchise tax, insurance premiums tax, and moneys and credits tax. It reserves $17.5 million specifically for housing projects in small cities (as defined in Iowa law) registered after July 1, 2017. The remaining funds may allocate up to one-third to projects in Iowa's two most populous counties, but only for projects registered after July 1, 2025. This bill directly affects developers and builders of workforce housing projects seeking tax credits under these specific allocation rules.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $35M tax incentives for workforce housing via tax credits against income/corporate taxes, funding affordable housing projects as public service.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllocates $35M tax incentives for workforce housing projects, specifically funding affordable housing development in small cities and designated areas per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Housing Finance

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 28, 2025

HF 659: A bill for an act relating to housing in the state by establishing an Iowa housing tax credit program, establishing a neighborhood renovation grant program, and increasing first-time homebuyer tax incentives, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

HF 659 creates a state-administered Iowa Housing Tax Credit Program to support affordable housing development. It allows developers of qualifying low-income housing projects to claim tax credits against certain state taxes, with a $15 million annual cap (plus carryover from previous years). The bill also establishes neighborhood renovation grants and increases tax incentives for first-time homebuyers. These provisions directly affect housing developers, low-income residents, and homebuyers by providing financial tools to build and purchase housing in Iowa.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credits for affordable housing development and homebuyers, providing targeted tax relief and funding for housing programs within budget constraints.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates tax credits for low-income housing development, neighborhood grants, and increased homebuyer incentives - all directly funding affordable housing initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Homeownership Housing Finance

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Mar 3, 2025

SF 436: A bill for an act removing the maximum annual amount of real estate transfer tax receipts that may be transferred into the housing trust fund.

SF 436 removes a $7 million annual cap on real estate transfer tax receipts that can be directed to Iowa's Housing Trust Fund (HTF). Currently, only $7 million of the 30% of these taxes designated for the HTF can be transferred yearly, with excess funds going to the general fund. The bill changes this by allowing all 30% of the receipts (without the $7 million limit) to flow directly into the HTF each year. This directly affects the HTF's funding, which supports affordable housing development and preservation for low-income Iowans and the Iowa Mortgage Help Initiative.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRemoves $7M annual cap on real estate transfer tax funds for Housing Trust Fund, directing all 30% receipts to HTF, increasing funding for affordable housing development.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves $7M annual cap on real estate transfer taxes for Housing Trust Fund, increasing direct funding for affordable housing development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Taxes

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in committee · Iowa · House Mar 12, 2025

HF 171: A bill for an act removing the maximum annual amount of real estate transfer tax receipts that may be transferred into the housing trust fund.

HF 171 removes a $7 million annual cap on real estate transfer tax funds allocated to Iowa's Housing Trust Fund (HTF). Currently, 30% of these tax receipts must be sent to the HTF, but any amount exceeding $7 million annually is redirected to the general fund. This bill eliminates that $7 million limit, allowing all 30% of eligible tax receipts to flow directly into the HTF each year. The HTF supports affordable housing development and preservation for low-income Iowans and the Iowa Mortgage Help Initiative.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRemoves $7M cap on real estate tax transfers to Housing Trust Fund, directing all 30% eligible receipts to affordable housing programs, advancing essential public funding.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves $7M cap on real estate tax funds flowing to Housing Trust Fund, increasing direct funding for affordable housing development/preservation per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Taxes

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Mar 11, 2025

SF 505: A bill for an act codifying a firsthome program administered by the Iowa finance authority.

SF 505 codifies Iowa's existing Firsthome program under the Iowa Finance Authority, providing financial assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers. The program offers down payment/closing cost grants (capped at $10,000), second loans (repayable upon home sale or refinance), and free title certificates. To qualify, applicants must be first-time homebuyers (including military members with specific service requirements), meet income/price limits, maintain a 640+ credit score, have ≤45% debt-to-income ratio, and occupy the home as a primary residence within 60 days.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCodifies Firsthome program providing down payment grants ($10k cap) and loans to first-time homebuyers, directly increasing affordable housing access through financial assistance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Housing Finance

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 20, 2025

SF 357: A bill for an act establishing a neighborhood housing revitalization assistance program within the Iowa finance authority.

SF 357 creates a neighborhood housing revitalization program within Iowa's Finance Authority to provide forgivable loans for home improvements in designated urban and rural areas. It directly affects homeowners who own and occupy their homes in these targeted zones, covering eligible repairs like roof replacements, electrical upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, and accessibility modifications. The program establishes a dedicated fund using unobligated transfers from other state funds, federal grants, or donations, with unspent money rolling over annually instead of reverting to the general fund. The authority will set rules for loan amounts, eligible work, and income-based forgiveness criteria.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly includes 'energy efficiency improvements' as eligible repairs for forgivable loans under housing revitalization program, advancing energy efficiency in residential properties.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates forgivable loans for home improvements (roofs, energy efficiency) in designated areas, directly funding housing revitalization and affordability through Iowa Finance Authority program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Community Development Housing Finance

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died · Iowa · Senate May 13, 2025

SF 652: A bill for an act relating to economic development and housing by modifying provisions concerning economic development programs and modifying provisions concerning Iowa’s urban renewal law, and including applicability provisions.

SF 652 modifies Iowa's economic development programs and urban renewal laws, primarily focusing on housing initiatives. It broadens the definition of "economic development" to include workforce housing and allows urban renewal funds to be used for low and moderate-income family housing. The bill adjusts how certain property taxes, including some school district levies, are allocated in urban renewal areas. It also introduces limitations on the amount of tax revenue municipalities can retain from urban renewal areas over time and sets specific requirements for housing projects within these areas, including a minimum for low and moderate-income housing.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects urban renewal tax revenues toward affordable housing, aligning with fiscal management for public services and housing initiatives.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly broadens economic development to include workforce housing and allocates urban renewal funds for low/moderate-income housing, directly advancing affordable housing initiatives.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Community Development Housing Finance Tags Economic Development

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