Innovation In Housing Pitch Competitions- Finalists and Judges Announced!

We're excited to announce the finalists for our three Innovation in Housing Pitch Competitions aimed at addressing housing needs at every level, challenging leaders to think innovatively about how we can implement new approaches to alleviate housing barriers! Finalists will have the chance to pitch their ideas at the HousingIowa Conference in Des Moines this September!

Make sure to register for the conference here!

Innovation in Homelessness

When: September 5, 2024 2:00 PM-4:45 PM

The Iowa Innovation in Homelessness Incubator called for forward-thinking proposals from housing and community leaders across Iowa for innovative ways we can implement new approaches to alleviate homelessness in our state. The goal to redefine the landscape of homelessness prevention and response systems and rethink how assistance for persons experiencing homelessness in Iowa is delivered. Congratulations to our three finalists! 👏

Each finalist will pitch their idea to a panel of judges during the 2024 HousingIowa Conference in Des Moines. The winning pitch will receive funding of up to $100,000 to transform their concept into a pilot initiative!

Finalist:

• HOUSING FUND FOR LINN COUNTY
• Shelter House, Iowa City
• Anchor Council Bluffs, Jennie Edmundson Foundation

Judges:

• Erin Drinnin , Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
• Debi Durham , Iowa Finance Authority Director
• Ann Oliva , National Alliance to End Homelessness
• Gilbert Thomas, Iowa Finance Authority Board of Directors
• Matt White , Housing Innovations

Rental Innovation Set-Aside

When: September 5, 2024 9:15 AM-12:00 PM

This not to be missed, second annual session will showcase development teams that have been named as finalists in the groundbreaking Federal Housing Tax Credit Innovation Set-Aside award competition. The session will feature highly innovative projects that respond to a state housing need.

Each finalist will pitch their idea to a panel of judges during the 2024 HousingIowa Conference in Des Moines, which will then have an opportunity to receive up to $10 million in Federal Housing Tax Credits over a 10-year period to make their project a reality in an Iowa community!

Finalists:

• Goldfinch Lofts, Developer: Cutler Development
• Milestone Meadows, Developer: MCC Development, Inc.
• New Day Crossing, Developer: Woda Cooper Companies, Inc.

Judges:

• Erin Drinnin , Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
• Alissa Ice , Kansas Housing Resources Corporation
• Ashley Prendergast Northcutt , Women's Affordable Housing Network (WAHN)
• Ann Oliva , National Alliance to End Homelessness
• Luis Rico-Gutierrez , Iowa State University - College of Design Dean
• Julie Aberg Robison , Institute for Design Research and Outreach, Iowa State University
• Jennifer Schwartz , National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA)

Homeownership Incubator

When: September 4, 2024 2:00 PM-5:00 PM

Homeownership benefits Iowans, communities and businesses alike. This is why the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and the Iowa REALTORS® (IAR) are hosting the third annual Iowa Homeownership Incubator Competition. This challenges Iowa lending institutions and real estate professionals to think innovatively about the future of homeownership and advancing financial literacy around homeownership among all Iowans.

Each finalist will pitch their idea to a panel of judges during the 2024 HousingIowa Conference in Des Moines. The winning pitch will be awarded $20,000 to educate Iowans about financial literacy as it relates to homeownership and assistance programs available to them.

Finalists:

• Benchmark Mortgage
• Frontier Home Loans 
• eXp Realty
• Residential Mortgage Network, Inc. NMLS#: 1495

Judges:

• Greg Blake , Idaho Housing and Finance Association
• Debi Durham , Iowa Finance Authority Director 
• Shaner Magalhaes , Iowa REALTORS® Board President

Iowa Thriving Communities Showcase

Kick-off the 2024 HousingIowa Conference with an evening of reconnecting with familiar faces, forging new connections and celebrating the recently designated Iowa Thriving Communities!

• When: September 3, 2024 5:00 PM-7:30 PM CDT
• Where: Hilton Des Moines Downtown, 435 Park Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309

And, join us for the Iowa Thriving Communities Showcase on September 4, 2024 at 9:15 AM - 12:00 PM at the HousingIowa Conference in Des Moines to see this year's Iowa Thriving Communities! Each community will showcase their innovative work to date and connect them with developers and housing leaders that may be able to assist in meeting their housing needs.