Iowa

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Iowa Finance Authority

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

Visit IFA's Website
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1975

IFA is established

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1976

Grubb v IHFA supreme Court decision affirms IHFA as “separate and distinct” from state to allow for bonding

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1977

IHFA makes first tax-exempt bond issues, creating program for first-time homebuyers

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1977

IHFA issues first multifamily bonds

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1985

Name changed from Iowa Housing Finance Authority to Iowa Finance Authority (IFA)

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1987

IFA issues first Low-Income Housing Tax Credits

41,680

Total Rental Homes Served Since 1975

58,295

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

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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.”

 

Success Stories
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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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“This home provides us the opportunity to make our dreams come true and to grow our family,” Jesus & Jenny Molina, Perry
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“I recently gained custody of my grandchildren – juggling taking care of three young children as well as waitressing in the evenings can be overwhelming. Knowing we have this perfect place to come home to is everything to us.” Fawn Shinn, Knoxville
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“Things have been rocky but with this help, we’ve been able to come out of a hole gradually and will be able to provide our kids a better life.” – Joshua Johnson, Cedar Rapids
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“Both of us are very proud to put our roots down here and build a future now that we’re Des Moines homeowners.” – Nick and Haley Peters, Des Moines