Housing Iowans Can Afford

Des Moines — The Iowa Senate Democratic caucus today announced a legislative package to expand access to affordable housing around the state. Senators Janice Weiner, Janet Petersen, and Matt Blake have released the following statement.

“Iowans deserve housing they can afford,” Sen. Janice Weiner (D-Iowa City) said. “Our communities are growing, our workforce is expanding, and this Legislature can do more to provide quality, affordable housing options in every corner of our state.”

“For many Iowans, especially young people, buying a home feels out of reach,” Sen. Matt Blake (D-Urbandale) said. “By strengthening Iowa’s first-time homebuyer program and cracking down on predatory practices that drive up prices, we can make home ownership a reality for more families.”

The legislative package, introduced today, includes efforts for neighborhood revitalization and rehabilitation, affordable housing development, first-time home ownership expansion, and combatting predatory practices. The specific bills are listed below.

“Iowans are calling for more housing solutions,” Sen. Janet Petersen (D-Des Moines) said. “Senate Democrats are putting forth a housing package that will make buying or renovating a home easier and more affordable for more Iowa families, while making it harder for private equity firms to gobble up our local housing markets.”

More details on Senate Democratic affordable housing proposals can be found below: 

• SF XXX: enhancing first-time home ownership program
  • Increasing down payment and closing costs assistance grants to help first-time homeowners.
• SF 144: Land Redevelopment Trusts
  • Helping communities target abandoned properties and focus redevelopment efforts to address housing needs. 
• SF 357: Housing revitalization and development programs
  • Providing additional tools for homeowners to add value to their homes and revitalize communities.
• SF XXX: Combatting private equity
  • Keeping housing affordable by increasing oversight over private equity acquisitions of housing.
• SF XXX: Increase funding to local housing trust funds
  • Providing more resources for local housing programs to help communities address their local housing needs.