Five Iowa communities are being recognized as the 2026 Iowa Thriving Communities by the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) for their efforts in creating affordable housing. The new winners are: Clear Lake, Ottumwa, Sioux Center, Urbandale and Waukon.
Now in its third year, the Iowa Thriving Communities initiative recognizes forward-thinking communities that are proactively addressing workforce housing needs, the authorities said in a Thursday, July 31, news release. To earn the designation, communities complete a highly competitive application process. It includes a live pitch from teams of local partners made to a panel of IEDA and IFA representatives.
“Housing is the foundation of upward economic opportunity, and when all Iowans have access to affordable homes, families, communities and businesses can truly thrive,” IEDA | IFA Director Debi Durham said in the release. “These communities have stepped up as leaders in creating housing opportunities for all income levels.”
The 2026 Iowa Thriving Communities will be recognized at the HousingIowa Conference. It is scheduled for Tuesday-Thursday, Sept. 2-4, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Convention Center in Cedar Rapids. A free Iowa Thriving Communities Reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2.
How to learn more
Conference participants can hear from the newly designated cities at the third annual Iowa Thriving Communities Showcase. It will be held from 9:15 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
The HousingIowa Conference is hosted by the Iowa Finance Authority.
Selected communities demonstrate best practices in planning, financial support, targeted development, leadership and employer engagement. They also invest in broader community assets such as public health and the arts.
Previously recognized communities are already seeing strong results, with increased developer interest and significant public and private investments in housing, according to the state authorities. In 2024, Muscatine was named to the state’s Thriving Communities list.
In addition to valuable scoring advantages for the Federal Housing Tax Credit and Workforce Housing Tax Credits, HOME and Community Catalyst programs (effective through 2026), designated Iowa Thriving Communities will gain statewide and national visibility as models for successful housing strategies.
“This recognition affirms the power of our partnerships and the momentum behind Mission 500, our goal to develop 500 homes by 2030,” Ottumwa Mayor Rick Johnson said in the IFA/IEDA release. “We’re especially grateful to our employers who’ve championed housing as vital to workforce growth. This designation gives us a platform to share our story and build on our progress.”
Learn more at housingiowaconference.com and iowafinance.com.
