Iowa Finance Authority

06/24/2026

Join Marisol Bello, Executive Director of the Housing Narrative Lab, for an interactive workshop featuring nationwide research on public perceptions of supportive housing and messaging strategies that resonate with communities, build understanding and strengthen support for long-term housing solutions.
Register and add this session to your agenda: https://bit.ly/4qGSycz

06/23/2026

Join IEDA | IFA Director Debi Durham, Katie Kitchin of the Corporation for Supportive Housing, Cris Kuhn of Dorsey & Whitney and Jennifer Schwartz of the National Council of State Housing Agencies for a timely leadership panel on the policy shifts shaping Iowa’s housing landscape.

This session will cover the latest developments in federal rental and homelessness policy, state property tax reform, TIF and deal structuring, and funding and program changes impacting homelessness and supportive housing. Panelists will discuss what these changes mean for housing development, financing and strategy moving forward — and what partners should be watching next.

Register and view the full agenda: https://bit.ly/4qGSycz

06/23/2026

Run don't walk to get those applications in by JUNE 30TH! 🏃🏻‍📢
Sign up➡️https://bit.ly/4wqlfOj

06/22/2026

This is one keynote you won’t want to miss. 🎤

Meet John O’Leary, our Wednesday Luncheon Keynote speaker at the 2026 HousingIowa Conference.

After surviving a childhood accident with less than a 1% chance of survival, John transformed an unimaginable beginning into a powerful message of resilience, gratitude and service. Today, he is a bestselling author, nationally recognized speaker and the inspiration behind the 2025 film Soul on Fire, based on his life.

In The Power of One, John will challenge us to think differently about impact — and remind us how one person, one choice and one act of service can strengthen communities across Iowa.

Join us at for a keynote that will inspire, energize and stay with you long after the luncheon ends.

Register Here 🔗 https://bit.ly/4oI7hob

06/10/2026

When we launched the Iowa Chief Door Opener contest, we expected to find one great story. What we didn’t expect was how inspired we’d be by every finalist. That’s why, in addition to Serena’s journey, four other finalists will continue to share their story as Iowa’s Keyholders — sharing the real moments, milestones and questions that come with buying a home.

🔑 Meet The Keyholders 🔑

🔑 Sean Mulvihill, — An Iowa transplant and community college theatre director working toward a place to call home for his young family.

🔑 Trish Dohrn, — A determined aspiring homeowner balancing multiple jobs while staying focused on the financial steps needed to reach her goal.

🔑 Sarah Melsha, — A homebuyer with a deeply personal connection to the process as she works toward purchasing her grandparents’ home.

🔑 Connor Gronski, — A motivated first-time buyer bringing the same discipline and determination from his Ironman journey to homeownership.

There’s no single path to homeownership. Follow along this June to watch their journey unfold!

06/10/2026

⭐ Registration is OPEN! ⭐The 2026 HousingIowa Conference in Des Moines is where Iowa's housing community comes together to learn, connect and explore the ideas shaping what's next.

Get a first look at keynote and featured speakers, along with sessions and opportunities coming this September, in our latest newsletter.

➡️ When: September 9 - September 10, 2026
➡️ Where: Iowa Events Center, Des Moines, Iowa

Be part of the conversation.

The 2026 HousingIowa Conference in Des Moines is where Iowa’s housing community comes alive for two days of bold ideas, real conversations and practical solutions that move housing forward. From policy shifts and funding updates to hands-on training and innovation showcases, every session is built...

06/09/2026

Meet Serena Moss—Iowa’s first-ever Chief Door Opener! 🏡✨

So…what does Chief Door Opener actually mean?

Serena is “opening the door” to homeownership and bringing Iowans along on her journey to bust myths, find helpful resources and share what it’s really like to buy a home.

Follow along and watch her journey unfold on Instagram!
📸

06/09/2026

In celebration of National Homeownership Month in June, the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) has named Serena Moss of Des Moines as Iowa’s first-ever Chief Door Opener! 🏠

As Chief Door Opener, Serena will share the real experiences of becoming a homeowner—the exciting milestones, the challenging questions and everything in between to help more Iowans feel confident taking the first step toward homeownership. 💛

Follow her journey on Instagram:
Read the full release here: https://bit.ly/4uVjTup

06/04/2026

🚨 ONE DAY LEFT 🚨 Submit your HousingIowa Awards nominations before the deadline tomorrow, Friday at 4:30!

Help us shine a spotlight on the standout leaders, developments, and innovations making a difference in Iowa housing.
Don’t wait — nominate today: https://bit.ly/3RAsC6p

Awards Categories:
⭐ Multifamily Housing Development
⭐ Single-Family Housing Development
⭐ Special Needs Housing Development
⭐ Innovation
⭐ Friend of Iowa Award
⭐ Friend of Housing Award

06/03/2026

Thank you to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner for visiting Iowa and engaging in an important conversation about expanding access to homeownership.

As we recognize , we appreciate the focus on opportunities that help more Iowans achieve the dream of owning a home.