To enhance the quality of life for Iowans by making affordable financing possible for home and community.
Relationship to the Local Government: Self-supporting public instrumentality and agency of the state
Current Staff Size: 90
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1975
IFA is established
1976
Grubb v IHFA supreme Court decision affirms IHFA as “separate and distinct” from state to allow for bonding
1977
IHFA makes first tax-exempt bond issues, creating program for first-time homebuyers
1977
IHFA issues first multifamily bonds
1985
Name changed from Iowa Housing Finance Authority to Iowa Finance Authority (IFA)
1987
IFA issues first Low-Income Housing Tax Credits
Total Rental Homes Served Since 1975
Total Homeowners Served Since 1975
Signature Program
Mortgage and Down Payment Assistance Programs
The FirstHome and Homes for Iowans programs may provide eligible Iowans with an affordable mortgage and down payment and closing cost assistance. IFA assists first-time homebuyers, experienced buyers and everyone in between through the highly successful homeownership programs.
Homebuyers Assisted: 58,295
Future Focus
Debi Durham
Executive Director
“The Iowa Finance Authority’s strategic priority is two-fold: 1: We will be implementing innovative solutions to expand housing opportunities to meet the demands of Iowa’s vibrant and growing economy. 2: We’ll also be proactive in garnering support for housing development to help ensure that our essential workers can live in the communities in which they work.
We know that if Iowa is going to meet the needs of our robust economy, including an additional 47,000 housing units by 2030, Iowans in support of affordable housing must be heard. As a matter of public policy, 72% of Iowans support affordable housing. This support is bipartisan and crosses the urban-rural divide. Iowans overwhelmingly support affordable housing in their zip code, outnumbering opponents by 51 percentage points. And yet, the small number of opponents are far more likely than supporters to voice their concerns than supporters are to show their support for developments in their communities.”
Conor Kromenhoek, First-Time Homebuyer
Sioux City, IA
The down payment assistance we received from the Iowa Finance Authority allowed us to move into our first home, complete with more space for our son’s toys and a backyard where we can make family memories.”
Bonnie Worley, Housing Tax Credit Tenant
Council Bluffs, IA
“I couldn’t find a better place, I feel very fortunate to have this place to call my own.”
Don Dockery, Homeless Services Recipient
Council Bluffs, IA
“This assistance gave me a second chance and supported me with everything that I needed to be successful. I’m using this second chance and am paying it forward to help others.”
